Self-Guided Picos de Europa to Coast

Your trip starts in Arenas de Cabrales, one of the northern gateways to the Picos de Europa. This small sleepy town lies in the shadows of these attractive limestone mountains and often plays host to walkers keen to explore. Due to their proximity to the sea and relatively low elevation the 'Picos' have a mild climate in summer, and ideal terrain for interesting walking - With great views and interesting flora and fauna.

There are many public transport options to get you to Arenas de Cabrales. Alternately, we are able to offer private transfers from Oviedo (OVD), Santander (SDR) and Bilbao (BIO) Airports for an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for further information. Stay: Hotel Picos de Europa (Premium) (D)

Today starts with a short, pre-booked taxi ride to Ortiguero. From here you follow the old 'Royal Footpath' along the slopes of the Sierra de Cuera through old chestnut woods and by small streams, and are rewarded with great views of the Picos de Europa. Half way through the walk you arrive to the village of Asiego, where you can try a typical 'espicha' lunch made up of small portions of local delicacies. On returning to Arenas de Cabrales you may wish to visit the cheese museum, the local natural caves or relax in a cafe or bar.

Today's walk is almost 12 kilometres and takes approximately four and a half hours. The total ascent and descent is +310m / -600m. Stay: Hotel Picos de Europa (Premium) (B)

The route today takes you along the Cares Gorge, through spectacular scenery, on one of the most famous routes in Spain. The path was originally a maintenance path for the Canal del Cares, carved through the mountains at the start of the 20th century to supply a hydro-electric power station. However today many walkers take this route to follow the Cares River through this deep, impressive gorge that divides the western and central massifs of the Picos, returning the same way. This walk starts and ends in nearby Poncebos. A pre-booked taxi will take you there and pick you up at the end of the day.

The walk today is 23 kilometres and takes approximately six and a half hours. The total ascent and descent is +600m / -600m. Stay: Hotel Picos de Europa (Premium) (B)

The walk today starts and ends at the hotel. Taking you out of the town the route takes you through quiet woods and meadows in the shadows of the Picos. Half way into the walk you reach the small village of Poo de Cabrales which has a cosy bar where you may decide to stop for a while. Similarly on your return to Arenas de Cabrales there are small cafes and bars to relax in.

Today's walk is nine and a half kilometres and takes approximately three and a half hours. The total ascent and descent is +/- 420m. Stay: Hotel Picos de Europa (Premium) (B)

Lying between the Picos de Europa and the Atlantic coast is another small mountain range called Sierra de Cuera. Today's route follows a high path from west to east along this range, through the unspoilt, rural valley of Llabres, arriving to the coastal village of Poo de Llanes. The day starts with a pre-booked taxi transfer Turanzas. Although close to the coast Poo de Llanes has kept its traditional village feel, with mainly Spanish families visiting during the summer. It has a few restaurants to choose from in the evenings, two of them on the beach ten minutes walk from the hotel.

The walk today is 11.5 kilometres and takes approximately three and a half hours. The total ascent and descent is +110m / -130m. Stay: Hotel Rural Cuartamenteru (Comfortable) (B/D)

This morning starts with a short pre-booked taxi transfer to Vidiago, from where the route follows the coastal footpath back to Poo de Llanes. This lovely walk takes you along limestone cliffs, through small villages and past unspoilt beaches and coves. Before reaching Poo de Llanes the route takes you through the medieval town of Llanes. You may wish to spend some time here exploring the old town, and waterfront, or relaxing in a local café before continuing on to Poo de Llanes.

Today's walk is 16.5 kilometres and takes approximately five hours. The total ascent and descent is +285m / -300m. Stay: Hotel Rural Cuartamenteru (Comfortable) (B)

Today the route starts at the hotel, walking from Poo de Llanes along the beautiful cliff tops to Celorio. It then joins part of the Camino del Norte (one of several pilgrim routes that end in Santiago de Compostela) to San Antolin, where, during the summer, there are a couple of bars and the opportunity to swim. From here you can either continue along the coastal path to Hontoria or turn inland continuing on the Camino del Norte to Nueva. From Hontoria or Nueva you catch a train back to Poo de Llanes (not included).

The walk to Hontoria is 18 kilometres and takes approximately six hours. The shorter walk to Nueva is 16 kilometres and takes approximately five hours. The total ascent and descent is approximately the same at +275m / -275m. Stay: Hotel Rural Cuartamenteru (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast in Poo de Llanes.

We are able to offer private transfers to Oviedo (OVD), Santander (SDR) and Bilbao (BIO) Airports for an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for further information. (B)