Highlights of the Picos de Europa

Walking information

Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.

Day 1: Arrive in Arenas de Cabrales

Arrive at Arenas de Cabrales, the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park, and your hotel for the week Hotel Torrecerredo. Below is a suggested itinerary for the week but you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk each day.
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (evening meal)

Day 2: Juan Robre 12km / 7.3mi

Starting out directly from the hotel, today you will wander up an ancient Roman path to the pastures high above. Leading to the summit of Juan Robre, this is a steep route, with the possibility of sighting eagles and vultures in the thermals and incredible views of Arenas de Cabrales below. The walk takes you back to the hotel.
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal)

Day 3: Senda de Caoru 13km / 8.3mi

Your recommended walk today is the Senda de Caoru, a varied route bringing together the best of Asturian geography, incredible views and a chance to see some of the wildlife endemic to the region. Depending on the time of year, the transfer to the start can be by taxi or public bus (both payable locally) - the hotel can advise. It will drop you at the small village of Tielve, from there a climb up into the mountains takes you along the old roman road, the Cabeza de Caoru, some parts of the old laid stone work are still clearly visible as you descend back to Las Arenas and your hotel. There is nowhere to obtain refreshments until you return to Las Arenas so make sure you pick up your picnic from the hotel. On your return you may wish to visit the Cabrales Cheese Exhibition Cave (not to be missed).
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal)

Day 4: Cares Gorge 22km / 14mi

Partly man made, the 'Divine Gorge' trail, as it is also known, has been in operation since the 1940's when it was created as part of a hydroelectric maintenance route. Now it is one of the most popular in Spain, an incredible engineered path through the gorge, with spectacular mountain peaks all around. It is not one for those who do not like heights or tunnels, as there are a few bridges to cross and as the paths are carved directly into the rock, you will pass through around 70 tunnels, a most memorable day. Transfers to and from the end of the walk can be booked and paid for locally.
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal)

Day 5: Rest day

Today we recommend a rest day. You may want to relax on the terrace with a good book, or take an easy stroll into the town for some shopping. As the hotel restaurant is closed, we recommend you dine at one of the local restaurants nearby, there are plenty to choose from. If a day of rest is not for you, try one of the other activities in the area, canoeing, a trip to the coast or horse-riding, the hotel team will be happy to assist.
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (breakfast only)

Day 6: Lagos de Covadonga 13km / 8.4mi

Heading out today to the Covandonga Lakes, the route takes you through traditional farming land until you reach the municipality of Cangas de Onis and the three glacial lakes that make up Covadonga. The skies are normally full of the regional bird species here, corvids and raptors in particular and if you are lucky, you may even see vultures or an eagle. There are various trails all around the lakes of varying degrees of difficulty. On the way back you may wish to stop at the Santa Cueva and the Basilica of Covandonga, a place of pilgrim worship whose shrine is built into the rocks, and with an intricate natural spring. Transfers to and from the end of the walk can be booked and paid for locally.
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal)

Day 7: Poncebos Bulnes 12km/7.5mi

Your final day starts with a transfer to Poncebos, from where you can take the funicular up to Bulnes, an isolated village only accessible otherwise by foot. From Bulnes you continue on foot to the spectacular Texu Gorge. From there you follow paths through the valleys into the monumental Texu gorge and finish in the colourful village of Sotres, the highest village in the region. There are a few options to shorten the route today; the most obvious removes the 500m climb up from Poncebos, it does also remove the stunning views as you climb the gorge though. Alternatively you could climb up to Bulnes and then take the funicular back to Poncebos. Transfers to and from the end of the walk can be booked and paid for locally.
You stay at the Hotel Torrecerredo (breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal)

Day 8: Leave Arenas de Cabrales

Depart Arenas de Cabrales for your journey home, or travel onto Bilbao or Santander for a few extra nights