5.0

Canyons to Coast Adventure in Northern Spain

  • Spain
  • 6 nights

Hike, e-bike, SUP, canyon and kayak your way around the undiscovered provinces of Asturias and Cantabria

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • Hotel6 nights in a 4-star hotel in Llanes
  • MealsAll breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners
  • TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
  • EquipmentKayaks, SUPs, e-bikes, canyoning gear and all safety equipment
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • 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 on e-bikes, before cooling off in the pool at your base on the Costa Verde

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Asturias!

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    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
    3-4hrs · 12km
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 2 detail

    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
    3hrs
    Caving
    2hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 3 detail

    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
    3-4hrs · 13km · 250m up · 150m down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 4 detail

    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

    E-bike
    3-4hrs · 20km
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 5 detail

    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
    4-5hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 6 detail

    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.

  7. Day 7

    Adios Asturias

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 7 detail

    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.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Pick up
Bilbao Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Bilbao Airport
12:00 on Day 7

Detailed Logistics

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.

Trip level explained

Level 2

Easy-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, so you should feel at home on a bike 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.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided kayak down the River Deva
  • Guided paddleboarding along the coast of Llanes
  • 2hr underground caving session
  • Guided hike on the Cares Gorge Trail
  • Cycle along the Camino de Santiago route
  • Canyoning adventure in the Picos de Europa

  • Expert, local, English-speaking activity guides

  • 6 nights in a 4-star hotel in Llanes

  • All (6) tasty hotel breakfasts
  • 5 picnic lunches
  • A welcome dinner on Day 1
  • A farewell dinner at a traditional Asturian cider house

  • Group arrival transfer from Bilbao Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Bilbao Airport on Day 7
  • All transfers during the trip

  • Kayaks, SUPs, e-bikes, canyoning gear and all safety equipment

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

Hotel Finca La Mansión

Stay

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.

What You'll Eat

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 mountai…

Food and Dietary info

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.

Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Single room in July & August
…/per night
Single room in May/June/September/October
…/per night
Twin/double room in July & August
…/per night
Twin/double room in May/June/September/October
…/per night

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade - July & August
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade - May, June & September
…

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.

Transfers

Private Transfer Asturias or Santander Airport to Llanes (1-8 people) from
…
Private Transfer Bilbao Airport to Llanes (1-8 people)
…

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0132 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Kylie M.

    I booked this trip for the activities and underestimated the spectacular landscape that they would be taking place, such a beautiful area. Every activity was well thought out and extremely fun. At times perhaps more challenging than the level 2 grading suggested on the website ( notably the caving and caynoying). The guides went above and beyond to share thier knowledge of the region and local cuisine. The hotel in Llanes was a perfect base to come back to the end of the day, with really friendly staff. A 20 minute riverside walk saw you in the centre of the town. I would highly recommend this trip.

  • Menka S.

    The hotel was nice but far from the city center which made it harder to get to after a full day's active adventure. This trip had a lovely, varied activity schedule but should have been at a Level 3 grading.

  • Matthew A.

    Having booked through much better adventures before, I had to book again. This time for myself and my son. Firstly Carlos and Jamie were amazing, so well organized, thoughtful and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much. The activities were above and beyond what we thought and we would definitely recommend to anyone. Can’t wait to go back.

  • Emma H.

    The trip was my first with MBA and was a great introduction. The guides were fantastic and made it a truely memorable experience.

  • Leanne C.

    What an incredible five days exploring the stunning Picos National Park. From beaches, rivers, caves and estuaries to dramatic gorges, every day brought a new adventure. We kayaked, paddle-boarded, crawled through caves, hiked and slid our way down a river—what more could you ask for? Our fantastic guides, Carlos and Albertico, were calm, encouraging, and endlessly supportive and their passion for the area and depth of knowledge made the experience even more special. I highly recommend it! 😊

  • Morag S.

