Highlights of the Picos de Europa

The Pico de Europa National Park offers visitors a treasure trove of walking routes, taking you through contrasting scenery of limestone peaks, meadows full of wildflowers in the spring and deep-green forested valleys.

This region is so pristine that it is home to Griffon vultures, Golden eagles and many other bird species, whilst also offering a rare chance to see wild boar, wolves and even bears. The mountain villages you will visit, such as Tielve, Stores and Potes show how life has continued for centuries, with life revolving around the landscape, as the farmers tend their livestock in this dramatic and awe-inspiring location.

The welcoming family-run Hotel Torrecerredo is the perfect base this self-guided walking holiday in the Picos de Europa. Just a few minutes' walk will find you in the centre of Arenas De Cabrales, the gateway to the National Park and a great place to do some shopping and sampling of the local cuisine. Take the walks at your own pace, choosing from active to more challenging options, or take a day off and enjoy your time relaxing at the hotel enjoying the delicious home cooked, traditional cuisine.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccination

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners are included.

The region has several delicious specialities to try. The area is known for producing gold medal-winning blue cheese, queso Cabrales, which is matured in some of the thousands of deep limestone caves that dot the hills. Lesser known, but equally appealing, is the local lamb cordero al la menta and a wholesome bean stew, fabada Asturiana. Fresh fish comes from the coast at Llanes and Ribadesella, a 30-minute drive away. The local wine is very drinkable, though a glass of local cider can be more refreshing.

• Breakfast: fruit juice, tea, freshly ground coffee, cereals, bread, cold meats, cheeses and a selection of local fruit (depending on season) offered buffet-style. There are also eggs cooked to order, sponge and anise cake.
• Lunch: generally includes a large bread roll, with a choice of fillings daily, chocolates and fresh fruit.
• Dinner: a homemade four-course meal usually consists of soup or salad to start, a choice of three main courses (meat, fish or vegetarian) and a homemade dessert.
• Wine: to accompany the evening meal, the hotel has a reasonably comprehensive wine list.

Over the years, the hotel has developed tasty vegetarian alternatives. Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian or have any other special dietary requirements.

Weather

There can be snowfall in the Picos as late as May, and the area is subject to rain at all times of the year (although this typically falls in the evening and rarely affects the walking). From early June to early October, the weather should be very pleasant for walking, though it is rather unpredictable and mists can come in from the coast. Those wishing to travel to the Picos at the beginning and end of the trek season should go prepared for cooler weather. In early June and late September, there may be snow on the upper reaches of the trek.

Is this trip for you?

 This trip is Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with five walking days.

The walking is varied and spectacular, with superb scenery at the higher levels.

Most of the walking is on shepherds’ paths, disused mining paths and some sections of Roman roads, although final ascents can be quite rough underfoot.

The majority of the trip departures are Level 3 (Moderate). However, we also offer a selection of departures as Level 5 (Challenging), if you wish to ascend the higher peaks. It is important to be assured of your fitness on these departures.

As in all mountain ranges, the weather is unpredictable and this may affect several walks. With changeable weather, it should be expected that on rare occasions higher-level walks may not be available.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.