Picos de Europa - 3 day loop - Including Accommodation before and after

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Discover the Picos de Europa, Spain's oldest national park, with accommodation before and after your trek
> Stay in the iconic Refugio Vega de Urriellu
> Trek through breathtaking gorges

Embark on a breathtaking 3-day tour through the Picos de Europa, one of Spain's most iconic mountain ranges. With accommodation arranged before and after, you can fully focus on the adventure. This trek takes you through spectacular limestone peaks, deep gorges, and stunning green valleys—a must for experienced nature lovers and hikers. While suitable for those with mountain experience, always follow marked trails.

As you traverse the rugged mountain landscapes, stay in traditional accommodation and enjoy half board with Spanish mountain cuisine. For an authentic experience in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, spot native wildlife from chamois to golden eagles in this unspoilt natural paradise.

Important: This route is only suitable for experienced hikers with technical mountaineering skills and previous experience trekking in similar high mountain terrain.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Arenas de Cabrales

Arrive in Arenas de Cabrales the day before your hike begins to start your journey relaxed. Explore this picturesque village and reward yourself with a glass of cider on a terrace.

Hotel Villa de Cabrales (Arenas de Cabrales)

Info
Hotel Villa de Cabrales (Arenas de Cabrales)
Day
2

Arenas de Cabrales - Sotres - Refugio Vega de Urriellu

Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 10.1 km
Ascent: 1140 m
Descent: 170 m

This morning you will take a short bus transfer from Arenas de Cabrales to Sotres, which will depart around 10:00 o'clock.

Once in Sotres, it's time to start your hiking adventure. After just over a kilometer, you'll pass the 'Invernales del Texu,' a kind of abandoned village built by shepherds to shelter their herds in winter. You might encounter a herd in the surrounding valleys. The path then ascends, offering a magnificent view of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Picos de Europa. Continuing through green valleys where cows graze. Along the way, you'll pass Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink. After the stop, you steadily ascend further. The paths become gradually rockier, and the views become more rugged. You might spot an ibex high on the rocks! Your destination for the day is Refugio de Urriellu, located at the foot of Picu Urriellu. The current building has been in use since 1990, and due to its remote location, the construction materials were transported by Chinook helicopter from the Spanish army. During your stay, you'll likely meet Tómas Fernández López, the hut's manager since 1991, who knows the area like no other.

Refugio Vega de Urriellu

Info
Refugio Vega de Urriellu
Day
3

Refugio Vega de Urriellu - Fuente Dé

Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 10.5 km
Ascent: 610 m
Descent: 1490 m

The day begins at the Refugio Vega de Urriellu, below the imposing Picu Urriellu, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes. From here the trail heads southwest, descending through the Garganta del Jou sin Terre, surrounded by towering peaks over 2000m such as Torre del Pomelo (2326m). Just before Pico Arenizas (2512 m), the route turns south-east and crosses the steep Horcados Rojos area, an absolute highlight, perfect for a picture!

Once you reach the Mirador de El Cable, you are very close to the cable car station that takes you down to Fuente Dé. Take this to avoid a steep and long descent and enjoy the views of open pastures and scattered beech woods. The rolling alpine meadows contrast sharply with the jagged peaks, with herds of cows and horses grazing peacefully in the distance. Congratulations, you have reached Fuente Dé, the end of your second stage - now you can relax after a long day's trekking!

Note: Today is one of the most challenging days, especially the first third of the stage (about 4km on T3 trails), as it includes a potentially dangerous section. For extra safety, it is equipped with steel ropes in some places, suitable for experienced walkers. Please be aware of your own walking ability and the difficulty of the trail.

Parador de Fuente Dé

Info
Parador de Fuente Dé
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Full travel guide

    We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide that includes a route description for the Picos de Europa, interactive hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek

  • Hotels, Hostels or Huts

    We arrange your accommodation on the Picos de Europa in hotels, hostels or huts along the way. We have selected accommodations on our trek based on the length of each stage and recommendations from hikers who have gone before us on the Picos de Europa.

  • Meals (where possible)

    In the mountain huts half-board (lunch and dinner) is included. Breakfast (if possible) is included in the hotel and hostels along the way.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas etc.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • What and Where Are the Picos de Europa?

  • Is a Hut-To-Hut Trek in Picos de Europa Suitable for Me?

  • What is the Best Season for the Picos de Europa?

  • How to Travel to Picos de Europa?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Reviews

Book Now
Free cancellation up to eight weeks in advance!
Starting at
per person
persons
Book Now
Contact our Trekking Expert
Laurens de Roos
Laurens de Roos

Reviews

Just for You