Majestic Mountains 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 your airport and take the public bus to Arenas via Cangas de Onis or private transfer by taxi direct to the hotel (both on request). If you arrive early, explore this lovely village before dinner, as there are plenty of shops and eateries at hand.
Stay at the Hotel Picos de Europa with welcome dinner included.

Day 2: Cares Gorge (22km/13.7mi)

For your first day, after a short 10 minute transfer ( included) you will reach the start of the Cares Gorge. This walk is spectacular, with the route taking you out-and-back enjoying spectacular scenery on one of the most famous routes in Spain, a path which follows the amazing engineering feat called the Canal del Cares. Take the bus or a taxi (not included and payable locally) back to your accommodation in Arenas for dinner in the village.
Stay at the Hotel Picos de Europa, breakfast included.

Day 3: Poncebos - Sotres or Tielve - Sotres (9km/5.6mi or 12km/7.5mi)

A short ten minute transfer (included) takes you again to Poncebos where you have the choice of walking or taking the funicular railway to Bulnes, a tiny mountain village with no road access. Follow ancient stone footpaths up among pastures to Sotres, one of the highest villages in the Picos. If the overall ascent seems too tough for today, you have the option of a 20 minute transfer to Tielve and then walking to Sotres via the summer meadows of Valfriu and La Caballar, (this option is slightly shorter, 5½ miles, 3½ hours). Overnight stay at a friendly family-run hotel in Sotres.
Stay at the Hotel Sotres, breakfast and evening meal are included.

Day 4: Circular walks from Sotres (11km/6.8mi or 17km/10.6mi)

Today you can choose between a true alpine hike, a there-and-back route to Vega de Urriellu, at the foot of the most famous summit in the Picos de Europa or a shorter walk up to the old mining district of Andara. Both walks include short transfers ( included) in the morning to get you to the start of the walk.
Stay at the Hotel Sotres, breakfast and evening meal are included.

Day 5: Sotres - Espinama (16km/9.9mi)

Following a Land Rover track through idyllic landscapes of pastures and cabins, you reach Aliva Pass, where thousands of sheep, cows and horses graze in summer on either side of a large glacier moraine. With splendid views to the high peaks of the Central and Eastern Massifs, you make your descent via the Fuente De cable car or on foot through the quiet woodlands of Espinama. There is the possibility of travelling part way with the luggage transfer if you choose.
Stay at the Hostal Remona, Espinama, breakfast and evening meal are included.

Day 6: Circular walks from Espinama (13km/8.1mi)

Again you may choose among different walks starting from Espinama or from the nearby Fuente De cable car station, ( transfer included). Two of the routes take you high up into the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, a moonlike limestone landscape of extreme beauty, home of chamois, vultures and alpine birds. The other two walks lead you through ancient beech and holly woods in the valley. Walking time today from 4 to 5 ½ hours, min ascent 500m, max ascent 1100m. Short transfers are required to some starting points of the walks and are included.
Stay at the Hostal Remona, Espinama, breakfast and evening meal are included.

Day 7: Espinama - Potes (15km/9.3mi)

After several days enjoying alpine landscapes, today you walk back down to 'civilization', along tractor ruts and animal trails through the friendly countryside of Liebana. This valley has a micro-climate which favours all sorts of crops, including grapes used for making 'Orujo', the strong local 'eau-de-vie'. The trail ends at Santo Toribio Monastery, famous for its Lignum Crucis and reproductions of colourful miniatures in the 9th Century 'Beato de Liebana'. From here, you'll walk 1¾ miles on tarmac to your cosy hotel in the medieval centre of Potes. If you prefer, you can ride the first or last part with the luggage transfer (included). Or you could choose to take another day walking in the mountains and travel with the baggage at the end of the day.
Overnight at the Casa Cayo, Potes, breakfast included. Dinner is not included on the last night as there is such a choice of restaurants in this scenic town.

Day 8: Leave Potes

Depart Potes for your journey home, stay a few extra days to enjoy this beautiful medieval town, or travel onto Bilbao or Santander for a few extra nights.
Breakfast included.