Hiking in the Picos de Europa

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

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8 Days From

$830

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Picos de Europa with our "Walking in the Picos de Europa" tour. Explore the enchanting Spanish countryside, featuring mysterious woods, expansive glacier valleys, and striking limestone formations, including the iconic Picu Urriellu. Stay in charming, family-run hotels in authentic Spanish villages, and savor local delicacies like Cabrales blue cheese and Asturian apple cider. This self-guided adventure offers a variety of walks, from tranquil farming tracks to challenging mountain paths, with opportunities to witness stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Enjoy the comfort of well-appointed accommodations, including a night in a mountain hut, and benefit from luggage transfers and detailed route notes. Perfect for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Exploring the unique countryside with its mysterious woods, wide glacier valleys and limestone rock formations, including the famous Picu Urriellu

  • Sampling delicious Cabrales blue cheese, sparkling Asturian apple cider and regional specialities

  • Visiting the parish church with its Romanesque portal and paintings in Arenas de Cabrales

  • Walking through beech forests to Sotres, one of the highest villages in the Picos de Europa

  • Circular walk of the eastern Andara massif of the Picos with views to the Cantabrian Sea

  • Ascend to the foot of the west face of Naranjo de Bulnes

  • Descend to Bulnes and walk through the spectacular Texu gorge

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Arenas De Cabrales

Location: Arenas de Cabrales

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Arenas de Cabrales

Meals Included: Dinner

On arrival in Arenas de Cabrales, make your way to your hotel located in the centre of the village. We recommend you try the local cider on one of the terraces, visit the parish church with its Romanesque portal and paintings or head to the “Cueva del Queso” Museum, where you get a brief explanation of how the local blue cheese is made. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Loop Walk Along Farming Tracks To Poo De Cabrales (3.5-4Hrs)

Location: Arenas de Cabrales

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Arenas de Cabrales

Meals Included: Breakfast

For a marvellous start to the week, enjoy a quiet walk along farming tracks between Arenas and Poo de Cabrales. If you want to extend your route until Humones Col, you can follow the EXT route and, if you feel up to it, walk a bit further for amazing views of the valley of Cabrales at your feet. Overnight in Arenas with dinner at leisure.
Walking: 9.5-12km/5.9-7.5mi, 380-560m/1246-1837ft ascent and descent

Day 3 : Transfer To Tielve And Walk Through Beech Forests To Sotres (4Hrs)

Location: Picos de Europa

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Sotres

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a short morning transfer, you will start a lovely mountain walk from Tielve, one of the most authentic villages in this part of the Picos. First you ascend to the summer meadows and cabins above Tielve, enjoying magnificent views over the Picos. You then climb steadily through a fairytale landscape of heather, old beech trees and streams to the pass at La Caballar (1240m), then down to Sotres (1050m), one of the highest villages in the Picos de Europa. Today's route also includes a walk to Valfríu, where the local famous blue cheese, Queso de Cabrales, is produced. Overnight in Sotres.
Walking: 4hrs, 9km/5.6mi, 575m/1886ft ascent, 250m/820ft descent

Day 4 : Walk The Eastern Massif Of The Picos (5.5 Or 8.5Hrs)

Location: Picos de Europa

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Sotres

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today there is a circular walk of the eastern Andara massif of the Picos, an area exploited by mining industries in the 19th century. After a short transfer to Hitu Escarandi, the walk begins through surprisingly varied terrain. Initially there is a steep ascent along a former mining track and along some rocky paths. You then walk around an impressive limestone peak in the heart of the massif, later following cattle trails through woods, fields of heather and pastures back to Sotres. You can enjoy exploring the strange moon-like landscape of karst, with views to the Cantabrian Sea on a clear day and spot a variety of alpine flora. There is a good chance of seeing chamois, vultures and different species of eagles. There are several options to shorten or extend the walk. Overnight in Sotres.
Walking: 5.5hrs option: 12km/7.5mi, 550m/1804ft ascent, 840m/2755ft descent or 8.5hrs option: 18.5km/11.5mi, 1045m/3428ft ascent, 1335m/4379ft descent

Day 5 : Choice Of Walks Near Sotres (2.5 Or 6.5Hrs)

