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The Picos de Europa are a symbol of wildlife, home to colossal mountains and lakes, and a place of great importance in the history of Spain. These magnificent mountain massifs are located in the central part of the Cantabrian Mountain Range, and they span the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria, and León. There are many entrances to the national park, and many routes, and undoubtedly, there are many ways to enjoy this privileged environment.

The Picos de Europa were a backdrop for human evolution. This spectacular landscape was a hunting ground and a habitat for our prehistoric ancestors for 35,000 years. The walls of the caves secluded in the landscape were the canvas where they created their art, which we know as cave paintings. This mountain range was later venerated by Celtic tribes, and the mountains provided them with a refuge against Roman expansion. The Picos de Europa are also known for being the battleground between the Asturians and the Moors, when Don Pelayo, the leader who led the Christians to victory in the Battle of Covadonga in 711, started the Christian conquest. Another historically significant event was when it was designated the first National Park in Spain at Montaña de Covadonga in 1918. It was expanded in 1995 and then again in 2015 to include the entire territory of the Picos de Europa.

The natural environment in the National Park is spectacular. The movements of the earth’s crust in the Carboniferous and Tertiary periods, as well as ice ages, created the singular landscape we can enjoy today. Asturias captivates visitors with its rugged gorges, such as the deep Desfiladero de la Hermida, and stirring landscapes like the gorges along the Cares route. Iconic peaks like the distinctive Picu Urriellu, expansive green meadows in the Valle de Valdeón and Valle de Sajambre, crystal-clear lakes like the Lakes of Covadonga, and mythical rivers like the Sella, Cares, and Deva all contribute to the region's breathtaking scenery.

One essential component of this rich environment is its thriving biodiversity. In this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, up to four vegetation zones can be found: foothills, mountainous, subalpine, and alpine. Iconic species such as ferns, hazelnuts, birches, ash trees, oaks, and beeches, to name a few, all grow here, along with a long list of species that are of interest to conservation. Additionally, the Picos de Europa are home to extraordinary wildlife, including populations of brown bears, chamois, the Iberian wolf, and a rich variety of birdlife with examples of bearded vultures, capercaillies, and eagles. The National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various amphibians and reptiles. Additionally, the park is home to troglofauna— which means species adapted to survive in the deep caverns and galleries of mountain caves.

The Picos de Europa National Park not only boasts natural beauty but also holds significant ethnological, religious, and cultural value. Within its boundaries, there are populations engaged in environmentally respectful activities, with livestock farming playing a crucial role in the livelihood of these massifs. Their efforts can be seen in the production of renowned cheeses such as Cabrales, Gamonéu, or Beyos. The region also has a historical connection to mining operations, and the remnants of these activities are testament to their monumental efforts, which are now no more than a memory.

The Picos de Europa landscapes not only inspire self-discovery but also evoke religious feelings. A visit to the Basilica of Covadonga and its Sanctuary is highly recommended, as it is one of the monumental and emblematic places of these sacred mountains.

The national park’s contribution to the development of sport is noteworthy. The passion for mountaineering in the Picos de Europa dates back to Casiano del Prado's ascent of the Torre de Salinas in 1853. A significant milestone was reached in 1904 when Pedro Pidal and Gregorio Pérez conquered the iconic peak of the Picos de Europa, Picu Urriellu. Caving adds another dimension to the region's sporting activities, with an underground world filled with spectacular caverns and hidden passages.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the amazing cable car in Fuente Dé that provides access to the viewpoint of El Cable. There is also a series of shelters connected by a route called the "Anillo de Picos" (Picos Ring), which are great for adventurous mountain lovers.

The Picos de Europa is without doubt a magical place that not only has spectacular landscapes