The trail from Potes to Monastery in north of Spain is very popular. Not only because of the popular village of Potes and its Monastery, but the monastery is also start of one of the Camino de Santiago – Liebana route. At the monastery you find pilgrim office, where you get your stamps in case you embark on the pilgrimage. In addition, if you follow the road above the monastery, you get breathtaking views on Picos de Europa.
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 800km (8h 30min)
Madrid – 430km (5h)
Bilbao – 200km (2h 40min)
By car: Various free parking lots are available at Potes village.
By public transport: There is bus stop at Potes
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at Vanventure Camperpark. 12EUR plus 4 EUR for electricity. Showers not available during my stay, but planned to be build in the future. It is right on the trail from Potes to Monastery. More information HERE
For free overnight stay, find one of the two larger parking lots, but do so at your own risk.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
Start anywhere in Potes and follow road CA-185 and signs for the monastery with a cross. Once you reach the walking path, just stay on that path all the way up. There is no further navigation needed, it is very easy.
TRAIL DETAILS
Since visiting the monastery is very popular, the trail is very easy. Starting at village and following the cross signs, you reach the uphill walking path. The first 1km of the uphill trail is mostly on easy dirt/gravel path. Once you pass by campsite Viorna, you will join walking path on tarmac for another 1km. The terrain is very easy and the incline also. Once you reach the monastery, you can visit Ermita de Santa Catalina on small dirt path or to Ermita de San Miguel. I walked from Ermita de Santa Catalina to Ermita de San Miguel, but would NOT recommend. Also parts of the trail are blocked off. At both places you get amazing views on Picos de Europa and Potes village. Return the same way or make a loop.
Other routes
To Cueva Santa: From monastery take the trail towards Ermita de Santa Catalina, but at the split head to the left, following the sing for Cueva Santa.
Loop walk through Congarna: Alternatively, at Ermita de San Miguel take the small path to the left, it leads to village Congarna. From there join back on road CA-185 and head back towards Potes. I have not walked this route, so not sure about the conditions.
Other details
Tree coverage: No tree coverage, bring sun protection on hot days.
Geocaching: There is one geocache at the Monastery and one point of Adventure lab.
Dogs: It is possible to do the trail with dog. Dogs must be leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in any sports shoes.
Trail running: Nice for hill training, note that half of the route is on tarmac.
FACILITIES
Restrooms: Public restrooms available outside the Monastery
Restaurants: Various restaurants at Potes
Shops: Various shops at Potes
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in November 2024 on Monday. It was cloudy and later on raining, around 10 degrees. Picos de Europa were barely visible due to clouds. I met some people despite the rain. Expect crowds in summer, on weekends and while nice weather.
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