Bilbao and the Picos de Europa

The spectacular massif called the Picos de Europa straddles Spain’s provinces of Asturias and Cantabria with wild, craggy limestone peaks and lush green valleys wedged between tremendous river gorges. A natural frontier between the green north and the arid plains of Castile, the Picos is one of the best hiking areas in all Spain and a favorite of veteran Trip Leader Marian Gilbert, who says “it has everything I look for when I go on a hiking trip—varied landscapes, beautiful endemic flora, isolated mountain villages, non-crowded trails, historic monuments, wonderful gastronomy, and a traditional lifestyle still going strong!” We join Marian on the scenic trails of the Picos, hiking through ancient beech woods, fairytale moors, flower-filled meadows, and up to the high miradores (vista points) over these vertiginous mountains, and get a chance to visit ancient villages, meet the locals, and sample the unique culinary delights of the Picos, from tasty ciders to the delicious local queso de Cabrales cheese. We bookend our mountain journey with cultural explorations in fascinating Bilbao, home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, and Oviedo, the Asturian capital, with its delightful Old Quarter. Join us to discover a hidden corner of Spain!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Bilbao / La Cueva del Pindal / Picos de Europa

After visiting the extraordinary Guggenheim Museum, we journey along the Cantabrian Coast to see the fascinating Paleolithic rock art at Pindal. Heading inland into the mountains, we enjoy spectacular day hikes from the natural mountain amphitheater of Fuente De and into the green Valdeon Valley, feasting our eyes on the knife-edged limestone summits of the Picos de Europa.

Days 4-5
Cares Gorge / Bulnes / Arenas de Cabrales

We set out for one of the most spectacular hikes in the Picos—an amazing footpath hacked out of the cliff face above the stupendous Cares Gorge. We also visit delightful Bulnes, a village accessible only on foot, and hike below sharp-crested Naranjo de Bulnes (8,313'), one of the highest summits in the Picos. Overnights are in the friendly village of Arenas de Cabrales, with its cider houses.

Days 6-9
Rio Sella / Cangas de Onis / Oviedo

Our hikes bring us through the gorge of the Rio Sella and across flower-filled meadows to Vega de Orandi, and we visit the pilgrim town of Covadonga, home to an ancient cave-shrine. Overnights are in the bustling market town of Cangas de Onis, with its Roman bridge and 15th century Capilla de Santa Cruz. Our final day is in the lively university town of Oviedo for a chance to explore its well-preserved medieval quarter. Depart on Day 9.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 3+, Moderate to Strenuous. We hike from 3 to 6 hours on most days. Trip members carry a daypack only, as luggage is transported by vehicle between overnight stops. You should be fully prepared for the hikes and bring your sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots. On some days, the hiking terrain will be rocky or muddy, often along shepherds’ paths and in forests, but on other days, the trails will be easy and wide, crossing meadows with stunning views of the peaks and massifs. We enjoy our lunches in local cafes and also have some picnic lunches along the way. Overnights are in comfortable small hotels.

Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 9:00 PM.

Although rooms are not always of uniform or international size, our leaders always try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you require a single room, please make the request as early as possible.

Explanation of Trip Levels