    The schedule for the week was varied and full of exciting and challenging experiences. We ventured out each day to try our hand are hand at e-biking, kayaking, paddle boarding and hiking across the most beautiful settings in Asturias and Cantabria. The canyoning was a hit with the whole group regardless of their level of ability. Our guides and mentors for the week Carlos and Albertico were simply exceptional! Carlos’s love of his home in Northern Spain shone through. His knowledge of the local history and the terrain was a joy to listen to. Albertico was skilled, reassuring and so much fun to be around. Both greeted us daily with smiles and enthusiasm for the day ahead. They coached and encouraged us, particularly when we were out of our comfort zone, in my case the caving. And I did it…. . ! The level of organisation was faultless. Every aspect went to plan - a tribute to the seamless coordination and attention to detail between Much Better Adventures and Rumbo a Picos. Thank you for the most wonderful and physically challenging week of my 63 years!

  • Charlie H.

    This trip surpassed my expectations! The itinerary is full of varied activities, all of which were brilliant, with the caving and canyoning really being very unique experiences, much wilder than I expected. The guides (Carlos and Alberto) were fantastic, they looked after us really well, with our safety being absolutely top priority for them in every activity.

  • Desiree C.

    Fantastic trip. Carlos and Jaime were wonderful guides. The activities were all great! We had a lovely small group of people on the trip.

  • Lucy D.

    Had an amazing week in the Picos with a great group and our two amazing guides Carlos and Jaimi. Whilst the days were busy, we also had a good amount of downtime between the end of the activities and when we headed out for dinner in the evening. If you're looking for an active week where you can learn about the Asturias area of Spain, spend time with great people and eat amazing food, then this is for you!

  • Annette w.

    What a trip. Guides Carlos and Jamie are just brilliant. Their leadership, guidance, knowledge and care is fantastic. I always felt in safe hands. The Pico de Europa region is so beautiful and the activities ensure that you feel submerged into this amazing landscape. Our group was also amazing, all looking out for each other and everyone was included. This made for one of the best holidays I have been on. Thanks to everyone

Customer Photos

5.0132 reviews
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  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 132 reviews

  • 10/10 activities in paradise

    Kylie M. June 2026
    I booked this trip for the activities and underestimated the spectacular landscape that they would be taking place, such a beautiful area. Every activity was well thought out and extremely fun. At times perhaps more challenging than the level 2 grading suggested on the website ( notably the caving and caynoying). The guides went above and beyond to share thier knowledge of the region and local cuisine. The hotel in Llanes was a perfect base to come back to the end of the day, with really friendly staff. A 20 minute riverside walk saw you in the centre of the town. I would highly recommend this trip.

  • The hotel was nice but

    Menka S. June 2026
    The hotel was nice but far from the city center which made it harder to get to after a full day's active adventure. This trip had a lovely, varied activity schedule but should have been at a Level 3 grading.

  • Simply incredible!

    Matthew A. June 2026
    Having booked through much better adventures before, I had to book again. This time for myself and my son. Firstly Carlos and Jamie were amazing, so well organized, thoughtful and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much. The activities were above and beyond what we thought and we would definitely recommend to anyone. Can’t wait to go back.

  • Amazing adventure!

    Emma H. June 2026
    The trip was my first with MBA and was a great introduction. The guides were fantastic and made it a truely memorable experience.

  • What a fun 5 days !

    Leanne C. June 2026
    What an incredible five days exploring the stunning Picos National Park. From beaches, rivers, caves and estuaries to dramatic gorges, every day brought a new adventure. We kayaked, paddle-boarded, crawled through caves, hiked and slid our way down a river—what more could you ask for? Our fantastic guides, Carlos and Albertico, were calm, encouraging, and endlessly supportive and their passion for the area and depth of knowledge made the experience even more special. I highly recommend it! 😊

  • Wow, wow, wow……What a trip!

