Duration:

10 Days / 9 Nights

Distance:

105 km / 65 mi

Difficulty:

High

Start / End

Madrid - Santo Toribio

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Walking in Picos de Europa

The Camino Lebaniego is originally a pilgrimage route originating in the 7th century to venerate the cross of Lignum Crucis. Also known as the Vera Cruz or True Cross, it is said to contain the largest remaining piece of the original cross of Christ. On this journey we will explore the beautiful region of Cantabria, as we make our way to the Monastery of Santo Toribio in Liébana walking along the Cantabrian coast, traversing through ancient forests and walking in Picos de Europa, a national park known for its beauty.

"I did it in 2006, which was a holy year, and was deeply impressed with the beauty of Cantabria. Walking so close to the majestic Picos de Europa mountain range was really exciting, I felt very privileged. Liébana is one of the most captivating counties in Spain, a true paradise for nature lovers, from the sea to the mountains.
For me, it was a spectacular and unforgettable journey. From the first day, I already knew I wanted to do it again, for this reason, I am very happy to offer our Pilgrims the opportunity to live this experience because Cantabria is truly infinite!" - Marly

Meals

All breakfasts and dinners are included in our Camino Lebaniego. We have carefully selected the included meals so you can have a taste of the most typical, most delicious, local cuisine. Most lunches are not included to provide more flexibility during the day and so you can experiment on your own. You can stop and eat something along the way, or have lunch at the end of the daily stage.

Vegetarians, vegans, or those with a special diet (eg. gluten-free) can always find suitable options. Just let us know beforehand and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.

Accommodation

All of our accommodations are hand-picked on our Camino Lebaniego to give you the best possible experience. We will stay in majestic Paradores and other charming hotels in the mountains of los Picos de Europa. The Parador de Fuente Dé is one of the highlights of our trip! The views and surrounding mountains will leave you breathless. All our accommodations have a private en suite bathrooms.

The Walk

Our Hiking Cantabria tour offers more mountainous walking than the rest of our walks. You walk at your own pace and we have meeting points along the way where our support vehicle will be waiting with snacks, fruit and water and to make sure everything is well. We also offer assistance for any unexpected circumstances and there will be a specialized guide with you. In our Hiking Cantabria tour, meeting points will be less accessible and more difficult to reach. Walking the Picos de Europa is a truly breathtaking experience.

If you do not want to keep walking for any reason, you can hop on the support vehicle. After the daily walk, and after we’ve all had lunch we will head back to the hotel where we can shower, freshen up and have a much-deserved rest.

Before and After

Before: Our Hiking Cantabria tour starts in the city of Madrid, where most international flights arrive. We recommend arriving at least one day before the starting date. Take advantage of our exclusive rate at the 5-star Paseo del Prado hotel where we meet the first day in Madrid.

After: Our tour ends in Madrid at approximately 4:00 pm. The last night at the NH Paseo del Prado in Madrid is optional. Ask us about out competitive prices.

We also offer activities in Madrid and its surroundings for those interested.

Means and Assistance

Vehicle and guide

A vehicle and guide for logistical support will be available during the entire route. It shall be of help not only for the pilgrims in transit but for the transport of luggage and to cover any other needs that might arise along the way. It will have fruits, snacks, water, medicine, first aid kits and everything necessary for unexpected situations.

Luggage transferred

The luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next using the support vehicle. For the walk you can take a small/medium backpack for a camera, water bottle, and personal belongings. You can use the one we provide, or bring your own.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones with a spanish line will be handed out for the period of the tour for every 2 or 3 pilgrims. This will allow you to communicate with the driver or guides for any reason at all times. The number can also be given to family members back home to receive phone calls.

Pilgrim's Kit

We prepare you for your walk by sending you a packing list with recommendations on what to bring along on your trip, and provide a small backpack with famous Pilgrim’s Kit (Click here to view) that includes: Your Pilgrim's Passport, the shell, a Marly Camino program with reflections and waterproof Route Map, a waterproof pouch, notebook, snacks and more!

