Attractions and Places To See around Cabrales - Top 20

Cabrales is primarily defined by its location within the dramatic Picos de Europa National Park. You'll find jagged limestone peaks like Picu Urriellu (Naranjo de Bulnes), deep gorges such as the one carved by the Cares River, and alpine meadows. The region also boasts the highest peak in the Cantabrian range, Torre Cerredo, and numerous deep caves.

Yes, Cabrales is a gateway to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Picos de Europa. The most famous is the Ruta del Cares, often called the 'Divine Gorge', known for its stunning views and cliff walkways. Another option is the Monte Camba Circular Route for a less crowded experience.

Cabrales is renowned for its unique blue cheese. You can visit the Cabrales Cheese Cave-Exhibition in Arenas de Cabrales to learn about its production, enjoy a guided tour, and taste the cheese with local sidra. Traditional mountain villages like Bulnes and Asiegu also offer a glimpse into Asturian rural life.

Arenas de Cabrales is a vibrant hub and a key entry point to the Picos de Europa, offering shops, restaurants, and accommodation. Bulnes is a picturesque, historically isolated village accessible by funicular or trail, known for its traditional mountain life. Asiegu, an 'Exemplary Town of Asturias', offers splendid views, while Sotres is the highest village in the Picos de Europa, providing an authentic high-mountain experience.

Absolutely. Cabrales offers several 'dream viewpoints' with panoramic vistas of the Picos de Europa, especially of Picu Urriellu. Notable ones include the Pozo de la Oración viewpoint near Poo de Cabrales, the Pedro Udaondo viewpoint in Asiegu, and the views from the villages of Camarmeña and Bulnes. The El Cable Viewpoint, accessible via cable car, also provides spectacular views of the central massif.

Beyond hiking, Cabrales is excellent for various outdoor sports. You can explore numerous mountain biking trails, including routes like 'Sotres - circular via the Refugio Casetón de Ándara'. Road cycling is also popular, with challenging routes such as 'Jitu de Escarandi – round trip from Arenas de Cabrales along the Cares River'. For more details, check out the MTB Trails around Cabrales, Cycling around Cabrales, and Road Cycling Routes around Cabrales guides.

Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Fuente Dé Cable Car offers a thrilling ride with spectacular views that children often enjoy, leading to the El Cable Viewpoint. While the full Ruta del Cares can be challenging, shorter, easier sections or exploring the villages like Asiegu can be enjoyable for families.

The best time to visit Cabrales for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and trails are typically free of snow and ice, making for safer and more enjoyable exploration of the Picos de Europa.

Cabrales is situated within the Picos de Europa National Park, making access straightforward. Arenas de Cabrales serves as a primary hub. From there, you can drive to trailheads like Poncebos, the starting point for the Ruta del Cares. The Funicular de Bulnes also provides access to the isolated village of Bulnes within the park.

The Ruta del Cares is popular due to its breathtaking scenery, featuring a deep gorge with impressive rocky gaps and cliff walkways. It offers a unique experience of walking through 71 tunnels carved into the rock, such as the Dwarves' Tunnels on the Cares Trail, providing spectacular views of the Cares River and the surrounding Picos de Europa.

Cabrales has a rich prehistoric past. While many cave paintings, like those in Cueva de la Covaciella, are not visitable, reproductions exist. The region also features historical architecture, such as the 17th-century Palacio de Cernuda in Poo de Cabrales, and ancient churches like Santa María de Llas in Arenas, showcasing Romanesque and Renaissance styles. You can also find Ruins of the Shepherds’ Settlement on the Ruta del Cares.

Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views and the immersive natural beauty of the Picos de Europa. The unique experience of hiking trails like the Ruta del Cares, with its impressive rocky gaps and tunnels, is highly valued. The cultural insight gained from visiting traditional villages and learning about Cabrales cheese production also leaves a lasting impression.