Where to Stay in the Picos de Europa: The Best Hotels on the Asturias and Cantabria Sides
The Picos de Europa are Spain's oldest national park and one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in Europe, rising almost straight up from the Cantabrian Sea. We feature them twice in the month-by-month series: in January for snowy peaks and empty trails, and in August for full hiking season.
The most important decision is which side you stay on. The Picos sit across Asturias, Cantabria and León, and the roads between the valleys are long and winding. The Asturian side around Cangas de Onís and Covadonga is the best known, with the Lakes of Covadonga. The Cantabrian side, in the Liébana valley around Potes, has the Fuente Dé cable car. Pick one side per base, or split your stay.
Here are the best places to stay in the Picos de Europa, for winter and summer, chosen for different travelers and different priorities.
Best Location: Gran Hotel Pelayo, Covadonga
If you want to be at the heart of the Asturian Picos, you can't get closer than Covadonga itself. Gran Hotel Pelayo sits at the sanctuary, steps from the Basilica and the Santa Cueva, at the start of the road up to the Lakes of Covadonga.
In the evening, after the day visitors leave, you have one of Spain's most famous places almost to yourself. In summer, check the current access rules for the lakes road, which limit private cars in peak periods.
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Best Value: Hotel del Oso, Cosgaya
On the Cantabrian side, Hotel del Oso is a long-running hotel beside the Río Deva in the Liébana valley, a short drive from both Fuente Dé and Potes. Rooms are simple and comfortable, with modern bathrooms, and rates are well below the bigger names.
It's a classic mountain stay: stone building, river outside and nothing to do but walk, eat well and sleep. Lodging in these valleys is limited, so book ahead, especially for August.
Luxury and Best for Families: Puebloastur Eco-Resort
Puebloastur is a 5-star eco-resort in the hills near Cofiño, close to Arriondas and the Sella river, with only 30 rooms, an infinity pool looking out at the mountains and a spa with sauna and hammam.
It's also genuinely family-friendly, with children's menus and babysitting available, so parents get a real break. You're about 10 minutes from the Sella canoe route and well placed for both Cangas de Onís and the coast.
Most Unique: Parador de Fuente Dé
The Parador de Fuente Dé is a modern mountain lodge at the very end of the Liébana valley, at the foot of the Fuente Dé cable car, with the rock walls of the Picos rising straight up behind it.
Take the cable car up in the morning before the crowds, walk on the high plateau, and come back down to one of the best views in northern Spain. In January, check the cable car's operating days and the weather before you go.
Not Sure Yet? Search All Picos de Europa Hotels
If none of these fit your exact dates or budget, Stay22 lets you search all available accommodation around the Picos de Europa in one place, including hotels and rural houses in Cangas de Onís, Arenas de Cabrales and Potes.
Continue Planning Your Trip to the Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa are our pick for Hikers & Mountain Lovers in both January and August. Here's everything that goes with this guide.
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