    Morag S. June 2026
    The schedule for the week was varied and full of exciting and challenging experiences. We ventured out each day to try our hand are hand at e-biking, kayaking, paddle boarding and hiking across the most beautiful settings in Asturias and Cantabria. The canyoning was a hit with the whole group regardless of their level of ability. Our guides and mentors for the week Carlos and Albertico were simply exceptional! Carlos’s love of his home in Northern Spain shone through. His knowledge of the local history and the terrain was a joy to listen to. Albertico was skilled, reassuring and so much fun to be around. Both greeted us daily with smiles and enthusiasm for the day ahead. They coached and encouraged us, particularly when we were out of our comfort zone, in my case the caving. And I did it…. . ! The level of organisation was faultless. Every aspect went to plan - a tribute to the seamless coordination and attention to detail between Much Better Adventures and Rumbo a Picos. Thank you for the most wonderful and physically challenging week of my 63 years!

  • Excellent, book it!

    Charlie H. June 2026
    This trip surpassed my expectations! The itinerary is full of varied activities, all of which were brilliant, with the caving and canyoning really being very unique experiences, much wilder than I expected. The guides (Carlos and Alberto) were fantastic, they looked after us really well, with our safety being absolutely top priority for them in every activity.

  • Fantastic trip. Carlos and Jaime

    Desiree C. June 2026
    Fantastic trip. Carlos and Jaime were wonderful guides. The activities were all great! We had a lovely small group of people on the trip.

  • Fantastic trip - 100% recommended

    Lucy D. May 2026
    Had an amazing week in the Picos with a great group and our two amazing guides Carlos and Jaimi. Whilst the days were busy, we also had a good amount of downtime between the end of the activities and when we headed out for dinner in the evening. If you're looking for an active week where you can learn about the Asturias area of Spain, spend time with great people and eat amazing food, then this is for you!

  • Absolutely amazing

    Annette w. May 2026
    What a trip. Guides Carlos and Jamie are just brilliant. Their leadership, guidance, knowledge and care is fantastic. I always felt in safe hands. The Pico de Europa region is so beautiful and the activities ensure that you feel submerged into this amazing landscape. Our group was also amazing, all looking out for each other and everyone was included. This made for one of the best holidays I have been on. Thanks to everyone

  • Absolutely epic week

    Aimee A. May 2026
    Carlos and Jaime were the best guides for the week, both really knowledgeable, and great fun. The group was brilliant and we all clicked straight away. One of the best holidays of our life and all the activities were incredible, hard to pick a favourite because they were all so good!!

  • Fantastic trip

    Aaron W. October 2025
    This was my first solo adventure and I really enjoyed it. Carlos and Dario were well organised and great fun! The accommodation was clean, tidy and helpful. I would advise brushing up on some of your Spanish before going as some places don’t speak English. Also get familiar with Google translate.

  • Simply Brilliant

    Lewis H. October 2025
    If your day to day life is cities and trains and concrete and Teams calls, and you want something *completely* different, this holiday is for you. Make some great new friends, eat some great new food, and jump feet first into locations and activities that take your breath away and get the adrenaline pumping, in ways that your morning coffee, almond croissant and the threat of unscheduled work meetings simply can't compete with.

  • Great Day Trip Adventures in a Hidden Gem

    James D. October 2025
    Brilliant guides, breathtaking hikes in the Picos de Europa (a true hidden gem), cycling along stunning beaches, and canyoning that was pure fun for all levels. Great day trip adventures. Excellent hotel and food.

  • Great Experience

    Kimberly J. September 2025
    Wonderful guides, activities and travel companions.

  • An awesome 5 days, highly recommend it!

    George S. September 2025
    What a great trip! Highlight was definitely canyoneering on the last day, but caving was also spectacular! Ah, but I also can’t forget the views hiking and the great sites seen e-biking and stand up paddle boarding, as well as the pleasure of kayaking! Every activity had something enjoyable or noteworthy about it. I also can’t say enough about our guides Txetxu and Alex, as well as Carlos on caving, Rio with canyoneering along with Txetxu and Alex. Did I mention the hotel and those delicious breakfasts, as well as the other great places where we sampled Asturian dishes for lunch and dinner? This trip was a true highlight among many trips I’ve taken in the past. I truly enjoyed having a variety of activities throughout the week, and the professionalism and good nature of our guides made everything run so smoothly. If you’re thinking about this trip, think no more, just sign up!

