Enjoy nature tourism in the Picos de Europa with sustainable accommodation and environmentally friendly activities
Picos de Europa is the largest limestone mountain range in western Europe. Its proximity to the sea (only 15 km away at its closest point) means that there are huge variations in altitude, with more than 2,500 m between the highest peaks and bottoms of the valleys. There are deep canyons and gorges created by water erosion in the Picos de Europa as well as some of the most unique karst landforms in Europe, including caves and chasms that are among the most numerous and most developed on Earth.
Some of the lakes, such as Ercina and Enol, are undoubtedly the most popular in Spain and welcome more than 600,000 visitors every year. There are many different types of forests in the park, ranging from holm oak to beech, and around 1,800 different types of flora. There is an extensive population of mountain fauna, with significant numbers of chamois, rupicolous birds of prey, high mountain birds, and some unique endangered species, such as the wolf or the Cantabrian subspecies of the capercaillie bird.
There is also plenty of livestock and pastoral activity in the park, which is where some of the most appreciated and renowned artisan cheeses in Spain are produced.
Type of protected area
- National Park
- Biosphere Reserve
- Natura 2000 network (SPAs, SCIs)
Commitment to sustainable tourism
- Promote and consolidate Ecotourism in the National Park
- Promote and raise awareness of natural and cultural values for locals and for generating income as well as sustainable development
- Promote tourism resources and local businesses
Location
Principado de Asturias
Further information and contact
Asociación Ecopicos de Europa
- Tel.: 629 177 268
- E-mail: ecopicosdeeuropa@gmail.com
- Web: https://ecopicosdeeuropa.com/
Ecotourism in the Picos de Europa
Discover Spain’s oldest National Park while staying in environmentally friendly accommodation that has implemented different measures to avoid and offset carbon emissions and waste. We also lead guided activities with local companies that will show you the essence of this special protected area: observing wildlife, going on interpretive tours to learn about its natural and cultural heritage, visiting cheese dairies, and more!