Trekking in Spain - Picos de Europa
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the stunning landscapes of northern Spain. Starting in Bilbao, this adventure takes you to the highest village in the Picos de Europa, Sotres, where you'll stay in a charming family-run hotel. Each day offers a new hiking experience, from exploring the eastern massif to trekking the dramatic Garganta del Cares gorge. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views, historical sites, and local delicacies. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an immersive and enriching experience in one of Spain's most beautiful regions.
Included
A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options
7 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
6 Dinners
Bus, 4WD
7 nights comfortable hotel
Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader's ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.
All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.
Destinations
BilbaoMap
Attractions
Cueva del Queso de Cabrales
Casino of Llanes
Monastery of Santo Toribio de LiebanaDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao and Transfer to Sotres
- Bilbao - Arrival day
- More
Our adventure begins at Bilbao Airport, where we gather at 12pm. From here, we travel to the picturesque village of Sotres, nestled in the Picos de Europa. Our home for the week is the charming Hotel Rural Casa Cipriano (or similar), offering cozy rooms and hearty Asturian cuisine. Enjoy the rustic ambiance and local treats as we settle in for the night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring the Eastern Massif
Day 2: Exploring the Eastern Massif
- Casino of Llanes
- More
Today, we embark on our first hike, starting from Jito de Escarandi. Our trail ascends to Caseton de Andara, offering breathtaking views of the Majada Jazuca Valley and the Canal de las Vacas. We continue to Collado Tramacondiu and circle around Macondiu Peak before descending through Valdediezma Forest. After an 18-kilometer trek, we return to Sotres for a restful evening.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Naranjo de Bulnes
Day 3: Journey to Naranjo de Bulnes
- Bufones de Pría
- Casino of Llanes
- More
We drive to Invernales de Cabao and begin our ascent, passing through Pandebano, a site of historical significance. Our path leads us to the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes, where we marvel at its towering presence. After a 16-kilometer hike, we return to Sotres, having experienced one of the Picos' most famous landmarks.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Sotres to Potes
Day 4: From Sotres to Potes
- Casino of Llanes
- More
We start our day with a drive to Jito de Escarandi, descending through Valdediezma Beech Forest and Sobra Valley. After a lunch break in Treviso, we continue to Urdon, where our bus takes us to Potes. Known for its historical charm and stone bridges, Potes is our base for the night after a 10-kilometer hike.
Day 5 – Day 5: Scenic Walk from Fuente Dé to Sotres
Day 5: Scenic Walk from Fuente Dé to Sotres
- Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana
- More
We drive to Fuente Dé, stopping at the Santo Toribio de Liebana Monastery. A cable car ride takes us up to the rugged plateaux of the Picos, where we enjoy panoramic views. Our hike continues through alpine meadows and the Aliva glacial valley, passing the abandoned Las Manforas mines. After an 18-kilometer trek, we return to Sotres.
Day 6 – Day 6: Trekking the Garganta del Cares
Day 6: Trekking the Garganta del Cares
We drive to Puente Poncebos, where our hike through the dramatic Garganta del Cares begins. This 12-kilometer gorge features paths carved into cliffs, tunnels, and bridges. After a six-hour round trip, we return to Sotres by bus, having experienced one of northern Spain's most stunning natural wonders.
Day 7 – Day 7: Cheese Tasting and Farewell Dinner
Day 7: Cheese Tasting and Farewell Dinner
- Cueva El Soplao
- More
We start our hike from La Caballar, descending through Camba Forest and visiting the Tobaos and Valfrio shepherd's huts. In Tielve, we enjoy a cheese tasting of the renowned Cabrales Cheese. After lunch, we return to Sotres via a traditional path. In the evening, we have the option of a farewell dinner, featuring local dishes and wines, celebrating our journey.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Bilbao
- Bilbao - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, we depart the mountains and drive to Bilbao Airport, aiming to arrive by 11:30am. This marks the end of our unforgettable journey through the Picos de Europa. Safe travels!
Verified reviews
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.