Basque Country to Asturias by E-Bike
Spain Bike Tours
Cycle from Bilbao to the Bay of Santander and beyond, exploring Northern Spain’s coastal paths.
-
Tour Type
-
Skill Level
-
Length9 days
-
Prices from€1352 Rates
-
Overview
On this bike tour of Northern Spain you will follow the beautiful coastline, biking west from Bilbao in the Basque Country to Ribadesella in Asturias.
This is misty land with an extraordinary and extreme landscape, alternating between sheer cliffs and green hills, tiny coves, and sandy beaches. The austere blue of the ocean and the colorful splashes of small fishing villages and resort towns add to the palette.
The Basque Region is completely autonomous and is a distinct national and cultural entity, unique in every way. It is also one of the world's top gastronomic destinations!
Highlights
- Beautiful villages and beaches
- The gleaming titanium Guggenheim Museum and the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) in Bilbao
- Unique culture
- The scenic routes and cuisine
For a list of all of our bike tours in Spain click here.
-
Itinerary
Day 1: Bilbao
Day 2: Bilbao - Castro Urdiales, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Castro Urdiales - Santoña, 22 to 27 mi. (35 to 43 km)
Day 4: Santoña - Santander, 34 mi. (54 km)
Day 5: Santander - Santillana del Mar, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 6: Santillana del Mar - San Vicente de la Barquera, 22 to 39 mi. (36 to 63 km)
Day 7: San Vicente de la Barquera - Llanes, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 8: Llanes - Ribadesella, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 9: RibadesellaAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadworks or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.
Day 1: Bilbao
Arrive individually in Bilbao and take time to explore its lively Old Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets, discover pintxos bars, and enjoy some of the best tapas in Spain.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Abando
Day 2: Bilbao - Castro Urdiales, 31 mi. (50 km) | Elevation: Ascent: 720 meters; Descent: 730 meters
A welcome meeting and bike fitting are scheduled after breakfast on the first riding day. Following the Nervión River, you will depart Bilbao and cycle to the delta, passing the Guggenheim Museum en route. In Getxo, you can see the magnificent 19th-century villas built by the rich Basque industrialists before visiting Algorta, an old fishing port. Using the unique Puente Vizcaya, a transporter bridge and World Heritage Site that dates back to 1893, the route crosses the river and then follows the coastline to the fishing port of Castro Urdiales with its pretty harbor and gothic church on the seafront.Preferred accommodation: Sercotel Hotel Las Rocas
Day 3: Castro Urdiales - Santoña, 22 to 27 mi. (35 to 43 km) | Ascent: 515 meters; Descent: 515 meters
From Castro Urdiales, you pedal west along the magnificent coastline. The Playa de Sonabia, with its crags and cliffs, is home to a colony of majestic griffon vultures, which you will see soaring high above as you ride. The route leads to the fishing port of Laredo and heads out along its enormous beach towards Santoña and the backdrop of the Monte Buciero. A short ferry ride crosses the river estuary. Santoña is famous for its anchovies - a local delicacy. You will stay overnight in a hotel on the beach of Berria.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Juan de la Cosa
Day 4: Santoña - Santander, 34 mi. (54 km) | Ascent: 640 meters; Descent: 640 meters
From Santoña the route continues westward, parallel to the coast, with beautiful green scenery, beaches, and cliffs as your constant backdrop. Somo, with its beaches and surfers, is on the agenda as well as Pedreña and the Bay of Santander, which will be transversed by ferry to reach the elegant capital of Cantabria.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Bahía
Day 5: Santander - Santillana del Mar, 39 mi. (62 km) | Ascent: 705 or 955 meters; Descent: 620 or 870 meters
Leaving Santander, you follow the waterfront, taking in the magnificent views across the bay; the Magdalena Palace and beach, and the beautiful beaches of El Sardinero. Cycling west again past the unspoiled beaches of Liencres, you will enjoy the views down the coast to the Picos de Europa mountains. Here you will join the pilgrims' trail of the El Camino de Santiago. You will follow a lovely bike path down to the Besaya River towards the sea and the village of Suances. From here it is only a short ride to the beautiful medieval village of Santillana del Mar.Preferred accommodation: Casa del Organista
Day 6: Santillana del Mar - San Vincente de la Barquera, 22 to 39 mi. (36 to 63 km) | Ascent: 650 or 1030 meters; Descent: 725 or 1105 meters
First on the agenda today is the village of Novales with its lemon groves. More beach and coastal scenery will follow to Comillas, with its many modernist buildings, the most famous of which is El Capricho, built by the Catalán architect Antoni Gaudí. The journey takes you through the Natural Park of Oyambre, with its beautiful beaches and coastline, toward tonight's accommodation in the seaside fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Faro de San Vincente
Day 7: San Vicente de la Barquera - Llanes, 29 mi. (47 km) | Ascent: 780 meters; Descent: 770 meters
Leaving San Vicente, the route heads westwards along the coast. After a short distance, you will cycle around the beautiful headland of Pechón with its magnificent views of the coastline. Crossing the River Deva in Unquera you 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 you back to the coast where you cycle past beautiful and unspoiled beaches to arrive at the charming fishing village of Llanes.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Don Paco
Day 8: Llanes - Ribadesella, 25 mi. (40 km) | Ascent: 385 meters; Descent: 375 meters
Cycling westwards, you will visit a string of fine beaches, including the incredible landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri. You continue with the magnificent coastline to your right and the beautiful mountains of the Sierra del Cuera and the Picos de Europa to your left. Finally, you reach Ribadesella. Here you can spend time enjoying this pretty Asturian fishing village with its beach and lively atmosphere.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Don Pepe
Day 9: Ribadesella
Departure after breakfast.Be sure to check out all of our featured bike trips and specials, or check out all of our tours & trips in Europe & beyond.
