9 independent reviews for Picos de Europa self guided hiking vacation, Spain
Reviews for Picos de Europa self guided hiking vacation, Spain
Fred Husøy review 9 Jun 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nice area with mountains and hikes. Everything was well organized locally and transport worked fine.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We all had a very good time and we were satisfied with the program and the organizing of everything locally.Rosemary Findley review 16 Jun 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cares Gorge and Fuent Dé. Cares Gorge was hot and long but fascinating. Fuente Dé walk I had to cross large amounts of snow. The 2 couldn't be more different .2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If tou can take extra time to explore a few other pretty villages like Potes and Llanes3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited locals but I don't think ienvironment or conservation was better off because of my vacation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent accommodation and meal options both at casa rurales and the villages. The walks were interesting and it was great to have a choice of walks. It was an excellent tripRikke Langebæk review 23 May 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hike from Espinama to Sotres2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use the wikiloc. Discuss the pick-“up times well ahead of time. Especially on the Cain day3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all three4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great!Sally Jefferson review 19 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The dramatic scenery and friendly people we encoutered (in spite of our lack of Spanish)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for walking over rocky terrain and steep drops by the path! Some walks had a lot of unrelenting downhill, which was hard on the knees. We had a mixed experience of hotels. In each one, the hosts were lovely. We know that Spaniards eat late, but generally we managed to find somewhere that would serve us food from 7.30, or sometimes even earlier.At the first we think they had a good kitchen but the menu we were offered was mediocre, and made us feel like 3rd class citizens sitting next to others in the dining room. The room had been recently refurbished, but was spoilt by the smell from the bathroom drain.The final one was a very nice hotel, but 2.5km from the center of Las Arenas, which, without a car and after a long day (eg 25km) a bit of a trek to get to shops or restaurants. (The hotel didn't serve food till 8.30pm and not on Sunday evening.)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed at and ate in local hotels/restaurants, we used public transport as much as possible and local taxis4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I've long wanted to go to the Picos, de Europa, and this trip did not disappoint. The area is outstandingly beautiful and the people very friendly. The operator organisation and communication was excellent. As mentioned above we were slightly disappointed with a couple of aspects of the accommodation, particularly as the brochure said that accommodation would be equal to or better than that in their booklet.Kevin Harkin review 19 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hike along the Ruta del Cares from Poncebos to Cain was spectacular. While we were aware that it is a most scenic path we had no idea just how beautiful it was.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
if hiking along the Cares Gorge in high season, start early to beat the crowds as this is a very popular hike.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in small communities in the mountains in family run hotels. So, local people benefited financially. I’m not sure there was any environmental or conservation benefits?4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our tour operator is clearly a highly experienced in organising hiking vacations and had detailed knowledge of the hikes on our itinerary . This meant that the advice provided was suitable for our needs. I would recommend highly this tour operator.David Briese review 22 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The incredible scenery of the Picos2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use the Wikiloc app and gpx files provided. It takes the worry out of navigation3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Walking tourism is certainly benefiting the locals. I don't have enough information to comment on the rest.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - accommodation and meals all good and varied, transfers worked smoothly, information and maps provided made everything clear. Good communication with the organiser.Jane Currie review 18 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stunning walks through the Picos de Europa2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ensure you are fit enough to complete the walks and take appropriate equipment ie walking poles3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely helped the local economy and by walking between hotels cut down on pollution4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A most enjoyable vacation and would recommend to friendsPeter Bavister review 3 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A new adventure for us. Fantastic mountains. Beautiful quiet valleys. The only noise busy bees in the heather and the sound of bells from hidden cows, sheep and goats.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get fit. Take well tested socks and shoes/boots. You will be walking for 7/8 hours. Dan was able to change our walks itinerary mid vacationwhich was great.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in tiny villages and spending money locally will, I hope, help preserve their way of life.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great!Breda Smith review 2 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The welcome at each hotel and variety of each walk2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Good walking boots and be prepared for rain3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported local business.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
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