I went up the Picos De Europa Mountain range as part of my Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
I have to say, it was possibly the most beautiful mountain range i have ever encountered.
I am really into my mountaineering. At the end of september i am walking up the national 3 peaks in 24 hours ... Read review
Situated in the centre of Arenas de Cabrales, near the River Cares, famous for its trout ... more
and salmon, this is the ideal base for exploring Picos de Europa National Park.Spend relaxing afternoons enjoying the stunning scenery from the swimming pool and garden or exploring the beautiful beaches of Llanes. Keep in touch with friends and family by making use of the hotel's Wi-Fi connection in all public areas.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
The peaceful Hotel Noray provides an ideal base for exploring what is known as Green Spain ... more
an area famed for its verdant countryside unspoilt coastline and impressive mountainsLocated in the tranquil area of San Vicente de la Barquera the hotel terrace offers fantastic views over the towns harbour and the Bay of Biscay beyond The terrace is connected to a cafeteria where you can enjoy simple meals after a days sightseeing The local region of Cantabria contains sights such as the world famous caves of Altamira known for some of the earliest paintings made by mankind Near the sea the hotel is also a short distance from the mountains of the Picos de Europa In calm zone with nice conference to the port free garage rent of motorcycle quads and bikes
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
We propose some unforgettable holidays in "El Capistrano Villages", in Nerja, the privileged balcony of the Costa del Sol. "El Capistrano Villages" is, possibly, the most beautiful and exclusive Urbanisation on the Costa del Sol.
Advantages: BEAUTIFUL Disadvantages: Not for the none walkers of us
I went up the Picos De Europa Mountain range as part of my Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
I have to say, it was possibly the most beautiful mountain range i have ever encountered.
I am really into my mountaineering. At the end of september i am walking up the national 3 peaks in 24 hours so if any of you live near ben nevis, scafell or snowdon, come and say hello. The support would be muchly appreciated.
... ...instantly)
The Picos de Europa forms the apex of the Cordillera Cantabrica and is the third highest mountain range in Spain after the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The highest point, the summit of Torrecerredo (2,648 m.), crowns this spectacular range of limestone peaks. The lower reaches live up to their local name, 'Green Spain', with the lush valleys providing excellent pastures and the higher meadows bedecked with wildflowers ... more
I went up the Picos De Europa Mountain range as part of my Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
I have to say, it was possibly the most beautiful mountain range i have ever encountered.
I am really into my mountaineering. At the end of september i am walking up the national 3 peaks in 24 hours so if any of you live near ben nevis, scafell or snowdon, come and say hello. The support would be muchly appreciated.
Picos de europa however. I found the best time to start walking was around 5/6 am and walk till about 12/1 pm as the heat at points was unbearable. Especially when you are at the top of a cold mountain and cant feel the heat because of the wind. (It can be dangerous and can get sun stroke instantly)
The Picos de Europa forms the apex of the Cordillera Cantabrica and is the third highest mountain range in Spain after the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The highest point, the summit of Torrecerredo (2,648 m.), crowns this spectacular range of limestone peaks. The lower reaches live up to their local name, 'Green Spain', with the lush valleys providing excellent pastures and the higher meadows bedecked with wildflowers in the spring. The high ground is a 'moonscape' of dramatic rocky terrain almost devoid of vegetation. It was the wildness of the terrain that stopped the Moors from conquering this part of Spain. There are still villages in the mountains that have no access by road; this inaccessibility and wildness has provided some of Europe's more exotic wildlife with a safe haven. Bears, wolves and boars all still survive here, chamois are often seen across the range, and due to a total hunting ban are not at all shy, allowing us to approach well within camera range. Fire salamanders, a beautiful black and yellow or orange striped lizard, are often seen after rain. The abundant bird life is dominated by the golden eagles and griffon vultures that are constantly soaring around the rocky outcrops, but smaller kestrels, redstarts and wall creepers are all equally of interest to the ornithologist.
Special equipment required:
daypack, walking boots, (with ankle support and good soles), waterproofs, warm jacket/jumper, water bottle, sun protection and warm hat and gloves for October to April departures.
The Picos de Europa is a small but spectacular range of jagged limestone mountains in northern Spain, harbouring an incredibly diverse flora and fauna. Butterfly and moth holidays in the Picos de Europa with Teresa Farino
The Picos de Europa is one of those rare places in Europe today that combines magnificent scenery, a thriving rural economy and an enormous range of flora Liébana - Picos de Europa.Teresa Farino Ándara: the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa. Teresa Farino and fauna, the traditional methods of livestock farming practised here allowing wildlife to flourish alongside mankind.
