Picos de Europa with kids: easy plans near Arriondas

The Picos de Europa aren't just for mountaineers. From Arriondas, some of Spain's best-known landscapes are less than half an hour away, and many can be enjoyed with small children without long hikes. These are the plans that work best for families from Villa del Sella.

Covadonga: the cave and the waterfall

The Sanctuary of Covadonga is a good first stop. Children are usually amazed by the Holy Cave, set into the rock above a waterfall, and by the pink-stone basilica you can see from afar. Everything is close to the car park and can be seen quickly, so it's perfect for starting the day without tiring them out.

The Lakes of Covadonga, stress-free

From Covadonga the road climbs to Lakes Enol and Ercina. In the busiest months car access is restricted and you go up by shuttle bus, so check the schedule beforehand. At the top, the Lakes Route (PR-PNPE 2) is a loop of about 6 km and two hours that can be shortened, and in the Buferrera area you'll find the Pedro Pidal Visitor Centre, free to enter, with audiovisuals about the National Park. Bring a warm layer even in summer: it's cool up there, and cows and horses roam freely along the way.

The Sella by canoe, family version

The Sella descent has short routes designed for families, about 7 km and one to two hours long. Many operators accept children from around 5 years old, in a double or triple canoe with an adult and always wearing a life jacket. Minimum ages and conditions vary between operators, so ask when you book.

Bulnes, the village with no road

A little under an hour's drive away is Poncebos, starting point of the Bulnes funicular, which climbs inside the mountain to a village cars can't reach. For children the tunnel ride is an adventure in itself, and at the top the stroll between stone houses is short and easy-going. There's a children's ticket from age 4.

Cangas de Onís and the beach

Ten minutes away, Cangas de Onís has its famous bridge with the Victory Cross hanging beneath it and a small old town to wander. And if one day they'd rather have sand, Ribadesella is 20 minutes away.

Back at the house

Villa del Sella is designed for large families: four bedrooms, room for eight adults and up to eight children, and a fenced 700 m² garden where the little ones can play safely while the barbecue gets going.