Picos de Europa Trek

Picos de Europa is the perfect trip for those who want a challenging trek around some of the most wonderful Spanish mountain landscapes which explore the whole ring of Picos (Anillo of Picos). The Picos de Europa National Park is known to many as the 'Spanish Dolomites' thanks to the breathtakingly beautiful treks, strong local culture, and a wealth of animal-life thanks to the varying habitats, from river-valleys which are almost sea-level to alpine environment in the high mountains.

The Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) mountain range extends for about 20 km and form part of the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain. The range consists of three major massifs; Central (also known as Urrieles), Eastern (Ándara) and Western (also known as the Picos de Cornión). Almost all the rock in the Picos is limestone, the highest peak is Torre de Cerredo (2,650m) but there are so many exciting options to bag a couple of peaks and we’ve included two of our favourite Picos peaks in our itinerary; Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2506m) and Pico de la Padierna (2319m).

Summit of Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2506m)

WHAT ARE THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF PICOS DE EUROPA?

The following are some of the highlights and experiences you’ll experience on our Picos De Europa itinerary;

• Trekking in Picos de Europa is regarded as some of the best in Europe, well-defined tracks take you through villages which have barely changed over the centuries.
• Experience striking mountain ranges, gorges thick with vegetation and low stone tunnels which will make you feel like you are on the set of Lord of the Rings.
• Lower down you have lush green valleys with inconceivably beautiful lakes and thick natural forested areas.
• The Picos de Europa is home to ancient legends, rich history, and a striking 19th-century basilica which remains an important pilgrimage destination to this day.
• Despite being difficult to spot, its home to the last of western Europe’s brown bears, and a large but elusive contingent of wolves. Easier to see during the trek are chamois, an antelope-like animal mostly found in the western massif at around 1600m. Wild boar, roe deer and fallow deer are also widespread, and if you’re lucky you might glimpse a badger, beech marten, red squirrel, genet or even a mountain cat.
• It’s not just the animal life, the different habitats bring out the best in flora too, just below the limestone you get beech and ancient oak forests, while lower down its mainly ash and lime trees which flourish. The area is also home to over forty species of orchid.
• Incredible food which is maybe best described as sumptuous, hearty and full of flavour. Local specialities include Fabada Asturiana, chickpea stew, and the famous blue cheese, Queso Cabrales.
• Well kept mountain refuge's make the evenings just as enjoyable, particularly during sunset and the hotels are friendly and full of character.
• It’s very easy to extend your stay to take in a bit more of art, culture, history and food in the nearby towns or cities or relax after the trek on the superb beaches on the northern coastline of Spain

Presentation video for Adventure Alternative trips in Spain

What is the Anillo of Picos de Europa route like?

The Anillo de Picos has three alternative circular trails which explore the numerous mountain huts in this complex mountain range in northern Spain. The three alternative hiking trials lead on to each other and are known as El Anillo Vindio, El Anillo Extrem and El Anillo Tres Macizos. The route we are offering is the El Anillo Extrem, an 84km loop trail which would be rated as challenging, not just because of the terrain but because you are also carrying your full kit for the duration of the trek.

Map of El Anillo Extrem route from Vegarredonda to Vegabano

When is the best time to trek El Anillo Extrem in the Picos de Europa?

When you think of Spain in the summer you might think it is too hot to trek but if you’re planning on hiking in the Picos de Europa then summer is ideal as it is warm, not hot, and there’s much less chance of rain. The rains start to fall from September onwards so June, July and August are perfect, particularly for our advertised route.

What kit is needed for the El Anillo Extrem trek in the Picos de Europa?

You'll be carrying all of your own kit throughout the trek so it is essential to prepare and think about what you'll need on a day to day basis. You’ll need trekking boots and comfortable hiking clothing for during the day, as well as something comfortable to change in to in the evenings. Waterproofs are also advised and a soft shell or fleece for the evenings. Only bring essential items so you're not carrying anything unnecessary that will weigh you down. Mattresses are provided in the refuges but you'll need a sleeping bag, a 2 season is ideal as it can get cold in the huts at night.

Other recommendations include sunglasses, sun cream, sun hat, a lunch box (to store picnic lunches provided at start of each day), water bottles, walking poles, wash kit, personal first aid kit and lightweight trek towel, cash to buy extra drinks or snacks in the evenings and your insurance details.

Who is the Picos de Europa guide?

Your trekking guide in the Picos de Europa will be Rosana Laguia, a biologist and mountain guide who has spent her life combining her favourite passions of nature and the mountains. Although raised in Spain she has travelled and lived in the US and is also a Science and English teacher. Rosana lives in a small village in Picos with her dog, daughter and husband, who is also a mountain guide.

Aside from trekking, she enjoys kayaking, canyoning, Telemark skiing, snowshoeing and cycling. She mainly guides in Picos, Pyrenees, Canary Islands and Sierra Nevada but also works in Portugal, France and Japan.