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8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
style :
Level :
Duration :
8 days
Comfort :
period:
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
ESSW038
8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
Self-guided Picos de Europa National Park walking tour
Is this tour for me?
This 8‑day Picos de Europa Mini Trek follows different routes through the national park, connecting villages such as Posada de Valdeón, Espinama, Sotres and Arenas, and including the classic Cares Gorge walk.
Each day features sustained ascents and descents, best suited to hikers comfortable with moderate mountain terrain. A standout moment is the overnight stay at the Vega de Urriellu mountain hut, set directly beneath the iconic Picu Urriellu - an experience made all the more memorable as you carry only your essentials for the night. For the remainder of the trek, you can choose to walk with or without luggage transport, depending on how light you prefer to hike.
Tour Highlights
- A truly unspoilt national park, rich in nature and tradition
- Idyllic meadows, vast glacial valleys, rushing streams and dramatic limestone spires
- A remarkable diversity of flora carpeting the landscape
- Warm hospitality in remote villages, plus one unforgettable mountain hut stay
View map
ITINERARY
Start: Arenas de Cabrales Finish: Arenas de Cabrales
Day 1: Arrival in Arenas de Cabrales, optional walk (10 km / 6 mi)
Day 2: Poncebos - Posada de Valdeón vía the Cares Gorge (12-20 km / 7,5-12.4 mi)
Day 3: From Valdeón to Espinama (16 km / 10 mi)
Day 4: From Espinama to Sotres (17 km / 10,5 mi)
Day 5: Circular walk in Ándara (12,5 km / 8 mi + 6 km / 4 mi optional)
Day 6: From Sotres to Vega de Urriellu (11 -14 km / 7 - 9 mi)
Day 7: Urriellu to Poncebos via Bulnes (9.5 - 13 km / 6 - 8 mi)
Day 8: End of tour
Day 1: Arrival in Arenas de Cabrales, optional walk (10 km / 6 mi)
Travel to the Picos de Europa and settle in at your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales. Check out the Romanesque parish church of Santa Maria de Llas and get last-minute walking gear and special food items at the village shops. If you arrive early, stretch your legs on an optional warm-up walk. This evening, get a taste for the Picos with a bit of local blue cheese, Queso Cabrales, and refreshing apple cider.
Challenge: 3.5 - 4 hrs, 10 km / 6 mi, 380 m ascent and descent
Villages along the way: Arenas de Cabrales
Day 2: Poncebos - Posada de Valdeón vía the Cares Gorge (12-20 km / 7,5-12.4 mi)
Your introduction to the national park is an absolute Picos de Europa ‘must-hike’, the stunning Ruta del Cares. Walked yearly by thousands, this impressive limestone gorge remains strikingly beautiful. And pleasantly easy, as the route parallels a 12-kilometre canal which feeds the Poncebos hydroelectric station. After a 5-minute transfer and short steep ascent, the path levels off and you cruise the rest of the way to Caín ‘on the flat’.
From there, you have the choice of continuing another 8 km up the valley or taking a taxi to your hotel in Posada de Valdeón.
Challenge: 3.5 / 7 hrs, 12-20 km / 7,5-12.4 mi, 300 / 700 m ascent, 50 / 125 m descent
Villages along the way: Poncebos, Caín, Posada de Valdeón
Day 3: From Valdeón to Espinama (16 km / 10 mi)
Today's route starts off with an ascent on the historic traders' path, el Camín del Mercadillo, which leads from Posada de Valdeón to Liébana. After 7 km / 4,5 mi walking with 800 m in ascent, you reach the meadowlands at Caben Remoña, situated on the border between the provinces of León and Cantabria. Here you have the choice of walking straight on down to Espinama (9 km / 5,5 mi, 900 m descent) or taking the spectacular high route via Vega de Liordes down to Fuente Dé (bus or taxi 3.5 km / 2 mi to your hotel). If you have booked luggage transport, there’s the option of riding for the first 5 km / 3 mi with your bags (thus saving 500 m in ascent).
Challenge: Direct to Espinama: 6.5 hrs, 15.5 km / 9,5 mi, 850 m ascent, 900 m descent
Through Liordes: 8.5 hrs, 16 km / 10 mi, 1270 m ascent, 1120 m descent
Villages along the way: Posada de Valdeón, Liordes, Espinama
Day 4: From Espinama to Sotres (17 km / 10,5 mi)
Amble over to Fuente Dé and steel yourself for the cable car journey (pardon the pun) soaring high up into the Central Massif. Optionally, you can choose to climb directly up from Espinama following woodland tracks to Áliva Pass, elevation 1645 m. An impressive glacier moraine then leads down the Duje Valley to Sotres. At 1050 m, the highest village in the Picos makes an ideal base for unbeatable walking on the Asturian side of the range. After a long hike, the end of your route is an invigorating 150-metre ascent up to the village!
