Picos de Europa Walks

Walk Overview

The Picos de Europa run parallel to the Atlantic coast in northern Spain. Only 25 kilometres in from the coast, the name of these mountains is said to derive from the fact that the peaks (a number of which exceed 2500m) were often the first sight of land for Spanish sailors completing an Atlantic crossing. The region has long been recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty and in 1918 it became Spain’s first national park.

The Picos are made up of three limestone ‘massifs’ - elevated regions housing a number of summits. The massifs are divided by steep gorges and narrow valleys, the sides of which are often topped by imposing cliffs. Lush pastures and forest fill the gorges and the lower reaches of the valleys, but higher up the harsh limestone environment dominates. The central massif is generally regarded as the most spectacular and is certainly crammed with jagged peaks and serrated ridges. In winter, the high plateaux of the three massifs are generally cut off by snow.

There are numerous walking trails through the Picos and many people use one of the several villages that lie around the perimeter as a base from which to undertake day or half-day walks. Probably due to the multiplicity of walking options, there is no single classic route through the Picos. A north/south traverse of the central massif is one acclaimed walk (three days). Another one is the Central Massif Circuit, a five day circuit of the central massif that includes the famous Cares gorge and the Jermoso Traverse.

The Central Massif Circuit is particularly appealing because there are opportunities to tailor the route to meet walkers’ time and aptitude. In addition, the four nights en route can be spent at mountain refuges, small hotels/guesthouses or a combination of these. There are a couple of guides/tour operators who assist with walks on this circuit. The Central Massif Circuit can be started and finished in various places. Poncebos, which lies at one end of the Cares gorge and at the foot of the trail to Bulnes, is the most obvious spot.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance with walking in the Picos de Europa, click the button below.

• For more information on walking in northern Spain, click the button below.

• For a Walk Travel Advisory Blog description of walking in the Picos de Europa, click the button below.

• A five day itinerary for the Central Massif Circuit is shown below.

Itinerary

The Central Massif Circuit takes about 5 days to complete. A 5 day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Poncebos to Cordinanes

Distance: 13 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Mountain refuge

Day 2

Cordinanes to Jermoso Col

Distance: 7 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Refugio Jermoso Col

Day 3

Jermoso Col to Refugio de Aliva

Distance: 12 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Refugio de Aliva

Walk Options

Guided

There are opportunities, although limited, to undertake the Central Massif Circuit as a guided trip.

In addition, there are quite a few guided tour operators who cover segments of the walk through day walks. These operators use one or more bases and walkers are transferred to and from a segment of the walk each day.

Typically, the package offered by these operators includes:

• 5-7 day tour with professional guides

• All accommodation

• All meals

• Transfers between the track and the accommodation

Assisted self-guided

We’re not aware of tour operators offering this exact walk on a self-guided basis. There are, however, tour operators offering self-guided services in the area covering similar territory.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation, usually with ensuites (the range and quantity of accommodation available in some villages is limited; also, the basic package offered by some tour operators might not always extend to ensuites). If mountain refuges are used, the accommodation is more basic.

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 Support

The duration of the self-guided options varies and can be tailored. The standard options are generally 6 - 8 days. Accommodation options range from basic through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

There are a number of mountain refuges scattered throughout the Picos. It’s quite feasible to arrange accommodation at these or at guesthouses/small hotels in the villages dotted around the massifs. Some luggage transfer services exist but obviously not to all areas of such a remote region.

Essential Information

Access

Our suggested starting point for the Central Massif Circuit is Poncebos. 

Poncebos can be accessed by bus, but the service is seasonal and irregular.

Best time

The best time to do the Central Massif Circuit is between June and October. Outside these months, snow can make the higher sections of the route impassable. The walk tour operators generally start in late April and adjust their routes as necessary.

In spring and summer vivid wildflowers (especially bluebells and daffodils) adorn the route and then in September and October the autumnal foliage colours the landscape with various shades of pastel.

Difficulty

The Central Massif Circuit is rated at a difficulty level of hard. The walk includes sections in harsh alpine environment and has steep ascents and descents. The walk variations offered by the walk tour operators moderate the difficulty level (including through luggage transfer on some days).

Remember, too, that the Central Massif Circuit is just one of many walks in the Picos and it’s definitely possible to find walks suited to all levels of fitness.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in the small villages scattered around the three massifs or in several small towns on the edge of the national park. One of the small towns that is convenient and has a number of facilities and sources of information on the Picos is Potes in the south-east.

In the national park itself, there are a number of mountain refuges that provide accommodation (and an evening meal).

Many of the accommodation providers are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers. 

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing special dining options in several of the villages and towns.

Other activities

As a popular holiday destination, the Picos de Europa offer many attractions in addition to walking.

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other attractions. We can assist walkers to explore the many attractions of the area.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.