Picos de Europa Hiking Adventure

Amongst walkers, we'd classify this as medium-difficulty trek. You need a fair fitness level as it involves hiking on mountainous terrain and rocky paths. You should be able to walk for up to 6/7hrhrs keeping in mind that we will take breaks. Some hiking experience is preferred.

If you would like a room to yourself as a solo traveller - there is a single room supplement of 155 Euro. If you would like to book a single room. Please contact us after booking through the 'Message your guide' button on your Skyhook dashboard.

1. A good pair of walking boots/shoes, preferably not brand new 2. Walking poles, if you are not confident on loose ground (we have several pairs you can use or you can buy a cheap pair in most villages) 3. Waterproofs 4. Warm jacket, fleece etc 5. Sun hat 6. Sun cream 7. Sun glasses 8. Comfortable backpack 9. Water bottle/ camel pack 10. Travel insurance 11. Health card 12. Blister plasters 13. Shorts/t-shirts

We usually say 16 with an adult but please contact us if you have younger children as we may be able to arrange a private trip.

US and UK citizens do not generally need a visa for Spain. Please check your government's website or with your local embassy to make sure that your travel requirements are met.

It’s highly recommended you take out personal travel insurance. Travel cover protects you in the case of unforeseen circumstances including cancellations, injuries, equipment loss, flight changes and other events that could negatively impact your trip. We suggest specialist adventure travel insurers, [Rise & Shield](https://riseandshield.com/). They cover 100s of activities and are easy to deal with if you need to make a claim. They also cover unique scenarios, like trekking at altitude or emergency evacuation in hard-to-reach places, that ordinary travel insurance doesn’t cover.

We like to keep the groups personable so 12 people is the maximum. If you're a walking club or group we can take more people. Drop us a message for large group enquiries.

All the hotels we use are family-run. With local people and good food. The rooms are all en-suite. The price is based on 2 people sharing a room - twin beds - if you want a single room there is a single room supplement available (155 EUR). On this trip, we use four different hotels - in the national park they are all traditional style architecture and in the city, a typical good quality city hotel.

There are on the Cares Gorge - the path is around 2m wide so it is not dangerous but there is a steep drop to one side. We haven't yet had anyone who hasn't enjoyed this beautiful trail but the drop off is something to be aware of.

You only need to carry your daypack with your snacks, sunscreen, jacket etc. Your main luggage will be moved onwards for you to the next hotel.

The Picos De Europa mountains are affected by weather coming straight from the Atlantic Ocean, so it can be very changeable. We have planned our trips in the most settled months of the year. June/July/September - the weather in these months is usually warm and dry but you can still get a wet and cloudy day. Temperature ranges from 18°C - 30°C and rainfall is generally low in these months. It is perfect hiking weather but you still need to bring a waterproof jacket, just in case!

We pick up from Bilbao airport and then have a second stop at Santander airport (when necessary). We can pick up from hotels with prior arrangements. We usually organise the pick-up time to work best for everyone. We will be in touch closer to your departure date to confirm this. The end point is usually Bilbao for the last night (sometimes we end in Santander). You will need to arrange your own transfer onwards/to the airport on Day 8. Usually a 20-min taxi ride/ 20 EUR

Water bottles can be refilled from the taps or bottled water can be bought at the hotel.

Meals are included in the trip (six evening meals, seven breakfasts & five lunches are provided). Only meals not included are the evening meal and lunch in Bilbao on Day 7. The evening meal is a three-course menu. Lunches are in bars/restaurants when we pass through a village or a picnic lunch will be provided. Breakfasts are traditionally Spanish, consisting of toast, coffee, fruit, eggs, and fresh juice.

There is no real tipping policy in Spain. But as with everything if you feel the service was good and you want to tip, the usual is 10% of the amount.

We can cater to all dietary requirements. Just let us know in advance before you arrive of any allergies (gluten, nuts, lactose, etc). Please indicate this on your Guest trip form after booking.

If you would like to hike some more or extend your stay in Spain to visit Bilbao, Santander or any other area/city we would love to help with your plans. Please contact us after booking.

Cards are accepted in most places (but not all). Cash(euros) is still taken everywhere.