  • A truly fabulous week!!

    Andrea M. September 2025
    There is nothing that I can fault about this trip. The activities were varied, exciting and pushed you enough to make you feel amazing. The guides, Carlos and Txetxu (Chet Choo) were outstanding. Energetic, fun, caring and made you feel like you could achieve anything. We were really sad to say goodbye to them both. Hotel was comfortable (beds were very comfy) and the food throughout the trip was plentiful and tasty. We were really lucky with our group and all had a lot of banter and fun. Thanks for a great week. I am currently looking for my next MBA, xx

  • Textu and Carlos where absolutely

    Tina S. September 2025
    Textu and Carlos where absolutely brilliant, nothing was too much trouble for them. Even waited for myself and 1 other after flight delays, which was a huge relief. Other companies wouldn't have waited. Kayaking was in a beautiful location and the canyoning was brilliant fun. Due to the recent wildfires the hike was in another part of the Picos de Europe due to Textu and Carlos good local knowledge. Highly recommend this trip and the awesome Textu and Carlos.

  • Most amazing trip - Lou H

    Louise H. September 2025
    This trip was absolutely perfect. The variety of the activities on offer is fantastic, which is what appealed to me the most. I found it the perfect balance between feeling excitement and adrenaline yet secure and safe at all times, thanks to both Txetxu and Carlos. I’d find it very hard to pick an absolute favourite activity because I loved each and every one of them for different reasons. This part of Spain is so incredibly beautiful and rich with culture and our guides communicated this to us with such passion, which was wonderful. I couldn’t rate either Txetxu or Carlos highly enough. The are what makes this trip so so special - the perfect team, they work so well together; the best mix of two different characters. The food that was included in this trip, or recommended to us by the guides, was superb. I do not eat gluten and Txetxu made sure I always knew what I could and couldn’t eat and brought along alternatives so that I did not miss out during the picnic lunches which was very much appreciated. What made it the ultimate trip for me was actually the people. This was the first time I’d travelled solo for leisure and I couldn’t have had a better time with a better bunch of people. I found every person on this trip, both participants and the guides, kind, engaging, inclusive, heaps of fun and inspiring. Amazing trip, thank you.

  • Great fun

    Melanie m. September 2025
    This is a great all rounder as everyday is different. Really well organised and lots of epic adventures.

  • Just book it!

    Kirsty W. September 2025
    This was one of the most incredible holidays I have ever been on! The guides are the heart and soul of this trip and boy did they steal my heart! Carlos and Txetxu went above and beyond to give us a truly Asturian, unforgettable experience! Plus, we were so lucky to have the group of people we had with us too! I loved how varied, kind and interesting everyone was. It was so cool to meet with like-minded, active people. I don't have a lot of friends like that so it was so nice to bond over stuff like jumping over high rocks and waves that could drown you. Every single activity was brilliant! Each one bought a good level of challenge and awe-inspiring scenery. I did a lot of new things on this trip and always felt supported to do my best. Carlos and Txetxu were always on hand to help keep me feel safe when we were doing something out of my comfort zone. Equally there were other more experienced members of our group, who were given extra challenges when needed. It really felt like everyone was seen and supported in the way that they needed. And the food - unreal! There was so many unbelievable delectable food moments! One of my favourites was trying the local blue cheese and cider after our hike near the National Park. It was so simple, but so delicious and authentic! Everything we ate was so fresh and local throughout this holiday, especially with Carlos and Txetxu's insider recommendations. I am also lactose intolerant and even this was expertly navigated. Highlights for me? The Asturian Stew with Greens, Fresh octopus and Kid (baby goat) were absolute standout meals; not to be missed! The hotel we stayed in was functional and a solid base to come back to after packed, adventurous days. It’s quiet, and I loved that the mornings didn’t start too early - you’re never up before 9am for activities. One of my favourite parts of each day was the evening walk along the river to Llanes for dinner. It’s a short, peaceful walk to the charming fishing village that totally comes alive at night. Honestly, I would recommend this trip in a heartbeat!

