Self-guided hiking in Picos de Europa plus Bilbao and the North Coast.

During the afternoon or the next morning (depending on your time of arrival), you will visit the Guggenheim Museum (entry included in the price) and you can visit the Old Town in Bilbao and enjoy its marvelous "pinchos," a small snack, typically eaten in bars, traditional in northern Spain and especially popular in the Basque country and Navarre.

On the way to the mountains you'll find interesting old villages, stunning beaches and picturesque churches and monasteries. These exciting sites can be found in Spain is More guidebook.

Picos de Europa provides plenty of mountain fun before tomorrow’s active hikes, including a pool, good food and stores to buy supplies for the four-day hiking trip. During the first three days, there are no supermarkets, but you stay at cozy little mountain hotels where an attentive “mother” stands in the kitchen, so you will not go to bed hungry.

(13 km. easy hiking) The luggage can be left at the hotel, and you will only need to bring a few possessions for the hike. The trekking-GPS will be handed over at the hotel, and need to be delivered back after the hike. 

From the hotel you'll drive to the end of the Valle de Liebena valley, to Fuente Dé. A gondola takes you up to 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) where the hike begins. The first hike passes one of most stunning mountain massifs of the Picos de Europa, through valleys, plateaus and high passes. The stage ends in the small mountainvillage Sotres, which has some good restaurants to pamper yourself after the hike.

Distance: 14 Km

The stage is short, only aprox. 10 km. (6,2 miles) but with a steep descent.

There are easier alternatives, which are described in the guidebook. You stay in a small secluded mountain town  inaccessible by car. Enjoy the local country kitchen and the huge mountain ranges surrounding the village with breathtaking scenery few places can match.

Distance: 10 Km

(23 km. easy hike) Today we’ll explore one of Spain’s most famous and precious hiking trails, Ruta del Cares. The route passes through a deep canyon where mountains tower high on both sides of the path. You feel miniscule compared to the large dimensions around you. Stay overnight in a small mountain village hotel where the view and the well-deserved dinner are unbeatable.

Distance: 23 Km

(9-12 km. easy to difficult hike depending on route choosen) Cross Picos de Europa again toward the starting point via the steepest climb to the tour’s highest point. From the top, views are phenomenal (weather-permitting) and after the well-deserved climb, eat a pack lunch leisurely before heading toward the valley, back to the starting point. That night, stay overnight at the same hotel as the first night in the mountains.

Distance: 14 Km

Guests can either choose an extra night in the mountains or spend the next two nights in a lovely setting on the coast. The Spanish coast has a wide range of fabulous attractions, beautiful coastal towns, wonderful restaurants, fantastic beaches and lush countryside offer limitless opportunities for marvelous adventures. You will stay at a lovely hotel in a coastal town to provide rest and reflection on your impressive hiking achievements.