01799 513331 | 
The Picos de Europa
where the mountains meet the sea
The Cordillera Cantabrica, of which the Picos de Europa form a part, separates the high dry plains of central Spain from the dramatic lush green northern coast of the Bay of Biscay, the Costa Verde.
Indeed, these mountains are so close to the ocean that according to legend, the Picos de Europa (literally the 'Peaks of Europe') got their name from trans-Atlantic sailors approaching northern Europe from the new worlds of the Americas.
Today, most of the region is protected by the Picos de Europa National Park. This centres on a compact and beautiful range of high limestone mountains, which rise up gloriously from the coast and are crowned by many soaring peaks. In many ways, this gem of a range matches step for step the colours and natural drama of the Dolomites.
The range consists of three major massifs: Central, Eastern and Western. The Central and Western massifs are separated by the inspirational, mile-deep Cares Gorge (the Garganta del Cares). With Collett's, you will have the opportunity to walk in this natural phenomenon at least once during your stay.
Culturally, the area is rich, vibrant and traditional. It is famed, amongst other things, for its cider and its piquant blue cheeses, which is traditionally matured in local caves.
