Picos de Europa Trekking Tips

Trekking Tips

• Take plenty of drinking water. Even though we are in green Spain, water can be almost impossible to find in some of the higher parts of Picos.
• It is highly reccommendable to take a good trekking map. You can buy a decent map in towns in the vicinity of Picos de Europa National Park (Cabrales,Panes,Potes,Llanes,Cangas de Onís). The best and most complete trekking map is probably the Adrados Map
  
• Mobile phone coverage is variable. Some areas of the park are covered, most are not.
• If walking off track beware of cracks and holes. They could lead into a deep cave that can difficult to get out of.
• Trekking independently is perfectly safe if you stay on the marked route, however a local guide will provide you with much more information and possibilities.
• Camping is not allowed in the park, although there are a number of refuges that offer basic accommodation if you are stuck in the middle of the mountain for the night. There is also a hotel in the Áliva area (southern section of the central massif) open during the summer months. Accommodation is widely available although not massified around surrounding towns.
• Some hotels and cottages offer a pick up taxi service, that is: you start your trek at point A and finish at point B; your taxi will take you first to point A and later collect you at point B.
• There is a cable car in Fuente Dé that takes you right up to 1850m in just a few minutes. It is certainly a great option for day treks or even “Across Picos” treks
• Wear comfortable footwear to avoid burns and blisters.
• Weather can change rapidly in Picos. Always take a waterproof jacket in case it starts raining
• Tell your accommodation manager where you are trekking, what route you are planning to take. It may help to locate you if in need