Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
5.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
The Picos de Europa (literally 'Peaks of Europe') are arguably the most spectacular mountains in Spain. Although the range measures just 30 miles long and 15 miles wide, it packs in some of the most breathtaking walking in Europe. With soaring limestone peaks, deep gorges, and sweeping views, it's a walker's paradise. Our point-to-point hiking holiday allows you to truly explore the heart of the Picos. Most of the walking is within the Picos de Europa National Park, covering over 600 km², where the highest peak towers above 2,600 metres.
Your adventure begins with two nights in the lively village of Arenas de Cabrales, perfectly placed for the iconic Cares Gorge walk-one of Spain's most famous hikes. From there, you head deeper into the mountains to the highland village of Sotres for two nights, where several circular walks offer incredible panoramic views. The route then takes you across the wild, moonlike landscape of the central massif, descending on the far side to the welcoming village of Espinama for another two nights. After exploring the area via high or low-level trails, you'll follow a verdant agricultural valley to the historic town of Potes, where you spend your final night.
Throughout your journey, you'll stay in charming, family-run hotels and hostels, each with its own unique character and set in the heart of the villages. All rooms come with private bathrooms, and one of the hotels even has a small, seasonally open, swimming pool-perfect for a refreshing dip after a day on the trail. Evening meals often showcase regional specialities such as hearty mountain stews, locally produced cheeses (notably the famous Cabrales), and freshly grilled meats. Breakfasts typically include fresh bread, pastries, fruit, and coffee to set you up for the day's walk.
In this holiday you have a selection of level 2 and level 3 walks, please check on the app or on the Route Notes details before starting your trek. Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.
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.
You stay at Hotel Picos de Europa.
Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
This is a small family run hotel with 35 comfortable bedrooms right in the heart of the village. It has a pretty garden with swimming pool and stunning views to the mountain range above. There is a lounge and restaurant with terrace, which is open to the general public. Packed lunches are also available at an extra cost. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Hotel Picos de Europa.
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTV
This is a small family run hotel with 35 comfortable bedrooms right in the heart of the village. It has a pretty garden with swimming pool and stunning views to the mountain range above. There is a lounge and restaurant with terrace, which is open to the general public. Packed lunches are also available at an extra cost. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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, this is our level 2 boots option). Overnight stay at a friendly family-run hotel in Sotres.
You stay at Hotel Sotres.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
This is another delightful family run hotel with two terraces where you can enjoy the surrounding views all around and a fabulous restaurant on site. The hotel has 12 rooms, mostly with double beds, all en suite. A living room is a relaxing place to sit if you can tear yourself away from the terraces outside. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today you can choose between a shorter walk up to the old mining district of Andara (a 2 boots experience) or 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 (a 3 boots experience). Both walks include short transfers ( included) in the morning to get you to the start of the walk.
You stay at Hotel Sotres.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
This is another delightful family run hotel with two terraces where you can enjoy the surrounding views all around and a fabulous restaurant on site. The hotel has 12 rooms, mostly with double beds, all en suite. A living room is a relaxing place to sit if you can tear yourself away from the terraces outside. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Hostal Remona.
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This rustic guesthouse sits at the entrance to the Picos de Europa National Park, just three minutes from the Fuente De cable car and offers a warm and relaxing base for two days. Set in an historic old house, the lovely restaurant serves delicious homemade traditional cuisine. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Hostal Remona.
ShopsMastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
This rustic guesthouse sits at the entrance to the Picos de Europa National Park, just three minutes from the Fuente De cable car and offers a warm and relaxing base for two days. Set in an historic old house, the lovely restaurant serves delicious homemade traditional cuisine. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Casa Cayo.
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Situated beside the river in this beautiful medieval town, the quaint Casa Cayo with just 16 rooms, offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside from their spacious balconies. They have a traditional Cantabrian restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, private bathroom with WC, and patio with river view.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £173.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
5.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
