Underrated part of Europe offering calm surroundings and incredible views

This lovely part of Europe is known for its incredible scenery and calm surroundings, making it ideal for a relaxing break.

Picos de Europa sits in the north of Spain and is a striking mountain range filled with pretty villages and lots of outdoor activities.

It is a great spot for nature fans, with scenic walks, steep cliffs and clear alpine lakes.

The national park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including brown bears and vultures.

It is also popular for birdwatching, cycling and rock climbing. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Beautiful mountains with amazing views. Lovely routes and lots of different ways to enter the park. Simply fantastic.”

Travellers can visit traditional villages such as Cangas de Onís and Potes, where they can soak up local life and try regional food.

The area is also well known for its tasty cheeses, including Cabrales, which is aged inside caves in the mountains.

Getting there from the UK is fairly straightforward. Visitors can fly into Bilbao or Santander, then travel on by bus or hire a car to reach the park.

Whether you want to relax outdoors or enjoy an active holiday, Picos de Europa has something to suit everyone.

Another visitor shared on Tripadvisor: “What an amazing and beautiful place. This park is perfect for enjoying stunning views and walking through the countryside.”

They added: “We loved the easy paths leading to the two lakes and the viewpoint, plus the incredible scenery all around.”

A different visitor wrote: “An absolutely unforgettable experience. There are so many different trails and such beautiful landscapes.”

The Picos de Europa mountain range stretches across northern Spain and covers parts of Asturias, Cantabria and Castile and León.

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