Find your perfect trip!
Find your perfect trip!
5-day Picos de Europa Family Walking Holiday
5-day Picos de Europa Family Walking Holiday
5-day Picos de Europa Family Walking Holiday
5-day Picos de Europa Family Walking Holiday
Self-guided Picos de Europa walking tour
Is this tour for me?
This 5-day family adventure in Picos de Europa takes you deep into the heart of northern Spain’s most dramatic mountain range, where limestone peaks rise sharply above green valleys carved by rivers over millennia. With a mix of self-guided trekking, logistical support and selected guided sections, it’s the perfect balance of independence and reassurance for families with children aged 8 and up.
Tour Highlights
- Family-friendly adventure in Picos de Europa National Park (ages 8+)
- 3.5 days of moderate hiking on iconic routes such as the Cares Gorge, Áliva Pass and Vega de Urriellu
- Combination of guided and self-guided routes, with daily logistic support
- 4x4 excursion between Caín and Espinama
- Ride the Fuente Dé cable car for spectacular mountain views
- One night in a private rural room and three nights in welcoming mountain lodges and dormitories
- Unforgettable overnight stay at the Vega de Urriellu mountain hut (2,000 m altitude)
- For groups of 6 or more. Contact us for a quote or alternative dates.
- 10% discount for children under 12
View map
ITINERARY
Start: Arenas de Cabrales Finish: Arenas de Cabrales
Day 1: Arrival in Poncebos
Day 2: From Poncebos to Caín through the Cares Gorge (12 km / 7,5 mi)
Day 3: From Espinama to Sotres (max. 13 km / 8 mi)
Day 4: From Sotres to Vega de Urriellu (7 km / 4,5 mi)
Day 5: Walk back to Pandébano (7 km / 4,5 mi) and end of program
Day 1: Arrival in Poncebos
Settle in at your hotel situated at the very start of the cares Gorge in Poncebos. If you arrive early, you can walk up in aprox 20 min. to Camarmeña and enjoy your first views of the Picu Urriellu. Just before dinner time the S-Cape team will present itself and explain all details of the tour, when you will do self-guided walk, when you will meet the guide, how the luggage transport is organized etc.etc. After that, you will have dinner on your own (not inc.)
Challenge: 45 min., 150 m ascent and descent
Day 2: From Poncebos to Caín through the Cares Gorge (12 km / 7,5 mi)
The Cares Gorge is an absolute classic from the localhiking repertoire; a stunning route walked by thousands each year, along a 12 km / 7,5 mi channel which feeds the hydroelectric station in Poncebos. After your lunchpack for today has been delivered by S-cape and the luggage has been put into the support vehicle, you start the self-guided walk with a short but steep ascent of 150 m on a zig-zag trail. After 45 min, the path levels off and you continue the rest of the way to Caín nearly “on the flat” (12 km). From Caín a 4x4 taxi will take you to the next accommodation in Espinama, a beautiful drive of aprox. 1.5 hours across the mountain pass Pandetrave.
Challenge: 3.5 - 4 hrs, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 300 m ascent, 50 m descent
Villages along the way: Poncebos, Caín, Posada de Valdeón, Espinama
Day 3: From Espinama to Sotres (max. 13 km / 8 mi)
Today you first walk in 1 hr to Fuente Dé in order to take the pre-booked cable car high into the central massif. After a short climb, you'll descend gradually to the Áliva Pass (1645 m) and follow a glacier moraine down the Duje River valley to the bucolic Vegas de Sotres from where taxis will drive you in 10 min to Sotres (1050 m altitude). In this highest village of the Picos, a very tasting blue cheese is made that you will have to try.
Challenge: max. 13 km / 8 mi, 380 m ascent and 900 m descent, 5 hrs
Villages along the way: Espinama, Sotres
Day 4: From Sotres to Vega de Urriellu (7 km / 4,5 mi)
The highlight of this trek of highlights, takes you up to the legendary Picu Urriellu – also called Naranjo de Bulnes – a stunning peak and mecca for world-class rock climbers.
Because we will traverse an alpine area, today a mountain guide will acompany you. He or she will meet you in the morning at the hostal and can help you to decide what to take up exactly to the hut, as luggage transfer is NOT incuded today. You will have to pack some items in your rugsack, including at least sheets, some extra warm cloths, a tooth brush and slippers. The bulk of your luggage stays behind in Sotres, safely stored in a private garage.
When everyone is ready to go, a 4x4 taxi will drive you all to the start of the walk at Collado Pandébano. Here the apline adventure starts as you follow a footpath up into the lunar landscapes at the heart of the central massif, home to chamoix and alpine choughs. The last zigzags up to the hut are very demanding, but you will forget about the effort as soon as you reach it and enjoy the views all the way to the ocean! There might be snow to play with still!
Today dinner at the hut is included so you will only have to carry the lunchpack for today.
