The Picos de Europa are the surprise of the green north: a wall of limestone peaks reaching over 2,600 metres barely 20 km from the sea. Declared Spain's first national park in 1918, they are said to be named for being the first sight of Europe for sailors returning across the Atlantic.
Potes and the Liébana valley
The mountain town of Potes, with its medieval bridges and Monday market, is the gateway. The surrounding Liébana valley is famous for its microclimate, its monasteries, and its orujo spirit.
Fuente Dé cable car
The highlight is the Fuente Dé cable car, which climbs almost vertically — 750 metres in under four minutes — to a viewing platform at around 1,800 metres. The panorama back over the valleys, and on clear days toward the distant coast, is one of the most dramatic moments of the entire journey.
A taste of the mountains
This is the home of Cabrales, the intense blue cheese matured in natural mountain caves — a perfect pairing with the region's robust reds.