Challenge: 7 hrs, 17 km / 10,5 mi, 925 m ascent, 775 m descent
Villages along the way: Espinama, Áliva, Sotres
Day 5: Circular walk in Ándara (12,5 km / 8 mi + 6 km / 4 mi optional)
Zoom uphill on a short taxi ride into the Eastern Massif and embark on a gorgeous and infinitely varied loop in the area known as Andara. Trundling up a historic mining track into a world of karst, you make your way to a fabulous overlook at the far eastern edge of the massif, San Carlos Peak, elevation 2215m. The long descent takes rocky paths and winding cattle trails down steep slopes bakc to your hotel in Sotres.
Challenge: 5.5 hrs, 12.5 km / 8 mi, 550 m ascent, 840 m descent.
To reach 'Pico San Carlos' add: 3 hrs, 6 km / 4 mi, 500 m ascent and descent.
Villages along the way: Sotres
Day 6: From Sotres to Vega de Urriellu (11 -14 km / 7 - 9 mi)
The highlight of this trek of highlights pierces the very heart of the Central Massif as you clamber up to the hut beneath Picu Urriellu, a stunning slab of limestone and mecca for world-class rock climbers. Starting slow on local farming tracks, you wind your way up from Sotres passing happy cows and perfect stone barns to reach Pandébano Col. Next is a narrow path going up and up into a lunar landscape, home to chamoix and alpine choughs with the peak's imposing 400-meter looming above. Today you carry just a few things for your overnight stay at the refuge, while your main luggage is transported to the next hotel.
Snow can be a factor on this route early in the season. In the event the hut cannot be reached, the alternate program includes a circular walk to nearby Tielve and overnight stay in Sotres.
Challenge: 5.5 hrs, 11 km / 7 mi, 1085 m ascent, 180 m descent
Alternative to Tielve: 5.5 hrs, 14 km / 9 mi, 480 m ascent and descent
Villages along the way: Sotres, Pandébano, Vega de Urriellu
Day 7: Urriellu to Poncebos via Bulnes (9.5 - 13 km / 6 - 8 mi)
Get to know yet another facet of the Picos as you test your knees on a steep descent to the remote village of Bulnes (no road access). After a swig of water and helpful 'tapa' to keep you going, it continues to be all downhill, this time through the craggy goat-filled Teju Gorge to Poncebos. You have now come full circle, back to the very start of your trek. A splendid journey full of mental snapshots and, most certainly, an inordinate number of holiday photos!
Early in the season, today’s descent may be impracticable due to water level from snow run-off. The alternate route goes by way of Pandébano. Short transfer to your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales.
Challenge: 5 - 6 hrs, 9.5 km / 6 mi, 50 m ascent, 1900 m descent
Alternative through Pandébano: 5 - 6 hrs, 13 km / 8 mi, 425 m ascent, 1100 m descent
Villages along the way: Vega de Urriellu, Bulnes, Poncebos, Arenas
Day 8: End of tour
Your self-guide trek comes to an end today after breakfast. Taxi transfers can be arranged to the airport (Oviedo, Santander or Bilbao).
Challenge: Departure from the Picos de Europa
ACCOMMODATION
Where will you stay?
For this tour, we have selected four family-run hotels that offer comfort, character and a good location along the route. They are chosen for their atmosphere, services and suitability for the journey. One of the stays is in a mountain hut beneath the famous Urriellu peak, in shared dormitories with more basic facilities but a great experience. If a listed accommodation is unavailable, a similar alternative will be booked and communicated to you.
Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the route.
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Hotel La Rivera (Arenas de Cabrales)Welcoming rural accommodation, located in the limit of the National Park of Picos de Europa, no too far from the well-known "Cares Gorge" route. Warm atmosphere and traditional decoration, with good quality services that will make your stay a very nice experience.
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Hotel Cumbres de Valdeón** (Posada de Valdeón)Hotel Cumbres de Valdeón is located in Posada de Valdeón, in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park. It offers single, double, triple and quadruple rooms with private bathroom, heating and mountain views, plus a restaurant, bar and terrace. Perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and families.
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Hostal Remoña (Espinama)Rural tourism is not at odds with comfort and style, two of the criteria that have marked the design of the rooms at Hostal Remoña. The combination of a taste for detail and attentive service to its guests, together with the presence of technological advances and the comforts of urban life, have been combined in the design of the rooms at Hostal Remoña.
