HOTEL Picos de Europa - the Wild Alpine Paradise of Northern Spain FOREIGN TRIP

To see other attendees on the trip, please check the following LINK

Spain - the land of sunshine and street festivals is a colourful medley of contrasting scenery, rich culture and also amazing cuisine. Home to the legendary artists Picasso and Dali, Spain inspires with the unique character of each region and diversity of the landscapes.

Explore Spain’s first National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - the remarkable Picos de Europa, this is the largest limestone mountain range in all Europe. The National Park straddles the three provinces of Cantabria, Asturias and León. Deep rivers and glaciers have carved out a remote paradise of deep valleys and gorges.

We hike the narrow rocky cliffs of the Cares Gorge - along a stunning valley. We admire the crystal Lakes of Covadonga and summit some of the most spectacular peaks and viewpoints of the park - the striking Naranjo de Bulnes.

Our accommodation is in the pretty mountain town of Cangas de Onis.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Spain and discover its greenest and most picturesque region
• Explore Spain’s first National Park (1918) and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - Picos de Europa
• Reach the base of the iconic limestone giant - Naranjo de Bulnes Peak (2519m)
• Complete the most popular path through the Cares Gorge valley
• Hike above 2000m and admire the rugged dramatic views over the park
• Admire the picture postcard Lakes of Covadonga
• Discover a wild and untamed area, home to rich wildlife including vultures, eagles and wild goats
• Experience the local tradition and sample the cuisine of Cangas de Onis

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION

Picos de Europa - a mountainous region in Northern Spain has a charming blend of ancient mountain villages, jagged peaks, lush valley pastures and unique alpine wildlife. Picos de Europa is Spain’s first National Park and was formed at the same time as the Alps and Pyrenees, it’s the largest limestone mountain range in Europe and is UNESCO protected for its wildlife, history and unique geology.

We hike to the base of the towering Naranjo de Bulnes Peak and the mesmerising serene Lakes of Covadonga. We complete one of the most striking hikes in Spain - the Cares Gorge trail that is a true adventure through a winding narrow path carved into the stone high above a roaring river. We also reach spectacular beauty spots that strike us with endless lush vistas at more than 2000m above sea level.

The mountains sit within the Asturias region of Spain - famed for their local cider and cheese which there is ample opportunity to sample in our mountain village.

Important Notes

This trip is suitable for fit and experienced hikers. These are tough mountain hikes involving long uphill/downhill sections on steep and uneven ground as well as walking/scrambling over rocks and boulders. Some of the trails may not be suitable for anyone who suffers from vertigo and an above average level of fitness is required.

Driving - we are driving to the hikes every day, some days have long drives and on mountain roads. The drive to and from the airport is roughly 2.5 hours

ITINERARY

Friday

Arrive at Bilbao airport and meet the guide. Complimentary transfer to the accommodation in Cangas de Onis.

Saturday

Hike: the Lakes of Covadonga and Mirador de Ordiales viewpoint
Distance: 12 miles (20km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 650m
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours

We start off with an iconic hike to the crystal clear Lakes of Covadonga and the famous Mirador de Ordiales viewpoint also known as the "balcony of the mountain". Our path begins near one of the glistening lakes and we admire its legendary beauty and mirror waters that reflect the rugged mountain tops. We enjoy the idyllic beauty of the area and will see wild goats. We reach the Mirador de Ordiales viewpoint which offers such jaw dropping views that even the "founder" of the Picos de Europa National Park chose to be buried there.

Sunday

Hike: Cares Gorge
Distance: 15 miles (24km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 400m
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours

Today we follow one of the most beautiful hiking trails in all of Spain - the spectacular Cares Gorge also known as the "Divine Gorge". Piercing right through the heart of the mountain, the river Cares has formed a deep ravine between the central and the western massifs of Picos de Europa. Our path winds up surrounded by wild vegetation and dramatic views and takes us from the province of Asturias to the province of León. We pass through tunnels carved in the rocks and bridges hanging over the valley while we marvel at the splendour of the gorge. It’s a truly thrilling and memorable experience traversing through the towering rock walls along the edge of the cliffs.

Monday

Hike: Base of Naranjo de Bulnes peak (2000m)
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 900m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Today is saved for another must do hike to the base of one of the most recognisable and famous landmarks in the country - the Naranjo de Bulnes Peak. It’s considered to be the jewel of the Picos de Europa mountains with its rusty colour and majestic molar shape. The peak is veiled in stories and myth and is an endless source of inspiration with its high vertical walls and majesty. Starting in the village of Sotres, we gradually ascend to the base of the monolith reaching about 2000m above sea level. We stop for lunch and rest at the mountain refuge to admire the climbers attempting to conquer the staggering peak.

Tuesday - FREE DAY

Free time for you to relax and enjoy yourself or explore more of the local treasures and culture on a self guided hike.

Those of you who wish to truly discover the distinct character of the province of Asturias can visit and self explore its capital Oviedo. It’s a historical town and Spain’s oldest Christian settlement famous for its art and cuisine. You can wander around its cobbled streets and sample the local dishes. The region is famed for its world renowned cider which is poured from a great height to get that fresh fizzy taste.

Should you feel more adventurous, you can kayak along the River Sella through stunning mountain scenery with instruction (extra cost).

Wednesday

Hike: Cuetu Tejau Peak (2129m)
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 800m
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours

We’ve saved this day for an exploration of a different province in Spain - the lush Cantabria. This rather tiny province carries its own charm and offers an immense natural diversity. We conquer one of the highest peaks in the area - Cuetu Tejau Peak (2129m) and follow a path that reveals another face of Picos de Europa traversing the western slopes passing by the Andara mines. Our trail reaches a high mountain refuge before continuing up to the top of the peak. From our lunch spot we admire the broad views of the entire eastern and central massifs of the National Park and finish our memorable adventure with some mouth watering dinner and a well deserved rest.

Thursday

After breakfast we drive to Bilbao airport for the flight back home.

COST & PAYMENT

£786. Click “Attend” and pay the £100 deposit by Paypal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 30th March, we’ll email payment details 1 week before.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details:FAQ

START AND END TIME

Times are local time i.e. the times for Spain are in Spanish time

We suggest an inbound group flight below, for anyone on this flight or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 12:50pm. If you arrive later you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (we wait for the suggested flight if delayed).

Inbound flight 06.06.2025
Vueling 9:25am from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bilbao (BIO) landing at 12:25pm
Flight: VY6304

RETURN

The trip ends after breakfast and you will be transferred to Bilbao airport (approx 11am at the airport). However, due to the risk of delays etc or arriving later, we suggest exploring Bilbao and taking a late afternoon or evening flight.

FOOD

Breakfast and dinner (except 1 days dinner) will be provided each day, you can buy packed lunches from the local shops and the hotel. The local cuisine is diverse with strong Mediterranean features and influenced by the Romans and Arabs. Every region has a distinct cuisine with the most common ingredients being olive oil and garlic.

We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us to verify if they can be catered for first: info@outdooraholics.co.uk

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 6 nights accommodation in twin bedded hotel rooms
• Breakfast and dinner each day (except one dinner)
• Hikes by trained, local mountain guide (Outdoor First Aider)
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
• Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option
• Private minibus transport throughout the trip

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Flights
• Dinner on one night and meals other than the above mentioned (a typical lunch is approx 5-10 EUR)
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Free day activities - optional and booked on arrival

INSURANCE

It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of hiking (up to 2200m in this case). It is also recommended that this covers illness, cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.

There are lots of insurers who cover hiking, for example the BMC: LINK
You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Spain is within the EU.

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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