Cantabria is one of Northern Spain´s most beautiful provinces offering many destinations like the craggy, jagged Picos de Europa (Europe Peaks) to the more gentle and rolling Cordillera Cantabrica (Cantabrian Mountains). These wonderful mountains can be found near the rocky coast of the Bay of Biscay. In many places the mountains end where the seashore begins which helps produce a coastal region lined with beaches full of golden sand, small coves and inlets that are just waiting to be explored. It doesn´t take long to find out that in a short period of time and distance you can experience in a group or as a family many of your favorite outdoor activities including day hikes, multiday trekking, via ferratas and a variety of climbing experiences ranging from sport climbing to alpine climbs on several of Spain´s most famous mountains. We invite you to share these adventures with us!
Hiking and Trekking
The Cantabrian Coast provides the perfect venue for a wealth of hiking opportunities ranging from one day family outings to multiday high mountain routes that will challenge even the most experienced mountain traveler. The majority of trails and the most beautiful routes are located in the Picos de Europa. These mountains present you with easily and accessible trails like the Cares Route (La Ruta de Cares), which is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Spain, to single and multiday circular routes such as trails that circumnavigate the three principal mountain ranges of the Picos de Europa (El Anillo de Los Picos) to high mountain traverses around the popular Naranjo del Bulnes (Picu Urriellu), Fuente Dé and Collado Jermoso areas. Take part in one of these routes with us this summer and check out these amazing places!
Although the Picos de Europa is one of the crown jewels in Northern Spain, we must not forget about the lush, green coastline where in many places the mountains meet the refreshingly cool dark blue waters of the Bay of Biscay. Among the sandy golden beaches and rocky inlets there are many gentle walks that are suitable for family outings. Be it a relaxing morning or afternoon excursion, there is something for everyone. We know many of the best places to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without a high level of physical preparation, but with a rewarding experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Come join us!
More info:
https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/group-trekking-rate/
https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/hiking-trekking-and-easy-climbing/
Climbing
The Picos de Europa are a magical alpine playground where there is stable weather, easy access to wilderness areas and many of Spains best alpine rock climbs on pristine limestone walls and spires. In these mountains there is something for everyone and our guides have a vast knowledge of these mountains and climbing routes to enable you to take on whatever challenge you see fit! The Red Ridge on Pico Santa Ana, the French Ridge on Peña Viaja and the South Face of the Naranjo del Bulnes(Picu Urriellu) are intineraries for beginner and intermediate climbers that offer a moderate alpine challenge. For those who are looking for more technically challenging and interesting activities, the East Face and the famous West Face of the Naranjo del Bulnes give the more experienced climber objectives that are sought after by climbers all over Europe. In the shadow of the Naranjo we must not forget the Fuente Dé area and Horcados Rojos where there are many gems just waiting to be climbed with a very short approach. Reserve your dates with us this summer and live your dreams!
More info:
https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/trad-climbing-in-picos-de-europa/
https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/trad-climbing-at-naranjo-de-bulnes-urriello-peak/
Scrambling
Within a stones throw of the Fuente Dé cable car, which drops you off in the heart of the mountains, are numerous scrambles and easy summit routes that allow you to reach the top of some of the highest mountains in the range, including Peña Vieja which is the highest mountain in Cantabria. If you venture a little bit farther a wide variety of nontechnical summit routes and scrambles lie at your fingertips (Llambrión, Torre Cerredo…etc). Most notable is the Cabrones-Cerredo ridgecrest traverse. This activity allows you to climb two beautiful mountains and summit the tallest mountain in the Picos de Europa. Although this traverse requires a higher level of physical preparation, it is one of our premier adventures that can´t be missed! Team up with us this summer!
More info:
https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/picos-de-europa-ridges/
https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/hiking-trekking-and-easy-climbing/
Sport Climbing
With over 100 different sport climbing crags in the area, the province of Cantabria has many fine areas to learn the basics of climbing or test your ability. Sport climbing is a great way to learn the basics of roped climbing and spend a relaxing morning or afternoon working on technique. On the occasional rainy day during summer, these climbing areas are great places to take advantage of when the higher mountains are unattainable. Our guides are familiar with the majority of climbing areas in the region and will take you to the place that is most suitable for you!
Via Ferrata
For those who are less interested in the aspect of technical climbing, you will be happy to learn there are many via ferratas within a stones throw of the highway throughout the entire province of Cantabria. These itineraries allow outdoor enthusiasts who are less interested in the technical nature of climbing to get out and enjoy the mountain environment with friends and family without the rigors of long approaches or the more involved nature of being in the high mountains. Via ferratas are perfect for people who want to climb, but lack the time to do it!
More info: https://www.guiaspicos.com/en/activity/ferrata-cantabria/