  • Highly recommend!

    Jake W. August 2025
    There are a lot of reasons to recommend Much Better Adventures. 1. Our guides were engaging and funny. They made us feel safe and looked after at all times. 2. We made new friendships with like-minded people 3. We got to do activities that were fun and exciting

  • Adventure in Northern Spain

    Markforsythe1989 August 2025
    Excellent trip. Lots of variety, excellent guides and lots of fun 😊

  • Good mix of adventures!

    Andreas B. August 2025
    A wonderful location, and a great mix of adventures. Good guides.

  • Awesome Asturias!

    Robin H. August 2025
    We had a superb time with Carlos on this Adventure, everything we did exceeded our expectations and the quality of the instruction and kit we used was first rate. It was an action packed itinerary but also had some nice down time to relax around the hotel pool at the end of the days.

  • Great adventure in Northern Spain

    David H. July 2025
    Pretty easy to write an excellent review for this trip as there were so many positives. . . . . . . . . . Amazing trip in Northern Spain with Great Guides, Awesome Activities, stunning national parks and great company :) Really well looked after by the Great Guides Txetxu and Carlos who make a great team. Not only were they very professional in leading the trip but also with a positive vibe helping bring the group together. Great having one base for the week and Llanes didnt disapoint on its charm and delicious cuisine- the food itself is a reason to visit! We discovered some stunning scenery during the trip along the rivers and trails. Highlights for me were kayaking down the river including picnic stop with swim, hiking through the breath taking beauty of the Cares gorge including burger pit stop at cafe and the thrill and excitement of leaping into the unknown during canyoning. This trip offers so much and left me rejuvenated ready for the next challenge and adventure. . . . . . . . . . I will definitely be back :)

  • Lainey

    Lainey A. July 2025
    It was literally one of the coolest trips I’ve been on! Txetxu and Carlos were amazing guides and really made everything run smoothly. The whole group had such a great vibe which made the experience even better. I definitely recommend this trip and look forward to going on my next MBA adventure soon!

  • Awesome Adventure

    Louis M. July 2025
    This was an incredible holiday and adventure with really fun activities and great guides whom were fun but also made us feel safe at all times. Amazing group as well and couldn’t of asked for more!

  • An adventure it was!

    Helen R. July 2025
    I was really looking forward to this trip and it did not disappoint. I cant think of a single negative thing about this trip. The hotel and staff were lovely, a great selection at breakfast which set you up for the day. Our two guides, Carlos and Txetxu were friendly, looked after us, took time to get to know everyone on the trip, helped us book restaurants for the evenings, and catered to our needs perfectly. I cant eat gluten and the guides ensured i was catered for. I got to eat traditional asturian food without missing out on anything which was just awesome. All of the activities were great fun - my favourite being the canyoning. The group was also great, it was fantastic spending the week with everyone. This trip has left me wanting to do another one for sure!

  • Great trip, great group, great guides!

    Alistair B. July 2025
    What a great trip! It was extremely well organised, all we had to do was turn up. The activities were really good, especially the canyoning and caving. The mountain biking could have had a bit more exciting downhill sections, but I realise that with a big group it's difficult to get the right balance. Lunches in each day were provided, as well as two evening meals - the food was amazing (and there was a lot of it!). The accommodation was really nice as well, although a bit noisy as it's an old building. But it was really good having the pool (although it's a shame the weather wasn't good enough to use it more) and being able to walk into the town in the evening. The best part of it though, was the guides; Txetxu and Carlos were great, super helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic to show us the amazing area!

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

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

FAQs

The water in the Picos is safe to drink and you are able to fill up freely at your hotel base and at stops along the way in the Picos and along the coastal stretches of the trip. Make sure to bring a couple of 1-litre reusable drinking bottles or a bladder.

Yes, you can leave your main pack and any other luggage in the hotel in Llanes throughout the adventure, just taking a daypack with you for each day out.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

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.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 153kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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Departure dates

  • Friday 26th June 2026

    to Thursday 2nd July 2026

    Last minute - Host approval required

    …

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