Walking and Hiking
Asturias is a walker's paradise. The Picos de Europa national park, located just 15km from the coast, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with its rugged peaks, deep river gorges, green meadows and beautiful lakes. There are many famous walks in the area, as well as more off-the-beaten-track routes. The stunning coastline also offers some wonderful walks taking in some spectacular coastal scenery.
The climate is perfect for walking. Summers are warm, without the oppressive heat of the south. August temperatures average 23°C. While the rest of the year can bring some of the most perfect walking conditions, with clear blue skies and visibility reaching for miles. On a sunny winter's day temperatures can reach 20°C.
The holiday home is situated ideally between the coast and the mountains to allow you access to the best walks in the region. The classic Ruta del Cares follows a path cut out high up on the cliff face of the river Cares gorge, taking in some of the most spectacular scenery the Picos have to offer. Or follow the path to the remote mountain village of Bulnes, accessible only by foot or by the funicular railway. There are walks to suit all abilities, with varied durations. There is information at the house with maps and details of routes to follow.
Surfing
The north coast of Spain boasts some of the best surf spots in Europe. There is little of the overcrowding you'll find at popular surf spots around the UK, in fact on many of the local beaches you'll have the surf to yourself. The climate is perfect. Sea temperatures are an average 3°C warmer than those of South West England.
Outdoor Activities
Asturias is the ideal location for outdoor activities and adventures, and there are several centres in the area offering a variety of activities.
Canoeing - Follow the route of the international descenso de la Sella from Arriondas at the foot of the mountains into Ribadesella. The activity includes a brief talk on how to manouvre the canoe, after which you can commence the 14km route to the river estuary at Ribadesella. The route takes 3-5 hours to complete. Costs around €25 per person.
Caving - The Picos de Europa is one of the most important locations in the world for caving. Explore this remote underground world through its cavernous chambers and complex labyrinth of tunnels. Costs around €25 per person.
Canyoning - This activity involves descending a river canyon, including waterfalls, slides and jumps. The route will take around four hours to complete, using a variety of techniques including climbing, scrambling, abseiling, jumping and swimming. Costs around €40 per person.
Surfing - Learn to surf on some of the best surf breaks in Spain.
Other activities include horse riding, mountain biking and guided hiking. All activities are aimed at beginners and prices include equipment and transport to the activity location. For more information visit the following links. Activities can be booked at the activity centre offices, easily found on the harbour front in Ribadella, in Llanes town centre or in Arriondas. Surf schools can be found at the beaches of Vega, San Antolin and Ribadesella in summer. Activities can also be booked online, or contact me for help with information and booking.
http://www.fronteraverde.com/English/home-ing.htm
http://www.canoasdelsella.com/portada.htm
http://www.montanasdelnorte.com/
Caving
The mountains of the Picos de Europa national park are world renouned for the quality caving they offer. Throughout the world there are some 50 caves that reach over 1000m in depth, of those 9 are in the Picos de Europa.
The Picos de Europa contain many of Spain's deepest caves, including Torca del Cerro (-1589 m), Sima de la Cornisa (-1507 m), Torca los Rebecos (-1255 m) and Pozo del Madejuno (-1252 m). The Trave cave system is located here, the deepest in spain and sixth deepest in the world. Experienced cavers will have the opportunity to explore the labyrinths of tunnels, chambers and caves, for which the Picos de Europa mountains are famed.