Join us for an epic seven-night hiking adventure across the Eastern and central massifs of Cantabria, Northern Spain. Discover some of the best trails in the Picos de Europa, Spain's only inhabited nature reserve.
We pick you up from Santander/ Bilbao airport* (times to be arranged after booking) and drive to Espinama (1hr 30mins). Later in the evening, after settling in, we'll have a meeting to go through the week followed by a delicious three-course dinner.
*Hotel pick-ups from hotels in Santander/ Bilbao are sometimes possible, please speak to us after booking to arrange.
After breakfast, we transfer to Fuente Dé (5mins) and catch the cable car. Today we have a stunning circular walk to Refugio Veronica taking in some vast views of the Picos De Europa. After our 750m/ 5 minutes ascent in the cable car, we begin our walk at an altitude of 1850m in the Picos. The reviews today are truly spectacular. At Refuigo Veronica, there is a chance for lunch and a drink before we make our way back to the cable car and the descent to Fuente Dé. We transfer back to Espinama for dinner in the hotel.
Hiking Distance: 12km - 5-6 hrs 600m Ascent/Descent
We check out of the hotel and leave our main luggage to be transferred to the next hotel. Walking from the hotel, we take the Gr202 all the way to Sotres. A steady climb in the morning brings us to the Refugio De Aliva for a drink and rest. Here we will pick up a picnic lunch and then make our way down the Duje valley. There are vultures, eagles and Ibex to be spotted all along this valley as well as some fabulous scenery.
We end the day at Sotres where we check into the hotel, relax and enjoy an evening meal.
Hiking Distance: 15 km, 4-6 hrs, 750m Ascent, 650m Descent
Its another beautiful day of walking as we ascend out of Sotres, we hike over grazing land with some stunning views down the Rio Duje Valley. Walk through disused farmsteads along a track before the final descent to Tielve where we stop for lunch. From here we walk along a rarely used road for 2km before taking an ancient mule trail back to our hotel Sotres.
Hiking Distance: 14km, 4 -6 hrs, 750m Ascent/Descent
We take a lovely walk out of Sotres and over the Collado Pondebano and then down to the village of Bulnes. Up until 2001, Bulnes was only accessible on foot by the windy mountain path. We stop for lunch in this historic village. Afterwards, you can either catch the Funicular train or walk along a stunning gorge down to Poncebos. There is a short transfer to Arenas De Cabrales (10 mins) and we check into our next hotel.
Hiking Distance: 13km, Ascent 1200m, Descent 700m
The famous Cares Gorge is 1.5km from the valley floor. You will pass through tunnels with amazing scenery, a walk well worth doing! This track was built to serve the canal that runs parallel to the path.
Today's walk is a return route starting and ending at Poncebo. It is 24 km return from the village of Cain (12km each way). It is not hard walking but it is vertiginous. The path is about 2m wide and not dangerous but also not ideal for those with a fear of heights. You can walk as long as you want and are welcome to turn back at any point if you decide you have walked enough.The group will walk the full distance of the gorge to Cain and then return to Poncebo from where we transfer back to our hotel for dinner.
Hiking Distance: 24km, Ascent 500m, Descent 500m
Note: If you choose to walk back to Poncebo, there is a bar and also a public bus that goes back to Arenas every hour which you could take if you do not want to wait for the rest of the group.
At 09:30, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Bilbao where we arrive at our final accommodation. Today free day in Bilbao to relax and explore.
Bilbao, an industrial port city in northern Spain, is surrounded by green mountains. It’s the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum, fabulous Pinxo tapas, and great riverside walks. In the evening, you are free to find a local restaurant for dinner.
After breakfast, it is sadly time to say goodbye. You will check out of the hotel and make your way to your next destination or back home with many happy memories.
Note that airport transfers to Bilbao Airport are not included, you will need to arrange this.
If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.
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Amongst walkers, we'd classify this as medium-difficulty trek. You need a fair fitness level as it involves hiking on mountainous terrain and rocky paths. You should be able to walk for up to 6/7hrhrs keeping in mind that we will take breaks. Some hiking experience is preferred.
If you would like a room to yourself as a solo traveller - there is a single room supplement of 155 Euro. If you would like to book a single room. Please contact us after booking through the 'Message your guide' button on your Skyhook dashboard.
1. A good pair of walking boots/shoes, preferably not brand new 2. Walking poles, if you are not confident on loose ground (we have several pairs you can use or you can buy a cheap pair in most villages) 3. Waterproofs 4. Warm jacket, fleece etc 5. Sun hat 6. Sun cream 7. Sun glasses 8. Comfortable backpack 9. Water bottle/ camel pack 10. Travel insurance 11. Health card 12. Blister plasters 13. Shorts/t-shirts
We usually say 16 with an adult but please contact us if you have younger children as we may be able to arrange a private trip.
US and UK citizens do not generally need a visa for Spain. Please check your government's website or with your local embassy to make sure that your travel requirements are met.
We like to keep the groups personable so 12 people is the maximum. If you're a walking club or group we can take more people. Drop us a message for large group enquiries.
All the hotels we use are family-run. With local people and good food. The rooms are all en-suite. The price is based on 2 people sharing a room - twin beds - if you want a single room there is a single room supplement available (155 EUR). On this trip, we use four different hotels - in the national park they are all traditional style architecture and in the city, a typical good quality city hotel.
There are on the Cares Gorge - the path is around 2m wide so it is not dangerous but there is a steep drop to one side. We haven't yet had anyone who hasn't enjoyed this beautiful trail but the drop off is something to be aware of.
The Picos De Europa mountains are affected by weather coming straight from the Atlantic Ocean, so it can be very changeable. We have planned our trips in the most settled months of the year. June/July/September - the weather in these months is usually warm and dry but you can still get a wet and cloudy day. Temperature ranges from 18°C - 30°C and rainfall is generally low in these months. It is perfect hiking weather but you still need to bring a waterproof jacket, just in case!
We pick up from Bilbao airport and then have a second stop at Santander airport (when necessary). We can pick up from hotels with prior arrangements. We usually organise the pick-up time to work best for everyone. We will be in touch closer to your departure date to confirm this. The end point is usually Bilbao for the last night (sometimes we end in Santander). You will need to arrange your own transfer onwards/to the airport on Day 8. Usually a 20-min taxi ride/ 20 EUR
You only need to carry your daypack with your snacks, sunscreen, jacket etc. Your main luggage will be moved onwards for you to the next hotel.
Water bottles can be refilled from the taps or bottled water can be bought at the hotel.
There is no real tipping policy in Spain. But as with everything if you feel the service was good and you want to tip, the usual is 10% of the amount.
Meals are included in the trip (six evening meals, seven breakfasts & five lunches are provided). Only meals not included are the evening meal and lunch in Bilbao on Day 7. The evening meal is a three-course menu. Lunches are in bars/restaurants when we pass through a village or a picnic lunch will be provided. Breakfasts are traditionally Spanish, consisting of toast, coffee, fruit, eggs, and fresh juice.
We can cater to all dietary requirements. Just let us know in advance before you arrive of any allergies (gluten, nuts, lactose, etc). Please indicate this on your Guest trip form after booking.
If you would like to hike some more or extend your stay in Spain to visit Bilbao, Santander or any other area/city we would love to help with your plans. Please contact us after booking.
Cards are accepted in most places (but not all). Cash(euros) is still taken everywhere.
All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Ibex Trex Walking Holidays, based in Otley.
By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!