Where to Stay in Picos de Europa? The BEST Places to Stay in Picos de Europa

Where to Stay – Picos de Europa at a Glance

• THE Best Place to Stay in Picos de Europa: Poncebos / Arenas de Cabrales
• Best Place to Stay for the Lakes: Cangas de Onís
• Best Area in Picos de Europa for Families: Potes

So here are the best areas to stay when visiting Picos de Europa! Keep reading to get the pros & cons of each of these towns, and discover some accommodation options and best hotels in Picos de Europa Spain. 

Picos de Europa – Where to Stay? Pros & Cons

Picos de Europa is a beautiful national park in the Cantabrian Mountains. Its mountains are the highest of the region, and maybe also the most beautiful. It’s a perfect place for amazing hikes.

Depending what types of hikes you want to do, you might want to stay on one side or the other of the mountains.

Let’s figure this out together!

THE Best Place to Stay in Picos de Europa: Poncebos / Arenas de Cabrales

Poncebos is truly the best town to stay in Picos de Europa. It’s a small town, but it’s very popular amongst hikers, and there’s a good reason for this.

The town is the starting (or ending) point of many of the region’s hikes, and if you’re not sure of what hikes you want to do, you won’t be shutting yourself down to anything if you stay in Poncebos.

It’s also a great place to establish your base camp and try out different hikes around the town. Most can easily be done in one day, so you can do different ones. Some of the most famous are the Ruta del Cares, Poncebos to Bulnes, Poncebos to Sotres, or Naranjo de Bulnes.

The major downside to Poncebos is its popularity amongst hikers. Sometimes, you might not find accommodation directly in the town. If this is the case, I recommend you stay at Arenas de Cabrales. Grocery stores are also found in Arena de Cabrales.
 

Where to Stay in Poncebos

Since you’re coming to Poncebos to hike, you should stay at a hotel that is comfortable so you can rest after a big day out in the mountains. You’ll also most certainly meet fellow hikers there.

Best Hotel in Poncebos: Hostal Poncebos

Hostal Poncebos feels like the perfect base camp in Poncebos. It’s located just five hundred meters away from the funicular that will take you to the small town of Bulnes. The hotel offers parking, perfect to leave your car during the day when you’re hiking! There also is a restaurant so you won’t have to think about cooking when you get back from the mountains.

Runner Up Pick: Hotel Garganta del Cares

Another great option in Poncebos, is Hotel Garganta del Cares. Just like Hostal Poncebos, you’ll be able to leave your car at the parking lot, and the restaurant serves excellent local dishes. The two hotels are similar, and often you’ll have to choose depending on vacancies. In any case, they will make your stay in Poncebos amazing.

Best Hotel in Arenas de Cabrales: Hotel Picos de Europa Arenas de Cabrales

This hotel is great if you can’t book anything in Poncebos, but not only. By staying in Arenas de Cabrales you get some extra comfort. The hotel offers a garden and a swimming pool for you to chill during your rest days. It’s also great if you’re travelling with someone who isn’t going to hike, since they will have more things to occupy themselves in Arenas de Cabrales.

Best Place to Stay for the Lakes: Cangas de Onís

Cangas de Onís is located just a bit North of the Picos de Europa National Park. The town is pretty old and you’ll find a nice Roman bridge across one of its rivers.

It’s also bigger than the other towns, so the village has more to offer and you’ll easily find a good hotel. It’s also possible to practice many outdoor activities nearby, such as canoeing. There are many outdoor companies to accompany you during your stay.

But it’s also an amazing place to stay when you want to enjoy nature. The village is set between the Sella and Guena rivers, and all around it you’ll find breathtaking landscapes. The most beautiful landscapes the region will offer are, without a doubt, the famous lakes. And if you’re staying here, you should absolutely not miss them out! And if you’re only coming for the latter, you can also stay closer to them, in Covadonga.
 

Where to Stay in Cangas de Onís

The good thing about Cangas de Onís is that the town is not that small, and therefore offers a bit of choice of hotels or apartments. I’ve selected a few for you to choose from, including one in Covadonga if you’re coming exclusively for the lakes.

