Bilbao and the Picos de Europa

The spectacular massif of the Picos de Europa straddles the provinces of Asturias, Leon, and Cantabria with sheer limestone peaks and lush valleys wedged between tremendous river gorges. In this natural frontier between the green north and the arid plains of Castile, our hikes follow breathtaking alpine trails where we discover a traditional lifestyle in ancient mountain villages and sample the wonderful local cuisine, from delicious fresh-made ciders to the piquant blue cheese queso de Cabrales. We begin our hiking journey with explorations in fascinating Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum, and end in enchanting Oviedo, with its delightful Old Quarter.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Bilbao / La Cueva del Pindal / Picos de Europa / Potes

After a morning visit to Bilbao's extraordinary Guggenheim Museum, we journey along the Cantabrian Coast to visit the Paleolithic rock art at Pindal, a World Heritage Site. Continuing inland, we find ourselves in the Picos de Europa, rising steeply to nearly 9,000 feet. On Day 2, we hike  in the natural mountain amphitheater of Fuente DÉ (3,600'), where a breathtaking ride by teleferico (cable car) brings us to the highest station in the Picos and gives us easy access to these wonderful mountains. Here we feast our eyes on panoramas of knife-edged summits soaring into the sky. Chamois, griffon vultures, and eagles can often be spotted in this lofty realm. Our descent takes us down through beech and oak forests. Later we visit the charming town of Potes, where we sample local tapas. Overnights are in the pretty mountain village of Cosgaya.

Days 3-4
Valdeón Valley

We hike through leafy forests and up medieval trading paths once used by the people of the Valdeón Valley, with a descent to Santa Marina de Valdeón. The next day, we hike along the Rio Cares as it flows through the valley then head uphill into the realm of shepherds for a picnic lunch. Overnights  are at an inn in Posada de Valdeón, a lovely village surrounded by soaring mountains.

Day 5
Cares Gorge / Arenas de Cabrales

Today we enjoy one of the most spectacular hikes in the Picos as we follow an amazing footpath hacked out of the cliff face above the stupendous Cares Gorge. The 10-foot-wide-path brings us through a massive cleft in the mountains, zigzagging along the natural contours of the canyon, passing under overhangs, and crossing bridges. Overnight  in friendly Arenas de Cabrales, where we can check out the Cueva Museo del Queso Cabrales to see how the region’s renowned Cabrales cheeses are made.

Days 6-7
Bulnes / Enol and Ercina Lake / Cangas de Onis

Our hike brings us to the tiny and delightful stone-built hamlet of Bulnes, one of the most remote villages in Spain, and the next day we enjoy splendid Picos views as we v enture up to the glacial lakes of Enol and Ercina, set on a wild limestone plateau. One afternoon, we visit the ancient pilgrim town of Covadonga and its ancient cave-shrine and visit the local sidrerias (traditional cider houses) in Cangas de Onis. Our hotel is a parador set on the banks of the Rio Sella.

Days 8-9
Oviedo

Bidding farewell to the mountains, we head to Oviedo, capital of Asturias and a lively university city with 12 centuries of history. We explore its medieval quarter as well as two of Oviedo’s World Heritage churches, among the most remarkable in all Spain, set on wooded slopes above the city. Depart on Day 9.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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