5-Day Itinerary in Picos de Europa: Overview
This 5-day itinerary covers Oviedo, Gijón, Santander, Cangas de Onís, and Potes with a budget of €350-500 per person.
This route is designed for travelers looking to combine the urban culture of northern Spain with the majesty of the high mountains. It is ideal for those who want to explore Picos de Europa without giving up the comfort of coastal cities and Asturian and Cantabrian gastronomy. The plan balances moderate hiking with cultural visits, allowing you to enjoy both pre-Romanesque architecture and glacial lakes.
| Día | Ciudad / Zona | Highlights | Km entre paradas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Día 1 | Oviedo y Gijón | Catedral de Oviedo, Universidad Laboral de Gijón | 30 km |
| Día 2 | Gijón a Cangas de Onís | Santuario de Covadonga, Puente Romano | 50 km |
| Día 3 | Picos de Europa (Cangas/Potes) | Lagos de Covadonga o Senda del Cares | 45 km (aprox) |
| Día 4 | Potes a Santander | Teleférico de Potes, Centro Botín | 80 km |
| Día 5 | Santander | Palacio de la Magdalena, Playa El Sardinero | – |
Day 1: Asturian Culture, from Oviedo to Gijón
Morning
Begin your 5-day trip to Picos de Europa in the Asturian capital. Spend the morning exploring the historic quarter.
- Visit to the Cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo: Known as “La Santa,” it houses the Cámara Santa (Holy Chamber). Estimated time: 1.5 hours.
- Pre-Romanesque Monuments: If you have time and transport, head up to Monte Naranco to see Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. If you’re on foot, stay in the center and see La Foncalada.
Recommended breakfast: Café on Calle Uría or near the Cathedral. Order a carajillo (coffee with brandy) and a Carbayón (typical puff pastry and almond sweet). Price: €3-5.
Midday
Where to eat: Traditional restaurant in central Oviedo. Order a portion of Fabada Asturiana (bean stew with cured meats) to share or an individual Cachopo (breaded veal stuffed with ham and cheese). Average price: €15-20 per person.
Transfer: Take the car or bus to Gijón. According to verified data, the distance Oviedo→Gijón is 30km, with a driving time of just 0h25min via the motorway.
Afternoon
- Stroll through Cimadevilla: Gijón’s old fishing quarter.
- Elogio del Horizonte: Chillida sculpture on Cerro de Santa Catalina with views over the Cantabrian Sea.
- Universidad Laboral de Gijón: Impressive historic building (you can visit independently or with a guide).
Afternoon snack: Natural cider at a sidrería (cider house) on San Lorenzo Beach. Price: €2-4.
Night
Dinner: Tapas in the Cimadevilla area or around Mercado del Sur. Try the Chorizos a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider). Price: €15-25.
Atmosphere: Gijón has a vibrant nightlife, especially in summer. Areas like Calle Corrida offer bars and pubs.
Day 2: The Birthplace of the Picos, Covadonga and Cangas
Morning
Leave Gijón early heading into the heart of the mountains.
- Sanctuary of Covadonga: Visit the Basilica and the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave). It is the spiritual symbol of the region. Estimated time: 1.5 hours.
- Lakes of Covadonga: Head up to Lake Enol (access restricted to private cars in high season; use the shuttle bus). Spectacular views.
Recommended breakfast: Bar in Covadonga village. Tortilla or pinchos. Price: €4-6.
Midday
Where to eat: Cangas de Onís. Look for a set menu that includes Cocido Montañés (hearty mountain stew; although more Cantabrian, it can be found in the area) or game dishes. Average price: €12-18.
Afternoon
- Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís: A must-photo under the Asturian cross.
- Dolmen of Santa Cruz: A few kilometers away, a fascinating megalithic monument.
- Rest: Free time to buy souvenirs or local cheese.
Night
Dinner: Restaurant in Cangas de Onís. Try grilled meat or trout. Price: €15-25.
