Day 4 * Into the Picos de Europa

Monday, September 26, 2022

Morning: San Sebastián * Evening: Poncebos (Picos de Europa)

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In the morning in Donostia-San Sebastián, the sun and the roaring surf wake us up. To wake up, we go for a run over Mount Urgull and enjoy the view of the city and the surrounding Pyrenees.

Then we say Adiós and head into the green Basque Country. Through the mountains, the journey goes to Bilbao and then continues on the winding highway towards Santander. Even here on the 'boring' highway, we are speechless at the beauty of the landscape. Of course, there are also less charming areas around the big cities. But the deep green hills around distract from that.

Finally, the exit to the 'Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa' comes. For a year, we have been dreaming of visiting these rugged mountains that we discovered on our last trip to Spain.

We are captivated by the dream landscape. The drive goes to Panes. There we get information and paper hiking maps! ; )

In Las Arenas, we buy the typical blue cheese 'Cabrales', 2 bottles of cider, and grilled meat from local cattle. And then we go into the adventure. Along the Rio Cares, we drive to Poncebos, the starting point for our planned hike. About 2 km before the small town, there is a parking lot with a breathtaking view of the rugged mountains all around. Here we want to spend the night. But before that, we make a fire and grill the delicious beef. What a treat! Full and satisfied, we fall into bed.