Best Hotel in Cangas de Onís: Hotel Santa Cruz

Hotel Santa Cruz is the perfect all around hotel. It’s located right in the center of the town, just two minutes away from the famous Roman bridge. Here you’ll find a nice restaurant, and a terrace. You can also come with your pet, so they can enjoy the beautiful area as well!

Full Apartment: Apartamentos Rurales Prestin

Maybe you would rather rent a whole apartment. If this is the case, Apartamentos Rurales Prestin is a great option. It offers apartments for up to six persons, perfect if you’re coming with a bunch of friends to enjoy the Picos de Europa mountains and lakes!

Best Hotel in Covadonga: Casa Rural Priena

As I said before, if you’re coming just for the lakes, staying in Covadonga is your best option. And Casa Rural Priena is most certainly the best place to stay in town. It offers a cosy terrace with a barbecue, and a lounge bar for you to rest and chill in after an amazing day in the mountains.

Best Area in Picos de Europa for Families: Potes

Potes is the main town in the East of the Picos de Europa. It’s not a big city, but it has a lot to offer.

It has lots of history, being an old Medieval town, and there almost always is something going on in town. The restaurants of the Potes are also great and will serve you amazing local dishes.

When you’re in town, you can clearly see the mountain range of the Picos de Europa, and if you drive that way you’ll quickly get to Fuente Dé. There, you’ll find a cable car that will take you all the way to the top of the mountain. Once on top, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the region. And the best of it, and what makes it perfect when traveling as a family, is you won’t have to hike to the top. You park next to the cable car, and enjoy the lift.
 

Where to Stay in Potes

When you’re traveling with your family, finding the perfect place to stay might be tricky. You want some space for you, some space for the kids, but don’t want to break the bank at the same time. Luckily for you, I’ve chosen some hotels in Potes that will suit your needs perfectly.

Best Hotel in Potes: Hotel Valdecoro

When having breakfast at this hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing view on the Picos de Europa. It’s set just next to the Deva de Potes river, close to the town’s center, and lets you park the car for free. All this makes Hotel Valdecoro the perfect pick in Potes!

Runner Up Choice: Hosteria Sierra del Oso

If you think staying right in the old town will positively impact your stay, then you should stay at Hosteria Sierra del Oso. Every time you get out, and from every window you’ll see the beautiful, history-loaded old buildings. And as a little bonus, some rooms offer a small kitchen, so ask for it if you’re planning on cooking!

Budget Pick: Apartamentos Villa de Potes

If you’re looking for the cheapest option out there, but don’t want to compromise on comfort, Apartamentos Villa de Potes is perfect. It also offers some great bonuses, such as the swimming pool and the fact that you can come with your beloved pet!

FAQ About Staying in Picos de Europa

Where should I stay when visiting Picos de Europa?

Poncebos is the best place to stay in Picos de Europa. It’s the starting point of most of the hikes the park has to offer. If you’re coming especially for the lakes, and plan on taking full advantage of it, then you should stay in Congas de Onís or Covadonga. And finally, if your whole family is coming too, Potes, and Fuentes Dé with its cable car are the best places to stay.

Best town to stay in Picos de Europa?

Here are the best town to stay in Picos de Europa:

• Poncebos
• Arenas de Cabrales
• Cangas de Onís
• Covadonga
• Potes
• Fuente Dé

Final Thoughts

As we saw before, the best place to stay in Picos de Europa is Poncebos. This mainly comes down to one reason: its proximity with most of the park’s best hikes. You’ll stay in a small valley, which will really make you feel that you’re in the mountains!

So here they are! I hope you could’ve found the best village as well as the best hotel Picos de Europa has to offer for you! Keep reading to get more info about the region and plan your trip there! 👇

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Asturias and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip.

👉 Asturias Guides:

• Find out the best hiking trails in Picos de Europa and hikes in all Asturias
• Discover another gem of Asturias: Somiedo Natural Park
• See all the BEST things to do in Asturias
• Looking for a stunning beach? Check out the Playa del Silencio
• Check all my Asturias travel guides

👉  Spain Guides:

• Discover the 27 Best Things to do in Toledo, next to Madrid
• In love with castles? Here are the 36 Best Castles in Spain!
• Go from Madrid to Segovia on an amazing day trip
• Check all my Spain travel guides

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