Picos de Europa Hiking Adventure

After breakfast, we transfer to Fuente Dé (5mins) and catch the cable car. Today we have a stunning circular walk to Refugio Veronica taking in some vast views of the Picos De Europa. After our 750m/ 5 minutes ascent in the cable car, we begin our walk at an altitude of 1850m in the Picos. The reviews today are truly spectacular. At Refuigo Veronica, there is a chance for lunch and a drink before we make our way back to the cable car and the descent to Fuente Dé. We transfer back to Espinama for dinner in the hotel.

Hiking Distance: 12km - 5-6 hrs 600m Ascent/Descent

We check out of the hotel and leave our main luggage to be transferred to the next hotel. Walking from the hotel, we take the Gr202 all the way to Sotres. A steady climb in the morning brings us to the Refugio De Aliva for a drink and rest. Here we will pick up a picnic lunch and then make our way down the Duje valley. There are vultures, eagles and Ibex to be spotted all along this valley as well as some fabulous scenery.

We end the day at Sotres where we check into the hotel, relax and enjoy an evening meal.

Hiking Distance: 15 km, 4-6 hrs, 750m Ascent, 650m Descent

Its another beautiful day of walking as we ascend out of Sotres, we hike over grazing land with some stunning views down the Rio Duje Valley. Walk through disused farmsteads along a track before the final descent to Tielve where we stop for lunch. From here we walk along a rarely used road for 2km before taking an ancient mule trail back to our hotel Sotres.

Hiking Distance: 14km, 4 -6 hrs, 750m Ascent/Descent

We take a lovely walk out of Sotres and over the Collado Pondebano and then down to the village of Bulnes. Up until 2001, Bulnes was only accessible on foot by the windy mountain path. We stop for lunch in this historic village. Afterwards, you can either catch the Funicular train or walk along a stunning gorge down to Poncebos. There is a short transfer to Arenas De Cabrales (10 mins) and we check into our next hotel.

Hiking Distance: 13km, Ascent 1200m, Descent 700m

The famous Cares Gorge is 1.5km from the valley floor. You will pass through tunnels with amazing scenery, a walk well worth doing! This track was built to serve the canal that runs parallel to the path.

Today's walk is a return route starting and ending at Poncebo. It is 24 km return from the village of Cain (12km each way). It is not hard walking but it is vertiginous. The path is about 2m wide and not dangerous but also not ideal for those with a fear of heights. You can walk as long as you want and are welcome to turn back at any point if you decide you have walked enough.The group will walk the full distance of the gorge to Cain and then return to Poncebo from where we transfer back to our hotel for dinner.

Hiking Distance: 24km, Ascent 500m, Descent 500m

Note: If you choose to walk back to Poncebo, there is a bar and also a public bus that goes back to Arenas every hour which you could take if you do not want to wait for the rest of the group.

At 09:30, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Bilbao where we arrive at our final accommodation. Today free day in Bilbao to relax and explore.

Bilbao, an industrial port city in northern Spain, is surrounded by green mountains. It’s the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum, fabulous Pinxo tapas, and great riverside walks. In the evening, you are free to find a local restaurant for dinner.

After breakfast, it is sadly time to say goodbye. You will check out of the hotel and make your way to your next destination or back home with many happy memories.

Note that airport transfers to Bilbao Airport are not included, you will need to arrange this.