Every autumn, Cabrales hears more than just the river. The Subida a Cabrales – Gran Premio Ayuntamiento de Cabrales is a hill-climb car race held in October in the municipality itself, and since 2024 it has been the event that closes the Asturias Hill Climb Championship.
If you like cars, it is a good excuse to come. And if you are bringing someone who could not care less, relax: the valley has plans for everyone.
What the Subida a Cabrales is
A hill climb is a race against the clock: drivers set off one at a time and tackle a stretch of road closed to traffic, uphill. The fastest time wins. There is no overtaking and no laps, just bends and a stopwatch, so from the roadside you see every car go past flat out, one after another.
It is organised by the Automóvil Club Cabrales and it is a young event: the first edition was in 2023.
When it takes place
Always in October, at a weekend. These have been the dates of its editions so far:
- 2023 (1st edition): 21 October.
- 2024 (2nd edition): 5 and 6 October, final round of the championship.
- 2025 (3rd edition): 11 October, final round of the championship.
- 2026 (4th edition): 2 and 3 October, final round of the championship.
Each year's date appears in the calendar of the Asturias Motorsport Federation and on the official Subida a Cabrales website. When it runs over two days, Saturday is the main race day.
Times, access and route: where to find them
The organisers publish the programme on the official website, which has a section for spectators with access points to the course, timetables, a route map and the entry list. On race day you can also follow live times on the same site.
Our advice is to check it a couple of days before you come. As with any hill climb, the road is closed during the event, and it is worth knowing where to get in and when, so you do not end up on the wrong side of the closure.
If you are staying with us, just ask on WhatsApp. Whatever we know about the programme, we will happily pass on.
Tips for watching it
Arrive early. The best spots along the course fill up fast, and once the road is closed, getting around by car gets complicated.
Only stand where the organisers say. Spectator areas are designed so you see well and stay safe. A great bend outside the permitted zone is not worth it.
Wrap up. In October, first thing in the morning, the valley is chilly and the mountain weather can change quickly. Jacket, something waterproof and comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for hours.
Bring something to eat. A sandwich and a flask make the morning much easier.
And when the engines fall silent
The nice thing about a race in Cabrales is that the rest of the weekend sorts itself out. You are at the gates of the Picos de Europa National Park, with plans for every pace:
- The Cares Trail, which starts in Poncebos, 6 km away.
- Heading up towards Tielve and Sotres, or going to see the Naranjo de Bulnes.
- An easy stroll through the Foces del Casaño, the easiest walk in the municipality.
- The Lakes of Covadonga, an hour away. Before you go, check when you can drive up: in early October the bus is usually still running.
And to eat, what this place is known for: Cabrales cheese, a fabada to warm up and properly poured cider.
October in Cabrales
We love October. There are fewer people than in summer, the beech woods start turning yellow and red, and in the morning the mist clings to the slopes until the sun comes out. It is cool enough to walk comfortably, and you feel like heading home early.
If it coincides with the race, even better: the morning for the cars, the afternoon for the mountains and the evening for a good Asturian dinner.
Where to stay: El Ardinal, in Arenas de Cabrales
Our apartments are in Barrio de Río, in Arenas de Cabrales. There are five: four for 2 to 4 guests, and Cares, for up to 6. So they work just as well for a couple as for a group of fans travelling together.
Having your own kitchen helps a lot on a weekend like this: you can fill the flask before heading out and have a relaxed dinner if the restaurants are full. And being in the village itself, you can do plenty without taking the car.
The Subida weekend is one of the busiest of the autumn in the valley, so it is best not to leave it to the last minute. Check availability and book here, directly with us.
