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3-day Picu Urriellu Walking Holiday
3-day Picu Urriellu Walking Holiday
style :
Level :
Duration :
3 days
Comfort :
period:
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
ESDD021
3-day Picu Urriellu Walking Holiday
3-day Picu Urriellu Walking Holiday
Self-guided Picos de Europa walking tour
Is this tour for me?
This 3-day Picu Urriellu Walking Holiday lets you experience the raw beauty of the Picos de Europa on a self-guided walking short break, taking you deep into one of Spain’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. It is a journey into the heart of the Central Massif, where towering limestone peaks, remote high valleys and a traditional mountain refuge come together to create an unforgettable high‑altitude adventure.
Tour Highlights
- A self-guided walking short break in the spectacular Picos de Europa
- Ascent to the legendary Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu), one of the park’s most iconic peaks
- Memorable overnight stay in a traditional mountain refuge
- Breathtaking views and an authentic high-mountain atmosphere
- A true journey into the very heart of the Picos de Europa
View map
ITINERARY
Start: Poncebos de Cabrales Finish: Poncebos de Cabrales
Day 1: Arrival in Poncebos and ascent to the Picu Urriellu (6.5 - 11.5 km / 4 mi)
Day 2: Urriellu-Bulnes-Poncebos (14.5 km / 9 mi)
Day 3: Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Poncebos and ascent to the Picu Urriellu (6.5 - 11.5 km / 4 mi)
This morning you take the car to Poncebos and park it there. At 9:30 hrs a taxi transfer will pick you up to take you to Sotres (longer route), where you can find some small shops or directly to Pandébano (short route).
Today the route is a long ascent to get to the mountain refuge located at the base of the legendary Naranjo de Bulnes or "Picu Urriellu". Once you gain altitude, you start to enjoy the spectacular moon-like landscape in this limestone paradise where chamoix, vultures and choughs await us. Tonight you will stay at a real mountain refuge at the foot of Picu Urriellu.
Challenge: 4.5 hrs, 11.5 km / 4 mi, 1000 m ascent, 220 m descent
Day 2: Urriellu-Bulnes-Poncebos (14.5 km / 9 mi)
After spending a night in the heart of the Picos, you return to your starting point yesterday via a small village, Bulnes, that has no road communication. Today you follow the same route back down to Pandébano, then turn west to descend to Bulnes - a tiny hamlet with no road access - and continue on to Poncebos down the beautiful Texu gorge. A long, tough descent that can be shortened by taking the funicular railway down from Bulnes. The funicular railway is 7-minute train journey through a tunnel without views and BE ADVISED: a one-way ticket for adults costs about 18 € per person! Single ticket for children about 4€.
Challenge: 6 - 7 hrs, 14,5 km / 9 mi, 1650 m descent, 150 m ascent
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast the standard programme ends, but we hope that you will have a little more time to do some of our other packages in the area, such as cycling tours in Cabrales!
ACCOMMODATION
Where will you stay?
For this tour, we have selected a family-run hotel with restaurant, located at the start of the route. The other stay and the special one is at a mountain hut beneath the famous Urriellu peak, in shared dormitories with more basic facilities but a great experience. If you prefer to stay in Arenas, a bigger village, on the first night, let us know. Note that you will then need a short transfer (taxi or bus) to the start of the route in Poncebos.
Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the route.
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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.
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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.
PRACTICAL INFO
This trip is designed as a self‑drive holiday, and we recommend bringing your own car or hiring one at the nearest airport. If you prefer to travel by bus, it is possible to reach the area using public transport, combined with a few additional taxi transfers.
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
- 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 the Urriellu Peak (Picu Urriellu)?
Urriellu is the most emblematic peak of the Picos de Europa mountain range in northern Spain. It is famous for its striking limestone monolith shape and its legendary 550-metre vertical west face, the setting for some of Spain’s most historic and technical climbs.
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.
Parking is available at the accommodation at your accomodation in Poncebos.
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.
Difficulty & Terrain
Two routes with continuous ascent and descent, but with no technical sections. Prepare your legs for the descent on Day 2, covering 1,650 m over 14 km. Both routes can be shortened, with the second one including the option of taking the funicular in Bulnes.
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
- 1 night at a mountain refuge in dormitory
- 1 night at a moutnain hotel in private rooms ensuite
- 2 dinners
- 2 hearty breakfast
- 1 pack lunch (day 2)
- Transfer to the start of the walk on day 1
- Detailed digital route notes and maps (in English)
- Access to the trip via the GUIBO navigation app
- 24-hour telephone assistance
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Other meals
- liner or sleeping bag for mountain hut (compulsary!)
- Transport to the first accommodation and from the last (*)
- Personal expenses and extras
(*) Although this arrangement is designed to be a self-drive trip, extra transfers from and to the nearest bus stop (in Arenas de Cabrales) or airports (Santander, Oviedo and Bilbao), can be arranged
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- This trip can be easily combined with other self-guided journeys in the Picos de Europa—please ask us for further details
- Shipment of printed documents to the first accommodation
REVIEWS
There are no reviews for this trip yet.
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.
In the mountain hut, vegan options may be limited, but a vegetarian option is always available. The restaurants in the area offer vegetarian and vegan options.Please let us know your preferences at the time of booking so we can inform the accommodations in advance.
The weather in the Picos de Europa can be unpredictable, with cool temperatures and sudden changes — even in summer. In the higher areas, you might get more sun, as you're often above the clouds (around 1000m). Spring to early autumn is also a great time to visit, but always come prepared for rain. Check out more about the climate here and what to pack here.
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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3-day Picu Urriellu 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)