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Peregrine Travel Centre

Hiking in Picos de Europa

Hiking in Picos de Europa

From $ 2,995 AUD

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Description

Walk this way, right to northern Spain’s Picos de Europa – a spot just under the radar enough to be peaceful, but still convenient to access. From your base at a family-run hotel in a mountain village in northern Spain, you’ll spend a week walking the region’s best routes. Your trip leader can adapt daily plans to suit the weather and make the most of this unspoiled environment. Follow farm tracks through the Cabrales Valley, look for griffon vultures near Collado de los Buitres and walk the Cares Gorge to Cain. Climb to Pena Main, Cabeza La Mesa and Pico Macondiu for big views across the central and eastern massifs and unspoiled Asturian landscapes beyond. Come see where your legs can carry you!

Trip Name
Hiking in Picos de Europa
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • Discover the Picos de Europa – a lesser-known pearl of the Iberian Peninsula where high-altitude trails, limestone peaks and green valleys are just begging to be walked.
  • Rest your legs each night in a small, family-run hotel near the centre of Arenas de Cabrales, with panoramic mountain views and a cosy living room to lounge in after each day of gorgeous scenery.
  • Walk the iconic Cares Gorge, following a narrow, rock-hewn trail through deep chasms, tunnels and bridges, with towering peaks rising around you.
  • Trek from Tielve to Pena Main and Cabeza La Mesa, passing small villages, pastureland dotted with grazing cows and signs of everyday rural Asturian life.
  • Refuel with mountain-style cuisine after a day on the trails, from rich Fabada Asturiana (a rich, savoury bean and meat stew) to the famous cave-aged queso de Cabrales blue cheese and cachopo (veal stuffed with ham and melted cheese).

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Arenas de Cabrales
Hola! Welcome to Spain. When you arrive at Bilbao airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred with the rest of your group to the hotel. Enjoy the scenic ride to Arenas de Cabrales – a charming mountain village in northern Spain and your home base for the next week of walking and trekking in the dramatic Picos de Europa. Settle into your small, family-run hotel known for its warm welcome and exceptional location, then connect with your group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight.
Day 2 - Arenas de Cabrales
Get your fill at breakfast before setting off on your first hike, straight from the hotel. Follow a peaceful path that leads to the meadows of Vanu. On clear days, this route rewards you with sweeping views of the striking peaks of the Picos de Europa. As you walk, the landscape gradually opens to vistas across the wide Cabrales Valley, where spring brings an abundance of wildflowers. With a bit of luck, you may even spot vultures gliding high overhead. After a well-deserved lunch break in the village of Inguanzo, continue through gently rolling hills along wide, easy‑to‑navigate trails, with just a few short, steep sections. By late afternoon, you’ll make your way back to Arenas de Cabrales.
Day 3 - Arenas de Cabrales
After breakfast today, take a short drive to the village of Cabrales. From here, you’ll set off along traditional farm tracks toward the Collado de los Buitres. This area offers excellent opportunities to spot griffon vultures gracefully circling overhead, so keep your eyes peeled. The route continues through open terrain as you gradually climb toward the summit of the Pandescura – an ideal spot to pause for lunch while taking in panoramic views of the western Picos de Europa massif.
Day 4 - Arenas de Cabrales
Begin the day with a short drive to the starting point of one of Spain’s most famous hiking routes – the Cares Gorge. Originally constructed in the 1940s to service a hydroelectric project, this dramatic gorge has since become an iconic trail in the Picos de Europa. The narrow 12 km (7.5 mi) path, carved directly into the rock walls, leads through deep chasms, tunnels and bridges. Soaring peaks – some rising over 2000 m (6561 ft) – surround you on all sides. At the end of the gorge, you’ll arrive in the mountain village of Cain and enjoy a well‑earned lunch break. After, follow the same route back toward Puente Poncebos, where you’ll get a ride back to the hotel.
Day 5 - Arenas de Cabrales
After a short drive this morning, reach the mountain village of Tielve – the starting point of today’s challenging hike. From here, begin a steady ascent toward Pena Main, one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos de Europa. At the summit, you’re rewarded with a panorama of sweeping views of the range’s highest peaks. Continue toward the Pandebano Pass, following scenic mountain paths on the way to the day’s main objective – Cabeza La Mesa, rising to 1612 m (5288 ft). After taking ample time to catch your breath and take photos of the outstanding vista, you’ll begin your descent into the valley.
Day 6 - Arenas de Cabrales
Today you’ll tackle the highest point of the week: the twin summits of Pico Macondiu, reaching an impressive altitude of 2000 m (6561 ft). Much of the ascent follows old mining tracks, making the route technically straightforward. However, the final stretch – around 656 m (2152 ft) – requires a bit more effort as the terrain steepens. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama spanning both the central and eastern massifs of the Picos de Europa. It’s a spectacular viewpoint and the perfect finale to a varied and unforgettable week of hiking.
Day 7 - Departure
After breakfast and a final look at the mountains, drive to Bilbao Airport with your group. Your trip comes to an end here. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-05-202707-05-2027AUD $ 2,995-
19-06-202725-06-2027AUD $ 2,995-
10-07-202716-07-2027AUD $ 2,995-
24-07-202730-07-2027AUD $ 2,995-
14-08-202720-08-2027AUD $ 2,995-
18-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 3,115-
09-10-202715-10-2027AUD $ 3,115-
23-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 2,995-
29-04-202805-05-2028AUD $ 3,145-
17-06-202823-06-2028AUD $ 3,145-
08-07-202814-07-2028AUD $ 3,145-
22-07-202828-07-2028AUD $ 3,145-
12-08-202818-08-2028AUD $ 3,145-
16-09-202822-09-2028AUD $ 3,270-
07-10-202813-10-2028AUD $ 3,270-
21-10-202827-10-2028AUD $ 3,145-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

On foot, Private vehicle

Map

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