Discovering Los Picos de Europa
Discovering Los Picos de Europa
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Los Picos de Europa is one of the most impressive mountain ranges in Spain with a magnificent landscape that hosts a wide variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. Starting in the quiet village of Arenas de Cabrales, your first day of walking will be a colourful ascent to Nava. Later, the hamlet of Tielve and Valfriu await to tempt you with the famous "Queso de Cabrales", a local blue cheese. Then you will reach the highest of all the villages, Sotres, which will be your base for the next 4 days.
Day walks through the villages of Andara to Vega de Urriellu and Tresviso, will take you to the Eastern and Central Massif. You will be able to see the strange Capercaillie bird and, following an ancient path, you will reach Bulnes which is only accessible on foot or by funicular. Before returning to Arenas de Cabrales, prepare yourself and extend your walk through a deep ravine where vultures nest.
- You will breathe in clean, fresh air in Los Picos de Europa National Park.
- You will experience the authentic Spanish culture and customs.
- You can taste the famous "Cabrales Cheese" with the locals.
- You will travel through the vast valleys formed by glaciers.
- You will stay in charming hotels and cottages that have been carefully selected for their food and features.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Arenas de Cabrales
Santander is the closest major airport to Arenas de Cabrales. However, Bilbao Airport is also an option.
You need to reach Unquera, where a private transfer will be waiting for you, to take you to Arenas de Cabrales, a picturesque village located in the east of Asturias. Don't forget to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de Llas or try the regional dish, Fabada Asturiana, an abundant stew made with regional ingredients.
You need to reach Unquera, where a private transfer will be waiting for you, to take you to Arenas de Cabrales, a picturesque village located in the east of Asturias. Don't forget to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de Llas or try the regional dish, Fabada Asturiana, an abundant stew made with regional ingredients.
Overnight in Arenas de Cabrales
Hotel La Rivera
This cosy hotel is located in Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias. The atmosphere, the exquisite décor and the quality of the service will make your stay something very special.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Circular route around Arenas de Cabrales 6 miles | 9,9 km
Start your journey with a climb through the seasonal meadows. Follow the main stone paths and you will be rewarded with extraordinary panoramas of Los Picos de Europa and the River Cares. You'll have a challenging first day, but it's worth the effort!
Ascent: 753m (2,470ft) / Descent: 753m (2,470ft)
Ascent: 753m (2,470ft) / Descent: 753m (2,470ft)
Overnight in Arenas de Cabrales
Hotel La Rivera
This cosy hotel is located in Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias. The atmosphere, the exquisite décor and the quality of the service will make your stay something very special.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Arenas de Cabrales to Sotres 5,6 miles | 9 km
After a short private transfer, you will walk from Tielve, one of the most authentic villages of Cabrales, through ancient beech forests and streams. You' ll reach an altitude of 1,240 metres, then descend to the village of Sotres, one of the highest in Los Picos de Europa.
Sotres is also an agricultural village where the famous Cabrales Cheese is matured within the limestone caves that abound in the area.
Ascent: 594m (1,949ft) / Descent: 250m (820ft)
Sotres is also an agricultural village where the famous Cabrales Cheese is matured within the limestone caves that abound in the area.
Ascent: 594m (1,949ft) / Descent: 250m (820ft)
Overnight in Sotres
Hotel Sotres
Hotel and family country house nestled in Los Picos de Europa, offering extraordinary views of the region. Here you will enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant, which offers authentic and traditional Spanish cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day in Andara, Eastern Massif 10 miles | 16 km
A day of contrasts awaits you. First, a hard ascent down a steep path along disused mining trails and rocky roads. The breath-taking views of a limestone peak will be your reward before continuing on cattle routes through forests, heather and grasslands, back to Sotres.
Take the time to explore the lunar landscape and watch the vultures and eagles fly and grace the skies. Finally, on clear days, you will be able to observe the Bay of Biscay.
Ascent: 1093m (3,586ft) / Descent: 1093m (3,586ft)
Take the time to explore the lunar landscape and watch the vultures and eagles fly and grace the skies. Finally, on clear days, you will be able to observe the Bay of Biscay.
Ascent: 1093m (3,586ft) / Descent: 1093m (3,586ft)
Overnight in Sotres
Hotel Sotres
Hotel and family country house nestled in Los Picos de Europa, offering extraordinary views of the region. Here you will enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant, which offers authentic and traditional Spanish cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Vega de Urriellu 12,9 miles | 20,8 km
A spectacular walk will take you directly to the heart of Los Picos de Europa. At the foot of Picu Urriellu (2,519 metres), you will find yourself in la Vega de Urriellu, a small refuge. The shelter is well stocked with drinks and snacks that are brought up on horseback every day from Pandebano.
