EVENT: Walking in the Peaks of Europe - Covadonga Lakes, Ruta del Cares, Cangas de Onis, Lastres, Ribadesella, Llanes, Potes, Sanctuary of Santo Oribio and Arena de Cabrales

DATE OF REALISATION: 9 to 14 June 2026 (5-night programme)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 MARCH 2026

NOTE: FOR GUARANTEED PLACES, PLEASE REGISTER IN GOOD TIME

EVENT DESCRIPTION: “Walking in the Peaks of Europe”

In this activity proposal we'll hike and visit some of the most fabulous places in the Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias. In this programme we will pass through the most beautiful landscapes in northern Spain, without forgetting a day dedicated to places of great beauty, such as 3 coastal villages. We'll hike/walk around the famous Covadonga Lakes and follow one of the most beautiful trails in Spain: “La Ruta del Cares”, an imposing path in the Cares River Gorge, between Poncebos and Caín. We'll also visit Potes, in Cantabria, and we'll go to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, where history tells us there is a small part of the left side of the Cross where Jesus Christ was crucified. Come with us and you won't regret it!

These will be some of the most important places on our itinerary: 

• Tour of the Picos de Europa National Park
• Covadonga Lakes Walk - 12 kms (optional - those who wish can do only 3, 5 or 9 kms)
• Tour of Covadonga, with a visit to the Basilica and Hermitage of “Santa Cueva”.”
• Walk along the Ruta del Cares: 24 kms (optional) and Visit to Bulnes (depends on the pace of the group)
• Tour of Cangas de Onis (Roman Bridge, Dolmen Chapel of Santa Cruz, banks of the River Sela and River Guena)
• Walk in Lastres (2 kms), Ribadesella (5 kms) and Llanes (4 kms)
• Guided tour of “Cueva del Quejo Cabrales” in Las Arenas de Cabrales
• Tour of Potes and Visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Lieblana
• Natural landscapes

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 6.30am
RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 8.30pm

Picos de Europa National Park

In 2003, UNESCO recognised the natural value of the Picos de Europa, 85 years after the region was designated Spain's first National Park. The Picos de Europa is one of the most astonishing national parks on the European continent, made up of three large massifs and divided between Asturias, Cantabria and León. It is a place of worship not only for its mountains and gorges, but also for the sanctuaries of Santo Toribio de Liébana and Covadonga.

Cangas de Onis

Cangas de Onís was the capital of Asturias and is now a town of 4,500 inhabitants full of hotels and shops selling gastronomic products and mountain equipment. The offer is varied and ranges from cheeses and cold meats to the cider that is so typical of this region. Highlights in Cangas include the ogival Roman bridge, with the Victoria Cross (symbol of Asturias) hanging over the waters of the River Sella, as well as the Chapel of Santa Cruz and the Church of Santa Maria, with its magnificent stained glass windows.

Covadonga Lakes

The lakes of Enol and La Ercina are an unforgettable part of the trip and the views around them and from the Miradouros de los Lagos are something that will remain in the memory of all nature lovers. From here there are hiking routes to suit all tastes, such as the one that leads to the Miradouros del Rey (King's Viewpoint), passing through various pastures and traditional shepherds' shelters!

Covadonga

When you arrive in Covadonga, the first formation you see is the rock of the Auseva emerging from among the deciduous forests, with the Santa Cova overhanging the rock and a waterfall flowing from below. It seems like a dream, yet everything is real, even if it is flavoured with the fantastic spirit of the 1877 reconstruction. The architecture here becomes the perfect complement to the cult of Santina y Pelayo, a historical figure who rests on the spot where, on 28 May 722, he won the battle that would forge his epic history. We'll visit the Covadonga Sanctuary and Basilica of Our Lady of Covadonga, A neo-Romanesque building that leaves no-one indifferent.

Ribadesella, Llastres and Llanes

Asturias, in the north of Spain, has a number of very interesting coastal towns that are worth a visit to the region on their own. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Llastres, in the municipality of Colunga, is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, a distinction it officially holds and which is fully deserved. This fishing village, once dedicated to whaling and a stronghold against possible invasions of the coast, has been honoured as an Exemplary Town of Asturias. Llastres has a spectacular historic centre, with cobbled streets, palaces and emblazoned houses that blend in with the simple fishermen's houses, all of which have one common denominator: the sea breeze that constantly caresses them and the splendid panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay and Mount Sueve. There are many charming places: the Balleneros neighbourhood, the Buen Suceso chapel, the Clock Tower and the Church of Santa María de Sábada.

