Naranjo de Bulnes Mountain
Iconic limestone peak popular with rock climbers
A limestone needle in the Picos de Europa, Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) attracts technical rock climbers and hikers who use nearby Bulnes and mountain refuges to approach the peak.
Naranjo de Bulnes at a Glance#
About Naranjo de Bulnes#
Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Picu Urriellu, is a prominent limestone peak in the Picos de Europa range of Asturias in northern Spain, reaching 2,519 metres in elevation. The mountain is one of the most recognisable summits in the Picos de Europa and a landmark of northern Spanish mountaineering.
The peak is distinguished by its steep, nearly vertical north face of roughly 550 metres, which has established the mountain as a classic and historic rock-climbing objective. Hiking routes approach the massif from nearby valleys and mountain refuges, while technical climbs use established routes on the walls.
The mountain has long been a focal point for climbers and mountain walkers, and its compact, dramatic profile makes it a conspicuous feature within the limestone massif. It sits within the Picos de Europa National Park landscape, characterised by deep gorges and rugged peaks.
Naranjo de Bulnes is located in the Asturias region of northern Spain, within the Picos de Europa mountain system and the municipal area traditionally associated with Cabrales.
- Elevation and climbing face: Rises to 2,519 metres above sea level and presents a near-vertical north face of roughly 550 metres that is a classic objective for technical alpine rock climbing.
How to Get to Naranjo de Bulnes#
Access from Potes or Fuente Dé in Cantabria; Fuente Dé cable car gives panoramic views (then a hike to viewpoints). Mountain approaches also start in Sotres or Bulnes village-Bulnes reachable by footpath or funicular from Poncebos.
Tips for Visiting Naranjo de Bulnes#
- Hire a local mountain guide-routes up Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) are technical and weather-dependent.
- Check conditions: the face is famed for rock-climbing and can be dangerous in rain or wind; seasons matter.
- For non-climbers, viewpoints in Sotres and Bulnes offer dramatic vistas without technical ascent.
Best Time to Visit Naranjo de Bulnes#
Summer is the main climbing season; non-climbers should visit in summer or early autumn for best views and access.
Weather & Climate near Naranjo de Bulnes#
Naranjo de Bulnes's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1337 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 0° | -10° | 147 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 1° | -9° | 118 mm | overcast | 88% | 7.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 3° | -6° | 95 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 5° | -4° | 133 mm | overcast | 80% | 6.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 9° | 1° | 143 mm | overcast | 78% | 5.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 7° | 81 mm | overcast | 74% | 4.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 4.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 4.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.8h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 8° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 122 mm | overcast | 80% | 6.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 4° | -5° | 143 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 156 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
