Via Ferrata · Santander
How to choose
Both routes run through the Hermida Gorge in the Picos de Europa, operated by Multiaventura San Vicente, and both are conducted in Spanish and English. The 40 € El Milar route wraps up in 2.5h and is rated "Occasionally sporty", meaning you'll hit real physical sections on the iron rungs and cable traverses. The 60 € Los Puentes route runs 4.5h, covers more vertical terrain with its signature bridge crossings, and is open to all fitness levels despite the longer commitment. Pick El Milar for a sharper, more intense 2.5h hit. Pick Los Puentes if you want a full half-day in the gorge and are bringing people of mixed ability.
Compare · 2 offers
Our picks
Via Ferrata el Milar, in the Hermida Gorge, Picos de Europa
At 40 €, El Milar packs an "Occasionally sporty" physical challenge into 2.5h on the exposed limestone walls of the Hermida Gorge.
Vía ferrata Los Puentes en la Hermida, Picos de Europa
Los Puentes runs 4.5h and is rated "Everybody welcome", making it the right pick when fitness levels in your group vary.
Frequently asked questions
Which via ferrata is more intense?
El Milar is rated "Occasionally sporty", so it demands more effort on the exposed sections than Los Puentes, which is open to everybody. If raw challenge is the point, El Milar delivers it in a tighter 2.5h window.
Do I need prior climbing experience?
No prior climbing experience is required for either route. Los Puentes is explicitly rated "Everybody welcome". El Milar asks for a basic level of fitness given its sporty rating, but no technical climbing background is needed.
What is the scariest moment on these routes?
On Los Puentes, the suspended bridges over the Hermida Gorge are the standout exposure points: you're crossing over the void with the canyon walls dropping below you. On El Milar, the more physically demanding traverses on the cliff face create the sharpest adrenaline spikes.
What is the best time of year to go?
The season runs from May through October. Late spring and early autumn give you stable conditions in the Picos de Europa without the peak summer heat in the gorge.
Are the routes guided in English?
Yes. Both routes are guided in Spanish and English by Multiaventura San Vicente.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | 114.4 mm | Possible |
| February | 5.2°C | 106.8 mm | Possible |
| March | 5.6°C | 120.1 mm | Possible |
| April | 8°C | 135.6 mm | Possible |
| May | 10.5°C | 99.8 mm | Good |
| June | 14°C | 82.4 mm | Good |
| July | 16.6°C | 46.8 mm | Peak |
| August | 16.7°C | 60.4 mm | Good |
| September | 15.1°C | 83.1 mm | Good |
| October | 11.5°C | 139.2 mm | Possible |
| November | 7.4°C | 151.3 mm | Poor |
| December | 4.4°C | 110.3 mm | Poor |
Practical info
Equipment
Harness, helmet and via ferrata lanyard are standard kit and typically provided by Multiaventura San Vicente. Wear approach shoes or sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. For the 4.5h Los Puentes route, pack water and a light layer as the Hermida Gorge can be cool in the shade.
Getting there
Meet Multiaventura San Vicente at C/Fuente Nueva, 2, San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria, roughly 60 km west of Santander via the A-8 motorway.
See also
Via Ferrata elsewhere
Other activities in Santander
Updated March 2026