Asturias & Picos De Europa

Today we hike through one of the most spectacular National Parks of Spain to discover the two Lakes of Covadonga (Enol and Ercina) and the surrounding area. The Picos de Europa were the first area of Spain to become a National Park in 1918. The high massifs and limestone mountains of the Picos stand imposingly over the Atlantic Ocean, so close to the cost that they create a dramatic scenery all along northern Asturias. The ecosystems of the park combines both Atlantic (Beech, Holm and Pyrenean oaks) and Mediterranean forest habitats (including Cork oak) alongside that of alpine pasture and man-managed hay meadows.

On our way back to Cangas de Onís we will stop for a short visit to the Sanctuary of Covadonga linked to the beginning of the Asturian Monarchy, which constituted the first Christian Kingdom to begin the Reconquista of Spain from the Moorish invaders.

Today we head to Cabrales, which lies in the rugged heart of Picos de Europa National Park. Here we find small villages, high mountains gorges and many caves used to make the famous Asturian cheese known as Cabrales. Our walk today takes us straight through the middle of the rugged Divine Gorge along the Cares Route which used to be an ancient mining route and water conduct. Few words can describe what we will encounter along this route, it is simply incredible.

After our mornings walk, we will head to explore one of the oldest caves still in operation used to age the local artisan blue cheese, followed of course by a tastings of this cheese of exceptional quality.

In the evening we return to Cangas de Onís for our final dinner in this charming mountain town.

The beauty of Asturias is that along the coastline rise the high mountains of the Picos de Europa. Today we head out from a high viewpoint from where we can appreciate a view of the coastline in front of us and the endless mountains behind. Our walk descends all the way down to the coast where a picnic lunch will be waiting for us on the beach. The brave may even wish to go for a swim in the ocean.

In the afternoon enjoy some free time to roam the streets of Ribadesella and visit Saint Marina’s beach with its promenade and its spectacular Indiano buildings raised in the early 20th century by returning immigrants who had made their fortune in the Americas. After some free time we visit the Tito Bustillo Cave, where we can admire some of the world’s best preserved Palaeolithic Cave paintings in a 700m gallery discovered in 1968. The paintings are some of the most impressive in the world, and the cave it’s self is equally stunning with its many stalagmites & stalactites.

Tonight our hotel will be just outside of the costal town of Lastres, a cute fishing villages with a marina and many narrow streets.

Today our walks takes us along Asturias coast, through landscapes of beaches and cliffs as we stroll along an ancient section of the Camino de Santiago Coastal Path making our way through many small fishing villages. The Camino de Santiago which start in Asturias is known as the Camino Primitivo as historically it is the oldest route, the one which king Alfonso followed when he first heard of the discovery of the tomb of Saint James.  This historic event spawned the pilgrimage phenomena which for centuries has been walked by thousands of pilgrims.

In the evening we spend some time meandering around the streets of the fishing village of Lastres.

Tonight we dine on the elegant balcony of a gourmet restaurant where good food is accompanied by breath-taking views of the sunset over the Picos de Europa mountain range.

We start our day with a visit to a llagar (cider producer) to get to know all about the most typical drink in Asturias: Cider. We explore the apple orchards, hear the incredible story of the owner Antonio, who returned from Japan to dedicate his life to producing cider and up-keeping his grandfathers farm, and most importantly taste some cider.

In the afternoon we explore the city of Oviedo and get to know all about the origins of the Camino de Santiago which starts in the ancient capital of Asturias and follows in the steps of King Alfonso II to the tomb of the apostle Saint James. Along this route we will discover true architectural gems, hidden landscapes and important religious and cultural remains, declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

After enjoying a day in the ancient city of Oviedo we head into the heart of the Somiedo Natural Park, to the town of Pola de Somiedo.

Tonight’s accommodation will be in an ancient family residence, charmingly decorated with historic memorabilia and furniture.

Today we hike in the Somiedo Natural Park, also a UNESCO Biosphere Resererve.  In this incredible area we will hope to spot the Cantabrian brown bears in it’s natural habitat.

Our walk takes us high up through some spectacular landscapes to the four Salencia lakes, each more beautiful than the other. On our way back we will get the chance to admire the typical thatched house used by the shepherds in these mountains and hope to meet some of the few remaining inhabitants.

Our final nights dinner will be prepared be prepared by our host in the ancient family residence we are staying in.

9.00 After breakfast we head to Asturias Airport where the trip ends.