Picos de Europa National Park

Picos de Europa Overview

Picos de Europa National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa, is one of Spain’s most renowned natural reserves. Established in 1918, it holds the distinction of being Spain’s first national park and spans approximately 250 square miles (646 square kilometers).

Located in northern Spain, the park extends across the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, offering a dramatic landscape that showcases some of the most breathtaking mountainous scenery on the Iberian Peninsula.

The park’s terrain is dominated by the Picos de Europa mountain range, which is an extension of the Cantabrian Mountains. These limestone peaks, shaped over millions of years by glacial and karstic activity, rise sharply from deep valleys, creating a striking contrast. The most famous of these summits is Torre de Cerredo, the highest peak at 8,690 feet (2,648 meters).

Another iconic feature is Naranjo de Bulnes, also called Picu Urriellu, a sheer rock face revered by climbers for its challenging ascents. The landscape is punctuated by glacial lakes, including the picturesque Lakes of Covadonga, which are among the most visited sites in the park. Fast-flowing rivers such as the Cares, Deva, and Sella carve through deep gorges, including the dramatic Cares Gorge, offering some of the most stunning scenery in Spain.

The park’s vegetation varies with altitude, featuring lush beech and oak forests in the lower elevations and alpine meadows higher up, where hardy grasses and shrubs thrive among the craggy peaks.

Picos de Europa National Park is a haven for wildlife, with an array of species that thrive in its varied ecosystems. The park is home to the Iberian wolf, a symbol of Spain’s wild landscapes, as well as the elusive Cantabrian brown bear, which can sometimes be spotted in remote areas. Other notable mammals include chamois, red deer, wild boar, and the European otter, which can be seen along the park’s riverbanks.

Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of golden eagles, griffon vultures, and the rare bearded vulture, which soars over the rugged peaks. The park is also home to the endangered Cantabrian capercaillie, a striking species of grouse that inhabits the dense forests.

Visitors flock to the park for its outstanding natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging routes that traverse the rugged peaks. The Ruta del Cares, a spectacular trail carved into the cliffs of the Cares Gorge, is one of the most famous hikes in Spain.

For mountaineering enthusiasts, the sheer walls of Naranjo de Bulnes provide one of the most sought-after climbing experiences in the country. The park also attracts cyclists, kayakers, and horseback riders who explore its valleys and rivers. In winter, certain areas of the park become ideal for snowshoeing and mountaineering.

Conservation efforts in Picos de Europa National Park have focused on preserving its delicate ecosystems and protecting key species, particularly the Cantabrian brown bear and Iberian wolf. While tourism provides economic benefits to local communities, balancing visitor impact with environmental conservation remains a challenge.

However, successful wildlife protection programs and sustainable tourism initiatives continue to help maintain the park’s natural integrity, ensuring that its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife remain protected for future generations.

Park Map

Picos de Europa National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Picos de Europa National Park, located in northern Spain, is renowned for its dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys. This park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including large mammals and elusive predators that thrive in its rugged terrain. Below are some of the most notable species found in the park.

Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus)
A top predator in the region, the Iberian wolf roams the park’s remote forests and mountains. Although elusive, it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of deer and wild boar.

Cantabrian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos pyrenaicus)
One of the most iconic and endangered species of the region, this subspecies of brown bear inhabits the more remote areas of the park. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their population, but they remain a rare sight.

Cantabrian Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva)
Adapted to the park’s steep cliffs, the Cantabrian chamois is an agile mountain goat that can be seen gracefully scaling rocky slopes. It is one of the most emblematic species of Picos de Europa.

Iberian Wildcat (Felis lybica lybica)
A nocturnal and secretive predator, the Iberian wildcat closely resembles a domestic cat but is more muscular and has a thicker coat. It preys on small mammals and birds in the park’s woodlands.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
These elegant deer are common in Picos de Europa, particularly in forested areas and meadows. They are an important food source for predators like the Iberian wolf.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
An adaptable and widespread species, wild boars are frequently seen foraging in the park’s forests and meadows. Their rooting behavior influences vegetation and soil composition.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Thriving in the park’s clean rivers and streams, the European otter is an excellent swimmer and a key indicator of water quality. It preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Common Genet (Genetta genetta)
This small, nocturnal carnivore has a long, spotted body and a bushy tail. Although not native to Spain, the genet has adapted well to the park’s forests and rocky areas.

Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
A rare and unique aquatic mammal, the Pyrenean desman is known for its long, flexible snout. It inhabits fast-flowing streams in the park and feeds on insects and small aquatic creatures.

Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Once nearly extinct in the region, the Iberian ibex has made a comeback thanks to conservation efforts. It is known for its impressive, curved horns and ability to navigate steep cliffs.

Birds

Picos de Europa National Park is also home to a spectacular variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From powerful raptors to colorful songbirds, these avian species thrive in the park’s diverse landscapes.

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
One of the most common large raptors in the park, the griffon vulture soars high above the cliffs, searching for carrion. With a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters, it plays a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up animal remains.

Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
Also known as the lammergeier, this rare and striking vulture specializes in feeding on bones, which it drops from great heights to break open. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize its population in the park.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A formidable predator, the golden eagle patrols the skies in search of prey such as rabbits, chamois, and even other birds. Its keen eyesight and powerful talons make it one of the top avian hunters in the park.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Known for its incredible speed, the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world. It hunts smaller birds in midair with breathtaking precision, often diving at speeds exceeding 300 km/h.

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
This small, striking bird is famous for its bright red and black wings. It clings to steep rock faces in search of insects, making it a unique sight for visitors exploring the park’s cliffs.

Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
A highly social bird, the Alpine chough thrives in the high-altitude regions of the park. Recognizable by its glossy black plumage and yellow beak, it often gathers in noisy flocks near mountain peaks.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, this nocturnal predator has piercing orange eyes and powerful talons. It hunts small mammals and birds and is often heard hooting at night.

White-Throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This fascinating bird is adapted to life in fast-flowing streams, where it dives underwater to catch insects and small fish. Its bobbing motion on rocks is a distinctive behavior.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
One of the largest woodpeckers in Europe, this striking black bird with a red crown is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming on tree trunks. It plays a key role in forest ecology by creating nesting cavities used by other species.

Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
A small but powerful eagle, the booted eagle is an agile hunter that preys on birds, reptiles, and small mammals. It migrates between Europe and Africa, returning to Picos de Europa in the warmer months.