La Llanes Covadonga Route It is one of the most spectacular hiking routes in eastern Asturias, as it connects the Cantabrian coast with the heart of the Picos de Europa. A route that starts from the historic fishing village of Llanes and culminates in the Sanctuary of Covadonga, a place of enormous spiritual, historical and cultural value in Asturias.
With an approximate distance of 44 kilometers, this well-known Llanes Covadonga route is divided into 3 stages Medium-difficulty hikes, designed to be enjoyed on consecutive days or independently. Hikers experience a gradual journey from the coastal cliffs and green meadows of the Llanes district to the impressive mountain ranges of the Picos de Europa National Park, where nature reveals itself in all its splendor.
📌 Why is it known as “Camín del Oriente”?
The Llanes Covadonga Route is registered as GR-105.2 and is called Way of the East because it was, for centuries, the natural path that linked the eastern Asturias (the coast of Llanes and its interior valleys) with the Sanctuary of Covadonga, spiritual center and place of pilgrimage for Asturians.
This path was traveled by pilgrims, shepherds and merchants who, from the eastern councils, came to Covadonga both for religious reasons and for cultural and economic exchange. The route was consolidated as a historic pilgrimage route and union between sea and mountains, which is why it still retains that symbolic name today: Way of the East.
🗺 How to get there
See on Google Maps: Llanes Covadonga Route
The Llanes – Covadonga route has its starting point in the fishing village of Llanes, one of the most accessible and best connected destinations in eastern Asturias, and concludes in the Sanctuary of Covadonga, in the heart of the Picos de Europa.
- 🚗 By car to Llanes (start of the route): Llanes is perfectly connected to the rest of Asturias and Cantabria through the Cantabrian Highway (A-8)From Oviedo or Gijón, it takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, from Santander, 1 hour, and from Bilbao, approximately 2 hours. In Llanes, there are several parking areas both in the city center (blue zone) and on the outskirts, with walking access to the historic center and the starting point of the route.
- ???? By train (FEVE): The regional line of Renfe Feve (Oviedo – Santander) It connects Llanes with numerous coastal towns and is a ideal option for those who do not travel by carThe station is just a few minutes' walk from the town center.
- 🚌 By bus: The company ALSA connects Llanes with Oviedo, Gijón, Santander and Bilbao, with several daily frequenciesThe bus station is located in the city center, providing direct access to the start of the route.
- (I.e. End of the Llanes Covadonga route: The tour culminates in the Sanctuary of Covadonga, to 12 km of Cangas de Onis. Once the route is finished, The return can be organized in two ways:
- En own vehicle or support, since there are parking lots available next to the sanctuary.
- En public transport from Cangas de Onís, where there is a bus connection to Oviedo and other towns.
- (I.e. Recommended logistics: Since this is a linear, long-distance route, it is best to:
- Staying in Llanes the night before, start the route and overnight stays at intermediate points (Cabrales and Cangas de Onís).
- Coordinate the return from Covadonga by bus or support vehicle.
- For those who wish to do only some stages, Both Llanes, Cabrales and Cangas de Onís have good road connections and plenty of accommodation..
🌄 Itinerary Overview
La Llanes Covadonga Route (GR-105.2, Camín del Oriente) It is a route of about 43–44 kilometers, which connects the Cantabrian Sea with the Sanctuary of Covadonga, in the heart of the Picos de Europa. It's structured in three stages, allowing you to discover the transition between the coast, the inland valleys, and the sacred mountain of Asturias.
🔹 Stage 1: Llanes – Los Callejos (approx. 15 km)
The itinerary starts from the fishing village of Llanes, with its historic center and fishing port, to enter the Valley of ArdisanaBetween villages, meadows and rural roads, the hiker leaves the sea behind and enters an increasingly mountainous landscape until reaching The Alleys, natural gateway to the mid-mountain.
🔹 Stage 2: Los Callejos – Corao (approx. 22,5 km)
The longest and most demanding stage of the route. From Los Callejos, the path ascends between sheepfolds and hills, with open views of the Sierra del Cuera and the Picos de Europa. The path then descends towards traditional villages and passes through forests and meadows until reaching Heart, in the municipality of Cangas de Onís. It's a day of contrasts, where the harshness of the terrain is offset by the spectacular scenery.
🔹 Stage 3: Corao – Covadonga (approx. 6 km)
The last stage is shorter but full of symbolism. From Heart, the hiker passes through forests, meadows and the historic church of Saint Eulalia of Abamia, before starting the final ascent along old paths to the Sanctuary of Covadonga. The arrival at the Holy Cave and the Basilica It is the perfect finishing touch to this trip, in a place where nature, history and spirituality merge.
📜 History and Culture
La Llanes Covadonga Route It is not only a natural itinerary, but also a path deeply linked to the history and culture of AsturiasIts route crosses territories where centuries of seafaring life, rural traditions, and the religious symbolism of the Sanctuary of Covadonga are intertwined.
On the coast, Llanes It represents the region's maritime and commercial heritage, with a protected historic center and a strong identity linked to the Cantabrian Sea. As you head inland, hikers will pass through valleys and villages where the remains are still preserved. granaries, farmhouses and mountain meadows, a reflection of the traditional livestock economy that sustained local communities for centuries.
The route finally leads to Covadonga, considered the spiritual heart of Asturias. Religious tradition and historical memory, linked to the beginning of the Kingdom of Asturias in the 8th century, merge there. Sanctuary, with the Basilica and the Holy Cave, symbolizes both the faith and the cultural resilience of a people, and today is one of the most visited and venerated places in the region.
Overall, this Llanes Covadonga route offers an authentic journey through the Asturian identity, connecting the sea with the mountains, rural life with spirituality and nature with historical memory.
🏞 Tips and recommendations
- 🦾 Difficulty: It is recommended for hikers with some experience or physical condition, especially because they are long and have high elevations.
- 👟 Mountain footwear: essential, since the terrain combines coast, valley and mid-mountain.
- 🌦 Appropriate clothing: bring clothes for sudden changes in weather.
- 🌞 Sun protection and cap: recommended in open sections without shade.
- (I.e. Advance planning: The route is linear, so it is advisable to arrange return transportation.
