Planning to go on a big Asturias hiking trip?

Or simply looking for a few epic hikes to do while you’re in Asturias?

Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find in this guide 21 of the very best hikes in Asturias, Spain (with photos & free maps).

 

Where to Stay for the Best Asturias Hiking Trails

Ready to go hiking Asturias? You’ll find below the 3 places I recommend for your stay; click on the place to find the best hotels in the area.

 

hiking asturias in lagos de covadonga picos de europa

 

Your Asturias Hiking Guide: 21 Best Hikes in Asturias

Asturias is a heaven for outdoors lovers. If you love hiking, you won’t regret traveling to this region of Spain, trust me. In a hurry to see all of the hikes? Here they are:

  1. Poncebos to Bulnes
  2. Sotres
  3. Ruta del Cares
  4. Lagos de Covadonga
  5. Full circuit Poncebos – Bulnes – Sotres – Tielve – Poncebos
  6. Ruta Puertos de Aliva in Fuente Dé
  7. Horcados Rojos Summit
  8. Vega de Ario
  9. Brez Canal de Arredondas
  10. Ordiales Scenic Balcony Trail
  11. Lago del Valle
  12. Lagos de Saliencia
  13. La Pornacal from Villar de Vildas
  14. Puerto de Somiedo to El Cornón
  15. Cabo Vidio Loop
  16. Llanes to Playa de Poo
  17. Bufones de Pria Loop
  18. Ruta de la Cascada de Seimeira
  19. Ruta de las Xanas
  20. Tabayon Waterfall Trail
  21. Xiblu Waterfall Hike

 

Alright, now let’s see each of these hikes in more details! Keep reading below for more info on the hikes including photos, location, and all technical details.

 

1. Poncebos to Bulnes

The first Asturias hike on this list obviously had to be in Picos de Europa, the best place for hiking in the region.

Bulnes is a small mountain village, with a traditional feel, located in the mountains.

 

take the naranjo de bulnes funicular to reach that view

 

The hike itself is pretty nice, with views on the surrounding mountains, walking along the Texu Canal. But getting to Bulnes is the highlight of the hike: explore both parts of the village (lower Bulnes and higher Bulnes), have a taste of the local homemade food and don’t miss the local drink, sidra (cider).

 

Hiking in the mountains used to be the only way to reach Bulnes; now there’s a funicular linking Poncebos to Bulnes. The hike is 3h long if you do the return, but you can make it shorter by taking the funicular. You can for example take the funicular up to Bulnes, explore the village, and then hike back down for a nice 1h30 hike.

 

Poncebos to Bulnes Hike

Moderate

:info:

:time: 3h    :distance: 8km / 5 miles
:uphill: 868m / 2,848ft    :downhill: 868m / 2,848ft
map of poncebos to bulnes hike

 

2. Sotres

Sotres is another mountain village in Picos de Europa, and as a matter of fact it’s the highest village in the National Park. The village itself is nice, but I definitely find Bulnes to be nicer.

The hike to Sotres, however, is much nicer!

 

 

The hike goes high up in the mountains and conditions can change pretty quick, making for pretty epic scenes. Local animals roam freely, adding to the overall experience.

 

mountain hut under fog in sotres

The hike starts in Poncebos, crosses Bulnes and finishes in Sotres. The full loop back to Poncebos takes the full-day. You can make the hike shorter by:

  • taking the funicular to Bulnes (-1h30)
  • sleeping in Bulnes and only starting the hike from Bulnes
  • taking the funicular from Bulnes on the way back (-1h30)
  • or even sleeping in Sotres making it a 4h30 hike from Poncebos to Sotres

 

Poncebos to Sotres Hike

Moderate

:info:

:time: 4h30    :distance: 12.2km / 7.6 miles
:uphill: 1,300m / 4,300ft    :downhill: 500m / 1,650ft
map of hike from poncebos to sotres asturias spain

 

3. Ruta del Cares

The Ruta del Cares is the most famous hike in Picos de Europa, and should definitely be listed in the world’s best hiking trails. The Ruta del Cares is a trail carved on the side of the mountain, with epic views all along.

 

uphill path on the side of the cliff

 

The trail is well-maintained, and it’s easy to walk there. It starts with a steep climb, but it’s pretty flat after that. The main difficulty of the hike is its length: you’ll need the full-day if you want to go from Poncebos to the end in Cain.

 

ruta del cares right before the storm

The hike is a loop, and you can make it shorter by turning back at any point you want. For example you can walk for 2h on the hike, then turn back if you’re getting tired.

 

Ruta del Cares

Moderate

:info:

:time: 7h    :distance: 24.3km / 15 miles
:uphill: 504m / 1,650ft    :downhill: 504m / 1,650ft
map of ruta del cares hike asturias spain

 

4. Lagos de Covadonga

Ah, the Lagos de Covadonga, my favorite Asturias hiking spot! The Covadonga lakes are 2 mountain lakes in Picos de Europa, and they were the very first part of the National Park (which is the first National Park in Spain).

