La Cotorra: Hiking Asturias’ Quiet Mountain Summit

Why La Cotorra Stands Out

La Cotorra rises above the green valleys of eastern Asturias, offering hikers a compact yet rewarding summit experience without the crowds that fill the central Picos de Europa. Its slopes mix limestone outcrops with dense beech and oak forest, while the summit opens onto wide panoramas of the Cantabrian range and, on clear days, the sea.

How to Reach the Trailhead

The most practical approach starts from the village of Cangas de Onís. Drive southeast on the AS-114 toward Panes, then turn onto the minor road that climbs toward the hamlet of Mestas. A signed parking area sits just below the first meadows; from there a well-marked footpath begins. Public transport is limited, so most visitors arrive by car or taxi from Cangas.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn provides the most reliable weather and accessible paths. Snow lingers into May on north-facing slopes, while October brings colorful foliage but shorter days. Summer weekends can see local hikers, yet the mountain never feels crowded.

Routes and Highlights

• The standard ascent follows an old shepherd track that gains the ridge in roughly two hours; the final section is a short scramble over stable rock.
• From the summit cairn, the view sweeps west across the Sella valley and east toward the jagged skyline of the Picos.
• Detour on the descent to the small glacial tarn tucked beneath the north face for a quiet lunch spot.

Nearby Attractions

Combine a morning on La Cotorra with an afternoon visit to the Covadonga lakes or the historic Santa Cueva sanctuary, both less than thirty minutes by road. The nearby village of Cangas de Onís offers cider houses and Romanesque bridges for evening relaxation.