Climbing in Northern Spain: The most beautiful climbing areas between sea and mountains
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Climbing in northern Spain combines sea views, lonely limestone walls and wild mountain landscapes between the Basque Country, Asturias and the Picos de Europa.
In this post I reveal my personal climbing highlights with information on routes, difficulty and what the atmosphere at the rock was like.
Northern Spain is no longer a hidden gem among hikers. Surprisingly few people know that some of Spain's most beautiful climbing areas are also tucked away between the Basque Country, Asturias, and the Picos de Europa.
That's precisely what makes it so appealing:
Instead of overcrowded hotspots, you'll find secluded limestone cliffs, small villages, green valleys and climbing rocks right by the sea.
During our trip through northern Spain, we tested very different areas – from the small local spot in the Basque Country to huge climbing regions with thousands of routes in Asturias.
Don’t expect any great photos. In the end, my sister’s safety was more important to me than action shots. 😉
Here are our personal highlights:
Azpeitiko Kantera in the Basque Country
Small local spot near Azkoitia
Azpeitiko Kantera is a small former quarry in the Basque Country with just over 30 sport climbing routes between 5+ and 7b+.
Here you'll mostly meet locals – and that's precisely what makes the atmosphere so special. When we arrived, the locals immediately shared their food with us, and one even walked us to the starting point.
The routes are short, technical, and perfect for a relaxed day of climbing.
Click on the first picture:
Bejes Pueblo (Picos de Europa)
Climbing with a view of the mountains
The small village of Bejes is spectacularly situated in the Picos de Europa mountains and is well worth the journey.
The climbing area mainly offers well-protected sport climbing routes in the 6a to 6b range on high limestone walls.
The view over the village and the surrounding mountains is particularly beautiful.
However, the journey there is long – Bejes is located in a dead end deep in the Picos mountains.
We combined the climbing day with a hike to Caseta de Andra.
Cueva del Mar (Asturias)
Climbing right by the sea
Cueva del Mar is definitely one of the most extraordinary climbing spots of our trip.
The short, challenging routes are located right on the coast. You can jump into the sea between attempts.
However, parking becomes difficult during peak season.
Click on the first picture:
Espolón Pelúgano – Sector Oceano Sin Limite
Solitary sport climbing in Asturias
This huge climbing area is particularly impressive due to its high walls and complete tranquility.
When we were there, we had the entire rock to ourselves.
The routes, which reach up to 21 meters in height, are mostly between 6a+ and 7a+; in total there are around 45 routes from 5a to 7c+.
Click on the first picture:
Naranjo de Bulnes in the Picos de Europa
The most famous climbing wall in northern Spain
The most famous climbing mountain in northern Spain is probably the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) in the Picos de Europa.
The striking limestone wall is legendary among mountaineers and is one of the most famous multi-pitch climbing areas in Spain. The steep west face, in particular, has attracted climbers from all over the world for decades.
We ourselves only hiked along the foot of the mountain ( here's the blog post about our hut tour ) and spent the night in the Refugio Vega de Urriello .
The mere sight of the enormous wall is impressive.
Valle del Lago (Somiedo)
My favorite climbing area in northern Spain
Valle del Lago in the Somiedo Nature Park was probably my personal highlight.
The well-protected, often slabby routes are situated in a stunning location above the valley. Add to that green mountains, cows, and absolute tranquility. The routes range from 4c to 7b+.
The combination of climbing and hiking is perfect.
Somiedo is already one of the most beautiful landscapes in Asturias.
Click on the first picture:
Valles del Trubia & Teverga
Asturias' climbing paradise
The Valles del Trubia region is considered one of the largest climbing areas in northern Spain.
Around Teverga alone there are over 1000 routes – in total there are almost 2000 in the region.
There's something for everyone here: from beginner slabs to extremely difficult overhangs.
👉 Teverga:
San Fausto
Hard Grading
On the way back we stopped in San Fausto.
The area is generally considered a good spot for easier routes – however, we apparently ended up in the wrong sector.
The tours felt extremely difficult for the grade and quite polished.
Climbing guide for Northern Spain
Anyone who doesn't just want to have the topos digitally should take a look at the climbing guide "Roca Verde 3A – Sport Climbing in North-West Spain".
Conclusion: Is climbing in northern Spain worthwhile?
Definitely.
Northern Spain combines spectacular landscapes with surprisingly uncrowded climbing areas. The mix of sea, mountains, green valleys, and relaxed atmosphere makes the region particularly unique.
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