Learn Spanish in Picos

Picos de Europa spans 700 km2 of Cantabria, Asturias and Leon and is the largest national park in Europe. The park is characterised by jagged limestone spires and peaks, deep ravines, lush green valleys and simple rustic communities. highest peaks are over 2,500m high whilst the valleys below are as low as 300m above sea level.

In the higher reaches of the park you are likely to see griffon vultures, kestrels, wall creepers and wild mountain goats. Closer to the sea, the park contains the best preserved Atlantic woodlands in Spain and is home to some of the last remaining bears and wolves in Europe. Culturally, the area has a rich history. The prehistoric cave paintings of Altamira have been called,"The Sistine Chapel of primitive art". There are many wonderful examples of Romanesque churches as Asturias was the starting point of the Christian re-conquest of Spain. To this day it is retains its special religious importance. The Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liebana, in the heart of the park, ranks alongside Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela in being the only places where you can earn forgiveness for your sins by visiting in a jubilee year. The rural culture is very strong and is reflected in the delicious variety of wine, cider cheese and other foods of the region.