Start planning

Public travel plan

A Two-Day Motorhome Crossing of the Picos de Europa: Panes to Riaño

Follow the N-621 from Panes through Potes and Puerto de San Glorio to Riaño. This is a mountain-road crossing for a large motorhome: the creators travelled in an 8-metre vehicle and describe narrow gorge sections with o…

2 daysUpdated 7 highlights
Open map & itinerary Create your own
Travel inspiration for A Two-Day Motorhome Crossing of the Picos de Europa: Panes to Riaño

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

We crossed the Picos De Europa in a Large Motorhome Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

Follow the N-621 from Panes through Potes and Puerto de San Glorio to Riaño. This is a mountain-road crossing for a large motorhome: the creators travelled in an 8-metre vehicle and describe narrow gorge sections with overhanging rocks between Panes and Potes. Take care when meeting oncoming traffic; they reported that this stretch had since been widened. The roadside service-area car park just after Panes was considered for an overnight stop but rejected because of howling dogs nearby. The creators say snow chains or winter tyres are mandatory on Spanish mountain routes from November through March, with fines of up to €200 for non-compliance. Check current road and equipment requirements before setting out.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Day 1: Panes to Potes

**Road and possible stop:** The N-621 gorge between Panes and Potes is dramatic, with narrow sections and rocks overhanging the road. Use care when passing other vehicles. A car park at the roadside service area just after Panes was considered for an overnight stay, but nearby howling dogs changed that plan. **Potes overnight parking:** The informal motorhome area is on spare, uneven ground behind the Lupa supermarket, with compacted grit and sand. Police patrol it; keep chairs packed away. Wee…

  1. PotesPotes, Cantabria, Spain

    Take a wander through Potes; the creators found it peaceful and charming on a Sunday morning.

  2. Potes informal motorhome parking areaMotorhome parking behind Lupa Supermercado, Potes, Spain

    This informal motorhome parking area is behind the Lupa supermarket, on uneven compacted grit and sand. Police patrol the area; the creators advise against sitting outside in chairs. Weekend noise from revelers, cats and barking dogs is possible, so bring earplugs if staying overnight.

Day 2: Potes over Puerto de San Glorio to Riaño

**Driving:** The Potes–Riaño stretch is about 55 km. It took roughly three hours with sightseeing and lunch stops, compared with about two hours of driving; a map estimate had suggested 1 hour 15 minutes. Expect bends, a climb and possible rough surfaces from winter ice damage, with places to pause for views. Overnight stays at Puerto de San Glorio are allowed only for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. **Lunch:** The creators stopped beside a chapel in Portilla de la Reina for a homemade sandwich in a…

  1. Puerto de San GlorioPuerto de San Glorio, Spain

    At 1,609 metres, this is the route’s high point and a worthwhile place to stop for the views. Snow was still present on March 20 during the creators’ visit, and they stopped for about 20 minutes. Their overnight-stay advice is specific: only vehicles under 3.5 tonnes may stay overnight here.

  2. Portilla de la ReinaPortilla de la Reina, León, Spain

    The creators pulled over beside a chapel in Portilla de la Reina for a homemade sandwich, enjoying a quiet valley setting with distant cattle bells. It was an informal roadside lunch stop, not a named dining venue.

  3. Riaño motorhome stopoverRiaño motorhome stopover, Riaño, León, Spain

    The creators describe this as a free motorhome stopover. Water is available from the football stadium; there are no other services at the stop, so plan supplies accordingly. From beside the stop, walk the waterside path and read its information boards about the community flooded by the reservoir in 1987 and the present town built to replace several villages and parts of others. The creators also recommend boat rides, canoeing and paddleboarding on the reservoir, as well as hiking and climbing in the surrounding area.

  4. Plaza de los PueblosPlaza de los Pueblos, Riaño, León, Spain

    The creators point out a church moved stone by stone from the buried village of Pedrosa del Rey. In the square, look for preserved historic objects including a granary, horseshoe rack and shepherd’s hook.

  5. Columpio de RiañoColumpio de Riaño, Riaño, León, Spain

    The creators highlight Riaño’s 8-metre-high swing overlooking the surrounding landscape. Confirm its location locally before setting out to find it.