We are delighted to offer you the opportunity to join us immersed in the butterfly-rich, dramatic and biodiverse setting of the Picos de Europa in northern Spain.
The Picos de Europa lie in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountain range, which stretches along the north coast of Spain for some 180 miles. Northern Spain, for those unfamiliar with the region, confounds expectations, with much of it considerably more lush and verdant than the rest of the country. Our butterfly theatre for this week comprises limestone mountains that abound with flora and fauna alike.
During the course of our tour, we anticipate seeing around 110 of the approximately 150 butterfly species that have been recorded throughout this special region of Spain. A great many attractive and highly desirable insects will be in that number, from well-known crowd-pleasers like the dramatic Apollo, and the flaming coppers and fritillaries; to much more range-restricted but no less aesthetically pleasing species like Gavarnie Blue, Dusky Large Blue, Chapman's Ringlet, Lefebvre's Ringlet, and Esper's Marbled White. Their supporting cast is large and varied, and reads like a roll-call of some of southern Europe's most beautiful and photogenic butterfly species.
We will be based in a pretty and unspoilt rural village location, and our daily excursions are carefully crafted to ensure we cover the full range of habitats that are encompassed in the surrounding Picos - from lowland riverine valleys to high mountain slopes, from woodlands to pastures, and through flower-rich limestone pavements and alpine meadows. Mountains mean a great deal of variety is packed into a relatively compact area, with varying altitudes playing a significant factor in the range of species to be found. This is greatly to our benefit, as we can maximise time in the field for the very best returns and experience.
And with two of our most popular guides, local Spanish naturalist Pau Lucio and passionate European butterfly watcher Emmanuelle Juan, both of whom know the region well, you're in the best of hands to see the very best of the butterflies the Picos de Europa have to offer.
Not for nothing are the Picos de Europa considered to be one of the ultimate butterfly-watching destinations in Europe. We're delighted to return here each year, and hope you'll enjoy the chance to join us there.