The walk takes you through its meadows to Collado Pandebano (1,240 metres) before a steep ascent to the refuge. As you go uphill, the lunar landscapes will adorn your walk. Really beautiful!
Ascent: 1468m (4,816ft) / Descent: 1468m (4,816ft)
The walk takes you through its meadows to Collado Pandebano (1,240 metres) before a steep ascent to the refuge. As you go uphill, the lunar landscapes will adorn your walk. Really beautiful!
Ascent: 1468m (4,816ft) / Descent: 1468m (4,816ft)
Overnight in Sotres
Hotel Sotres
Hotel and family country house nestled in Los Picos de Europa, offering extraordinary views of the region. Here you will enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant, which offers authentic and traditional Spanish cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Enjoy your day in Aliva 11,3 miles | 18,2 km
The inspiring limestone walls of the Central and Eastern Massifs and a magnificent glacial valley keep you company as you advance towards Aliva. Take a break at the Aliva Refuge, sit peacefully, and soak up the surrounding landscape before returning to Sotres.
Ascent: 783m (2,569ft) / Descent: 783m (2,569ft)
Ascent: 783m (2,569ft) / Descent: 783m (2,569ft)
Overnight in Sotres
Hotel Sotres
Hotel and family country house nestled in Los Picos de Europa, offering extraordinary views of the region. Here you will enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant, which offers authentic and traditional Spanish cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Sotres to Arenas de Cabrales 8 miles | 13 km
Start this unforgettable day by descending on an ancient path that leads to Bulnes, an isolated village that is only accessible on foot or recently, by funicular railway. Then continue to Poncebos, from where we will transfer you to Arenas de Cabrales.
Ascent: 936m (3,071ft) / Descent: 771m (2,529ft)
Ascent: 936m (3,071ft) / Descent: 771m (2,529ft)
Overnight in Arenas de Cabrales
Hotel La Rivera
This cosy hotel is located in Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias. The atmosphere, the exquisite décor and the quality of the service will make your stay something very special.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Arenas de Cabrales
From Arenas de Cabrales we will transfer you to Unquera, where you can take a bus on your account to the airport of your choice.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Evening meals on days 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers on days 1, 3, 7 and 8
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
There are different airport options, but Santander and Bilbao airports are the most recommended ones.
From the centre of Santander or Bilbao you will have to take a bus to Unquera. Once in Unquera, we will transfer you to your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales.
From the centre of Santander or Bilbao you will have to take a bus to Unquera. Once in Unquera, we will transfer you to your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What transfers should I take into account?
This route includes the following transfers:
- Day 1: By arrival in Unquera, you will have an included transfer (managed by Orbis Ways) that will take you to Arenas de Cabrales, where you will spend the night.
- Day 3: At the start of the route, you will have an included transfer (managed by Orbis Ways) from Arenas de Cabrales to Tielve, where you will start your route.
- Day 7: At the end of the route in Poncebos, you will have an included transfer (managed by Orbis Ways) that will take you to Arenas de Cabrales, where you will spend the night.
- Day 8: After breakfast, you will have an included transfer (managed by Orbis Ways) from Arenas de Cabrales to Unquera, where you will be able to take a Bus to your selected airport.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We suggest that you make the reservation as soon as possible, as soon as you have decided your travel dates as this destination is extremely popular.
You can start this experience any day of the week between April and October. You will find date availability on our website, and we will always try to organise according to your plans.
How should I physically prepare for this?
This route is moderately difficult, so you'll enjoy it more if you have an active lifestyle. Most roads are easy to follow. The walks last between 4 and 6 hours each day with various ascents and descents.
If you suffer from vertigo, there are a couple of stretches (during the walks on the 5th and 7th days) that are exposed and may not be suitable for you, but we can provide options to avoid these sections.
What walking equipment should I bring?
You'll need good walking boots or shoes, comfortable clothes, waterproof trousers and jackets, a light backpack, warm year start/end clothing, abundant sunscreen and caps etc. for summer. We will give you a detailed list of packaging with your information package.
What is the best time of year to travel on this route?
The best months to do this route are in summer, between June and September, when exotic flowers are blooming and the weather is good. However, we can offer you this route between April and October, so any date during this period is ideal to live this experience.
What if I can't complete a route?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next place of stay.
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