Time Out has ranked the 51 most beautiful places in the world, and the top spot goes to Spain’s Picos de Europa mountain range that’s just a two-hour flight from the UK with Ryanair
The Picos de Europa is in Spain and located just over 12 miles from the coastline(Image: Manuel ROMARIS via Getty Images)
The world is brimming with extraordinary destinations to discover, and pinpointing the most stunning is no easy feat, but Time Out has tackled the task.
The publication recently unveiled a list of the 51 most beautiful places in the world, featuring everything from lakes to beaches, National Parks, libraries, vineyards, and historic towns. Yet, claiming the number one position is a breathtaking mountain range that provides remarkable hiking opportunities, and it’s merely a two-hour flight from the UK.
The Picos de Europa in Spain is a striking, rugged limestone mountain range that soars to a height of 2,650 metres. Located just over 12 miles from the coastline, the mountains ascend steeply, forming deep gorges to discover, reports Express.
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One route, the Cares Trail, ranks among the most sought-after walks in Spain, tracing a canyon and passing through craggy peaks and cascading waterfalls.
Spanning 13 miles in total, it’s not suitable for novices, though its gentle inclines make it achievable for walkers who can manage the distance. A straightforward choice is to board the Fuente Dé cable car, whisking you up the mountainside in moments and letting you relax and admire the verdant landscape below.
Upon reaching the summit, you can also explore additional hiking trails, including some demanding, steep climbs that provide spectacular vistas.
The mountains form part of the broader Picos de Europa National Park, and this region features the Lakes of Covadonga. These glistening blue waters are encircled by peaks and vegetation and resemble landscapes you’d encounter in Scotland or the Lake District, making it difficult to believe you’re in Spain.
This protected national park is abundant with wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, vultures, and eagles, and you’ll probably encounter mountain goats and vibrant butterflies amongst the limestone surroundings.
At the foot of the mountains, you can discover towns like the medieval Potes, brimming with centuries-old stone and half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets that lend it a rustic allure.
The town’s centrepiece is the Torre del Infantado, a 15th-century tower once the residence of medieval royalty, now a museum with a rooftop terrace providing sweeping views of the town.
Arenas de Cabrales on the park’s periphery is another favoured spot to stay. It’s renowned for producing Cabrales cheese, and has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot due to its plethora of acclaimed restaurants serving Northern Spanish cuisine.
Don’t expect to find paella on the menu. In this region, the dishes are hearty and rustic, such as bean stews and grilled meat, with ingredients sourced locally from the mountains.
The Picos de Europa is just under two hours from Santander Airport, and is serviced by airlines including Ryanair. Routes from the UK to Santander operate year-round from Edinburgh and London-Stansted, and seasonal flights operate from Birmingham and Manchester. Flights start from just £15 one-way and take 2 hours from the UK.
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