-
Map
-
Hotels & Bikes
Hotels range from small posadas, Casas Rurales, Casas de Labranza* or country inn-type accommodation to three and four-star hotels. They are, wherever possible, small establishments, each with its charm and character, and are chosen for their unique location, regional atmosphere, comfort, cleanliness, and personalized customer attention. Please note that many of these accommodations do not use the hotel star rating system as they are classed as country inns by local Tourist Boards. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. A hotel of an equal standard will be offered if the preferred hotel is unavailable.
Bicycles
Electric Bike
Various Models
- Aluminum frame (low step-through option available)
- Easy to mount and ride
- Electric assist motor 458 W
- Ideal for comfortable touring
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottle (1.5 L)
- Bike lock
- Basic tool kit
Standard Bike
Trek FX - male and female frames
- 27 speed
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Fitted with mudguards and rear rack
- Shimano gearing
- Bontrager tires and saddle
- 48/38/28 chainring – 11/32 cassette
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottle (1.5 L)
- Bike lock
- Basic tool kit
-
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 8 nights with breakfast
- Luggage transfer (Limit 1 piece per person)
- Electric bike
- Helmet
- Information pack (route guide, maps, elevations profiles, & GPS files)
- GPS tracks on request
What’s Not Included
- Lunch & dinner
- GPS device (see pricing)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
-
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Mar 29Mar 29 € 1352 Book Mar 29Mar 29 € 1752 Book Apr 5Apr 5 € 1352 Book Apr 5Apr 5 € 1752 Book Apr 12Apr 12 € 1352 Book Apr 12Apr 12 € 1752 Book Apr 19Apr 19 € 1352 Book Apr 19Apr 19 € 1752 Book Apr 26Apr 26 € 1352 Book Apr 26Apr 26 € 1752 Book May 3May 3 € 1352 Book May 3May 3 € 1752 Book May 10May 10 € 1352 Book May 10May 10 € 1752 Book May 17May 17 € 1352 Book May 17May 17 € 1752 Book May 24May 24 € 1352 Book May 24May 24 € 1752 Book May 31May 31 € 1352 Book May 31May 31 € 1752 Book Jun 7Jun 7 € 1352 Book Jun 7Jun 7 € 1752 Book Jun 14Jun 14 € 1352 Book Jun 14Jun 14 € 1752 Book Jun 21Jun 21 € 1352 Book Jun 21Jun 21 € 1752 Book Jun 28Jun 28 € 1478 Book Jun 28Jun 28 € 1994 Book Jul 5Jul 5 € 1478 Book Jul 5Jul 5 € 1994 Book Jul 12Jul 12 € 1478 Book Jul 12Jul 12 € 2096 Book Jul 19Jul 19 € 1478 Book Jul 19Jul 19 € 2096 Book Jul 26Jul 26 € 1478 Book Jul 26Jul 26 € 2096 Book Aug 2Aug 2 € 1478 Book Aug 2Aug 2 € 2096 Book Aug 9Aug 9 € 1478 Book Aug 9Aug 9 € 2096 Book Aug 16Aug 16 € 1478 Book Aug 16Aug 16 € 2096 Book Aug 23Aug 23 € 1478 Book Aug 23Aug 23 € 2096 Book Aug 30Aug 30 € 1352 Book Aug 30Aug 30 € 1836 Book Sep 6Sep 6 € 1352 Book Sep 6Sep 6 € 1836 Book Sep 13Sep 13 € 1352 Book Sep 13Sep 13 € 1752 Book Sep 20Sep 20 € 1352 Book Sep 20Sep 20 € 1752 Book Sep 27Sep 27 € 1352 Book Sep 27Sep 27 € 1752 Book Oct 4Oct 4 € 1352 Book Oct 4Oct 4 € 1752 Book Oct 11Oct 11 € 1352 Book Oct 11Oct 11 € 1752 Book Oct 18Oct 18 € 1352 Book Oct 18Oct 18 € 1752 Book Oct 25Oct 25 € 1352 Book Oct 25Oct 25 € 1752 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Season 1 2026 Mar 29–Jun 27 & Sep 13–Oct 25 from € 13522026 departures: Sundays Mar 29–Jun 27 and Sep 13–Oct 25
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1352 Single occupancy € 1752 Bike Rentals Price Electric bike Included Standard trekking bike Discount € -90 Carbon road bike Discount € -37 Groups of 4+ persons can start on any day at no extra cost. - Season 2 2026 Aug 30–Sep 12 from € 13522026 departures: Sundays Aug 30–Sep 12
2026 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1352 Single occupancy € 1836 Bike Rentals Price Electric bike Included Standard trekking bike Discount € -90 Carbon road bike Discount € -37 Groups of 4+ persons can start on any day at no extra cost. - Season 3 2026 Jun 28–Jul 11 from € 14782026 departures: Sundays Jun 28–Jul 11
