Make a bike tour in northern Spain and discover the beautiful Atlantic coast line of Asturias and Cantabria. It is a beautiful ride along the Cantabrian and Asturian coast. The rich green countryside contrasts with the blue sea and the magnificent unspoiled beaches. Picturesque villages with flower bedecked houses, fishing harbors, and the magnificent backdrop of the Picos de Europa. The tour has three "free" days where you can cycle as much or as little as you like. Two fishing villages, a medieval town on the Santiago pilgrim trail and the beaches of Somo and Santander make for great variety.
Day 1: Arrival in Santander or Bilbao and transfer to Santillana del Mar
Pick up from arrival point and transfer to the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar. Introduction to bikes and route briefing. Spend the rest of the day walking round the cobbled streets of this beautiful village, visit the museum of the Altamira Caves or enjoy a ride around the country lanes and down to the coastline.
Day 2: Santillana del Mar > San Vicente, ~36 or 62 km (22-39 miles)
Leaving Santillana, our route heads westwards through green meadows and the hills and valleys of Cantabria with its marvelous unspoiled coastline and beaches nearby. We soon arrive at the charming village of Novales, set amidst lemon groves and with its fine typical rural architecture. Next stop is the seaside village of Comillas. Here a visit to the fine beach, the small harbor and the pretty village square with its pavement tapas bars and restaurants is a must, not to mention the architectural sights of El Capricho by the famous Catalán architect Gaudí and the Palace of the Marqués de Comillas. After leaving Comillas, cycle through the Parque Natural de Oyambre and along the beautiful beaches of Oyambre and Merón. We are finally greeted by the stunning view of San Vicente and the Picos de
Day 3: Day off in San Vicente
Spend time getting to know this pretty fishing village with its many seafood restaurants and magnificent setting. Take a ride on one of the free day routes, or visit the lovely mountain village of Carmona. Alternatively, enjoy a ride through the unspoiled hill country behind the village, or you may just prefer to spend a lazy afternoon on the beach.
Rides of various distances
Day 4: San Vicente > Llanes, ~47 km (29 miles)
Leaving San Vicente the route heads westwards along the coast. After a short distance, cycle around the beautiful headland of Pechón with its magnificent views of the coastline. Crossing the River Deva in Unquera we enter the province of Asturias. The village of Colombres is home to the sumptuous villas of the Indianos, emigrants to the Americas who made their fortune and then returned. From here, the route continues between the coast and the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera, foothills of the Picos de Europa. A beautiful descent through eucalyptus forests brings us back to the coast, where we cycle past beautiful and unspoiled beaches to arrive at the charming fishing village of Llanes.
Day 5: Day off in Llanes
Cycle westwards and visit a string of fine beaches, including the incredible landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri. Another beautiful route takes us through the most beautiful hills and valleys behind Llanes. Alternatively, we can give the bikes a rest and take a canoeing trip on the Deva or Sella Rivers, or a hike through the dramatic and renowned Cares Gorge in the very heart of the Picos de Europa. Take a train to Ribadasella and visit the Caves of Tito Bustillo with their prehistoric paintings, before cycling back to Llanes. Enjoy the busy atmosphere of the fishing village of Llanes, so popular with Spanish tourists.
Rides of various distances
Day 6: Llanes > Somo, ~43 km (27 miles)
Today we transfer to the Cantabrian Mountains, and begin our descent of the Miera Valley to our final stop in Somo. Pick up after breakfast and drive to the starting point at 822 meters/2697 feet above sea level. From here, a marvelous ride through the stunning limestone valley of the River Miera takes us down to the farmland around Somo and the Bay of Santander. Visit the mountain village of San Roque de Riomiera and the spa village of Liérganes with its charming old quarter.
Day 7: Day off in Somo
Enjoy the marvelous beach, miles of golden sand. Take a short boat ride across the Bay to visit the lively and elegant city of Santander, capital of the province of Cantabria. Enjoy the belle époque atmosphere of El Sardinero, the beach resort of the city where Alfonso XIII and his court spent the summer months in the early 20th century. Or stroll around the town center for some last minute shopping. Take one of the free day routes to visit the beautiful beaches of Loredo, Langre or Galizano. Ride through the green country lanes, where a surprise awaits you round every corner, to the village of Ajo where the specialty of the restaurants is that classic Spanish dish, paella. Try the freshly grilled sardines in the seaside restaurants of nearby Pedreña.
Rides of various distances
Day 8: End of trip
Transfer from Somo to airport Bilbao or Santander and departure.
