Photo Lukás Lalinský
Trek Picos de Europa: Trekking in the Picos de Europa National Park.
You will find some of Spain’s most breathtaking scenery in the Picos de Europa National Park. Trek Picos de Europa explores a mosaic of pastures and woodlands framed by snow-capped mountains, a hiker’s paradise with guaranteed panoramic vistas and inspiring landscapes.
You will be exploring the Camaleño Valley in western Cantabria. Your trek includes overnight stays in small and tranquil rural villages where the pace of life, centred around the ebb and flow of changing seasons, slows to a relaxing amble.
The trek starts in the bustling market town of Potes, gateway to the valleys that lie to the southeast of the Picos de Europa. Heading eastwards, the route explores the northern side of the Camaleño Valley until reaching Espinama and the impressive Fuente Dé before returning to Potes along the south side of the Camaleño Valley.
If you have never tried a trekking holiday before this is a good place to start. With just 10 to 12 kilometers walking daily, you can take your time to savour the beautiful landscapes and stunning mountain scenery. Your trail takes you through woodland and alpine pastures along footpaths and farm tracks that connect these remote hamlets and villages.
Your accommodation is in small family run village Posadas, or Inns, typical of the area where you can sample some the area’s delicious cuisine in comfortable and welcoming surroundings.
Trek Picos de Europa includes insurance* both airport transfers, baggage transfers between hotels, breakfast and supper as well as maps, route guide and a pre-programmed GPS for a trouble-free holiday.
If you prefer to sail and not fly then catch a ferry to Santander and we will meet you at the port.
| How to get here. The nearest airport is at Santander Airport, airlines that fly to Santander include Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia and British Airways. Alternatively, Santander is served by a number of ferry routes with a selection of up to four crossings from Plymouth and Portsmouth weekly. The duration of the crossings is 20 hours from Plymouth and 24 hours from Portsmouth. We will meet you in the airport or port Arrivals Hall for your courtesy transfer to the first hotel of your trekking holiday. |
| When to visit. The trek runs from mid-march to December 11th. August tends to be a very busy month and the hotels charge supplements. We recommend April, May, June, July September and October as the best months for trekking in the Picos de Europa. |
 | Day 1. Arrive in Santander where you will met and transferred to Potes. |
 | Potes to Lon. You start with a steep ascent of Monte de Arabedes through Mediterranean type vegetation up to the ridge at Nogalón, from where you are rewarded with excellent views of the valleys either side. Directly in front are the southern peaks of the Picos, a solid rampart of rock that reaches 2000 m altitude, your route now skirts the base of the ramparts. The landscape changes to small meadows in woodlands of beech and chestnut. From Collados de la Hoz there are views of the Arguabanes valley before descending to Lon. Distance 13.6 km; 920 m ascents; 660 m descents. |
 | Walk from Lon to Los Llanos, distance 11.4 km and 550 metres ascents |
 | Walk from Los Llanos to Espinama, distance 12 km and ascents 650 m . |
 | Walk from Espinama to Cosgaya: Distance 12,5 km, ascents 200 m. |
 | Walk From Cosgaya to Camaleño: Distance 12 km, ascents 700 m. |
 | Walk from Camaleño to Potes: Distance 9,5 km, ascents 700 m. |
The accommodation is in keeping with the character of the trek, small rural hotels and inns with personal service. All of the rooms are en-suite. Breakfast and supper are included and picnic lunches can be ordered for the following day, the cost of wine or other drinks is not included in menu.
| Low Season - August 26 to July 11 | Peak Season: - July 12 to August 25 - Easter |
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| Picos de Europa Trek [min 2 persons] | 775 € per person | 940 € per person |
| Single person supplement. | POA | POA |
| Extra nights | POA | POA |
| Single traveller supplement | POA | POA |
Interested? Then get in touch and find out more about Trek Picos de Europa.
*Insurance includes accident cover whilst on the trek.