ASTURIAS – SPAIN

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Spain, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Bilbao and Santander. It’s well connected to Europe, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in the city centre. The transfer will leave at 2pm and takes around 2,5 hours making a quick stop in Santander. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore Bilbao or Santander. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

Arenas de Cabrales will be the base for the whole trip, which is great because you don’t need to carry all your stuff around and after a long day walking you know your warm shower and bed is awaiting you.

Click for Route Map : 24 km  6–7 h  ~650 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Ruta del Cares follows a narrow trail carved into the cliffs of the Cares Gorge, linking the villages of Poncebos in Asturias and Caín in León. The path winds high above the turquoise Cares River, crossing stone bridges and short tunnels cut through the limestone.

The hike begins with a steady climb from Poncebos, soon opening to wide views of towering peaks and sheer canyon walls. The middle section contours dramatically along the gorge, with the river far below and waterfalls spilling from hidden side valleys.

Near Caín, the gorge narrows to its most spectacular point, where the trail passes between vertical walls rising hundreds of metres overhead. After a rest by the river, the return follows the same route through the gorge, revealing new perspectives on the cliffs and summits of the Picos de Europa.

Click for Route Map : 14-16 km  5 h  ~450 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This circular route explores the famous glacial lakes of Covadonga, one of the most scenic areas in the Picos de Europa. Starting near the visitor centre by Lake Enol, the trail winds through alpine meadows and pastures dotted with grazing cattle before reaching the second lake, Ercina, framed by sharp limestone peaks.

From Ercina, the path climbs gently to the Mirador de Entrelagos, where both lakes can be seen together against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Beyond the viewpoint, the route continues through karst terrain toward the old Buferrera mining area, where remnants of tunnels and machinery hint at the region’s industrial past.

The loop then descends through rolling green hills back to Lake Enol, with sweeping views across the western massif of the Picos de Europa. Clear weather brings vivid reflections on the lake surfaces, while clouds and mist give the landscape a mysterious beauty.

Click for Route Map : 12 km  5–6 h  ~900 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This demanding circular route leads to the summit of Peña Main (1,617 m), one of the most striking viewpoints in the western Picos de Europa.

Starting from the Mirador de Panderrueda, the trail climbs steeply through beech forest before emerging onto open alpine pastures with sweeping views of the Valdeón Valley. The ascent continues along rocky slopes and scattered limestone outcrops toward the summit ridge.

The final push follows a rugged crest, occasionally steep and uneven, before reaching the broad summit crowned with a cairn and spectacular 360° panoramas — the Cares Gorge to the north, the high peaks of the central massif to the east, and the Cantabrian coast on clear days.

The descent loops back via the Collado de Dobres and gentle meadows dotted with grazing cattle, completing a route that captures the wild beauty and variety of the Picos landscape.

A chance to explore the village, unwind, or embark on another adventure. Bilbao, nestled in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, offers a captivating blend of modern innovation and deep-rooted tradition. Wander through the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where cobbled streets, historic buildings, and lively pintxos bars invite you to savor Basque culinary delights like txangurro (spider crab) and bacalao a la vizcaína (cod in red pepper sauce). Discover Bilbao’s cultural heartbeat at the Guggenheim Museum, a striking architectural masterpiece housing world-class contemporary art, or explore the city’s maritime legacy at the Ría de Bilbao waterfront. For those craving the outdoors, Bilbao serves as a gateway to coastal hikes along the Bay of Biscay, the dramatic cliffs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, or the serene landscapes of Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Whether you’re indulging in fine dining, soaking in panoramic views from Mount Artxanda, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Bilbao seamlessly blends urban charm with nature, making it an unforgettable destination in northern Spain. Another popular choice is to spend the day at one of Spain’s beautiful beaches.

Click for Route Map : 13 km  5–6 h  ~750 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This scenic circular hike explores the upper Cabrales Valley and the ridge of the Sierra de Juan Robre, offering superb views across the eastern Picos de Europa.

The route begins near Arenas de Cabrales and climbs steadily through oak and chestnut woodland before reaching open pastures and limestone slopes. As height is gained, the views widen over the Cares Valley and the jagged peaks of the central massif.

The path follows the undulating crest of the Sierra de Juan Robre, a natural balcony overlooking both the Cabrales Valley and the green hills of eastern Asturias. Occasional steep sections and rocky footing add challenge but reward with uninterrupted mountain panoramas.

The descent passes through tranquil grazing meadows and scattered hamlets, returning by rural tracks to the valley floor. In clear weather, the contrasts of green valleys and grey limestone ridges make this one of the most picturesque medium-level hikes in the region.

Click for Route Map : 12 km  5–6 h   ~900 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

One of the most iconic hikes in the Picos de Europa, this route leads to the base of the legendary Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu, 2,519 m) — the striking limestone spire that dominates the central massif.

Starting from the mountain village of Sotres, the trail climbs gradually along the track toward Pandébano Col, where the first views of the Picu appear. From here, the route steepens as it winds through rocky high pastures and karst terrain, with the great wall of Urriellu growing larger at every turn.

The final stretch ascends a stony path to the Refugio de Urriellu, nestled directly beneath the towering north face — a dramatic spot surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. After soaking in the mountain scenery, most hikers return by the same route, though experienced trekkers can link it with other high routes across the central massif.

In clear weather, the hike offers unforgettable views and a sense of grandeur unmatched elsewhere in the Picos.

It’s time to pack your bags and head back to the town. We arrange transport back to Santander and Bilbao so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this magical region. We recommend not booking a flight before 4pm so we have time to get you back from the mountains in time. We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Spain.