2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1478 Single occupancy € 1994 Bike Rentals Price Electric bike Included Standard trekking bike Discount € -90 Carbon road bike Discount € -37 Groups of 4+ persons can start on any day at no extra cost. - Season 4 2026 Jul 12–Aug 29 from € 14782026 departures: Sundays Jul 12–Aug 29
2026 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1478 Single occupancy € 2096 Bike Rentals Price Electric bike Included Standard trekking bike Discount € -90 Carbon road bike Discount € -37 Groups of 4+ persons can start on any day at no extra cost. - Extra Options
Non-standard date supplement 1 traveler € 228 2 travelers € 114 3 travelers € 76 Transfers Price To Santander Airport/City center 1 traveler € 207 2 travelers € 104 3 travelers € 69 4+ traveler € 51 To Bilbao Airport/City center 1 traveler € 314 2 travelers € 157 3 travelers € 105 4+ travelers € 79 Bike accessories & options Price Garmin € 47 Helmets Included Bike case transfer For guests bringing their own bikes€ 74
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Season 1 2026 Mar 29–Jun 27 & Sep 13–Oct 25 from € 1352
-
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This is a moderate self-guided bike tour featuring rolling hills and occasional climbs of around 6%. Daily route graphs are provided so you can preview the elevation changes in advance. E-bikes make the terrain more manageable for those who prefer a more relaxed ride, while standard touring bikes remain an option for cyclists who enjoy the challenge. On two days, you can choose between shorter or longer route options, and on others, there are suggestions for possible shortcuts. If you let our local partner know the day before, you can also skip a ride or travel partway with the luggage transfer to adjust the distance to your comfort.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is Bilbao Airport, easily accessible from a variety of international destinations. This airport is located 9 km north of Bilbao. At the end of your tour, you can depart from Bilbao or Santander.
Local Travel
To travel to Bilbao city center, the Bilbao Airport Bus line departs from the airport every 30 minutes with a travel time of approximately 33 minutes. However, if you would like to include San Sebastian in your itinerary, you might consider first traveling to San Sebastian which is only a 1 1/2 hour bus ride from the Bilbao Airport. Buses depart hourly to San Sebastian. At the end of your tour, it is possible to take the ALSA bus to Santander or Bilbao. The bus leaves Ribadesella at 10:00 and takes around 2 hours to Santander (city or airport) and 4 hours to Bilbao. It is also possible to take the ALSA to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, and then from there to Asturias Airport. Please see the pricing for airport transfers. In addition to bus services, please note that there is a train service running west along the coast to Santander with RENFE FEVE and also east with Euskotren to San Sebastíán.
Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival.
Remarks
It is recommended to include San Sebastian on your cycling holiday. We can book a hotel for you if you would like. Just ask us for pricing.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Iberocycle.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
-
Photos
-
Reviews
Reviews
Laurie S.
4 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Laurie F.
2 months agoVerified Reviewer
Kay M.
2 months agoVerified Reviewer
Robert G.
2 months agoVerified Reviewer
Cary D.
June 29, 2024Verified Reviewer
marilyn a.
May 25, 2023Verified Reviewer
Lorne M.
October 1, 2022Verified Reviewer
Karen K
July 11, 2022Verified Reviewer
Karen K.
July 11, 2022Verified Reviewer
Dennis B.
July 1, 2022Verified Reviewer
Guðbjörg Anna G.
June 25, 2022Verified Reviewer
Einar T.
June 25, 2022Verified Reviewer
David, Anne, Ryan S.
January 13, 2020Verified Reviewer
Claudia G.
December 11, 2018Verified Reviewer
Michael & Claudia G.
June 4, 2018Verified Reviewer
Alana B.
June 4, 2018Verified Reviewer
Colleen D.
January 8, 2018Verified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Laurie S.
4 weeks ago
Verified Reviewer
Laurie F.
2 months ago
Verified Reviewer





























