Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa is an undiscovered gem in the heart of Spain’s Costa Verde, this “Green Coast” is so named for the outstanding beauty of its verdant countryside.

These stunning limestone mountains rise from the edge of the Bay of Biscay to more than 2,500m (8,000ft); the jagged mountain peaks are decorated in summer with snow fields and high meadows, whilst rivers of melt-water have carved the soluble limestone over millennia to form deep valleys and rocky gorges.

The valleys and foothills that surround the higher peaks provide the ideal environment for day after day of climbing followed by total relaxation in the comfort of your family-run hotel. On rest days, the local villages offer a intriguing places to visit, and the fishing ports and beaches on the Atlantic Coast are also within easy reach.

We at Rock & Sun fell in love with this area over 25 years ago and have been heading back there ever since. So it’s with great pleasure that we can now offer you a unique opportunity to climb in this incredible environment.

Weather & Climate

Set on the Northern coast of Spain, Picos de Europa benafits from a slightly cooler climate than the more Southern Mediterainian locations. It is posibile to climb thoughout the summer months here and June to September provides typically stable and reliable weather for climbing.

Accommodation

Our hotel is situated in Arenas de Cabrales on the edge of the Picos de Europa national park. It’s a small, family-run, rural hotel with views of the Picos’ highest peak, Torre Cerredo (2,648m) from the terrace bar. There are 19 en suite bedrooms, each individually decorated and fitted with TV, telephone and central heating for the colder months. It’s an ideal location for relaxing after a day’s activity with its beautiful garden terrace bar from where you can enjoy stunning views of the high Picos.

It’s a short walk from the hotel into Arenas de Cabrales, a bustling village with a range of amenities including bars, restaurants, banks, cafes, and shops selling award-winning local cheese and the famous chorizo sausage. Breakfast in the hotel restaurant comprises a buffet of local produce including cheeses, meats, bread and fruit with unlimited supplies of tea and coffee. The packed lunch typically comprises a large sandwich, fruit and chocolate and is large enough to satisfy the hungriest of adventurers. In the evening, you can choose to eat in the hotel restaurant or visit the restaurants in the village.

When to Go

One week (7nights): holidays and courses depart on Saturdays or Sundays

Long Weekend (3 nights): Friday - Monday inclusive