 

sun setting above the lago de covadonga

 

There are many hikes to do in the area; I’m highlighting the easiest one, a gentle loop around the lakes. There’s a very easy climb to the Mirador de Entrelagos (where you can see both lakes), and the hike around the lakes is a peaceful stroll.

 

There are plenty of animals roaming freely in the area, and not much crowds once you leave the main trail. Apart from the hike, it’s easy to lose track of time there, and you end up staying the whole day (I know I did).

 

Lagos de Covadonga Hike

Easy

:info:

:time: 2h    :distance: 7.2km / 4.5 miles
:uphill: 210m / 688ft    :downhill: 210m / 688ft
map of covadongas lakes hike asturias spain

 

More Hikes in Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa is a paradise for hikers, and there is an almost endless supplies of trails in the area. Here are 5 more hikes there that make up my top 10.

  1. Full circuit Poncebos – Bulnes – Sotres – Tielve – Poncebos
  2. Ruta Puertos de Aliva in Fuente Dé
  3. Horcados Rojos Summit
  4. Vega de Ario
  5. Brez Canal de Arredondas
  6. Ordiales Scenic Balcony Trail

 

If you want more details about these 5 hikes, or if you want to see ALL of the hikes available in Picos de Europa, check out my dedicated guide here: Hiking in Picos de Europa – Complete Guide

 

11. Lago del Valle

Alright, let’s move on from Picos de Europa and get to another interesting area for hikers in Asturias: Somiedo Natural Park.

The first hike we’re going to look at there is the Lago del Valle hike.

 

hiking the somiedo rutas to the lago del valle

 

It’s an easy and short hike starting from the mountain village Valle de Lago, all the way to the lake you can see on the picture above, the Lago del Valle.

 

If you’re up for a day-hike, you can climb over the mountains and go to the Lagos de Saliencia in the next valley.

 

Lago del Valle Hike

Easy

:info:

:time: 3h    :distance: 12.6km / 7.8 miles
:uphill: 390m / 1,280ft    :downhill: 390m / 1,280ft
map of lago del valle hike from valle del lago somiedo asturias spain

 

12. Lagos de Saliencia

The Lagos de Saliencia are 3 mountain lakes, located right next to the Lago del Valle in Somiedo Natural Park. Yes you read that right, 3 lakes in the same area!

 

ruta lagos de saliencia asturias spain

 

You can drive very close to the first lake, and park your car at the Alto de la Farrapona. Then the Ruta Lagos de Saliencia goes around the 3 lakes, giving you incredible views over the 3, which are all pretty in their own way. There’s a bit of elevation on the hike which makes me list it as “moderate”; other than that it’s an easy hike, with well-maintained trails and clear indications all the way.

 

Just like the previous hike, you can extend the hike by going to the next valley and seeing the Lago del Valle, making it an 8h hike.

 

Ruta de Lagos de Saliencia

Moderate

:info:

:time: 3h    :distance: 10.3km / 6.4 miles
:uphill: 464m / 1,522ft    :downhill: 464m / 1,522ft
map of saliencia lakes hike somiedo asturias spain

 

More Hikes in Somiedo

If you’re planning to visit Somiedo, you’ll find more hikes in this Natural Park. Here are 2 other epic hikes that I recommend:

  1. La Pornacal from Villar de Vildas
  2. Puerto de Somiedo to El Cornón

 

If you want more information about Somiedo, including where to stay, what to do, and how to see the wild animals (we’re talking bears & wolves), check out the complete guide here: Somiedo Natural Park Travel Guide

 

15. Cabo Vidio Loop

Alright, enough mountains for now; let’s move to the coast for some more Asturias hiking trails!

Our first coastal destination is Cabo Vidio, a wild & rugged cape with a lighthouse.

 

vertical version of side view 

The hike starts at the lighthouse; you can drive up to it & park your car there. It then follows the coastal path along the cliffs, to discover some great viewpoints over the beaches. It’s an easy & short hike, but definitely plan for a bit more time to sit on the many benches and enjoy the view.

 

 

Cabo Vidio Scenic Loop

Easy

:info:

:time: 2h    :distance: 4.1km / 2.5 miles
:uphill: 20m / 65ft    :downhill: 20m / 65ft
map of cabo vidio hike asturias spain

 

16. Llanes to Playa de Poo

Llanes is a gorgeous coastal village on the Costa Verde, and definitely a must-see in Asturias. The hike starts in Playa del Sablón, a beach right under the village, and listed as one of the best beaches in Asturias.

 

The hike follows the senda costera (coastal path), a flat path in grass and sometimes paved stones. It’s a family-friendly hike, which offers sweeping views of the coast every step of the way.

It will take you to another one of the best beaches in Asturias located nearby, the Playa de Poo. Despite its funny name, it’s a wonderful beach, and one of the best places to swim.

