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€749 – €799
Perfect walking holiday in Spain, third highest mountain range, the Picos de Europa is a region of dramatic limestone peaks, lush valleys and stunning visual backdrops in limestone mountains. picos de Europa is the best destination for a short hiking holiday.
Walking Picos de Europa shows some of Picos de Europa’s finest culture and mountains, including a hike to the base of the iconic peak of Naranjo de Bulnes. On a trip highlight, we trek along cliff-cut pathways through the divine Cares Gorge – over 1000m deep and twelve kilometres long, with amazing views of the picos national park valley.
The Picos de Europa area was the first National Park to be created in Spain at the start of the 20th century. Consisting of a limestone massif rising from the northern coast the mountains reach a height of 2648m. The mountains were primarily formed through glacial erosion; however, they now form a barrier to the clouds coming off the Atlantic and are heavily eroded by rivers. The area is not like Spain most of us picture it, the mountains are green with forests at the base containing a massive variety of flora and fauna. It’s just like somewhere in the Himalayas. And less crowded walks them, Camino. Beautiful villages in between the valleys and nice and authentic old Spanish hospitality.
There is a great variety of walks to choose from: from leisurely strolls in the foothills to more challenging routes reaching the peaks of the Picos. However, as the impact of tourism is minimal, you may find that in some areas you don’t meet anybody all day sometimes on the route. Most routes have a history attached, there are old villages and byways tucked away in the valleys that have changed little through the years. Many of the classic routes that are now popular with walkers were once the only access to these remote villages 30 years ago. These destinations give a fascinating insight into times gone by, as well as picturesque spots for rest and refreshments. In short, the Picos are a captivating mixture of canyons, crystal blue rivers, caves, history and wildlife. It’s not less the Himalayas of Europe.
We organise yearly trips to this stunning Picos national park, mixed with culture, food, and adventure. This group tour also gives the opportunity to meet like-minded people and become friends forever. Walks are easy and itineraries have to be planned properly with rest days and days for leisure.
It could be the best walking holiday for many adventure seekers. Join us and try how you feel.
Itinerary
Day 1: The Beginning
Those on the flights will be met at Santander Airport and transferred to Espenama our base camp for the Picos hiking trip. We spend the night at Hostel Navandi a guest house run by a beautiful family. First-day dinner and introduction in the evening.
Day 2: Hiking Day
The first day starts from Espenama, we have to take a drive for 5 minutes to reach a famous cable car base called Fuente De, we take a cable car which takes us 500 high to the top of the mountain, with stunning views and an amazing experience. At the top are cafe and bathroom facilities, there we prepare our bags and gear according to the weather, then start walking. today we walked for about 4-5 hours. Our camp tonight is stores village, stay at guest house.
Day 3: Today stores to Pico Urriellu
We drive the short distance to the tiny hamlet of Pandebano. Leaving our vehicle, we walk up to Collado Vallejo (1.500 m), where the huge monolith of the Naranjo de Bulnes (Pico Urriellu 2519 m) comes into view. This rust-coloured mountain is the famous iconic image of the Picos. We walk up to the very base of the mountain (2000 m) where there is a refuge. We rest, eat packed lunch and have the chance to see climbers attempting to scale the improbable sheer face. We retrace our steps to Pandebano where our transport awaits us to return to our hotel at Stores.
Day 4: Cozy village Bulnes
Easy walking day, all the way down, however, if rains come path will be a bit difficult otherwise easy downhill, walking takes 3 hours, after we reach Bulnes we will have a hot lunch in the riverside restaurant. after lunch, we have a 1-2 hour walk around the village, people can choose what they wish to do, some may wish to enjoy the village and relax—night at a beautiful guest house.
Day 5: Bulnes- Urdón Gorge- Cain village
This gorge, with its narrow passes and gullies, is suitable in the heart of the Picos de Europa Mountains. The area’s stunning landscape affords unique views of the National Park. Getting to know this route is a unique experience. The trail is narrow, surrounded by wild vegetation, with water ever-present. The river flows along the valley floor, its sound a constant companion in route. Now and again the path takes you through small tunnels carved out of the rock and across bridges that hang over the abyss. All the while, rocky mountainsides tower up on either side of the trail. The itinerary runs between Poncebos, in Asturias province and Cain, in Leon province. It runs parallel to the Cares, the area’s wildest river. The route covers 14 kilometres over easy terrain. Tonight at a guest house in Cain village.
The Ruta del Cares also known by the locals as the Garganta del Cares is one of the most popular hiking routes in the Picos de Europa.
Day 6: Cain HIke
Today we walk up to the highest point of Cain village, which will take nearly 6 hours, (1000mtr climb) After the hike we spend our night in Cain in the same guest house.
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast and take a 2-mile drive then we start our last day of trekking back to Fuente De where we started 5 days ago, back in Espenama for our last night, evening we will take you to Pote’s market to experience, and you can also buy local products for gifts back home.
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast then drive back to Santander Airport for your onward journey to Dublin.
Price includes
Price excludes
- Flights tickets from Dublin and return
- Insurance of any kind
- Extra or early night hotels accommodation
- Drinks(alcohol)
- Cable car fare.
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