Best mountain peaks around Potes, nestled in the heart of the Liébana region, serve as a gateway to the Picos de Europa. This area provides access to remarkable mountain peaks, some directly adjacent to the town and others within easy reach. The Picos de Europa are a limestone mountain range known for their dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and lush meadows. The region offers diverse and scenic environments for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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In front of this summit cross crowning the heights of La Viorna, the following thoughts from Pope Francis – who died on Easter Monday this year – may be helpful to those who linger on the summit after the climb: "In the Resurrection of Christ, each of our destinies finds its place in the infinite horizon of eternity. Only from his death and resurrection does the certainty arise that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God [as the Apostle Paul writes in his Letter to the Romans, chapter 8]. From this great hope comes every other glimmer of light with which we can overcome life's trials and obstacles. And not only that: the Risen One also walks with us and becomes our companion, as with the disciples on the road to Emmaus."
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Cross of Viorna. From the summit, situated at an altitude of 1,151 metres, you can see the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa, the villages of Mieses, Argüébanes, San Pelayo, Brez; some houses in Tanarrio, Mogrovejo and, travelling along the summit, you can also see the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, the roofs of Congarna, Beares, Redo and Bodia, in the municipality of Camaleño.
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A varied tour with a box seat view of the southern Picos in Spain: This circular hike does not run through the Picos de Europa itself, but it has everything that makes a hiker's heart beat faster in Cantabria: Comfortable, wide paths alternate with short, steep climbs on narrow paths, sometimes it goes through sparse forests, sometimes the eye can hardly get enough of the views. The whole thing is spiced up with two small ponds that invite you to have a picnic along the way, a small, Stone Age megalithic tomb and the (albeit barely visible) remains of an Iron Age settlement. The brilliant highlight of the tour is the Pico Jano. From the almost 1,500 m high summit and the subsequent short ridge hike, you can look out over the entire south side of the Picos de Europa, the Liébana valley and to the south over the Cantabrian divide as if from a box seat.
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Peña Oviedo, a modest summit with views of the mountainous surroundings of the Camaleño valley. Starting from Mogrovejo, the route runs along wide, well-paved trails, mostly through forest areas. The best thing is the panoramic views that we will enjoy as we gain altitude.
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The route is quite difficult and without major highlights along the way. It's steep up and steep down again. A good level of fitness is important. The grandiose view from the summit then compensates for the exertion. ☺️
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You only need to go a little off the beaten path to reach the top. It is not an imposing mountain in itself, but it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Picos de Europa...if the clouds allow it.
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With its peak at 1,155 meters above sea level, the views are guaranteed and it is worth getting here. The path stops by the renowned cross of Viorna where there are also beautiful panoramic views.
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La Cruz de la Viorna is located at 1086 meters above sea level and given its large size it can be seen from kilometers away. It can be reached either from Potes or from La Vega and you can combine it with the ascent to Pico Jano.
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For breathtaking panoramic views, consider Jano Peak, which provides a 360-degree panorama of the high mountains flanking the Deva, Quiviesa, and Bullón valleys. Peña Oviedo Summit also offers unparalleled views of the Picos de Europa interior, especially if the clouds permit. From the La Viorna Cross, you can see the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa and several villages.
Yes, La Viorna Cross is considered family-friendly and offers accessible hiking routes directly from Potes or La Vega. The ascent can be combined with a trip to Pico Jano for a moderate hike with rewarding views.
The Picos de Europa, with Potes as a convenient base, are characterized by their dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush green meadows. The terrain can vary from comfortable, wide paths to short, steep climbs on narrow trails, sometimes passing through sparse forests.
Beyond hiking to the peaks, the region around Potes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various cycling routes, including MTB trails, road cycling routes, and touring bicycle routes. These routes often provide stunning views of the mountainous surroundings.
The warmer months are generally ideal for hiking, offering clear trails and pleasant weather. However, the Fuente Dé cable car provides access to high-mountain excursions year-round. In winter, it offers access to snowy landscapes for experienced mountaineers, while in warmer months, trails like El Hachero and Canal de la Jendunda are popular.
Many significant peaks in the Picos de Europa are accessible via routes that often start from Fuente Dé, a short drive from Potes. From Fuente Dé, a cable car rapidly ascends 750 meters to 'El Cable' viewpoint, serving as a starting point for numerous high-mountain excursions to peaks like Torre de Horcados Rojos and areas like Puertos de Áliva.
Torre de Cerredo is the highest peak in the Picos de Europa, reaching an elevation of 2650 meters. While it offers an unparalleled sense of achievement and incredible views, it is considered a more challenging ascent, primarily suited for experienced mountaineers.
Yes, the area around Jano Peak includes a varied tour that features a small, Stone Age megalithic tomb and the remains of an Iron Age settlement, adding a historical dimension to your hike.
Visitors particularly appreciate the spectacular panoramic views from summits like Jano Peak and Peña Oviedo Summit. The diverse trails, ranging from moderate to challenging, and the unique contrast between jagged limestone peaks and lush meadows also receive high praise.
Absolutely. For instance, the ascent to La Viorna Cross can be combined with a trip to Pico Jano. From the El Cable viewpoint (top station of Fuente Dé cable car), hikers can access trails leading to various peaks and areas like Puertos de Áliva, allowing for extended high-mountain excursions.
Torre de Horcados Rojos, at 2343 meters, is one of the higher peaks in the Picos de Europa, but the hike to its top is not considered overly difficult. The trek typically starts with a ride on the Fuente Dé cable car, making it relatively accessible for a high-altitude experience.
Yes, for experienced hikers, trails like El Hachero and Canal de la Jendunda, accessible from the El Cable viewpoint, offer challenging routes along old mining paths. The trail through Castro de la Tejera, which leads to Pico Jano, is also quite difficult with steep ascents and descents, requiring a good level of fitness.


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