Picos de Europa

[Lmitch]

Hi

My friend and I have 5 days walking in the Picos. Has anyone got a suggestion for a good place to be based - we don't want to hire a car. We are both up for quite challenging walks.

thanks
Laura

[raykilhams]

Hi Lmitch,
Lonely planet or even booking.com may have a few ideas. I believe Cicerone have a guide to walking in the Cantabrian Mountains ( Cordillera Cantabrica ) of which the Picos are a part of, they also highlight places to stay. But besides that have never walked there myself. Canaries,Belearics and Dolomites yes but no northern Spain.

[petelynn]

Spent a 6 days in the Picos last June. It was a fantastically scenic area. Just one of the walks - the Ruta de Cares - was busy otherwise generally quite quiet. We stayed at Cordinanes in the Valdeon valley on the southern part of the Picos. This was my favourite area - very empty - but I don't really think you can get there without a car. We also stayed near Potes in the east - more accessible but not properly in the Picos. Fuente De, with it's Parador is in a great position and has a cable car to 2000M with access to lots of walking routes. In the north Poncebos and Sotres would also make good bases though I'm not sure of access without a car. When were were there in Mid June there was still a lot of snow above 2000M but the wild flowers were amazing.

A few Pics to whet your appetite

Valdeon valley from Cordinanes

Ruta de Cares

Above Fuente De

[Garfield]

Potes would be a good base
Real nice small old town with plenty restaurants etc
Having a car makes getting about a lot easier though

[Borderhugh]

Hi Laura,

Basically everyone i know who have been to the Picos is recommending car hire.

I am going early september. If you are hiring a car in Spain be careful about what they charge you when you get to the desk.

Enjoy your trip.

[smithers]

Went two years ago, stunning place. Hoped to avoid hiring a car but wanted to spend as much time as possible walking so did. Stayed three days in Potes, nice town, drove up to Fuente De, used cable car and walked/scrambled up to Pena Vieja, one day watching the Vuelta nearby. Moved to Poncebos for three days, Ruta de Cares and used funicular up to Bulnes and then intended to walk up to Urrielu but ran out of time, with hindsight should have booked a night at the refuge. Have a great time, I intend returning next year when walking buddy has had his knees fixed.