Bulnes is small, tough to reach, and worth the effort. I especially like the combo of Cares Gorge scenery at Poncebos and the weird, wonderful underground funicular ride to a village you can’t reach by road. The day is long (8–12 hours) and includes walking, plus the cave stop and village commentary move fast enough that you’ll want comfortable shoes and a little patience.

I also like that you get more than photos: you’ll have a guided look at Bulnes and the Cueva del Queso process, then finish with a tasting that actually fits the place. Still, if you’re hoping for tons of free time to roam, plan to be on a schedule and use your breaks wisely.

Key things to know before you go

• The Poncebos start is built around La Garganta Divina (Cares Gorge), so your first payoff is the gorge itself, not just a bus ride.
• Funicular de Bulnes is underground and quick (about 8 minutes), so don’t expect scenic views from inside.
• Bulnes is intentionally quiet: cobbled lanes, traditional houses, a small chapel, and very limited phone coverage.
• Picu Urriellu is the star: the village viewpoint is timed into the visit.
• Cueva del Queso is about tradition, with a guided look at Cabrales cheese-making and a cider pairing.
• Lunch access is handled, but lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll handle meals.

A Full-Day Route from Poncebos to Bulnes and Cabrales Cheese

This is the kind of day trip that makes the Picos feel real. You start at Poncebos along the Cares River, then work your way into Bulnes, the iconic village of the Picos de Europa that isn’t connected to the road network. After that, you head to Arenas de Cabrales for the Cueva del Queso experience and a Cabrales cheese tasting with cider.

The rhythm matters. You’re not just ticking off stops—you’re moving through different versions of “wow”: gorge views early, a hard-to-reach village in the middle, then a food tradition you can taste at the end.

Poncebos and the Cares Gorge Views: Start with La Garganta Divina

Poncebos is where the famous Cares Route begins, and it earns the hype. You’ll take in the dramatic setting of the gorge—often called La Garganta Divina—where the Cares has cut through steep rock walls over time. The viewpoint time here is a good way to set your expectations: you’re in canyon country, not a gentle stroll between meadows.

You’ll likely pause at Poncebos and soak up the river-and-rock contrast. Even if you don’t plan to hike the entire Cares Route on your own, this stop gives you the core feeling: narrow canyon, towering sides, and that sense of space opening up once you look down the gorge.

Practical note: the day includes more walking later, so treat Poncebos as your “reset” moment. Wear shoes you trust.

Funicular de Bulnes: The 8-Minute Underground Ride to a No-Road Village

Getting to Bulnes is part of the fun. The Funicular de Bulnes takes about 8 minutes, and it’s described as completely underground—moving through the mountain so you can reach the village that can’t be reached by road.

Here’s the key expectation-setter: because it’s underground, don’t plan on scenic views from the funicular. Your payoff is the arrival. When the ride ends, you immediately feel like you’ve crossed into a different world—one that’s isolated on purpose.

This is also one of those small moments where good planning saves your energy. If you’ve ever tried to reach remote villages by squeezing in too much self-guided time, this route does the hard part for you, then spends the rest of the day on the places that matter.

Bulnes Village Tour: Chapel Time, Cobbled Lanes, and Picu Urriellu

Bulnes isn’t a theme park. It’s a working, lived-in village with a slower pace. The guided portion focuses on the character of the place: cobbled streets, traditional houses, and a quiet atmosphere that feels like it hasn’t rushed to update itself.

Two highlights tend to hit hard when you’re actually there:

• The chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a small stop that fits the village scale.
• The viewpoint over Picu Urriellu (Naranjo de Bulnes), one of Spain’s best-known peaks for climbers and mountain-lovers.

And yes, the “offline” feeling is real. Bulnes has very limited cell phone coverage, so the village time can help you put the day on pause. It’s a welcome contrast to the bus-and-translation pace that starts earlier.

Small consideration: Bulnes is not about long meandering. Expect a guided tour plus some free time, but it’s still a “structured wander,” not hours of solo roaming.

The Walking and Train Segments: Where the Day’s Time Budget Goes

This trip runs for 8–12 hours, and a chunk of that is movement. Between the transfers and the in-area segments, the day uses a mix of bus/coach, funicular, and train-like segments, plus a walk of about an hour.

That hour of walking is your real workload variable. It’s not described as a rugged mountain climb, but it is still walking—so bring comfortable shoes and don’t count on being able to “shuffle” through it in sandals. The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, which is worth taking seriously before you book.

One more timing detail: the funicular stop includes a short break and then more scheduled segments. If you want to take photos, use your first Bulnes break strategically. Once you’re in the village, the most rewarding views are often at the viewpoint and the quieter lanes, not at random roadside moments.

