Overview
The Picos De Europa National Park is a range of dramatic mountains some 20 km inland from the northern coast of Spain. It covers over 64,000ha and is characterised by mountains, canyons, gorges and caves. The peaks of these mountains are often covered in snow all year round. The park consists of three independent massifs known as The Western Massif (El Cornión), The Central Massif (Los Urrieles), and The Eastern Massif (Andara). The park boasts over 200 peaks with a height of over 200 metres and four rivers which criss-cross the park through deep valleys.
Walking
Visitor centres are situated at Posada de Valdeon, Cangas de Onis and Buferrera, they will provide maps and information regarding the park. As the mountain weather can be so unpredictable it is particularly important to take suitable clothing and walking equipment.
The best time to visit is during Spring or Autumn as Summer can be come very crowded.
Wherever you decide to walk, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. The Western Massif is home to two beautiful lakes known as Enol and Ercina and the huge Peña Santa de Castilla summit at 2,596m.
The Carres Gorge which separates the Western and Central massifs is one of the most popular walks in the Picos due to its fantastic views.
Sightseeing
Potes is a busy tourist town which is located on the southern side of the park. From there you can drive to Fuente Dé and take the cable car up to 1,800m.
Many visitors enter the park close to Oviedo in Covadonga. This is considered historically to be the birthplace of modern Spain and is also the site of the battle when Pelayo the Visigoth Prince defeated the Moors
Geology
The predominant rock is limestone. The landscape is karst due to the slightly acidic rainfall which has eroded the rock and left deep valleys and a huge network of underground caves.
Animals/Birds
Birds of prey here include golden eagles and griffon vultures; these are often seen circling the skies. Brown bears, Iberian Lynxes, wolves, wild boar and chamois are some of the mammals found here. There are a vast number of different species of butterfly (over 150 recorded).
Plants
The fauna as well as the flora is rich and diverse. There are forests of beech, Pyrenean oak, hazel, maple, sessile oak, chestnut, ash, elm, lime and walnut trees. Between May to early July, the haymeadows of the Picos de Europa become alive with thousands of orchids and wildflowers which in turn are fed upon by butterflies.
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