Location: Sotres

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Sotres

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you can choose from three walks depending on the weather and your personal preference. There's a 20 minute transfer (included) before a 6.5 hour walk through the meadows and beech woods of the neighbouring village of Tresviso, where the rare Urugallo, or local Capercaille, lives. A technically easy but long option (also 6.5 hours) starts with a short transfer (included) then it's up and down to the summer meadows of Áliva to 1650m through an interesting glacial valley in the shadow of the impressive limestone walls of the central and oriental massifs. Half way you can take a rest at the Hotel Refugio de Áliva, which has extraordinary views from the terrace. Or there's a quiet 2.5hrs walk through woods and fields enjoying the quiet surrounds of Sotres village. Overnight in Sotres.
Walking: 2.5 to 6.5hrs, 6 to 18.5km/3.7 to 11.2mi, 300 to 755m/984 to 2477ft ascent/descent

Day 6 : Ascend To The Foot Of The West Face Of Naranjo De Bulnes (5.5Hrs)

Location: Picos de Europa

Accommodation Name: Mountain hut at Vega de Urriellu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This spectacular route takes you up to the mountain hut at Vega de Urriellu (2000m), at the foot of the impressive Picu Urriellu, also known as the Naranjo de Bulnes. You start from the hotel and first walk quietly along tracks and footpaths through the meadows to the wide saddle Collado Pandebano at 1240m. From here the climbing gets serious. A stone footpath takes you up in 2.5-3 hours to a lunar landscape of outstanding beauty in the heart of the Picos de Europa, home of chamois, vultures and choughs. Overnight in mountain hut.
Walking: 5.5-6hrs, 11.8km/7.3mi, 1085m/3559ft ascent, 180m/590ft descent
**Note: there is no luggage transfer today so you will need to carry your overnight items including a sleeping sheet in your backpack.**
Note: in spring and autumn it may not be possible to ascend to the refuge due to snow. In this case, you will be booked to stay another night in Sotres with walking options as per day 5. At other times you can choose to stay in Sotres tonight and do a day walk to/from the refuge (subject to weather) - 7hrs, 19km/11.8mi.
A supplement applies to stay in Sotres. It is also possible to stay one less night in Sotres (becomes a 7 day trip) - discount applies.

Day 7 : Descend To Bulnes And Walk Through Gorges, Return To Arenas (5Hrs)

Location: Arenas de Cabrales

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Arenas de Cabrales

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your last walking day will be spent on a long descent along various paths. A very beautiful but rather strenuous walk, especially for your knees, will lead you via Pandébano Col to Bulnes, an authentic mountain village with no road access. On arrival in Bulnes (650m) after approx. 4.5hrs of walking, you can either take the funicular (ticket not included), or continue on foot for another 1.5 to 2 hrs down and along the spectacular Texu gorge, to Poncebos. In the afternoon, return to Arenas de Cabrales by public bus (payable locally in cash, allow EUR2, or a transfer is included only when there are no bus services). Overnight Arenas.Walking: 5hrs: 12km/7.7mi, 335m/1099ft ascent, 950m/3117ft descentAnother option that can be arranged locally for today is to book transfers and spend the day walking the Cares Gorge (Ruta del Cares), a long but mainly flat return walk. If you've stayed overnight in Sotres you leave town follow farming tracks up to Pandebano Pass (1245m), before descending along an ancient footpath through natural meadows and low vegetation to Bulnes, and continue as above (5-7hrs, 14.9mi or 24km).

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Location: Las Arenas

Meals Included: Breakfast

The arrangements conclude after breakfast. Book an extra night in Arenas to undertake the Poncebos - Caín Walk if you chose not to do it yesterday. Catch the bus or we can organise a return private transfer to the start of the walk. Overnight in Arenas.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights in 2-3 star hotels

  • 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners. Included dinners are usually a set menu. Breakfast is generally served between 8.30 and 10.00am. It normally includes coffee, tea, milk or hot chocolate, bread and/or toast, cake, butter, marmalade and cheese or ham.

  • 6 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis, 1 night in a mountain hut (or extra night in hotel - small supplement applies)

  • Information pack including route notes & maps per room booked, GPS Tracks available

  • Luggage transfers Arenas-Sotres-Arenas - max one piece, max weight 20kgs (supplements apply to excess luggage) *note on day 6 you need to carry your overnight requirements including a sleeping sheet to stay at the mountain refuge

  • Transfers as described

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Arenas de Cabrales

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks not noted as included

  • Travel insurance

  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Arenas de Cabrales

    Travel to and from Arenas de Cabrales is not included.