The town of Ribadesella, founded by King Alfonso X “the Wise” in the 13th century, offers visitors an interesting mix of medieval town planning and modernist architecture, as well as a stunning beach area. Ribadesella's urban structure is conditioned by a bridge that divides the fishing harbour in two. On this bridge, on the first Saturday in August, there is the finish line of Asturias' most representative festival: the Sella River Canoe Race. Its historic centre has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Llanes is one of the most visited towns in Asturias due to its fine white sandy beaches, tree-lined promenades, precious monuments and the famous Cubos de la Memoria, the work that artist Agustín Ibarrolla created by painting cement blocks.

Potes and Monastery of Santo Toribio

The town of Potes is located in the geographical centre of the Liébana valley and is one of the most visited towns in Cantabria. It is the ideal destination for lovers of nature, the mountains, outdoor sports, good food and also for history and culture lovers. The square is the heart of the city and one of the busiest places. In the background stands the Torre do Infantado, the town's symbol. At the bottom of the valley runs the River Deva, and a stroll along its banks along the bridges is something we're going to do. Potes has many other charms among its streets and squares. The old quarter is divided between the two banks of the river Quiviesa, and is one of the areas where the traditional architecture of the region is well reflected.

One of the most venerated treasures of the Monasterio Santo Toribio de Liébana is the Lignum Crucis, a piece of the True Cross. This relic, believed to be the largest surviving fragment of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, is displayed for pilgrims and visitors. Its presence adds a sense of awe and reverence to the monastery, in addition to its natural surroundings and the views from the San Miguel viewpoint.

Cabrales Arenas

This is another gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park and is famous for its cheese and the Cheese Museum. It is the starting point for various walking routes.

9th June (Tuesday)

- 6h30 - Departure from Lisbon
- 13h00 - Stop for picnic (lunch)
- 18h30 - Check-in at Hotel de Cangas de Onís
- 20h - Dinner and sightseeing in Cangas de Onís

10th June (Wednesday)

- 8h00 - Breakfast at the hotel
- 9h00 -Departure to Covadonga Lakes
- 13h00 - Free lunch (picnic)
- 15h30 - Tour and Visit to Covadonga (Hermitage “Santa Cueva” and Basilica of Covadonga)
- 17h30 - Return to the hotel
- 20h00 - Dinner suggestion

11th June (Thursday)

- 8h00 - Breakfast at the hotel
- 9h00 - Departure for the tour to the riverside villages of Lastres, Ribadesella and Llanes (coastal area of Asturias)
- 10h00 - Tour of Lastres (marina area, historic centre, El Escanu beach and Atalaya viewpoint)
- 12h30 - Tour of Ribadesella with free time for lunch (mouth of the River Sella, viewpoint, L'Atalaya beach, path and hermitage of Guia, Monte Corberu and Santa Marina beach)
- 16h30 - Tour of Llanes (old town, St Peter's Promenade and Viewpoint, Cubos de la Memoria and El Sabion Beach)
- 20h - Dinner suggestion

12th June (Friday)

- 8h00 - Breakfast at the hotel
- 9h00 - Departure for the Ruta del Cares Walk
- 10h30 - Walk along the Ruta del Cares
- 17h30 - Visit to the village of Bulnes (funicular ride - price not included)
- 20h30 - Dinner suggestion

Saturday 13th June

- 8h00 - Breakfast at the hotel
- 9h00 - Exit to Cabrales Arena
- 10h00 - Guided tour of Cueva del Quejo
- 11h - Departure for Potes (Cantabrian Mountains)
- 12h15 - Tour of Potes and free time for lunch
- 15h30 - Visit to the Monastery of San Toribio and San Miguel Viewpoint
- 20h30 - Dinner suggestion

Sunday 14th June

- 8h00 - Breakfast at the hotel
- 9h30 - Departure and return journey to Lisbon
- 13h00 - Stop for lunch
- 20h30- Estimated arrival in Lisbon

Equipment: Footwear and clothing suitable for the walks described in the programme

Registration fee:

Price includes:

- Bus transport from Lisbon to each of the locations described above
- Transport to the locations of each walk and accommodation
- 5 nights' accommodation in a 4-star hotel, breakfast included
- Bus ticket to Covadonga Lakes
- Guided tour of Cueva del Quejo
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

660€ (Price per person in double room)
800€ (Price per person in single room)
Entry fee for seat reservation: 150€

Notes: 

a) Registrations are limited and accommodation options are limited to availability at the time of booking.

b) If you have a group interested in this trip, contact us, we have personalised solutions.