Canyons to Coast Adventure in Northern Spain
Hike, bike, SUP, canyon and kayak your way around the undiscovered provinces of Asturias and Cantabria
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking activity guidesHotel
6 nights in a 4-star hotel in LlanesMeals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
Kayaks, SUPs, e-bikes, canyoning gear and all safety equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Kayak down the stunning Río Deva and SUP along the dramatic cliffs and secluded bays of the Atlantic Coast
Slip and slide your way through the Picos de Europa, tackling natural water slides, abseiling down waterfalls and jumping into clear pools
Hit the trails of the spectacular Cares Gorge, hiking through rocky tunnels in the shadow of imposing peaks
Pedal a coastal section of the iconic Camino de Santiago, before cooling off in the pool at your base on the Costa Verde
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Asturias!
Your host will meet you on arrival at Bilbao Airport and transfer you to Llanes, a charming port town nestled on the rugged Costa Verde. Meet up with the rest of your group for a dinner and chat through the adventure ahead with your host.
Day 2
Kayak down the Rio Deva
Kayaking
Kickstart your adventure with a kayak descent of the spectacular River Deva, set to a stunning mountainous backdrop beneath the jagged jaws of the Picos de Europa mountain range. Tackle the exciting but manageable rapids in twin sit-on-top kayaks, with some easygoing paddling needed on the calmer stretches. Tuck into a picnic on the banks of the river and grab a dip if you're brave enough - the water has come straight from the Picos and is rather fresh! Enjoy dinner back in Llanes.
Day 3
SUP the Atlantic coast and go caving
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Caving
Swap the river for the sea today, heading along the coast near Llanes on a paddleboard. This stretch of shoreline is home to a series of cliffs giving way to scallop-shaped sandy beaches. Sea conditions will dictate where you head to find the calm waters - your guides know all the best spots and will provide instruction to anyone who hasn't been paddleboarding before. Tuck into a picnic lunch on the beach and enjoy a swim in the sea before going underground in the afternoon, as your guide leads you into some of the best limestone caves in Spain. Hike and crawl through a subterranean world, past amazing rock formations.
Day 4
The Cares Gorge path
Hiking
Tick off an iconic and famous hike today. The Cares Gorge Trail is a spectacular path cut into the limestone of an imposing ravine, perched 300m above the Río Cares and surrounded by 2000m+ peaks. Drive into the heart of the Picos de Europa, finding the trailhead at Caín to set off on the narrow trail. Wind through small tunnels carved out of the rock and across bridges that hang over the abyss, while the river rages below and mountain goats watch from above. Finish up this memorable hike at Poncebos.
Day 5
Bike along the Camino de Santiago
Cycling
Hop on an e-bike at the small village of Buelna to pedal along the coast, discovering wonderful beaches, reaching clifftop lookouts and witnessing the spectacular Bufones de Pria - a natural phenomenon unique to this area, jets of seawater spout from holes and cracks eroded in limestone cliffs. You'll cycle along a section of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, passing pilgrims on their way. Finish up in Llanes for another post-adventure dinner and maybe a drop of rioja or a cold sidre.
Day 6
Canyoning in the Picos
Canyoning
Your final day of adventuring is a barnstorming one: head back into the Picos de Europa to explore this unique landscape from a totally different angle. Slip on a wetsuit, clip into your helmet in and spend the day leaping into natural wells and pools, slaloming along carved rock water slides, whizzing along zip-lines and abseiling down waterfalls. Your guides will instruct you and keep everyone safe along the way. Cap off a memorable day and toast an epic week of wild adventures with a visit to a local cider brewery for a typical Asturian dinner, washed down by plentiful amounts of sidre - the region's most famous tipple.
Day 7
Adios Asturias
The adventure comes to an end today as your host drives you back to Bilbao Airport in time for your onward flight home. If you are lingering longer in Spain, the Asturian and Cantabrian coastlines have some incredible beaches, good surf and laid back bars and cafes to discover.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast at the hotel in Llanes is a sumptuous buffet that always gets rave reviews. Breads, pastries, baked treats, cereals, fruit, meats and cheeses. Lunches will be sandwiches and snacks to be enjoyed on beaches, riverbanks, clifftops and mountainsides, depending on the day of the trip. You'll have a traditional Asturian dinner on your first and last day with an array of local dishes to choose from. The other four dinners have been left out of the trip price to allow you to explore the bountiful food options in Llanes - which is particularly renowned for its seafood and pinchos (northern Spain's version of tapas).
Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Hotel Finca La Mansión
You have a single base for your whole trip, allowing you to settle in and enjoy downtime at the end of each of your big adventure days. You'll be staying at the 4-star Hotel Finca La Mansión in Llanes, a picturesque port town on the Asturian coast surrounded by beaches and blessed with history, culture, great seafood and a mountainous backdrop. The hotel has traditional rustic decor, an outdoor pool, garden and sun terrace. There are mountain views from many of the rooms, and the breakfast buffet is brilliant. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathroom.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
All of the activities on this trip can be done without any previous experience - you'll have expert guides to show you the ropes and help you navigate the kayaking, canyoning and SUPing. The cycle ride along the Camino de Santiago is best enjoyed if you feel comfortable riding an electronically assisted bike off-road, though no technical mountain biking skills are needed. The hike along the Cares Gorge walk is an easy one - it's mostly flat, so it's manageable by anyone who can handle walking for a few hours. The trail is narrow in parts with a steep drop on one side, so those with an extreme fear of heights should be wary, but it's really quite a relaxed hike managed by people of all ages and fitness levels. There may be the option to extend the hike for those who would like to.
The weather in this part of Spain can be very changeable, so be sure to pack for all weathers. Mainly it tends to be dry and sunny on the south face of the Picos (where you'll be doing the Cares Gorge hike and the canyoning). June and September are cooler months to visit, while temperatures i July and August can rise above 30°C/85°F.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Bilbao Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Ends
Bilbao Airport
12:00 on Day 7
Transfers
Please arrive at Bilbao airport by 13:00 on Day 1 in order to join the group transfer from Bilbao Airport to Llanes for your first night. On Day 7, your host will provide a group transfer from Llanes back to Bilbao airport, dropping you off at approximately midday.
If you are arriving/departing at different times, on different days or flying to/from alternative airports (Asturias Airport or Santander Airport) your host can arrange private airport transfers for an additional charge, subject to availability. Please see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
Bilbao Airport is accessible via various direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe. Flights from outside of Europe are typically indirect.
Bilbao, Asturias and Santander airports are all an hour or two away from Llanes and have public transport options between them.
UK travellers with a bit more time (and possibly a vehicle) on their hands can travel to Asturias using the popular Portsmouth-Santander ferry route. Rail travellers can get to the start of this trip via Bilbao's main railway station - Bilbao Abando - which is well connected to various major cities in Spain. It is possible to travel from the UK to Llanes all the way by train, transiting through Paris and Hendaye in France, and Bilbao.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Tandem sit-on-top kayaks and paddles
- Inflatable stand-up paddleboard, paddle and lifevest
- All your canyoning gear
- Front suspension 'hardtail' mountain e-bike & helmet
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Main bag: duffel, rucksack or suitcase to be kept at base in Llanes
Daypack (15-30 litres)
Waterproof liner for daypack
Small drybags if you want to take your phone with you on the water-based activities
CLOTHES
Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
Fleece jacket or similar
Buff or neck scarf
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Swimwear - multiple sets for both the hotel pool and the water activities
Sunglasses with leash
Sunhat
Hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
Old trainers/trail runners for the canyoning
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Face mask
Two reusable water bottles x1 litre
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Energy bars and snacks
Single room in July & August
Payable Before Departure
Single room in July & August
… Per Night
Single room in May/June/September/October
Payable Before Departure
Single room in May/June/September/October
… Per Night
Twin/double room in July & August
Payable Before Departure
Twin/double room in July & August
… Per Night
Twin/double room in May/June/September/October
Payable Before Departure
Twin/double room in May/June/September/October
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade - July & August
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - July & August
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade - June & September
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - June & September
…
Private Transfer Asturias or Santander Airport to Llanes (1-8 people) from
Payable Before Departure
Private Transfer Asturias or Santander Airport to Llanes (1-8 people) from
…
Private Transfer Bilbao Airport to Llanes (1-8 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private Transfer Bilbao Airport to Llanes (1-8 people)
…
Unimprovable!
