Part 2

Day 4 - Stroll from Fuente Dé to the peak Torre de los Horcados Rojos

Time of the year: beginning of June

The view from the acommodation in Cosgaya with direkt view of Picos de Europe. Cosgaya is a small village in the region of Camaleño, situated in the middle between Potes, the main city in the area and Fuente Dé, the starting point to the most hikes in the southern part of Picos de Europe.

Climbing up from the parking of Fuente Dé, situated at 1094 m, to the starting point of the stroll is possible, though the terrain is quite abrupt,  there are the risks of rocks falling and around 700 m extra altitude is to be climbed. As alternative the Cable Car from Fuente De was chosen. The prices can be found on the website. I recommend buying the tickets in advance a day before, since in high season and especially during the weekends the first rides at 9 o'clock are usually booked.

The village of Mogrovejo, where some scenes of one Heidi movie have been shot. Mogrovejo was named "Town of Cantabria 2017" and since 2020 it holds the qualification of "Most beautiful town of Spain". Personally i found Peñalba de Santiago more picturesque.

Day 5 - Hiking route: Transhumance in Camaleño: Stroll from Espinama towards Puertos de Áliva

Time of the year: first Sunday of June

The Puertos de Áliva, a high-mountain pastureland between Cantabria and Asturias in the Picos de Europa, are one of the last active centers of transhumance (seasonal livestock migration) in northern Spain. Each summer in the first Sunday of June, shepherds bring cattle, sheep, and goats to graze in this majestic alpine environment, continuing a tradition that is centuries—if not millennia—old. Each June, herders from villages like Espinama, Sotres, and Pembes move their livestock to Áliva’s lush summer pastures, staying until September. The "Alivanos", as the seasonal dwellers are called, often live in small mountain huts or cabins.

Brez is a tiny mountain village in the Liébana region of Cantabria. With just a handful of residents, Brez is ideal for those seeking quiet rural life—off the tourist radar, yet surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The village offers panoramic views over the Valle de Camaleño.

The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, is one of the five places in Roman Catholicism, together with Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Caravaca de la Cruz, that has the privilege of issuing perpetual indulgences. One of the relics kept at this monastery is the Wood of True Cross (Lignum Crucis), believed by some Roman Catholics to be the biggest surviving piece of the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. Because of this, the monastery was an important pilgrimage centre, and is one of the most important holy sites of Roman Catholicism in Europe, being also an important stop on El Camino de Santiago.

Further upon the road there are a viewing point and an older church, Ermita de San Miguel.

The town of Potes, the capital of the region. Potes is a picturesque town located in the Liébana Valley and is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, it's known as the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. The town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, medieval charm, and cultural richness.

Potes is known for its cobbled streets, ancient bridges, and stone houses.

Day 6 - Road trip from Cosgaya to El Escobal & Strolls

Time of the year: beginning of June

Bejes is a tiny mountain village tucked deep within the Liébana region of Cantabria, Spain. Nestled in the Picos de Europa, this secluded hamlet is part of the municipality of Cillorigo de Liébana and offers a glimpse into rural life preserved through generations. Bejes is one of the traditional producers of this PDO-certified blue cheese, matured in mountain caves. It’s a prized delicacy in northern Spain. With just a few dozen residents, Bejes is a haven for those seeking solitude, authenticity, and unspoiled nature—a stark contrast to more touristy spots.

Sotres is a high-altitude village located in Asturias, northern Spain. Perched at 1,050 meters above sea level, it's the highest inhabited village in the Picos de Europa National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush meadows. Though it feels far removed, Sotres is accessible by a dramatic mountain road offering great views and occasional goat crossings. Sotres is a dream for hikers, cheese enthusiasts, and anyone craving the wild beauty of the high mountains. It combines rugged adventure with deep-rooted Asturian traditions, all in one of the most scenic corners of Spain.

Tresviso is a remote mountain village located in Cantabria, near the border with Asturias, within the Picos de Europa National Park. Perched at 890 meters and surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs, it’s one of the most isolated and strikingly beautiful villages in northern Spain. Despite its isolation, Tresviso maintains a vibrant pastoral culture, with herders still practicing transhumance and traditional cheese-making. Until the mid-20th century, Tresviso was reachable only by foot or mule. Even today, access is limited and dramatic, preserving its timeless atmosphere.

Tielve is a small and peaceful mountain village located in the Asturian side of the Picos de Europa, within the municipality of Cabrales. Surrounded by steep pastures and limestone peaks, it’s a quintessential example of traditional Asturian rural life—quiet, scenic, and full of character.

Camarmeña is a tiny hamlet in Asturias, nestled on a high ridge above the Cares Gorge in the Picos de Europa National Park. With fewer than 20 inhabitants, this quiet spot offers an atmosphere of total mountain serenity. Camarmeña is known for its famous mirador (viewpoint) overlooking the Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu), one of Spain’s most legendary peaks—especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The village is barely visible from below, hidden against the mountainside, adding to its mysterious and tranquil feel.