Accommodation: Overnight in Cangas de Onís or nearby (Arriondas/Parres) to save money.
Day 3: Total Immersion in the Mountains (Active vs. Relaxed Option)
Morning
This is the key day for hiking in the Picos de Europa. You have two options depending on your level:
- Active Option (Hiking): Senda del Cares (Poncebos – Caín section). It is about 11km one way (22km round trip) or just do the one-way and take a taxi/bus. It is a spectacular horizontal route (“Divine Gorge”). Time: 5-6 hours.
- Relaxed Option: Visit Potes (capital of Liébana). Take the Fuente Dé Cable Car to see the peaks without walking too much. Time: 3 hours.
Breakfast: Hearty fuel before the route. Chorizo sandwich and coffee. Price: 5-7€.
Midday
Where to eat: If you do the Cares route, eat in Caín de Valdeón (village at the end of the route) or bring a picnic. If you go to Potes, eat in the center. Typical dish: Quesada pasiega (traditional cheesecake) for dessert. Price: 15-20€.
Afternoon
- If you chose the active option: Return to Potes or Cangas.
- If you chose the relaxed option: Visit the Orujo de Liébana (local pomace brandy) distilleries in Potes (there are several with free or cheap tastings).
Afternoon snack: A shot of orujo or a café con leche in the main square of Potes.
Night
Dinner: Light dinner in Potes before heading to Santander the next day, or dinner in Cangas if you stay overnight here. Price: 12-18€.
Day 4: From the Mountains to the Sea, Potes to Santander
Morning
Leave Potes heading for the Cantabrian coast.
- Driving: Route via the San Glorio Pass or via the highway towards Torrelavega and Santander. Landscapes transitioning from mountain to sea.
- Arrival in Santander: Check-in or drop off luggage.
Breakfast: In Potes before leaving. Price: 3-5€.
Midday
Where to eat: Santander, the fish market area or the city center. Order Rabas (fried squid) as a starter and fresh fish. Average price: 20-30€.
Afternoon
- Centro Botín: Contemporary art museum with views over the bay (free entry on the ground floor/temporary exhibitions sometimes).
- Paseo de Pereda: The city’s grand promenade.
- Santander Cathedral: Visit the Romanesque crypt.
Afternoon snack: Ice cream on the Paseo de Pereda. Price: 3-5€.
Night
Dinner: Tapas on Calle San Francisco or Calle Ruamayor. Try the Anchoas de Santoña (cured anchovies from Santoña). Price: 15-25€.
Atmosphere: Santander is elegant and quiet. Areas like Calle Castelar have a good nightlife scene.
Day 5: Santander and Farewell
Morning
- Palacio de la Magdalena: Former royal residence on the peninsula. Incredible gardens and views. Reduced-price or free entry depending on the season.
- El Sardinero Beach: Stroll along the sands and the Piquío gardens.
Breakfast: In El Sardinero or the center. Price: 4-6€.
Midday
Where to eat: Farewell meal. Set menu in the central area. Price: 12-18€.
Afternoon
- Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria (MUPAC): If you are interested in history (Altamira is nearby but requires booking well in advance, MUPAC is a great alternative).
- Shopping: Last souvenirs before heading to the airport or train station.
Night
End of the itinerary and transfer to the departure point.
Recommended accommodation
To keep a tight budget, avoid 4–5 star hotels on the beachfront.
- Oviedo/Gijón: Look for guesthouses in the historic centre or tourist apartments on the outskirts. Range: €40–70 per night/double.
- Cangas de Onís/Potes: Rural houses or pensions. Prices rise in high season. Range: €50–80 per night/double.
- Santander: Hotels in the Tetuán neighbourhood or near the train station are cheaper than in El Sardinero. Range: €60–90 per night/double.
Transport between cities
The best option for this itinerary is a rental car, as public transport to the Lakes of Covadonga or the Cares Gorge trail is limited.
