Walking the Picos de Europa

The picos de Europa are really beautiful. We had a fabulous week of weather at the end of September and got to enjoy them at their best! The scenery was magical – I kept thinking I must be on a Hollywood set, it just seemed surreal! We saw lots of animals – many birds of prey; chamois; a wallcreeper; lizards; goats; rats! Some people saw a salamander one day although sadly I missed that! Each walk was in a different place – we did one in each of the central, eastern and western massifs as well as the cares gorge and Juan Robre. Our guide for the week, Alvaro, was excellent. The hotel was very relaxed and it was handy to be in a little village.

Our first visit to this area; wonderful varied walks ending in two fairly hard days which very well worth the effort. Limestone peaks, lush meadows, autumn colours in all the different trees and all this mostly to ourselves. First two days misty, warm and windy so programme adjusted to suit that, otherwise sunny and warm but cool at night.

This is a fantastic opportunity to walk in dramatic limestone country. The routes are varied and not too challenging, the wild flowers amazing and the accommodation, food and staff first class. I have travelled with Exodus many times over the last 16 years and this is one of the best.

It's almost superfluous to repeat what everyone else says - that the hotel is relaxed, informal and friendly and the food is excellent. The walking programme is fine-tuned by the leader on a daily basis to take account of the weather and the abilities of the party.

I have just returned from an August trip walking in the Picos de Europa; I feel as if I have been on the top of the world! I very rarely give anything more than four stars but this trip really was five star from beginning to end. I had several reservations whether I could manage the ascents, as coming from the Chilterns I am used to a few hills, not steep mountains. But our guide, Alvaro, was outstanding, and really sensitive to the needs of the whole group - and I made it to the top every time! Sometimes he led from the front and sometimes, where appropriate, he let the faster walkers go at their own pace and ran between the front and the back of the group to make sure we were all ok and felt supported...and all this whilst carrying up to 10 litres of water in case we ran out. His passion and enthusiasm for the area were infectious and it really is a spectacular area to walk in. The food at the hotel was excellent, especially the evening meal which was a four course affair, beautifully served and with a good range of choice for the mains. The hotel owners Jim and Pilar and their staff are all very friendly. We were blessed with great weather which certainly helped and my fellow walkers were a great bunch. As always with Exodus, single travellers should have no reservations about coming on their own.

This was a really good trip, scenery, people and activities all great, but too short!  It would work really well as a 10 day trip

A definitely must- see/do trip! Each day you see the most incredible and breath taking views! Overall it is one of my favourite holidays, thanks to the wonderful tour leader we had, Nacho, and also to the Hotel staff, Jim and Pilar, for giving such a comfortable welcoming experience whilst staying in the hotel......they are extremely kind and warm-hearted people who went the extra mile always to cater for vegetarian meals and providing a comforting atmosphere. Nacho would look after us so exceptionally well that everyday went as nicely as it possibly could and on the days I wasn't as prepared as much as I could be, he always accommodated everything I would have needed and more.....I could not have asked for a better person to lead our group on this trip or a better hotel, as for me it was all perfect!

Fabulous, well-planned walks through amazing landscapes. Your feet may feel a little well-used by the end of the week but it is SO worth it! At the end of May, we had fantastic weather, beautiful wild flowers and wild life in plenty - so many birds! The hotel is really well located with great views, lovely views, delicious food and nice beer - and only minutes from the village, which has outdoor clothing, cafes and souvenirs. I really can't recommend this week highly enough!

One of the best Exodus holidays I have been on! The hotel was excellent, with the best view ever, very friendly and helpful owners and staff, and the food was the best I've ever had on any of your trips! Our guide Luis was an exceptional young man, with the most amazing knowledge of the area, historically, geographically and flora and fauna-wise! He is a gem and Exodus should keep him as a treasure in their chest! The scenery in the Picos way surpassed my expectations, and the Cares Gorge walk, although 7.5miles each way is one of the wonders of the World and well worth it!

Just returned from a fabulous week in the mountains in Northern Spain. We had 5 exciting walks up to 2000m with optional scrambling to the peak on our last walk. Suited us (mum and 16 year old son) brilliantly for Half term. Wonderful guide, fellow walkers, hotel etc. It was a really relaxing way to holiday as there was zero stress (nothing to organise) but physical challenge each day. The canoeing on the free day was a rest from walking, however 15km of upper body workout.....and lots of fun.