Hike the Picos de Europa: The Hotels Edition

Your host will meet you on arrival at Bilbao Airport and drive you to the picturesque Asturian town of Arenas de Cabrales, one of the main gateways to the Picos de Europa National Park. Settle into your hotel, which will be your base for the next three nights, then meet up with your guides and fellow adventurers in the evening for a chat about the hikes ahead. Tuck into a traditional Asturian meal to get into the flavor of this unique part of Spain.

Hop in the van for the scenic drive from Arenas de Cabrales, gradually ascending deeper towards the western massif, with the towering peaks of Torrecerredo and Picos de Los Cabrones looming ahead. Your first hike in the Picos kicks off from Lake Ercina, a beautiful spot to pick up a winding trail into the mountains, passing shepherd's huts to the Marqués de Villaviciosa refuge. Grab a rest and a snack here before ascending to Cabeza La Verde peak (5,640 ft) where you'll be rewarded with epic views while tucking into your packed lunch. Descend via the Majada de Belbin, a beautiful alpine meadow and grazing area known for its famous Gamonedo cheese, all the way back to Ercina Lake where you'll transfer back to Arenas de Cabrales. Head out for dinner this evening to sample some classic northern Spanish dishes.

The Picos de Europa's most recognizable and iconic peak is the center of attention today. Drive to Sotres, the highest village in the Picos and known as the 'last village of Asturias', then on to a small hamlet called Pandébano where today's epic hike begins. Kick off with an ascent to Collado Vallejo at around 4,900 ft, gradually revealing views of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Pico Urriellu (8,264 ft). Follow the trail through jaw-dropping scenery to reach the base of the mountain at 6,500 ft, where a refuge offers the chance for a rest. Naranjo de Bulnes is a popular rock climbing spot, and you may see the tiny specks of climbers on the rock face high above. Tuck into a packed lunch before retracing your steps back to Pandebano, with the iconic peak looming behind you as you hike back then drive down the valley, returning to Arenas de Cabrales. Soak up your last night in Arenas with an evening meal, this is also a great opportunity to scope out a sidrería – a classic Asturian cider house. Along with milk and cheese, cider is perhaps Asturias' most famous product, and a must-try while here. Your next base in Espinama is a quieter and more remote spot!

Following yesterday's exploits around the iconic Naranjo del Bulnes, today you'll check off one of the most famous hikes in Spain. Carved through the heart of the Picos de Europa is the renowned Cares Gorge, an easy yet epic hike through a stunning part of the mountain range. Hike along a narrow trail cut into the cliff face, crossing bridges and tunnels as the Cares River flows deep below you with drops of 984 ft to the valley floor at some points. The trail follows the Cares River from Poncebos, in Asturias province, all the way to Caín, in neighboring León province. Caín is a blissful spot to grab lunch from one of the many cafes along the river. From here you'll transfer on to your next base in Espinama, a little hamlet nestled beneath the eastern massif of the Picos. You are now in Cantabria province, and this side of the Picos is a lush and green micro climate, with the dense Cantabrian forest providing a refuge for populations of brown bear, wolves, wild boar and chamois. You'll stop in picturesque Potes en route, with cafes, bars and shops to poke your head in before settling in to your quaint, family-run rural accommodation in Espinama. You'll tuck into a home-cooked dinner with local wines this evening.

The short drive from Espinama this morning is spectacular, as the full view of the eastern massif reveals itself dramatically as you round the corner on a winding road to reach Fuente De. Here you'll hop in the cable car that whisks hikers up 2,460 ft from the base to the high part of the massif in a matter of minutes. You'll follow a beautiful trail through the lunar landscape, eventually reaching a steep switchback trail that pushes on to the summit of Horcados Rojos (8,221 ft). This is an incredible peak with breathtaking views of the central massif and the surrounding peaks, and even over to the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. Descend carefully down the switchback trail and pick up the main route back to the cable car, stopping en route at the unique Cabaña Veronica refuge. Take in the incredible views over the lush green expanse of the Cantabrian forest surrounding Fuente De and Espinama before hopping back in the cable car to descend down the valley back to your base. Tuck into dinner and enjoy another restful evening in peaceful Espinama.

Having explored the high peaks and lunar landscapes of the Picos de Europa the last few days, today you can soak up the lower foothills and the lush, green, forested part of Cantabria beneath the eastern massif. A variant of the Camino de Santiago runs through here, and the area is richly biodiverse. Head off on a hike along forest trails past waterfalls, catching glimpses of the high peaks when the dense foliage opens up. You'll hike steadily up to the peaks of La Viorna and Alto de San Martín, with amazing panoramic views of the Ándara Massif. Return to Espinama for dinner and accommodation on your final night in this part of Spain.

The adventure comes to an end today as your host drives you back to Bilbao Airport in time for your onward flight home. If you are lingering longer in Spain, why not check out our range of epic Spanish adventures you could beeline straight for from this one.