  • Meals and Drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks not noted as included are excluded.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.

  • Single Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Storage of Luggage

    Storage of luggage and excess luggage is not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers Not Listed

    Transfers not listed as included in the itinerary are excluded.

  • Optional Funicular Ticket

    The optional funicular ticket from Bulnes to Poncebos on day 7 is not included (allow EUR20 per person).

  • Bus from Poncebos to Arenas

    The bus from Poncebos to Arenas on day 7 is not included (allow EUR2 per person, or a transfer is included only when there are no bus services).

  • Items of a Personal Nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Sightseeing and Entrance Fees

    Sightseeing and entrance fees are not included.

  • Lunches and 2 Dinners

    Lunches and 2 dinners (in Arenas), and beverages outside of the dinner and breakfast set quantity are not included.

Accommodation

6 nights in 2-3 star hotels. During the trip you will be accommodated at a charming 3 star hotel in Arenas. The hotel has been completely renovated, with well appointed rooms, bathrooms and a private swimming pool, small garden and big lounge. In Sotres, we use a family run rural hotel with wonderful views of the Picos and one night will be spent in the Refugio de la Vega de Urriello at the base of the Naranjo de Bulnes in dormitory style accommodation. Should you wish to stay only in hotels a small supplement applies and the itinerary is slightly different on days 6 and 7. ...more ...less

Grading

GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 4 to 5.5 hours, sometimes longer. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on well defined mountain trails, with a few off path sections only. At times you will walk through areas of low vegetation (heather and gorse, which might make leg protection necessary). You will also be doing some steep ascents or descents (paths may be muddy and slippery). The use of a trekking pole(s) is recommended. For those who suffer from vertigo there are some walks which may not be suitable, and we have provided alternative routes where necessary. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported* you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc. * Except on Day 6 where you carry overnight items and sleeping sheet for the refugio.

Mode of Transport

Transfers as described, including a short morning transfer to Tielve and a transfer to Hitu Escarandi. Public bus from Poncebos to Arenas on day 7 (allow EUR2 pp - or a transfer is included only when there are no bus services). Optional funicular ticket from Bulnes to Poncebos on day 7 (allow EUR20 pp).

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    During the trip, you will be accommodated at a charming 3-star hotel in Arenas, a family-run rural hotel in Sotres, and one night will be spent in the Refugio de la Vega de Urriello at the base of the Naranjo de Bulnes in dormitory-style accommodation. Should you wish to stay only in hotels, a small supplement applies and the itinerary is slightly different on days 6 and 7. ...more ...less

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Included dinners are usually a set menu. Breakfast is generally served between 8.30 and 10.00am and normally includes coffee, tea, milk or hot chocolate, bread and/or toast, cake, butter, marmalade, and cheese or ham.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection. On Day 6, you will need to carry overnight items and a sleeping sheet for the refugio.

  • Is this tour suitable for people with vertigo?

    For those who suffer from vertigo, there are some walks which may not be suitable. However, alternative routes have been provided where necessary.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The tour is graded as moderate. It involves average daily stages of 4 to 5.5 hours, sometimes longer, mainly on well-defined mountain trails with a few off-path sections. There are some steep ascents or descents, and the use of walking sticks is recommended.

  • Are there any special dietary requirements catered for?

    The tour does not specify catering for special dietary requirements. It is advisable to inform the tour operator in advance if you have any specific dietary needs.

  • What happens if it is not possible to ascend to the mountain refuge due to snow?

    In spring and autumn, if it is not possible to ascend to the refuge due to snow, you will be booked to stay another night in Sotres with walking options as per day 5. At other times, you can choose to stay in Sotres and do a day walk to/from the refuge, subject to weather conditions.

  • Is there an option to shorten or extend the walks?

    Yes, there are several options to shorten or extend the walks, especially on Day 4 when you can choose between a 5.5-hour or an 8.5-hour walk.

  • What is the emergency support available during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available during the tour for any urgent assistance you may need.

  • Is the tour guided or self-guided?

