The Picos de Europa have been described as 'Spain's best-kept secret'.
They are certainly home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Lush green valleys with beautiful mountain villages contrast with towering grey limestone peaks. The remoter areas are home to wild bear, chamois, wolves and spectacular birds of prey.
The opportunities for walkers of all abilities are endless.
The higher peaks attract climbers and mountaineers from all over the world, whilst the valleys provide magnificent walking for less ambitious mountain lovers. Our route covers many of the most beautiful and famous sights in the Picos and crosses the three provinces that are included in the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa - Cantabria, Asturias and León.
We will visit the huge rock amphitheatre of Fuente Dé, with its sheer rock walls rising over 750 metres. The cable car here offers us a unique and easy access to the beauty of the higher peaks. We then take the opportunity to walk the famous divine gorge of the River Cares, and finally to walk the equally famous and spectacular descent of the Ruta de Tresviso.
This is an unspoilt and largely unknown region of Spain where mass tourism has made no real impact and which has managed to remain authentically Spanish. Foreign tourists are really the exception here, which means it is ideal for those who really want to get to know the country. It's an area of great contrasts between the verdant countryside, the deep blue of the sea, beautiful sandy beaches, washed every day by the tides, and the jagged grey limestone summits of the Picos de Europa. This impressive mountain range rises up to over 2648 metres (almost 9000 feet) above sea level, within a relatively short distance from the coast.
This is a chance to see the best of the Picos having to worry about luggage, routes or accommodation - all you have to do is walk.
Day 1 Potes - After arrival at Santander or Bilbao Airport we transfer to the mountain village of Potes, capital of the Valley of Liébana, where we will spend the next 2 nights.
Day 2: Potes - Porcieda – Potes
An introductory walk to the abandoned village of Porcieda.
We are then free to relax, explore Potes and maybe sample its cheeses and its famous orujo, a locally produced spirit. 10 km
Day 3: Potes - Mogrovejo - Fuente Dé
From Potes we transfer to one of the most beautiful villages in Liébana, Mogrovejo. From here, we will walk through the valley of Valdebaró with the spectacular peaks of the Eastern Massif towering above us.
Our final destination is Fuente Dé, an impressive rock amphitheatre giving access to the Central Massif.
Here we will stay for the next two nights in the Parador de Fuente Dé. Distance 16 km
Day 4: Fuente Dé - Cable car - Fuente Dé
Today we will take the cable car to the top of Fuente Dé. From here, we will take advantage of the opportunity, weather conditions permitting, to visit the higher peaks such as Pico Tesorero or Peña Vieja.
Our softer option is a descent from the top cable car station through the mountain pastures of Áliva to return to Fuente Dé. Distance 17 km
Day 5: Fuente Dé - Posada de Valdeón
Today's route takes us into the neighbouring province of León and the Valley of Valdeón.
Here we can enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the Picos, with the Central Massif to our right and the Western Massif to our left.
Don’t forget to try the blue cheese, so typical of this valley. Distance 16 km
Day 6: Posada de Valdeón - Arenas de Cabrales
La Ruta del Cares is without doubt the most famous mountain walk in Spain. It's an easy walk and offers some of the most beautiful scenery, including views of one peak which has become the most famous in the Picos due to its distinctive shape and the challenge it represents to seasoned climbers - El Naranjo de Bulnes.
We follow the River Cares as it carves out a gorge of colossal proportions on its way through the neighbouring province of Asturias to the sea.
Upon arrival at Puente Poncebos, we transfer to the Asturian mountain village of Arenas de Cabrales, famous again for its blue cheese and its cider, poured in the most unusual fashion. Distance 19 km or 10 km
Day 7: Arenas de Cabrales - La Hermida
Our final day's walking first involves an ascent by funicular railway to the mountain village of Bulnes, once famous for its relative inaccessibility.
Here we begin our walk to the highest village in the Picos, Sotres. We then continue on to Tresviso, famous for the spectacular descent of the same name into the gorge of La Hermida.
From here we transfer to the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera for our final evening. Distance 25 km or 18 km
Day 8: San Vicente de la Barquera – Departure from Santander airport
Tour dates: Trip begins every Saturday from April to October.
Tour Price: 894€ euros/double occupancy, Single supplement/ 125 € euros
Tour Price includes· 7 nights accommodation in room with en suite bathroom
· Breakfast
· Picnic lunch on walking days
· Fuente Dé cable car
· Bulnes funicular
· Transport to and from arrival / departure points in Bilbao or Santander
· Information pack with IberoWalk Route Guide and maps
Tour Price does not include: Evening meal
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