Walking in the Picos de Europa

This trip is best suited to keen walkers who want to experience the very best of Spain. The walks are between 4 & 6 hours each day with varying ascents and descents. They reward with fabulous views and new discoveries around every corner.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

This walking tour is graded Moderate overall. Walks are between 4-7 hours and there is an ascent/descent of between 600m to 1135m. The hike covers varied terrain following jeep tracks, wide paths, narrow footpaths and animal trails with some steep ascents or descents. You will walk on gravel, loose rock, grass and dirt. When wet, paths may be muddy and slippery. There are also a couple of exposed sections which would not be suitable for anybody who suffers from vertigo although we can provide options to avoid these sections. These sections are on the walks on Days 5 and 7. Days 5 and 7 are also graded as Moderate-Strenuous due to the fact that they involved more ascent/descent and/or are longer days. On Days 2, 6 and 7 there are options of different walks. Our grading is based on choosing the most difficult walk so the actual walk you choose on those days may be easy-moderate rather than moderate. We recommend using walking poles for balance on this tour.

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.  We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family-run accommodations.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included at the Arenas de Cabrales and the Sotres Hotel each morning and 4 dinners whilst at the Sotres Hotel.  The accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day.

The routes on this trip are generally marked but this can be poor in places and you will need to follow the route notes and maps supplied. You will be walking in the high mountains and the ability to navigate with a map and compass in the event of bad weather is recommended.

This holiday is available to start any day of the week between the end of April and end of October. Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

The weather in this part of Spain is most comfortable for mountain walking at this time of year, and whilst sudden mists are common they usually burn off by mid-day. As with all mountainous areas and particularly because of the proximity of the mountains to the coast in this area, the weather can also change suddenly and there can be sudden rain-showers, or even snow at any time of year so you should be prepared for all weather conditions with waterproof gear and plenty of sunscreen!  We also recommend checking daily weather forecasts whilst you are out there and taking care when crossing streams which may fill up during the spring and autumn.

From Bilbao Airport - Take a bus or taxi (Approx 25€)to the centre of Bilbao. From Bilbao bus station take a bus to Unquera (2.5 to 3hrs).  From Unquera you take a taxi to Arenas de Cabrales (45mins, included in tour cost).

From Santander Airport - Take a bus or taxi to the centre of Santander (15mins). From Santander bus station take the bus to Unquera (1hr 20mins). From Unquera take a taxi to Arenas de Cabrales (45 mins, included in tour cost).

We can also arrange private transfers directly to Arenas de Cabrales from either Bilbao or Santander Airports Please ask for more information and prices if you require this. 

For further information please refer to our travel blog.

To Bilbao Airport - On your final day, an included transfer will take you from Arenas de Cabrales back to Unquera. From Unquera, take a bus back to Bilbao (2.5 to 3hrs). Take a bus or taxi (Approx 25€) from the centre of Bilbao to the airport. 

To Oviedo Airport - On your final day, an included transfer will take you from Arenas de Cabrales back to Unquera. From Unquera, take a bus back to Oviedo (2hrs). Take a bus or taxi from the centre of Oviedo (45mins) to the airport.

To Santander Airport - On your final day, an included transfer will take you from Arenas de Cabrales back to Unquera. From Unquera, take a bus back to Santander (1hr 20min). Take a bus or taxi from the centre of Santander (15mins) to the airport.

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.