- Oviedo ↔ Gijón: Cercanías train (Renfe) every 30 min (25 min journey) or car (30km, 25 min).
- Gijón ↔ Cangas de Onís: Bus (ALSA) approx. 1h 15min. Car 50km, 50 min.
- Cangas de Onís ↔ Potes: Car 45km, 50 min (mountain road). Bus available but less frequent.
- Potes ↔ Santander: Car 80km, 1h 15min. Direct ALSA bus available.
Note: Renfe connects Oviedo with Gijón frequently, but for the rest of the journeys bus or car is essential.
Estimated budget
Breakdown for a budget trip per person (assuming a shared double room):
- Accommodation (4 nights): €100–€140 (€25–35/night/person).
- Meals (5 days): €150–€200 (€30–40/day including set menus and budget dinners).
- Transport (shared car + petrol): €60–€80 per person.
- Tickets/Activities: €30 (cable cars, museums, buses to the Lakes).
- ESTIMATED TOTAL: €340–€450 per person.
Independent travel or organised tour?
This is a key decision when planning your route through the Picos de Europa.
Option A: Independent travel (recommended for this itinerary)
- Pros: Total flexibility to stop at viewpoints, eat wherever you like and adjust your hiking pace. It is cheaper if there are 2 or more of you sharing a car.
- Cons: Requires logistical planning (car hire, accommodation bookings). In summer, getting a seat on the bus to the Lakes of Covadonga can be stressful.
- Profile: Independent travellers, couples, groups of friends and photography lovers.
Option B: Organised tour
- Pros: Total convenience. An expert guide explains the geology and history. You don’t worry about driving on narrow mountain roads.
- Cons: Less freedom. Timetables are fixed. It tends to be more expensive (day excursions alone can be around €80–120).
- Profile: Solo travellers looking for security, older people or those who don’t want to drive.
Practical tips
- Book the bus to the Lakes: If you go in summer (July-August) and cannot drive up in a private car, book your bus ticket from Covadonga in advance on the official National Park website.
- Layered clothing: The weather in the mountains changes quickly. Even in summer, bring a light windbreaker or rain jacket for the Senda del Cares (Cares Gorge path).
- Footwear: You don’t need high-mountain boots for most of this itinerary, but trekking shoes with good grip are essential for the Cares route or the Lakes.
- Food: Order “ración” (a sharing portion). Asturian and Cantabrian portions are very large; 2 or 3 raciones for 2 people is usually enough.
- Cash: In small villages in the Picos (such as Caín or Sotres) or mountain bars, they sometimes don’t accept cards or the connection fails. Always carry some cash.
- Meal times: Remember that in Spain people eat lunch late (14:00 – 15:30) and dinner late (21:00 – 22:30). Some kitchens close between 16:00 and 20:00.
Frequently asked questions
Is a car necessary to see the Picos de Europa in 5 days?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Although there are buses between major cities (Oviedo, Santander, Cangas), the key natural attractions such as the Lakes of Covadonga, the start of the Senda del Cares, or the villages of Liébana have very limited or seasonal public connections. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
What is the best time of year to visit this route?
Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. You avoid the August crowds and the excessive heat on the hiking trails. In winter, some mountain roads (such as the Puerto de San Glorio) may be closed due to snow, although the Picos are spectacular when snow-covered.
Is the Senda del Cares difficult to do?
It is not technically difficult (no climbing required), but it is long (24km round trip). It is a wide path carved into the rock. The main risk is vertigo in some sections without a railing and sun exposure in summer. It is recommended to bring plenty of water and start early.
What is the difference between the cuisine of Oviedo and Santander on this trip?
Both share a Cantabrian base, but Oviedo and Gijón stand out for Fabada (Asturian bean stew) and the use of Sidra (cider). Santander and Cantabria place more emphasis on seafood (Rabas, Anchoas), Cocido Montañés (a mountain stew with cabbage), and the cheeses and liqueurs of the Liébana area (Orujo, Quesada).