Hiking in Picos de Europa

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.