Trekking in Spain - Picos de Europa
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the breathtaking landscapes of the Picos de Europa. Starting in Bilbao, this adventure takes you to the highest village of Sotres, where you'll stay in a cozy family-run hotel. Each day offers a new hiking experience, from exploring the eastern massif and historical sites to traversing dramatic gorges and tasting local delicacies. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and stunning vistas, this tour promises an immersive and enriching journey through 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
- Nueva (Asturias)
- More
Our adventure begins at Bilbao Airport, where we will gather at noon. From there, we will travel together to the picturesque village of Sotres, nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains. Our home for the week is the charming Hotel Rural Casa Cipriano (or similar), offering cozy rooms and a delightful restaurant serving hearty Asturian cuisine. Unwind with a local cider by the fire or explore the family-run shop for local treats.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring the Eastern Massif
Day 2: Exploring the Eastern Massif
- Collado de Llesba
- Casino of Llanes
- Área recreativa Asiegu
- More
Today, we embark on our first hike, starting from Jito de Escarandi. We will ascend to Caseton de Andara, enjoying breathtaking views of the Majada Jazuca Valley and the Cantabrian coast. Our journey continues to Collado Tramacondiu and through Valdediezma Forest before returning to Sotres. This 18-kilometer trek will take approximately six hours, offering a perfect blend of challenging climbs and rewarding vistas.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Historical Pandebano
Day 3: Discovering Historical Pandebano
- Bufones de Pría
- Casino of Llanes
- Puerto de Pandetrave
- More
We start our day with a drive to Invernales de Cabao, crossing the river and ascending to a viewpoint overlooking Sotres. Our path leads us to the historic hamlet of Pandebano, where a significant battle took place in AD718. We continue to the base of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes, where we may witness climbers tackling its sheer face. This 16-kilometer hike, taking around six and a half hours, offers a mix of history and natural beauty.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Forest Trails to Medieval Potes
Day 4: From Forest Trails to Medieval Potes
- Fayéu Peloñu
- Collado de Llesba
- Casino of Llanes
- More
Our day begins with a drive to Jito de Escarandi, followed by a walk through the Valdediezma beech forest and Sobra Valley. We will stop for lunch in Treviso before continuing to Urdon, where our bus will take us to the charming medieval village of Potes. Known for its stone bridges and historical architecture, Potes offers a delightful setting for an evening stroll. Today's 10-kilometer walk will take around five hours.
Day 5 – Day 5: Panoramic Views and Historical Sites
Day 5: Panoramic Views and Historical Sites
- La Fuentona
- Puente La Jaya
- Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana
- More
We begin with a drive to Fuente Dé, stopping at the Santo Toribio de Liebana Monastery. A cable car ride will take us up 1,000 meters to the rugged plateaux of the Picos, offering panoramic views. We will hike through alpine meadows and the Aliva glacial valley, stopping for a picnic and to explore the abandoned Las Manforas mines. This 18-kilometer walk will take around five hours, ending back in Sotres.
Day 6 – Day 6: The Dramatic Cares Gorge
Day 6: The Dramatic Cares Gorge
- Puente La Jaya
- Mirador Fuente del Chivo
- More
Today's adventure takes us to Puente Poncebos, where we will begin our hike through the stunning Garganta del Cares. This dramatic gorge, with its cliffs and tunnels, offers one of the most spectacular walks in northern Spain. The 24-kilometer round trip will take around six hours, providing unforgettable views and a sense of accomplishment. We will return to Sotres for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7 – Day 7: Cheese Tasting and Scenic Trails
Day 7: Cheese Tasting and Scenic Trails
- Cascade Aguasaliu
- Estación De Desove De Salmones (La Salmonera de Cañu)
- Cueva El Soplao
- More
We start with a bus ride to La Caballar, followed by a hike through Camba Forest to the old Tobaos and Valfrio shepherd's huts. We will enjoy views of the central massif before heading to Tielve for a cheese tasting experience. The Cabrales Cheese de Tielve is renowned for its rich flavor and tradition. After lunch, we will return to Sotres via an old traditional path. This 10-kilometer walk will take around four and a half hours. In the evening, we have the option of a farewell dinner featuring local dishes and wines.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Bilbao
- Bilbao - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, we will depart from the mountains and drive to Bilbao Airport, aiming to arrive by 11:30 am. This marks the end of our incredible journey through the Picos de Europa. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural richness of northern Spain.
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