Anillo de Picos de Europa
A demanding circular route around the three massifs of the Picos de Europa, Spain's dramatic limestone mountain range near the northern coast.
Route overview
The Anillo (Ring) de Picos de Europa is a long-distance circular hiking route that loops around the three limestone massifs — Western (Cornión), Central (Urrieles) and Eastern (Ándara) — that make up the Picos de Europa National Park, shared across Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León. The route links a network of mountain refuges and passes beneath some of Spain's most dramatic karst peaks, including the Central Massif's Naranjo de Bulnes. Terrain is rugged, with steep limestone paths, high passes and, in places, short via ferrata-assisted sections. Most hikers complete the ring over eight to ten days using the refuge network, though some also access sections via the Fuente Dé cable car for shorter multi-day trips.
Trail facts
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Picos de Europa
- Distance
- c. 100 km
- Typical duration
- 8–10 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 8,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- Multi-day loop
Access and logistics
- Bookings
- Refuge bookings recommended in advance for summer months.
Safety context
Limestone terrain can be slippery when wet. Some connecting sections involve exposed scrambling. Weather in the Picos changes quickly even in summer.
Navigation between massifs can be challenging in low visibility; a map and compass or GPS backup is recommended in addition to waymarking.
Highlights
Naranjo de Bulnes iconic limestone tower Fuente Dé cable car access point Lagos de Covadonga glacial lakes Refuge network across all three massifs
Why find a buddy
The rugged limestone terrain and remote refuge stages of the Picos de Europa are considerably safer tackled with a hiking partner.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.