Challenge: 4 hrs, 7 km / 4,5 mi, 950 m ascent, 125 m descent
Day 5: Walk back to Pandébano (7 km / 4,5 mi) and end of program
After a typical mountain-hut breakfast we descent along the same path to Pandébano (how easy it is now!!) where the S-Cape Team awaits with the lunch in the shade. Finally you say goodby to the guide and get into the 4x4 taxi for a last drive to Poncebos or Arenas de cabrales, depening on how you travel on. Extra Taxi transfers can be arranged to nearby airport (Oviedo,Santander or Bilbao).
Challenge: 2.5 hrs, 7 km / 4,5 mi, 125 m ascent, 950 m descent.
ACCOMMODATION
Where will you stay?
For this tour, we have selected a range of welcoming rural accommodations, including family-friendly rooms and a memorable overnight stay in a mountain refuge at 2,000 metres above sea level. Each accommodation has been chosen for its character, atmosphere and suitability for the journey. If a listed accommodation is unavailable, a similar alternative will be booked and communicated to you.
Accommodation upgrades are available for most nights of the tour, except for the mountain refuge stay. Contact us to know the options!
Extra nights can be booked at any accommodation along the route.
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Hotel Mirador de Cabrales** (Poncebos)Hotel Mirador de Cabrales is perfectly located for exploring the Picos de Europa, near the Cares Gorge walk and Bulnes funicular. It offers comfortable rooms, a relaxed atmosphere, and a cosy restaurant with traditional local dishes—ideal for hikers and nature lovers.
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Albergue Briz (Espinama)Albergue Briz is a family-run hostel located on the edge of the village of Espinama, with several restaurants within walking distance. It offers shared accommodation in rooms with bunk beds for between 4 and 10 guests, along with shared bathroom facilities. An upgrade to a 2-star hotel in the village is possible, subject to availability.
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Albergue Peña Castil (Sotres)Albergue Peñacastil is a family-run hostel located in Sotres, the highest village in the Picos de Europa. Accommodation is provided in a shared dormitory divided into compartments with four bunk beds each, with shared bathroom facilities. Family rooms with private bathrooms are available on request, and an upgrade to a 2-star hotel in the village is possible, subject to availability.
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Refugio Vega UrrielluRefugio Vega Urriellu is a high-mountain refuge located in the heart of the Picos de Europa, at the foot of the iconic Picu Urriellu (Naranjo de Bulnes). It accommodates up to 96 guests in four shared dormitories, each with 24 beds arranged in large bunk rows - providing a true mountain refuge experience.
PRACTICAL INFO
For the published dates a minimum of 6 persons in total is required, so if your family is smaller, you can book but S-Cape Travel will communicate 45 days before the starting date if the tour has enough participants in total to take place.
If S-Cape Travel is forced to cancel due to lack of participants, all deposits will be returned UNLESS you want to pay for the extra costs OR rebook to a (totally) self-guided tour.
A part from the published dates, this tour can be booked on a ANY DAY of the week between the 15th of June and the 16th of October starting but bookings are always ON REQUEST hence subject to availability at the standard accommodation. Please send us an email to info@s-capetravel.eu if you're interested in booking this tour for a special date. We will be happy to quote for any private group; no matter of what size.
Please be aware that this is a self-guided tour with some logistic support. The inscription of children of 17 years or younger is only possible if they are accompanied by an adult who takes FULL responsability for their behaviour and safety, including during the 1.5 day that a mountain guide accompanies you, although your are obliged to accept any instructions by this guide.
If your preferred date isn’t available on the calendar, please contact us and we’ll check what options are possible!
How do I get to Poncebos
The nearest airports to the Picos de Europa are Oviedo - Asturias (OVD), Santander (SDR) and Bilbao (BIO).
From each airport, there are regular bus services to the city centre bus stations. From there, you can take a connecting bus to your final destination with ALSA (timetables available at www.alsa.es).
- From Oviedo, there are direct buses to Arenas de Cabrales. For the last 6 km between Arenas and Poncebos you can use a public bus during high season; the rest of the year we can arrange a taxi.
- From Santander and Bilbao, take a direct bus to Unquera, then continue by taxi to Arenas de Cabrales
We strongly recommend booking both bus tickets and taxi transfers in advance, particularly during peak season and on Friday afternoons.
Departure from Poncebos or Arenas de Cabrales
Your trek ends with a taxi transfer from Pandébano to either Poncebos or Arenas de Cabrales. Travel to Oviedo by direct bus or take a taxi to Unquera, the continue by bus to Santander or Bilbao airport.
Airport transfers (arrival and departure) can also be arranged in advance through S-Cape Travel. More information on how to get to the Picos de Europa on our blog.
Where is Picos de Europa?
Picos de Europa National Park, Spain's first National Park, is located in northern Spain, spanning the regions of Asturias, Cantabria and Castile & León. The mountains rise just a short distance from the Atlantic coast, creating some of the country's most spectacular scenery.
