Route 4 of 5 through Spain: Arriondas to Burgos via the Picos de Europa, Riaño, and hidden gems of northern Spain.

In this fourth installment of our adventure through Spain, we embark on a journey that is pure geographical poetry. We depart from the charming Asturian village of Arriondas and, after several hundred kilometers of uninterrupted beauty, culminate in the monumental city of Burgos. Along the way, imposing mountains, majestic reservoirs, viewpoints that seem to touch the sky, and towns frozen in time await us, like living photographs of another era. This route is not just a journey through landscapes: it is a journey through the very essence of the northern Iberian Peninsula, a succession of natural and cultural settings that awaken the senses and caress the traveler's soul.

Start in Arriondas: mountains, legends and the breath of the Sella River

We begin our adventure in Arriondas, an Asturian town surrounded by mountains and known for being the starting point of the International Sella Descent. Beyond the excitement this event evokes each year, Arriondas offers an unusual peace, where the green of the mountains seems to embrace every corner. From here, we descend toward Cangas de Onís, a place steeped in history, known as the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias.

We cross the iconic Roman Bridge of Cangas, where the Cruz de la Victoria hangs solemnly. Below, the Sella River flows with that powerful calm that only ancient rivers possess. It's hard not to stop and contemplate and feel how time slows down in this place.

Via the N-625: following the Sella River towards the peaks

From Cangas, we take the N-625 national highway, one of those roads that seem made for visual delight. On one side, the Sella River meanders past us, clean, wild, and teeming with life. Along the way, we come across the salmon spawning station, a fascinating and educational spot where we can observe the ancient struggle of these fish to perpetuate their species.

Viewpoints begin to appear one after another. The views of the Picos de Europa are simply sublime. Depending on the season, the snow-capped peaks contrast with the green valleys and gray limestone cliffs that rise majestically. The road delves into a natural universe that changes with every curve.

Puerto del Pontón and Riaño: where the mountains are reflected in the water

We ascend to Puerto del Pontón, a classic mountain pass between Asturias and León. From its summit, the panorama is unforgettable: a sea of peaks silhouetted against the sky. We begin the descent toward Riaño, one of the most striking towns on this route.

The Riaño Reservoir appears before us like a mirror of mountains. Its waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a hypnotic image. We cross one of its bridges as the landscape envelops us with a sense of serene immensity. Riaño is not just a town: it's a natural balcony overlooking the Picos de Europa, a living postcard.

Puerto de San Glorio and the viewpoints of infinity

From Riaño, we take the N-621, heading towards the spectacular Puerto de San Glorio. This road climbs gently through curves that seem designed for enjoyment. As we gain altitude, the views become increasingly magnificent.

At the summit, we make a mandatory stop at the Mirador del Oso (Bear Lookout). There, a metal sculpture of a bear climbing a rock welcomes us. From this point, the eastern and central massifs of the Picos de Europa and the Liébana Valley stretch out like a rolling green canvas.

A little further on, Mirador del Corzo offers another perspective. Simpler but equally special, from here the horizon seems endless. The fresh air, the natural silence, and the majesty of the surroundings remind us how small everything else is.

Potes: tradition, stone and flavor

We descend toward Potes, an architectural gem nestled among the mountains, with its cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and ancient bridges spanning the Deva River. At this point on the route, a culinary break is almost obligatory. The cocido lebaniego, with its small chickpeas, cabbage, and sausage, is a mountain delicacy that comforts body and soul.

From Potes, we head south, leaving Cantabria behind to enter the solitary and spectacular region of the Palentine Mountains. Forests, rivers, and valleys welcome us with open arms, in one of the least traveled and most surprising areas of the route.

The Romanesque architecture of Cervera and Aguilar, and the murmur of the Pisuerga River

We arrived at Cervera de Pisuerga, a village that still retains its rural charm. The Pisuerga River flows peacefully through this area, and its surroundings are dotted with hiking trails and small Romanesque churches.

We continue on to Aguilar de Campoo, the land of biscuits (Gullón was born here), but also of an impressive Romanesque heritage. Its reservoir, its collegiate church, and the castle that crowns the town are just some of the hidden gems.

Bordering the Ebro Reservoir: mirror-like calm and bird flight

From Aguilar, we head towards the Ebro Reservoir. This body of water, shared by Cantabria and Burgos, is a paradise for waterfowl and a haven for the soul. We skirt it calmly, enjoying every kilometer as if it were the last.

The landscape expands, the sky is reflected in the water, and the wind seems to tell stories of shepherds and ancient snows. It's one of the most contemplative stretches of the entire route.

Orbaneja del Castillo: the town of waterfalls

And then, like something out of a fairy tale, Orbaneja del Castillo appears. This small Burgos village, nestled in a gorge, is a miracle of stone and water. As soon as you arrive, a waterfall flows through the center of the village, cascading from a grotto to form natural pools of turquoise water.

The houses seem carved into the rock. The caves, grottos, and karst formations give it the air of an enchanted village. Here, it's not about visiting: it's about staying, even for a while, simply contemplating.

Final destination: Burgos, history and a well-deserved rest

From Orbaneja, we continue on to Burgos, where our journey ends. Arriving in this Castilian city is like the closing of an unforgettable book. After so much nature, Burgos welcomes us with its Gothic cathedral, the Arlanzón River, and its Castilian atmosphere, sober yet welcoming.

We stayed at the HQ La Galería Hotel and Restaurant, where we finally dropped our backpacks and took a deep breath. Because this wasn't just another hike: it was a complete experience, a journey of emotions, flavors, landscapes, and shared moments.



This route has undoubtedly been another complete and exciting experience on any other journey through Spain. Imposing mountains, fairytale villages, legendary rivers, traditional cuisine, viewpoints that touch the sky, and a variety of landscapes that never cease to amaze—diversity, beauty, authenticity, and soul. A route not only explored with wheels, but also with the heart. Highly recommended for those who love roads steeped in history and nature alive around every bend.