Asturias. Unique corners to get lost between Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Sea

We will depart from Cangas de Onís to the Covadonga Lakes (21 km away) to enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes of Picos de Europa.  We will get up early if we want to go by car as at 8.30 am access for private cars is closed. From the Sanctuary of Covadonga we will ascend along twelve kilometres to the first of the lakes, the Enol. Before that, approximately at kilometre seven, you can stop at the Mirador de la Reina to enjoy the views of the Picos de Europa and the valley of the Güeña river. Further on, you will find the Ercina lake. A wonder

Visit to the Cueva Santa (Holy Cave) where the Santina, the patron saint of Asturias, is located and where legend has it that Don Pelayo entrusted himself to the Santina to begin the reconquest of the Peninsula. And under the cave, the Fountain of Marriage. The visit is completed with the great basilica, the collegiate church and the inn. 

Lunch at El Molin de Mingo, a restaurant surrounded by nature. Here you can try traditional Asturian dishes such as Cachopo or their Arroz con pitu, which is wonderful. We tried a spectacular Arroz de pueblo con manitas, which was addictive.

Cangas de Onís is a very lively town that welcomes us with its famous Roman bridge, declared a National Monument. From its enormous central arch hangs the Victoria Cross, emblem of the Principality and famous for being the cross that Don Pelayo carried in the battle against the Muslims. In front of the bridge, you can have a drink while enjoying the view. And if you want to take Asturian products home, you can do your shopping at La Barata.

30 km separate Cangas de Onis from Cuevas, a village that is connected to the outside through a natural cave of almost 300 meters called La Cuevona. Crossing this cave with stalactites and stalagmites, subtly illuminated by a few spotlights along the way, is quite a spectacle. And to walk through this little town, with hardly any people, seeing beautiful hórreos (raised granaries) along the way, is like travelling back in time. 

Ten km separate Caves of Ribadesella, a beautiful seafaring town well known for its old town, full of cider houses and taverns, for its beaches and coves, and for the Cave of Tito Bustillo, one of the most important examples of Spanish cave art.

El Repollu is a restaurant in Ribadesella with very complete and varied menus and an incredible value for money. The fabes are delicious and other traditional dishes such as the tuna roll. And watch out for their homemade rice pudding. It's a real treat. 

After taking a bath in Cuevas del Mar, a beach of great beauty due to the numerous cavities formed by the waves on the rocky walls of the cliffs that surround it, we go to Llanes (20 min by car). This picturesque fishing village, with its medieval old town, declared a historic-artistic site, its beaches and cliffs and beautiful places where films such as El Orfanato, El Abuelo or Historia de un beso, by José Luis Garci, have been shot. 

We leave Cangas de Onís towards Poncebos (36 km) to take the Cares Route, one of the most beautiful excursions in Picos de Europa. The Divina Garganta del Cares is a 12 km long gorge cut to a peak with a difference in level of almost 2000 meters that can be easily covered by a path that runs between Puente Poncebos (Asturias) and Cain de Valdeon (Leon).  Bridges, caves and paths sculpted in the rock that allow us to contemplate spectacular landscapes. Then you have to return, which is a 24 km round trip.

In Arenas de Cabrales you can find this exhibition in which the present and the past of Cabrales cheese are shown through a guided visit that takes place inside a natural cave. Here you will learn about the production process as well as the environment and the life of the shepherds in the Picos de Europa.