When to go?
The best time to go to Picos de Europa 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. Outside this period, snow and ice can remain at higher altitudes, which may affect both hiking conditions and driving.
Tip: Please note that two mountain races take place in the area on the first and second weekends of June, attracting large numbers of visitors. If you plan to travel around those dates, a couple of days' flexibility will help us confirm your trip.
Travelling by car
If you arrive by (rental) car, you can park it free of charge near the first hotel for the duration of the tour.
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
| Month | Temperature (ºC) | Hours of sunshine | Rain (%) |
| Apr | 8–17 °C | 6 h | 45 % |
| May | 11–19 °C | 7 h | 35 % |
| Jun | 14–21°C | 7 h | 25 % |
| Jul | 16–24 °C | 6,5 h | 20 % |
| Aug | 16–24 °C | 6,5 h | 20 % |
| Sep | 15–22 °C | 7 h | 30 % |
| Oct | 12–21 °C | 6 h | 45 % |
What gear do I need?
For a hiking tour in the Picos de Europa between spring and October, bring walking shoes or light hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and a waterproof jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly. A daypack, water bottle and sun protection are also recommended.
There's no need to worry about packed lunches on this tour – we'll take care of those for you and your family.
Difficulty & Terrain
Daily walks range from 7 to 13 km (4.5–8 mi) on well-established mountain paths, mule tracks and rocky trails. While some days involve some elevation gain and loss, there are no technical sections or climbing skills required. The program is designed for active families with children aged 8 and over who enjoy walking in the mountains and are comfortable with 3 - 5 hours of hiking per day.
How to Book & Our Terms
For this special programme, please refer to the details provided at the beginning of this section.
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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1 overnight stay in a family hotel in double or triple rooms en-suite rooms
- 2 nights' accommodation in 4- to 10- persons dormitories with bunk beds in mountain hostels with shared bathroom facilities
- 1 overnight stay at Vega de Urriellu mountain hut in a dormitory with a maximum of 16 beds and shared basic bathroom facilities
- 4 hearty breakfasts
- 4 lunch packs
- 1 welcome drink during the briefing on day 1
- 2 dinners without drinks (days 1 and 4)
- Transfers on Days 2 (Cain to Espinama), 3 (end of the walk to Sotres), 4 (to the start of the walk in Pandébano) and 5 (Pandébano to Poncebos or Arenas de Cabrales)
- Cable car ticket on Day 3 (one way)
- Luggage transport on Days 2, 3 and 5
- 1.5 days assistance from a bilingual mountain guide (Days 4-5)
- Detailed digital route notes and maps in English
- Access to the trip on GUIBO navigation app
- 24-hour telephone assistance
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights and public transportation
- Transport to first / from last accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Dinners on Day1 1, 2 and 3
- Luggage transfers on day 4 and 5 between Pandebano and the Urriellu mountain hut
- Optional taxi transfers
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Upgrade to family room with private bathroom on Day 3 (Sotres) or 2-star family hotels on Days 2 and 3 (on request)
- Transfers from / to airports on arrival /departure can be arranged
- Additional night/s can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way, at any other nearby destination, such as the cities of Oviedo, Gijón or Bilbao or at charming rural accommodations along the Asturian coast
- Shipment of trip documents to the first accommodation
REVIEWS
Traditional cuisine in this region often includes meat, eggs and cheese. However, vegetarian and vegan options are becoming increasingly common, especially if restaurants are informed in advance. The included packed lunches can also be prepared in vegetarian or vegan versions. Please let us know your dietary requirements when booking.
Yes. The mountain guide accompanying the group to Vega de Urriellu mountain hut and back speaks English. Depending on the guide, they may also be able to communicate in other languages, but English is the only language we can guarantee.
All routes and maps are available in the app, which can also be used offline. You can download and print the maps if you prefer, or, if you'd like to use your own device, you can download the tracks from the app and load them onto it.
Many children love becoming the family's guide on the self-guided routes, following the route on the navigation app, helping with wayfinding and leading the family along the trail.
Absolutely. The Cabrales region is famous for its world-renowned Cabrales blue cheese, which you’ll find in local shops, restaurants and traditional dishes throughout the area. If you don't like blue cheese you will other artisan cheeses in Cabrales and Liébana areas, locally produced honey, and traditional sweets and desserts.
Why book with S-Cape?
Local experts
We know the trails inside out - we've walked them all, so we can guide you.
Travel your way
Go when you want, with whoever you choose - we take care of the rest.
Our Navigation App
Our app has every route mapped, with daily details and extra info for a seamless journey.
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5-day Picos de Europa Family Walking Holiday
Contact
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Edificio Sovega bajo, Crta General s/n
33554 Arenas de Cabrales
Asturias , Spaininfo@s-capetravel.eu
+34 (0) 985 846 455
UK call free 0800 707 44 35 -
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)