5-day Asturias Walking Holiday - from the mountains to the sea

How do I get to Arenas de Cabrales?

The nearest airports to the Picos de Europa are Oviedo - Asturias (OVD), Santander (SDR) and Bilbao (BIO).

From the airports there are good bus connections to city centre bus stations, where you can catch a connecting bus to your destination (ALSA bus company, see time tables at www.alsa.com).

From Oviedo centre there are direct buses to Arenas de Cabrales, though these services cannot be booked in advance. From Santander and Bilbao, you take a direct bus to Unquera and then continue by taxi to Arenas de Cabrales.

NOTE: It is wise to book your bus tickets and taxi transfer in advance, especially for arrivals and when travelling in summer or on Friday afternoons. You can buy your bus tickets through the ALSA website.

Departure from Nueva de Llanes

 At the end of the trip, regular ALSA (alsa.com) bus services connect Nueva de Llanes with Oviedo, Santander and Bilbao, with more frequent departures available from nearby Llanes.

Private transfers to Oviedo (OVD), Santander (SDR) or Bilbao (BIO) airports can also be arranged through S‑Cape Travel. Prices vary depending on the destination airport and the number of passengers.

Where is Asturias?

Asturias is an autonomous region in northern Spain, located on the Cantabrian coast between Galicia and Cantabria, with the Picos de Europa mountains rising just inland from the sea.

When to go?

The best time to go to Asturias is late spring, summer and early autumn. During these months, temperatures are mild, days are often sunny, and snow has usually melted from the mountains. Thanks to its Atlantic influence and mountainous terrain, this area of Spain also enjoys cooler nights even during the hottest summer months, making it ideal for walking and outdoor activities.

If you arrive in Cabrales with your own car, you can leave it parked in the hotel’s private car park for the duration of the walking trip. To retrieve your car at the end of the holiday, there are two options:

• On day 5, we can arrange a morning taxi transfer from Nueva de Llanes to Cabrales.
• Alternatively, on day 3 in the morning, you can first drive and leave your car in Nueva de Llanes, then take a taxi to the starting point of the route in Vidiago.

Navigation app and tracks

Included in your booking is access to the tour on our navigation app. You can also download the tracks and follow the routes on your own device, but we recommend checking the app for the day-to-day itinerary

Weather & Climate

What gear do I need?

For hiking routs in the Picos de Europa or other areas in Asturias from spring to October, bring sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots, comfortable clothing in layers, and a waterproof jacket Weather can change quickly. A daypack with water, snacks, and sun protection is also recommended. Trekking poles can be useful but aren’t essential for lower-altitude routes.

Difficulty & Terrain

Walks alternate between well‑maintained mountain paths, historic stone trails, rural lanes, and coastal footpaths, with occasional rocky or uneven sections.  Along the coast of Llanes, hiking takes place on gentle countryside paths, clifftop trails. On all days, hikers can choose between shorter or longer route options, allowing the walking distance and effort to be adapted to personal preference.

How to Book & Our Terms

When you make a booking, we first check availability and do our best to confirm all your chosen options. Once everything is confirmed, we’ll contact you. If something isn’t available, we’ll get in touch to discuss alternative options with you.

You can note any preferences or questions in the comments box at the final step of booking. For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions and How to book pages.