Picos de Europa Hiking Tours, Spain

Picos de Europa Mountains, North Spain.

2026 dates, August 31st – 14th September. Two weeks in 3 spectacular locations.

Download the 2026 brochure here:
2026 Picos de Europa Brochure (PDF)

The truly magnificent Picos de Europa Mountains are situated 110 km south west of Santander. If you have never heard of them before, they are similar in character to The Dolomites in Italy – although somewhat different of course!

The main ranges are of white/pink limestone and are very abrupt. High peaks (up to 2,650m/8,500 ft) are interspersed with deep beech, chestnut and oak-forested valleys, with lovely little villages, where centuries old farming methods are still practised.

Here, you can hike through one of the deepest canyons in the world – The Cares Gorge, deeper even than The Grand Canyon. The magnificent Cares Gorge is an awe-inspiring 2,000 metre deep cleft between two high massifs, with an amazing footpath hewn from the rocky sides. It is one of the great largely unknown natural wonders of the world.

Nearby are other spectacular ranges (The Cantabrian Mountains) within easy striking distance, where we will also hike and experience unusual landscapes of conglomerate and schist, as well as limestone. Here, we’ll take daily walks in the valleys, along the ridges and up above the tree line, in the high rocky domains of choughs, vultures and eagles.

The highest parts of the ranges are where limestone pavements and jagged peaks are the home to wild creatures such as mountain Chamoix (locally know as Rebeccos), Griffon Vultures and Golden Eagles. Brown bears and wolves still inhabit these mountains. The daily walking is very varied and will range from valley walks to hikes high above the tree line. Some walks will find us passing through remote villages where time seems to have stood still and the luxuries of the 21st century are only just beginning to appear, such as paved roads and electricity.

To reach the highest parts of the central range, there is a spectacular cable car that whisks us up well over 2,000 feet in one sweep, making the very high tops much more accessible for day hikes.

The climate here in September is very pleasant, with temps usually somewhere between 18C and 25C. The flora is particularly verdant, having had no nasty chemicals ever spread on the soil.

Perhaps the most stunning things to observe are the breath taking scenery and wildlife – naturally, the flora of the wild hay meadows is not so evident in September, but there will be some flowers out. The forests are beautiful and we will see ancient old oaks, chestnut and beech.. We will quite likely see wild rebecos (mountain chamois), eagles, choughs, vultures galore and many other species.

The hospitality at El Corcal near Potes is welcoming, as it is at Hotel Juan Sabeli near Arenas de Cabrales – and in Cordinanes at the Hotel El Tombo, close to Posada de Valdeon. In this way, we can visit all parts of The Picos and the neigbouring Cantabrian Mountains. The food at all three is excellent, provincial and local dishes are prepared especially for us. You certainly will not be hungry or thirsty! Picnic lunches are included on all walking days.

Transport is provided, including collection and return from/to Santander Airport/Bus Station. There are regular buses from Bilbao Airport to Santander (about 1.5 hrs)

For photos from our Picos and other Walking Tours please go to our Facebook page.

2026 dates, two weeks, August 31st – September 14th.

Price: £2,650 with a single room supplement of £200.

Includes full guidance by local mountain guide Mike Stuart and Pete Isaac (Martin’s son), bed and breakfast, lunch and full evening meals – with local wine. Martin will accompany the group if the numbers are sufficient and a 2nd van is required.

All participants of our International holidays will be required to sign a Liability Release form upon arrival at the destination.

Please contact us for our pdf brochure.