The green north of Spain brings together surfing, mountains and estuaries in just a few kilometres. The Picos de Europa are a mountain massif of the Cantabrian Range, spread across Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León. With that base, you can put together an adventure route from Galicia to Cantabria, with an active stop in each stage.
Cortegada Island: kayaking between Vilagarcía de Arousa and the Ulla river
An island with a laurel forest that its official website presents as the largest in Europe, just a step away from the coast of Pontevedra. Cortegada is situated between Vilagarcía de Arousa and the Ulla river, in Galicia. The distance between Carril, in Vilagarcía de Arousa, and the island is about 200 metres.
You can get there by boat, and also on foot when the tide is low via the Camino del Carro. Exploring it takes about two hours, and the guided tour of the National Park lasts about two and a half hours. Picuco organises Kayak hire on Cortegada Island, Rianxo, a way to get closer by paddling and get to know the island from the water.
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Llanes: surf lessons in an Asturian municipality
Llanes is a municipality in Asturias with the title of "Muy noble y leal villa". To get there, you have the Santander Airport, a little more than an hour by car, and the Asturias Airport, an hour and a half away, in addition to Alsa buses or the train.
If you want to start surfing, Picuco organises Surf lessons for all levels in Llanes, Asturias. Book in advance during high season and allow time for travel from the airport.
Ribadesella: surfing and Tito Bustillo cave
Ribadesella is a municipality in Asturias with a beach and a cave that deserves a separate visit. You can access it via the A-8 motorway, exits 333 Ribadesella oeste (Pandu-Bones) and 326 Ribadesella (Lloviu). You can also arrive via the N-634 from Oviedo or the N-632 from Gijón.
FEVE keeps Ribadesella connected by narrow-gauge railway via the Oviedo-Santander line. In the municipality lies the Tito Bustillo cave, a cultural stop that you can combine with the water. Picuco organises Surf lessons and courses in Ribadesella, Asturias for all levels.
Picos de Europa: guided hiking and access to Lagos de Covadonga
The Picos de Europa massif is hiking terrain between Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León. To access Lagos de Covadonga by public transport, you need a ticket via the ALSA website. In 2026, this regulated access runs from 28 March to 8 December.
Overflight is restricted within the National Park, and the use of a drone counts as an overflight activity, so leave it at home. Picuco organises Guided hiking in the Picos de Europa (Cantabria) to explore the area with accompaniment.
San Vicente de la Barquera: canoeing through the estuary and surfing
San Vicente de la Barquera is a municipality in Cantabria, in the Costa Occidental region, with the Cantabrian Sea as its boundary. It stands out for its fishing port, its medieval old town and a privileged natural environment.
In its waters, you can practise various water sports such as surfing. Picuco organises the Canoe route through the San Vicente de la Barquera estuary, a peaceful way to get to know the estuary before or after trying the waves.
Garganta del Calera, in Ramales: canyoning between bridges and vertical sections
Garganta del Calera, in Ramales, is a gorge with a suspension bridge over the canyon. The route includes vertical sections with overhangs and aerial passages with wide views over the surroundings.
Picuco organises Canyoning in Garganta del Calera, Ramales (Cantabria), the indicated activity if you are looking for a technical descent with rope. Wear footwear that you can get wet and bring a change of clothes for afterwards.
Rules and risks in the Picos de Europa
On the Ruta del Cares, the risk of rockfalls and the movement of loose elements is greater on rainy days or during strong winds. If you have planned that route, check the forecast before leaving and choose another day if the weather is unsettled.
Frequently asked questions
What adventure activities can I do in northern Spain?
You can combine several activities guided by Picuco throughout the north: Surf lessons for all levels in Llanes, Asturias, Surf lessons and courses in Ribadesella, Asturias, Guided hiking in the Picos de Europa (Cantabria), Canoe route through the ría de San Vicente de la Barquera, Canyoning in Garganta del Calera, Ramales (Cantabria) and Kayak hire on the Isla de Cortegada, Rianxo.
Where can I surf in Asturias?
Picuco organises Surf lessons for all levels in Llanes, Asturias and Surf lessons and courses in Ribadesella, Asturias, two Asturian municipalities with a coastline.
Where can I go kayaking or canoeing in Cantabria?
Picuco organises the Canoe route through the ría de San Vicente de la Barquera, in the Cantabrian region of the Costa Occidental.
Where can I go canyoning in Cantabria?
Picuco organises Canyoning in Garganta del Calera, Ramales (Cantabria). The route includes a suspension bridge over the canyon and vertical sections with overhangs.