Staying in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park is an opportunity to experience the mountains up close. The Valdeón Valley is one of the few settlements situated within a national park. Enjoying it comes with a sense of responsibility: every day-to-day decision, from how we use the heating to what we pack in our rucksacks, can help to preserve this environment.
Our commitment at the campsite
We strive to reduce our consumption of resources without compromising on our guests’ comfort. We use solar power for many of our lights, as well as LEDs for those in regular use. We also use pellets to heat certain buildings and have fitted proper insulation to windows and ceilings to make better use of heat and prevent energy loss.
We know that looking after the environment is an ongoing task. That is why these measures form part of the way we run the campsite and welcome our visitors, but we are constantly learning and growing, striving to improve wherever we can.
Here are a few tips on how to get involved during your stay
Every visitor’s small gestures matter too:
- Save energy and water. Switch off any lights you don’t need, close doors and windows when the heating is on, and avoid leaving the tap running unnecessarily.
- Reduce waste. Bring a reusable bottle, avoid single-use packaging and sort your rubbish wherever possible using the bins provided at the campsite.
- Enjoy the trails with respect. Stick to the marked paths, don’t take shortcuts, and leave plants, stones and other natural features where they are.
- Observe without disturbing. Keep your distance from the animals and try not to disturb the peace and quiet of the place.
- Leave no trace. Pick up all your rubbish, even the smallest bits, and do not light a fire without permission.
If you would like further information, you can read these recommendations online, along with the National Park’s visitor guidelines.
We want every stay to be an opportunity to connect with nature and help to conserve it. We do our bit by implementing energy-saving measures; you can help us by adopting simple habits during your visit. Together, we can continue to enjoy the Picos de Europa whilst treating them with the care they deserve.
Guidelines for observing wildlife with respect
Watching animals in the wild is one of the most special experiences of a visit to the Picos de Europa. In a protected area, the best way to observe wildlife is to enjoy the encounter without disturbing the animals’ behaviour or their habitat. The National Park expressly asks visitors not to disturb the wildlife and to follow the instructions of its rangers.
- Keep your distance. Use binoculars or your camera’s zoom function rather than getting too close. If an animal’s behaviour changes because of your presence, stop moving forward and back away calmly.
- Do not chase or attract animals. Do not offer them food or use bait or sounds to get a photograph or a sighting. These practices can cause disturbance, particularly to the most sensitive birds.
- Take particular care during sensitive periods. Avoid going near nests, young animals or breeding sites. A photograph is never worth putting an animal at risk.
- Please follow the paths and observe the signage. Some areas of the park have access restrictions; check the signs before setting off and do not enter closed-off areas.
- Enjoy the silence. Speak quietly and avoid music or noises that might disturb the peace and quiet of your surroundings.
- Keep your dog on a lead. This will prevent it from disturbing wildlife or livestock. Dogs are not allowed to run free in the National Park.
- Leave your drone at home. Unauthorised use of drones is prohibited in the National Park, not least because of the disturbance they may cause to the animals.
- Leave no trace. Pick up your rubbish and leave the area exactly as you found it.
Wildlife does not stick to a timetable, nor is it guaranteed to make an appearance. Sometimes, the experience involves listening, looking for tracks or gazing at the landscape with patience. And, if you do spot an animal, the most rewarding thing is knowing that it can go about its business without our presence disturbing it.