What a truly brilliant trip. It was carefully selected to suit us (son, daughter and partner and me) as every element sounded so good and it still managed to surpass every expectation: great accommodation, wonderful guides, exciting activities, delicious food (not always the case when vegan!), stunning locations, lovely group... I've been trying to think how it could have been improved, but can't come up with anything.
Brilliant
This was a great holiday. Got me out of my comfort zone more ways than one. The guides - Txetxu and Carlos made the holiday, they were passionate, knowledgeable and accomodating to everyone in the group and some great chats were had. They adapted the activities based on the weather each day, the food was amazing.
The activities were great and adaptable to the abilityy of everyone. The hotel was lovely and the staff were really helpful. Would recommend this holiday especially with Txetxu and Carlos.
Highly recommend the Canyons to
Highly recommend the Canyons to Coast Adventure in Northern Spain! I went with approx 8 girlfriends and it was one of the best trips of my life. From the food, hotel accommodations, adventures, etc. it was all spectacular. Kudos to our trip guides, Jose, Txetxu and Carlos. As someone who was 9 months post knee surgery, I was a bit worried about my ability to do some of the excursions…they took such good care of us ensuring our safety while balancing fun. If given the opportunity again, I would say yes to this trip and Carlos/Txetxu every time.
An amazing trip with amazing guides
This trip was amazing. For us, it was the guides that made it! Carlos and Txetxu were so kind, knowledgeable and supportive!
The days were long but well prepared and incredibly fun. A couple of tips - I should have worn walking boots for the caving and for me walking boots were a must for the walk as it was quite rocky at times in the path.We did not pack enough warm clothing - the weather was hit and miss and would definitely recommend more jeans than shorts! I was the eternal optimistic and took mainly shorts which was a regret.
The hotel is good for a base, simple and clean. The staff were great. It was quite noisy though as there’s no sound insulation between rooms so I’d recommend some ear plugs.
Food for us was no issue as we both ate meat and was great but for the vegetarian and vegan on the group they did struggle with options so if you do have dietary requirements it’s probably best to bring some snacks and maybe something for each trip!
Overall a great trip, brilliant guides and a great bunch of people.
Lots of fun
Great trip, fun activities, great food and excellent guides. Would definitely recommend.
Great Value and Great Guides!
I highly recommend this trip for anyone or members of a group wanting to explore from one primary location. Our guides were awesome – knowledgeable, competent, and accommodating to individual abilities and comfort levels. The hotel served a nice breakfast with made-to-order options, had a supermarket around the corner, and was within walking distance to the heart of the quaint town. Each activity was seamlessly executed with every logistical detail taken care of in advance. The general consensus from my group was that this trip was a great value with top-notch service, authentic adventures, varied food selections at quality restaurants, and pleasant accommodations. Lots of laughs during this trip of a lifetime!
Outstanding adventure! Carols and Txetxu
Outstanding adventure! Carols and Txetxu were excellent guides - very knowledgeable and professional. I’d love to bring my family back to experience this.
Amazing Adventure
Perfect for our college reunion girls trip. Lots of adventure, great meals and time to catch up. Our guides, Carlos and Txetxu were the absolute best!
Amazing Trip with Amazing Views
Went on the Canyons to Coast trip in June 2024 with 8 other close friends and it was absolutely beyond my expectations. The guides Txetxu and Carlos were so great. They ensured communications, safety, and comfort at all areas. I highly recommend.
Great experience from start to finish
It was a wonderful experience and one I look forward to repeating. Our guides, Txetxu and Carlos, were outstanding and really elevated the experience. Knowledgeable, professional accommodating and a lot of fun, I highly recommend Txetxu and Carlos as guides on your adventure. The equipment provided was very good and locations for the different activities beautiful and interesting. Logistics were handled nicely and the hotel accommodation was lovely with a great location and nicely run,
Everything Happens for a Reason
Spectacular land with the best guides on earth- Carlos y TxeTxu
Our Purpose
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
Book With Confidence
Positive impact adventure travel