 

 

Llanes to Playa de Poo

Easy

:info:

:time: 2h    :distance: 8km / 5 miles
:uphill: 115m / 377ft    :downhill: 115m / 377ft
map of hike from llanes to playa de poo asturias spain

 

17. Bufones de Pria Loop

The Bufones de Pria loop is our last coastal hike for walking in Asturias Costa Verde trails.

The hike starts in Bufones de Pria, famous for its massive geysers.

 

massive wave hitting the bufones de pria cliffs

 

Once you’ve spent enough time watching the waves infiltrate the holes in the cliffs and blow up high in the air, you’re ready for the hike. It’s a flat trail along the cliffs, where you’ll discover interesting geological patterns, holes in the cliffs, and epic views.

It goes all the way to Ribadesella, a coastal gem; if you have still some energy left in the tank when getting to Ribadesella, keep following the path on your right to the Ermita de la Virgen de Guia for the best view! Check out more info about Ribadesella here.

 

the town of ribadesella asturias spain

 

Bufones de Pria Loop

Moderate

:info:

:time: 3h20    :distance: 14.7km / 9 miles
:uphill: 282m / 925ft    :downhill: 282m / 925ft
map of hike from bufones de pria to ribadesella asturias spain

 

18. Ruta de la Cascada de Seimeira

We’ve seen hikes in mountains, and hikes on the coast; now let’s see some of the best waterfalls hikes in Asturias!

The first of our waterfall hike is the ruta de la Cascada de Seimeira.

 

It’s an easy hike in the forest, on a trail that is mostly flat with little elevation. The route follows the river, and takes you to the Seimeira waterfall, the star of the show in the area.

 

 

Ruta de la Cascada de Seimeira

Easy

:info:

:time: 2h30    :distance: 6.7km / 4.2 miles
:uphill: 192m / 630ft    :downhill: 192m / 630ft
map of ruta cascada seimeira hike asturias spain

 

19. Ruta de las Xanas

The Ruta de las Xanas will take you both to mountains and waterfalls. It starts with a trail carved in the side of the mountain, with the river flowing down below the trail. After 2km (1.2 miles) you enter the forest, and the landscape suddenly changes.

 

Once you get in the forest, you’re walking alongside the river. All along the hike you’ll see several waterfalls, of different sizes. It’s a peaceful area, and a pretty easy hike. You’ll need to watch your step on the first part of the hike, as there are no fences on the trail between you and the edge of the cliff.

 

 

Ruta de las Xanas

Moderate

:info:

:time: 4h    :distance: 9.4km / 5.9 miles
:uphill: 486m / 1,600ft    :downhill: 486m / 1,600ft
map of hike ruta de las xanas asturias spain

 

20. Tabayon Waterfall Trail

Still want more ideas for hiking in Asturias Spain? 

The Tabayon waterfall trail is another hike that will get you to an epic waterfall: the Tabayón del Mongayu, also known as Cascada del Mongayo.

 

As you can see on the photos, it’s a pretty cool waterfall. The hike to get to it is clearly indicated, and you can reach the waterfall in under 2 hours. There’s significant elevation so get ready for the burn in the calves. The path can get muddy after heavy rain, so be careful when the ground is wet.

 

 

Tabayon Waterfall Trail

Moderate

:info:

:time: 4h    :distance: 9.5km / 5.9 miles
:uphill: 633m / 2,175ft    :downhill: 663m / 2,175ft
map of tabayon waterfall trail asturias spain

 

21. Xiblu Waterfall Hike

And finally, the last recommendation for hiking Asturias, Spain: the Xiblu waterfall hike.

 

The hike will get you to the Xiblu waterfall, which is definitely worth the effort. On top of the waterfall, the path crosses the Montegrande forest (Hayedo Montegrande); walking through the forest is a delightful experience in itself.

 

The final part of the hike gets tricky, which is why this hike is listed as “challenging”. To get to the Xiblu waterfall, there’s a steep climb. The trail gets narrow, and is often muddy due to the proximity of the waterfall. Be extra cautious on that final part, but other than that, the hike is pretty easy.

 

 

Xiblu Waterfall Hike

Challenging

:info:

:time: 3h    :distance: 9.4km / 5.9 miles
:uphill: 240m / 788ft    :downhill: 240m / 788ft
map of xiblu waterfall hike asturias spain

 

Check the Weather Before Your Visit

As you’ve seen in this guide of the best hikes in Asturias, the weather plays an important role in how your experience will be. Rain means some of the trails will turn to mud, creating slippery parts. Fog might hide the view, and you won’t get the epic view at the end of the hike.

 

Use this link to check the weather and plan your hikes

And check out these live webcams of Asturias spots

 

And obviously the weather also impacts how you’re going to prep for the hike: what clothes will you be wearing, and what do you need to pack.

 

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Asturias and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip.

 

Asturias Guides:

And finally, if you need more inspiration, see all my Spain travel guides

 

I hope you enjoy your trip to Asturias and to Spain; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

Help a fellow traveler and share this guide with the buttons below!