Nighlife
There is not however much if any nightlife at all but in my opinion, a good camp fire, few beers and a bit of music is all you need.
Shopping
You will find yourself, walking in and out of villages that sell little tourist gifts etc.
Value for money
You can make it as expensive or cheap as you want. If you eat out all night it will be expensive. If you have a stove and a bit of pasta around a camp fire. IT IS CHEAP!
Ease of getting around
Pretty much walk everywhere. If near a main road (not many) there will be buses etc.
I highly recommend picos de europa for climbing, cycling and walking.
Advantages: Alpine beauty in warmer climate Disadvantages: It is becoming a bit too popular with the Spanish tourists on holiday!!
I've mentioned the Picos in my overview of Asturias, but this area deserves its own review.
I'm fascinated by mountains and have seen what Switzerland and Austria offer, the French and Spanish aspects of the Pyrenees and some of the Andes in Peru.
The Picos have been called the Spanish Switzerland, but in all honesty, they do not really match up. But it is a fantastic area, that I highly commend.
THE FACTS
=========
The area is a national park, ... ...largest national park, and is well signposted throughout.
The park ranges in altitude from 150 metres to 2,648 metres.
There are areas only enjoyable if you go on foot, obviously, but if you are car-bound there is still plenty to see and do.
There are mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys with a whole range of activity provided.
Quad bikes are very popular and there are many tracks specially set out for that kind of transport.
Kayaks abound on ...
trevorbrock 08.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Picos de Europa (Spain)
Advantages: Cheap, off the beaten track & not many Brits Disadvantages: Bay of Biscay between here and there
The mountains of Northern Spain were apparently named the peaks of Europe by early transatlantic sailors who welcomed the first sight of these mountains as a sign of approaching safety.
Not being the best of sailors I can quite understand this viewpoint as the Bay of Biscay has a reputation for not being the friendliest of crossings. Fortunatley, it was in a co-operative mood during my 18 hour journey on the Brittany Ferries flagship, Pont Aven. ... ...ship really, with numerous bars and restuarants which makes for a pleasant trip between Plymouth & Santander.
The mountains are easily reached from Santander, being about a hour and a half drive from the docks, providing of course that you are able to navigate your way out of the city. I made a complete hash of it, but fortunately because of Santanders position on the tip of a bay, all roads out lead generally in the right direction for the Peaks. ...
cwestern 23.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Picos de Europa (Spain)
Advantages: Clean, cheap, uncrowded, scenery, friendliness of the people Disadvantages: Cost for ferries to Spain. Otherwise very little.
...had cause to visit the Picos de Europa in the north of Spain - in a principality called Asturias. The whole area is stunningly beautiful - Austria at half the cost.
Potes is the hiker's "capital" of the area - a quaint medieval village complete with gift shops and places selling hiking supplies. Although the most "touristy" village in the Picos it is still very picturesque.
Meals are incredibly cheap... at the Bar Genesis, a starter, main course, ... ...from where walks along the Picos ridges start. La Hermida Gorge is stunning. Tapas bars abound as do the Sideria where cider is poured at arm's length to a glass held near the floor.... supposedly to increase the air content of the cider thus making it taste better.
Cities include Oviedo and Gijon - where there is excellent night life. The beaches are clean, uncrowded, and safe. You will be hard pressed to find another Brit anywhere... so a smattering ...
JohnG 01.08.2000
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Advantages: fabulous scenery, not too many tourists Disadvantages: none
...elsewhere. What a mistake. The Picos de Europa and the area around them are astonishingly varied. The mountains themselves are not especially high, but they don't need to be. The combination of crisp limestone peaks, abundant sunshine, and the daily mist rolling over the lowands from the sea make these THE mountains. I have craved scenery like this all my life. To stand high on the mountain and look past the wild, grazing ponies toward valleys filled ... ...Fabulous.
It isn't hard to find an unspoiled village or too in the hills. Nor is it hard to find a different good walk every day and if you overdo it, the beaches are quite nice too. No really. I hadn't sat on a beach in fifteen years, but the seas are big and after a fine seafood lunch, a couple of beers and a kip on the beach, that thundering surf looked mighty tempting.
Anyway, back to the mountains. There are gentle strolls, exhilarating drives, ...
Saturn 13.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Picos de Europa (Spain)