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Hotel SotresFamily-run hotel, inaugurated in 2005. The rooms and terraces offer spectacular views to the Picos de Europa. They have a restaurant that offers the traditional gastronomy of the area.
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Refugio Vega UrrielluUrriellu mountain refuge is located in the very heart of the National Park of Picos de Europa, just at the base of the iconic "Picu Urriellu", also known as "Naranjo de Bulnes". It has a total of 96 beds, grouped in 4 dormitories of 24 beds, distributed in 4 large bunk bed rows.
PRACTICAL INFO
This trip is also offered as a 12-day option (See trip "Picos de Europa 12 day Mountain Trek").
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 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
- 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. Bus tickets can be purchased via the ALSA website.
Departure from Arenas de Cabrales
Your trek finishes in Arenas de Cabrales.
- Travel to Oviedo by direct bus
- For Santander or Bilbao, take a taxi to Unquera, then continue by bus
Airport transfers (arrival and departure) can also be arranged in advance through S-Cape Travel. Costs vary depending on the number of passengers, the airport, and the transfer time.
More information on how to get to the Picos de Europa on our blog.
Where is Picos de Europa?
The Picos de Europa is a mountain range in northern Spain and home to the country’s oldest national park, shared by the regions of Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León.
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.
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 sturdy hiking shoes or lightweight boots with good grip, as the terrain can be rocky, uneven and it often rains.. Dress in moisture‑wicking layers and always carry a waterproof and windproof jacket, as mountain weather changes rapidly. A comfortable daypack with at least 1.5–2 liters of water, snacks, sun protection, and a map or GPS is essential. Trekking poles are helpful for steep ascents and descents. Depending on the route, additional warm clothing may also be necessary.
The Urriellu mountain hut provides duvets and crocs for all visitors. You will need to bring a sleeping bag liner. There are no showers in the mountain hut, just some sinks in the hut and an aoutdoor water tap.
PLEASE NOTE: luggage transport is included between Arenas and Sotres only, so on the other three walking days you will need to carry your own belongings. Luggage transport can be added for the remaining stages and is available as an option during the booking process.
Difficulty & Terrain
Moderate day walks are combined with some more challenging excursions of 5–6 hours (excluding breaks) over hilly to mountainous terrain on well-maintained, sometimes stony paths, with no technical sections. Some stages are shorter but include more climbs and descents, and you can choose shorter routes on certain days.
On some days you will be able to choose between a longer or a shorter route, and all routes are official marked trails of the Natural Park (PR or GR).
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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation with breakfasts
- 4 dinners
- Transfers on Day 2 to the start of the walk (luggage will be transported to Sotres and stored there until Day 4), Day 4 and Day 7.
- Luggage transport on Day 2 and Day 7 (between Arenas and Sotres)*
- Detailed digital route notes and maps (in English)
- Access to the trip via the GUIBO navigation app
- 24-hour telephone assistance
* Optional upgrade: luggage transfer between all accommodations can be added at the time of booking.
NOTICE: Due to limited taxi availability in high season, the transfer to Poncebos on Day 2 may be shared with other S-Cape clients.
Not included
- Travel to the first accommodation and from the final accommodation
- Dinners not listed in the “Included” section
- Lunches
- Luggage transfers on Days 2–4 (Poncebos → Valdeón → Espinama → Sotres)
- Bus and cable car ticket on Day 4, and funicular ticket on Day 7
- Optional taxi transfers
- Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, phone calls, tips, additional transfers)
Extras
- Single room supplement(s)
- Solo traveller supplement
- Optional luggage transport on Days 2–4
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Extra nights at any of the standard accommodations
- Additional stays in city hotels in Oviedo, Gijón, or Bilbao, or in rural accommodations along the Asturian coast
- Shipment of printed documents to the first accommodation
REVIEWS
No, the routes are not technical, although some days include ascents of up to 1,000 m. The most demanding day covers around 17 km with approximately 925 m of ascent. If you do not add the optional luggage transfer to your booking, you will carry your backpack on all 5 walking days.
Yes, the restaurants included in the tour offer vegetarian and vegan options. In the mountain hut, vegan options may be limited, but a vegetarian option is always available. Please let us know your preferences at the time of booking so we can inform the accommodations in advance.
No previous mountain experience is required, although a good level of physical fitness is recommended. You will have access to an easy-to-use navigation app. In the Picos de Europa, we recommend using a navigation device rather than relying only on maps. If you prefer to use maps, prior experience with navigation is advisable.
Sure, please do! Although our office is not open to the public, we are always happy to welcome our clients in person and help with any questions. You can find us on the main street between 9:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday.
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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8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
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)