The Áliva refuge sits on the pasture of the same name, at the heart of the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa. Unlike a typical mountain hut, Áliva is a hotel-style refuge, with rooms, a restaurant and full service, run by the regional government of Cantabria.
The usual way to get there is from Fuente Dé: take the cable car up to the Cable viewpoint (1,847 m) and from there walk some 8 km of high-mountain track, mostly downhill, crossing the pastures and viewpoints with the Picos all around you. The traverse is within reach of anyone with basic fitness.
A good plan: take the cable car up in the morning, walk to Áliva for lunch, and descend on foot to Espinama or Cosgaya through the valley. It’s 60 minutes from Alles to Fuente Dé, going through Potes and the Liébana valley.
