Walking through the Picos de Europa to the coast
Walking through the Picos de Europa to the coast
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This itinerary is the perfect combination of wild nature, charming villages, Atlantic coastline and simple traditions. Walking from the majestic Picos de Europa to the Asturian coast, you will discover limestone mountains, glacial valleys and dramatic gorges, as well as quiet beaches, cliffs and fishing villages.
- Start in the heart of the Picos de Europa, with walks through valleys, green meadows and forests, as well as impressive gorges such as the famous Ruta del Cares.
- Descend towards the Asturian coast, leaving the mountains behind to enter coastal areas full of serene beaches, rugged cliffs and seaside trails.
- Arrive at charming fishing villages where the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and authentic, ideal for discovering local life, history and culture.
- Have the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and taste everything from the famous Cabrales cheese to Asturian cider, making this trip not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Tama
The first day begins with your arrival at Santander or Bilbao airport. From there, you will need to make your own way by bus to Unquera, from where you will have a included transfer to the charming village of Tama, located at the foot of the imposing Picos de Europa.
You can find all the information about the buses on the ALSA website.
Upon arrival in Tama, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful mountainous surroundings, a preview of the landscape that will accompany you throughout your adventure. Weather permitting, you can take the opportunity to visit Potes, located just 2 kilometres away. This historic medieval town serves as the gateway to the Picos. Its traditional narrow streets, vibrant atmosphere and well-preserved heritage make a visit here the perfect introduction to the cultural essence of the region.
You can find all the information about the buses on the ALSA website.
Upon arrival in Tama, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful mountainous surroundings, a preview of the landscape that will accompany you throughout your adventure. Weather permitting, you can take the opportunity to visit Potes, located just 2 kilometres away. This historic medieval town serves as the gateway to the Picos. Its traditional narrow streets, vibrant atmosphere and well-preserved heritage make a visit here the perfect introduction to the cultural essence of the region.
Overnight in Tama
Posada El Corcal de Liébana
Located in a privileged setting, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a large garden, terrace and restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Tama-Allende-Tama 5,3 miles I 8,5 km
The day begins with a short transfer to Allende, where you will join the historic Camino Lebaniego. From there, you will begin a challenging walking that will take you to the small village of Cabañes, a natural balcony with magnificent views over the lush Liébana valley.
The trail continues through an ancient chestnut forest, whose twisted trunks and cool shadows accompany your return to Tama, completing a day as varied as it is memorable.
In the afternoon, you will have free time and, if you wish, you can take the opportunity to visit the National Park Visitor Centre, located a short distance away, or even return to Potes.
Ascent: 404m (1,325ft) / Descent: 361m (1,184ft)
The trail continues through an ancient chestnut forest, whose twisted trunks and cool shadows accompany your return to Tama, completing a day as varied as it is memorable.
In the afternoon, you will have free time and, if you wish, you can take the opportunity to visit the National Park Visitor Centre, located a short distance away, or even return to Potes.
Ascent: 404m (1,325ft) / Descent: 361m (1,184ft)
Overnight in Tama
Posada El Corcal de Liébana
Located in a privileged setting, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a large garden, terrace and restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Tama to Sotres 10 miles I 16 km
The day begins with a included transfer to Fuente Dé, nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 1,100 metres. From there, you will take the famous cable car, which climbs to 1,835 metres and takes you to the threshold of the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa. In this almost lunar limestone landscape, you will be accompanied by amazing wildlife: chamois, vultures and alpine birds.
The route continues through wide pastures dotted with old mountain chalets, then crosses a glacial valley that reveals the powerful geology of the area. Finally, you will reach the picturesque Puerto de Áliva, a natural pass that will lead you to Sotres, the highest village on the Asturian side of the Picos.
If you wish, you can take an optional detour to the summit of Horcados Rojos, turning this day into a real challenge for those seeking a more demanding and panoramic walk.
Ascent: 327m (1,073ft) / Descent: 1020m (3,346ft)
The route continues through wide pastures dotted with old mountain chalets, then crosses a glacial valley that reveals the powerful geology of the area. Finally, you will reach the picturesque Puerto de Áliva, a natural pass that will lead you to Sotres, the highest village on the Asturian side of the Picos.
If you wish, you can take an optional detour to the summit of Horcados Rojos, turning this day into a real challenge for those seeking a more demanding and panoramic walk.
Ascent: 327m (1,073ft) / Descent: 1020m (3,346ft)
Overnight in Sotres
Hotel Peña Castil
Located in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, it offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a terrace and a restaurant serving traditional Asturian cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Circular route through Sotres 6,5 miles I 10,4 km
Today you will enjoy the surroundings of Sotres, embarking on a peaceful but spectacular walk to the authentic Tielve. Along the way you will pass through Valfriu, the birthplace of the famous Cabrales cheese, where you will discover the tradition of the renowned local blue cheese.
If you prefer a day of rest, you can organise a visit to a local cheese factory and a natural maturing cellar, a perfect experience to savour the region's most emblematic products.
Ascent: 415m (1,362ft) / Descent: 415m (1,362ft)
If you prefer a day of rest, you can organise a visit to a local cheese factory and a natural maturing cellar, a perfect experience to savour the region's most emblematic products.