    This is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, and GPS tracks are available.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Mark & Briar(Stourbridge, UK)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

15 Sep 2020

Marvellous holiday, super friendly, comfortable and clean hotels.Good choice of walks, varying from wooded river valleys to scenic mountain tops. with route notes that were clear and easy to understand. Nicola and her colleagues at UTracks were very helpful and gave good advice which made for a really good experience. We are already planning our next one. Thank you again we are very glad we didn’t cancel [red. due to COVID-19] as we had a great time. ...more ...less

Heather Young(Northcote, VIC, Australia)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

19 Sep 2022

This was an excellent trip. The scenery was wonderful, the walks were varied and often with options, the 2 hotels used in Arenas and Sotres were excellent - clean and super-friendly and helpful hotel staff, and the transfers 100% reliable. We highly recommend it. ...more ...less

M. Peters(Lachine, Canada)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

7 May 2024

Ma soeur et moi avons choisi ce forfait pour nos vacances et nous n'avons pas été déçus de notre choix. L'équipe de prend les choses en main, répond rapidement à nos questions et demandes et s'assure que le voyage se déroule bien. [My sister and I chose this package for our vacation and we were not disappointed with our choice. The team takes charge, responds quickly to our questions and requests and ensures that the trip goes well.] ...more ...less

A. Williams(Elliott Heads, Australia)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

27 May 2024

This was our first organised self guided walk and it was absolutely fantastic. We could not fault the standard of the communication, the organisation of it all, and the value for money. The in-country team were amazing when we had some requests along the way and the routes chosen by the company were sooooooooo beautiful, and the descriptions of routes were very accurate. The hoteliers and drivers along the way were amazing and fun, and laughed with us about our language gaps. We'd do it again in a heartbeat, and we're a little bit in love with the Picos di Europa :-D ...more ...less

Stephen Coker(Devon, United Kingdom)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

26 Jun 2024

A great trip, well organised, great hotels and well planned walks

V. Kozlova(Valencia)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

25 Aug 2021

We had an amazing time on this tour. Everything was great, extremely attentive and accommodating. Everything run as a clock. They had a welcoming dinner for the 1st day as a gift in a very nice local restaurant. It was very thoughtful and we appreciated it very much. The only thing will be helpful is to explain that the Refugio does not have a real shower. Although we understood that it will be pretty rustic, but were not prepared for such a rustic condition. Definitely recommend the company to work with and all hotels were great. ...more ...less

R. Laing(Edinburgh, United Kingdom)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

13 Jun 2023

First time on a solo walking trip and everything worked great! Easy walks and the routes were very easy to follow on the app. Friendly hotels too and really beautiful area.

J. Le Clerc(Cantley, QC, Canada)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

06 Oct 2019

This was our first self-guided trip, and first experience with UTracks. In this world of "anything goes", we were a bit worried things may not go quite as planned. We expected sometimes having to remind people to pick us up, or be unsatisfied with accommodations, etc. but this was one of the best trips we've had: people were on time, hotels were totally decent. Great staff and reliable. As for the trip itself, well... come on: the Picos de Europa is an incredible, hidden gem!! Looking forward to our next adventure with UTracks! ...more ...less

T. Kinsella(Ireland)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

23 Aug 2018

I had an excellent trip to the spectacular Picos. The walks were challenging but rewarding. The hotels were basic but clean and comfortable. The route information provided was clear and easy to follow, the drivers were on time and the local tour company were very helpful with any questions I had. I'd definitely recommend this trip and use UTracks again! ...more ...less

M. Gregora(Bli Bli, QLD)  

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

02 Oct 2019

Great mountain hiking in a beautiful and less well travelled region. Very nice accommodation with great food. The mountain refuge for one night's stay is basic. Hearty food. The hike up is moderate to challenging but it is all worth it. Standing above the clouds is a sight to remember. ...more ...less

Read all 16 reviews

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Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$830 (USD)

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Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
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Sunday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
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Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
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Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
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Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$830 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
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Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
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Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$830 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$830 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$830 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$830 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$830 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$830 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$830 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$830 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$830 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$830 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$830 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$830 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$830 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$830 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$830 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$830 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$830 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$830 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Hiking in the Picos de Europa

8 Days Starting and ending in Arenas de Cabrales, Spain

Visiting: Arenas de Cabrales, Picos de Europa, Sotres, Las Arenas

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PDE

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $830 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 23-Feb-2025 but subject to change.