Cueva del Queso in Arenas de Cabrales: Seeing How Cabrales Cheese Gets Made

After the Picos portion, you shift to Arenas de Cabrales, the birthplace of Cabrales cheese. The Cueva del Queso visit is guided and designed to show you the traditional process behind the cheese, passed down over generations.

This is one of those experiences where the “what” is simple—cheese in a cave—but the “how” gives you a deeper respect for the product. The guidance explains the method, and you’ll hear how Cabrales became a hallmark of Asturian cuisine.

A practical heads-up from real-world experience: cave tours can move quickly, and sometimes translation depends on how the guide delivers information. In this case, you may get text support via an iPad, but if the Spanish is fast, it can be hard to read every line. Your best move is to focus on the big picture cues and enjoy the environment itself—cool, dim, and very different from an ordinary shop visit.

Cabrales Tasting with Asturian Cider: How to Make the Most of the Pairing

The day closes with a final tasting of Cabrales cheese paired with Asturian cider. This is the part that turns “information” into something you’ll remember later.

Cabrales has a strong identity, and the cider is there for balance. When you taste, I’d treat it like a comparison exercise: note the cheese character first, then how the cider changes it. That pairing is basically the region’s comfort food logic—something you can understand fast even if you’re not a cheese expert.

Also, it helps that the tasting is not tacked on randomly. It follows the cave visit, so you’re still thinking about process and aging methods when you try the finished product.

Price and Value for $81: What’s Included and What You Still Need

At about $81 per person, the value comes from stacking several things you’d otherwise have to arrange separately.

Here’s what the price covers, based on what’s listed as included:

• Expert tour guide
• Round-trip transfers by private bus
• Bulnes funicular ticket
• Guided tour of Bulnes
• Guaranteed access to Bulnes for lunch (but lunch itself is not included)
• Guided Cheese Cave visit + tasting with cider

One ticket alone is listed as worth $26.99, which helps you see why this doesn’t feel like a random “walking tour with a snack.” You’re paying for transport, guided access to a hard-to-reach village, and the structured cheese cave visit.

What you’ll still manage on your own:

• Extra food and drinks not mentioned in the day’s plan
• Your personal lunch choice (since lunch is guaranteed access, not included)

If you hate hunting for parking, paying for multiple transport tickets, and trying to coordinate your own timing to Bulnes, this kind of all-in-one day trip usually makes sense.

Who This Picos Day Trip Fits Best

This tour is a good fit if you want classic Picos de Europa highlights without planning a complex day yourself. I’d especially recommend it for:

• People who love views from the Cares Gorge area
• Anyone curious about Cabrales cheese traditions beyond tasting it in a store
• Travelers who enjoy a guided structure but still want time to wander Bulnes

It’s less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair access or mobility accommodations (the trip isn’t set up for that)
• You prefer lighter walking and lots of downtime
• You expect scenic visuals from inside the funicular (it’s underground)

Should You Book the Bulnes and Cabrales Cheese Day Trip?

I’d book it if your dream day in Asturias includes the “hard-to-reach village” feeling plus a real cultural stop you can taste at the end. The funicular into Bulnes, the viewpoint over Picu Urriellu, and the Cueva del Queso guided visit make this more than a simple sightseeing loop.

I’d think twice if you’re easily worn down by long days or you want a fully flexible schedule. This is a set plan, and the walking hour means you’ll want your body ready.

If you’re the type who likes your travel with both scenery and a food payoff, this one is a strong match—and the cider-tasting finish is a practical reason to end the day happy instead of just tired.

FAQ

How long is the Bulnes and Cabrales cheese cave excursion?

The tour lasts 8 to 12 hours, depending on the starting time you choose.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point can vary by the option you book. Drop-offs and pickup locations include Cangas de Onís (bus station and nearby addresses) and Oviedo (including areas around C. Uría, 58 and Buendía Store).

Does the ticket price include the Bulnes funicular?

Yes. The tour includes the Bulnes funicular ticket, listed as valued at $26.99.

Is lunch included?

You have guaranteed access to Bulnes for lunch, but lunch itself is not included.

What happens in Bulnes during the visit?

You’ll get a guided tour of Bulnes, plus time to explore. The plan includes key village spots like the chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and a viewpoint for Picu Urriellu (Naranjo de Bulnes).

Will I see views from inside the funicular?

The funicular is described as completely underground, so you shouldn’t plan on scenic views during the ride.

Where is the cheese experience, and what do you do there?

The cheese cave visit is at Arenas de Cabrales. You’ll get a guided visit to the Cheese Cave and then a tasting of Cabrales cheese with Asturian cider.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The day involves walking.