Ascent: 415m (1,362ft) / Descent: 415m (1,362ft)
Overnight in Sotres
Hotel Peña Castil
Located in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, it offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a terrace and a restaurant serving traditional Asturian cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day on the Cares route 15 miles I 24 km
Today, one of the most impressive routes in the Picos de Europa awaits you: the famous Cares route through the spectacular gorge. You will start with a short included transfer to the starting point, from where you will begin the route along paths carved into the rock, passing through caves and natural tunnels, until you reach the picturesque village of Caín before returning.
Once you arrive in Poncebos, you will have a included transfer to Arenas de Cabrales, where you will spend the night.
Although the route runs along wide, well-marked trails, it is important to note that part of the path runs along a steep drop, so those who suffer from vertigo may opt to take a lift with their luggage to Arenas de Cabrales and take a shorter, more leisurely circular walk there.
Ascent: 2395m (7,858ft) / Descent: 2395m (7,858ft)
Once you arrive in Poncebos, you will have a included transfer to Arenas de Cabrales, where you will spend the night.
Although the route runs along wide, well-marked trails, it is important to note that part of the path runs along a steep drop, so those who suffer from vertigo may opt to take a lift with their luggage to Arenas de Cabrales and take a shorter, more leisurely circular walk there.
Ascent: 2395m (7,858ft) / Descent: 2395m (7,858ft)
Overnight in Las Arenas
Hotel Picos de Europa
This accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a beautiful garden where you can relax and unwind.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Las Arenas to Nueva 8,4 miles I 13,5 km
Today you will leave the mountains behind and head for the rugged and evergreen Asturian coast. After a short included transfer, you will arrive at the quiet rural village of Vibaño, the starting point of your route to the sea through the Asturian countryside, with its wet meadows and rolling hills.
The trail will take you to the banks of the River Purrón, which flows into the beautiful beach of San Antolín, a wide stretch of sand frequented by surfers and framed by a vibrant coastal landscape.
From there, you will continue along ancient fishing paths, advancing between rolling hills and cliff-top trails that offer unforgettable views of the Cantabrian Sea, until you reach Nueva, where you will spend the next two nights.
Ascent: 226m (741ft) / Descent: 215m (705ft)
The trail will take you to the banks of the River Purrón, which flows into the beautiful beach of San Antolín, a wide stretch of sand frequented by surfers and framed by a vibrant coastal landscape.
From there, you will continue along ancient fishing paths, advancing between rolling hills and cliff-top trails that offer unforgettable views of the Cantabrian Sea, until you reach Nueva, where you will spend the next two nights.
Ascent: 226m (741ft) / Descent: 215m (705ft)
Overnight in Nueva
Hotel San Jorge
This family-run accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
What's more, its location makes its garden the perfect place to relax.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Circular route along the Asturian coast 9,1 miles I 14,7 km
Today you will enjoy a magnificent day of walking along the cliffs and the Camino del Norte trail, moving from one picturesque village to another while the landscape alternates between wild beaches, small hidden coves and the impressive ‘bufones’, natural geysers that the tide makes breathe between the rocks.
Halfway along the route, there's nothing better than stopping at the little beach bar in Cuevas del Mar to enjoy a refreshing Asturian cider, the perfect accompaniment to the coastal views.
Afterwards, you'll continue your journey back to Nueva, enjoying the serene rhythm of the sea and the ever-changing colours of the Cantabrian coast.
Ascent: 178m (584ft) / Descent: 178m (584ft)
Halfway along the route, there's nothing better than stopping at the little beach bar in Cuevas del Mar to enjoy a refreshing Asturian cider, the perfect accompaniment to the coastal views.
Afterwards, you'll continue your journey back to Nueva, enjoying the serene rhythm of the sea and the ever-changing colours of the Cantabrian coast.
Ascent: 178m (584ft) / Descent: 178m (584ft)
Overnight in Nueva
Hotel San Jorge
This family-run accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
What's more, its location makes its garden the perfect place to relax.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Nueva
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- 4 evening meals
- Luggage transfers between accommodations on days 3, 5 and 6
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- 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
To reach the starting point of this hiking route, we recommend flying to Bilbao or Santander airports. From either airport, you will need to travel to the city centre and go to the bus station, where you can take a bus to Unquera. You can find all the information about buses on the ALSA website.
From Unquera, you will have a included transfer to Tama, where you will spend the first two nights.
To return to your city of origin from Nueva, you can fly from Santander, Asturias or Bilbao airports. First, you will need to get to Llanes by taking a local bus and then take another bus to any of the three airports. You can find all the information about buses on the ALSA website.
From Unquera, you will have a included transfer to Tama, where you will spend the first two nights.
To return to your city of origin from Nueva, you can fly from Santander, Asturias or Bilbao airports. First, you will need to get to Llanes by taking a local bus and then take another bus to any of the three airports. You can find all the information about buses on the ALSA website.
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 is the best time of year to do this trip?
The trip can begin any day of the week between early May and late October, a period when conditions are particularly pleasant for mountain hiking. Although sudden fog is common in this region, it usually dissipates around midday, giving way to clear skies and mild temperatures.
As in all mountain areas, the weather can change quickly and surprise you with heavy rain, and even snow, at any time of the year. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry waterproof clothing, plenty of sunscreen and keep an eye on the daily forecast. During spring and autumn, it is also advisable to take extreme caution when crossing streams, as they may carry more water.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 4 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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