Dates & Price 2018:

2350 €

Single Supplement + 390 €

  • Pick your dates

Dates & Price 2019:

€

Single Supplement + €

  • Pick your dates

Our Hiking Cantabria route Includes:

  • Private Van Support & Luggage transfer
  • All breakfasts, drinks and snacks
  • Mobile phones with a Spanish line
  • Pilgrims' Kit
  • Travel insurance for the entire tour
  • BOTAFUMEIRO ritual upon up availability (Santiago only)
  • Carefully selected en suite accommodation
  • English-speaking guide assistance
  • Informational program and route map
  • Photos of your Camino
  • Farewell dinner and surprise
  • Value added Tax (VAT)
  • All dinners
  • Visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio
  • A town visit in Potes
  • Orujo tasting
  • Return to Madrid
  • Visit to the top of the Picos de Europa national park by cable car
  • Visit in the Caves of "El Soplao"

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Meet in Madrid
Stage done by bus

Our meeting point will be in Madrid in the lobby of the NH Paseo del Prado hotel at 8:30 am. From here, we will head out to Santillana del Mar in our private support vehicle. On the way we will stop in the beautiful city of Burgos to visit its stunning Cathedral. In the evening we will enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner.

Night in Santillana del Mar

Day 2

Comillas - San Vicente de la Barquera
12.8 km / 7.8 mi

We will begin our journey setting off from the town of Comillas making our way through forest paths and quaint villages. The journey will take us along the coast all the way to the town of San Vicente de la Barquera, where we can visit the town's historical quarter known as "Puebla Alta". It has its origins in the medieval era and holds important monuments like the gothic church of "Santa María de los Ángeles".

Night in Pechón

Day 3

San Vicente de la Barquera - Puente del Arrudo
16.5 km / 10.2 mi

We will depart the coastal region as we venture inland following the Nansa river through beautiful forest paths before arriving in Puente del Arrudo, end point of our stage.

Night in Herrerías

Day 4

Puente del Arrudo - Sobrelapeña
8 km / 4.9 mi

Today we will continue our journey from where we ended yesterday following the Nansa river and passing through picturesque villages like Cades and Bielva. We will then leave the Nansa river behind and start following the Lamason O Tanea river as we make our way to the village of Sobrelapeña, our end point for the day. Later that afternoon we will have a visit in the magnificent Caves of "El Soplao" and admire its unique geological formations.

Night in Herrerías

Day 5

Sobrelapeña - Cicera
9.6 km / 6 mi

During today's stage we will venture into the Picos de Europa as we make our way to the town of Cicera, marvelling at the amazing mountain scenery that will accompany us throughout the day.

Night in La Hermida

Day 6

Cicera – Lebeña
7.9 km / 6.5 mi

This stage takes place amongst breathtaking mountain scenery as we make our way through the Picos de Europa. The end of today's stage will be at the beautiful town of Lebeña, where we can visit the church of "Santa María" which dates from the year 925 A.C. and is one of the best-preserved examples of Mozarabic architecture in Spain.

Night in La Hermida

Day 7

Lebeña – Potes
13 km / 9.3 mi

Today's stage will take us along the Picos de Europa mountains and all its stunning views, until we reach the amazing town of Potes, where we can find great examples of 16th & 17th century architecture. We will then visit an "Orujo" (local liqueur) distillery where we will see how this potent local beverage is prepared after which we will be treated to a tasting of the final product.

Night in Potes

Day 8

Potes - Santo Toribio de Liébana
3 km / 1.9 mi

Our journey's final stage will take us to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. When we arrive we can attend the Mass service and then we will enjoy a guided visit in this beautiful monastery. Later on we will ascend by cable car to the top of the Picos de Europa mountains where we can enjoy the marvellous view.

Night in Fuente Dé

Day 9

Return to Madrid
Stage donde by bus/train

In the morning we will drive to Santander where we will have a brief city visit, later we will take a train to Madrid.

We will arrive in Madrid at approximately 6:00 pm
where we will spend a wonderful night.

Night in Madrid

Day 10

Return to Madrid
Stage done by bus

End of tour

Are you ready to live this life changing experience?

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Have a group of 6 or more? Want different dates?

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