Campsite Picos de Europa Cat.2

Quiet campsite; pitches were reasonably level and of an acceptable size. The bar was lovely with an enormous open wood fire. The swimming has yet to be commissioned for the summer. Showers and toilets were clean and efficient but when we stayed the larger of the washing machines was out of action, and for some reason or other the electricity supply kept “tripping”. Very little by way of facilities in the local town of Avin though. Excellent site though for walks.

We weren\'t at all sure about this site as we drove in but that was quickly changed with the friendliness of the staff and the relaxed atmosphere. We chose our own pitch, not huge but enough and it was quiet for the first couple of days so not many campers around us. The facilities were really good, though only one hot tap in the washing up area, which is ok but I do wonder why. There is a bar in which we had drinks at but didn\'t sample the food. As we drove to the site, up and up through the foothills of the Picos I did wonder how much road cycling we would actually be able to do. The answer was lots! The road out to Cangas de Onis was lovely to cycle, lots of Spanish cyclists too, all very friendly with a wave and a nod as we went past. Cangas de Onis is a large town with lovely bars and a marathon going on while we were there, I wasn\'t tempted to join in! Covadonga is another lovely ride, Spanish motorists are very accommodating and I never felt at risk on these roads. We attempted the 12km uphill cycle to Covadonga Lakes but the relentless up, up, up got to me about halfway up and so we descended (faster than it took going up!), however hubby went back the next day and conquered the run right the way up to the lakes - an iconic Vuelta ride that Thibaut Pinot had won the previous week. Highly recommended site and general area for cycling and hiking.

Mixed feelings about this site. We chose it because it was an ACSI site (i.e. quality controlled) even though we paid the full price outside the ACSI period. On the plus side the area is beautiful, the climate delightful and the walks enjoyable. The facilities are good and plentiful and the pitches quite well spaced. The site is terraced and split into about 5 zones, and you can walk about and choose where you want to go. There were very few motorhomes and caravans, and the site seems to be a haven for those tenting. Although well spaced, the pitches are quite short, and even at 6m we had difficulty finding a pitch of sufficient length without going sideways. On the negative side the pool needs refurbishment (it was hot and a swim would have been welcome), we were greeted by quite a surly receptionist who obviously thought I had quite a cheek arriving when she was chatting on the telephone, the chemical wc is in the middle of a washing up area, and don\'t get me started on the \'restaurant\'. For an international site there were no signs in anything other than Spanish, and it was obvious this was not helpful to the few Dutch, German and French people passing through as well. Overall, this could be a great site in a gorgeous area, but it\'s not particularly well set up for the non-Spanish visitor.

Our second time of visiting and top our list for a revisit. Great staff and restaurant. Very good value for money.

A great campsite that absolutely matches the ACSI description. The Picos are a beautiful area to visit for both cultural and especially outdoor activities, we hiked and cycled miles directly from the site. The onsite bar we found great value and the meals looked good. We would visit again. Thanks to the staff who were helpful, open and informative.

We stayed in August and this site was very busy however we found it very pleasant. We have a 8m caravan and found room for our awning too. Not much space for our car so was able to park it elsewhere.

There is a lovely swimming pool, trampolines for kids and a very nice restaurant serving a very cheap buffet or tapas. Also the wine is very cheap per bottle. The shop sells all the basics plus bread and croissants. Clean toilets as usual In Spain. The people who run the site are lovely, the young man on reception seems to be there 18 hours a day and will help with anything, he even rang a restaurant and booked it for our anniversary. Casa Marcial, 12 course tasting menu, 2 michelin stars, amazing meal. We got a taxi to the site.

You can walk to restaurant and bars and some caves but everything else is a drive away. No cycling or walking from the site but amazing walks in the Picos, a funicular up or down at Bulnes and a coach journey up to some amazing lakes at Casalunga. The canoeing at Arriondes is great, like a canoe motorway but fun all the same. You have to arrive at 11am and you can canoe for 7/12 or 15 km and be picked up from the other end.

Would highly recommend this site, but they do like you to book it. I can imagine that they would always for you in though. They had some lovely looking wooden huts for rent too.

We will definitely return here. Hard working staff.