Basque Country to Asturias
Spain Bike Tours
Bike the northern coastline of Spain
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length9 days
- Prices from€1203 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this bike tour in 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, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Castro Urdiales - Santoña, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Santoña - Santander, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 5: Santander - Santillana del Mar, 34 mi. (54 km)
Day 6: Santillana del Mar - San Vicente de la Barquera, 23 mi. (36 km)
Day 7: San Vicente de la Barquera - Llanes, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 8: Llanes - Ribadesella, 27 mi. (44 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 roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.
Day 1: Bilbao
Individual arrival to Bilbao. A good time to explore the old quarter in Bilbao and enjoy the best tapas in Spain.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Abando
Day 2: Bilbao - Castro Urdiales, 25 mi. (40 km)
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 that dates back to 1893, and is a World Heritage Site, 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.Ascent: 720 meters
Descent: 730 metersPreferred accommodation: Sercotel Hotel Las Rocas
Day 3: Castro Urdiales - Santoña, 22 mi. (35 km)
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 overnight in a hotel on the beach of Berria.Ascent: 515 meters
Descent: 515 metersPreferred accommodation: Hotel Juan de la Cosa
Day 4: Santoña - Santander, 29 mi. (46 km)
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.Ascent: 640 meters
Descent: 640 metersPreferred accommodation: Hotel Bahía
Day 5: Santander - Santillana del Mar, 34 mi. (54 km)
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 El Camino de Santiago. You will follow a lovely bike path down to 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.Ascent: 705 or 955 meters
Descent: 620 or 870 metersPreferred accommodation: Casa del Organista
Day 6: Santillana del Mar - San Vincente de la Barquera, 23 mi. (36 km)
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 us 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.Ascent: 650 or 1030 meters
Descent: 725 or 1105 metersPreferred accommodation: Hotel Faro de San Vincente
Day 7: San Vicente de la Barquera - Llanes, 29 mi. (47 km)
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 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.Ascent: 780 meters
Descent: 770 metersPreferred accommodation: Hotel Don Paco
Day 8: Llanes - Ribadesella, 24 mi. (39 km)
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.Ascent: 385 meters
Descent: 375 metersPreferred accommodation: Hotel Don Pepe
Day 9: Ribadesella
Departure.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
Trekking Bike
Trek FX - male and female frames
- 27 speed
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
- Bontrager tires
- Shimano gearing
- Bontrager Sport saddle
Accessories
- Helmet (obligatory)
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Basic tool kit
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
Road Bike
Cube Attain GTC (male frame) or cube attain WLS GTC pro (female frame)
- Carbon frame
- Shimano ultegra group set
- 22 gears
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
- Continental Grand Sport Race (28 mm)
- Cube Natural Fit Nuance saddle
Accessories
- Helmet (obligatory)
- Odometer
- Small front handlebar bag
- Rear seat post bag
- Basic tool kit & pump
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
Tandem Bike
Dawes Duet Tandem
- Alloy frame
- Shimano 21 speed
- Dawes custom saddles
- Flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
Acessories
- Helmets (obligatory)
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottles
- Bike lock
- Basic tool kit
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 8 nights with breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Hybrid touring bike rental (Trek FX). Please see our bike section for more information.
- 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
Saturdays
April 1 - October 31, 2023
Low season: April 1 to July 1 & September 3 to October 28, 2023
High season: July 2 to September 2, 2023* Other start days are possible for groups of 4 or more at no extra cost
* Non-standard tour start days for 1-3 people possible at a supplement (see pricing)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
Pricing
2023
Low season High season Twin/double $ 2002 £ 1051 $ 1,775 € 1192 ₪ 4837 ¥ 182405 NZ$ 2158 NOK 14592 kr 14179 $ 1,305 $ 2205 £ 1158 $ 1,955 € 1313 ₪ 5328 ¥ 200920 NZ$ 2377 NOK 16073 kr 15618 $ 1,437 Single $ 2582 £ 1355 $ 2,288 € 1537 ₪ 6237 ¥ 235198 NZ$ 2783 NOK 18815 kr 18283 $ 1,682 $ 2817 £ 1479 $ 2,497 € 1677 ₪ 6805 ¥ 256621 NZ$ 3036 NOK 20529 kr 19948 $ 1,836
Extra Options
Supplements
E-bike: $ 109 £ 57 $ 97 € 65 ₪ 264 ¥ 9947 NZ$ 118 NOK 796 kr 773 $ 71 Road bike: $ 82 £ 43 $ 73 € 49 ₪ 199 ¥ 7498 NZ$ 89 NOK 600 kr 583 $ 54 Garmin: $ 71 £ 37 $ 63 € 42 ₪ 170 ¥ 6427 NZ$ 76 NOK 514 kr 500 $ 46
(Tandems are also available for this tour)
Transfers
Prices per person 1 person 2 people 3 people 4+ people Ribadesella to Santander Airport/city (1.5 hours): $ 302 £ 159 $ 268 € 180 ₪ 730 ¥ 27544 NZ$ 326 NOK 2203 kr 2141 $ 197 $ 151 £ 79 $ 134 € 90 ₪ 365 ¥ 13772 NZ$ 163 NOK 1102 kr 1071 $ 99 $ 101 £ 53 $ 89 € 60 ₪ 243 ¥ 9181 NZ$ 109 NOK 734 kr 714 $ 66 $ 76 £ 40 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 183 ¥ 6886 NZ$ 81 NOK 551 kr 535 $ 49 Ribadesella to Bilbao Airport/city (2.5 hours): $ 487 £ 256 $ 432 € 290 ₪ 1177 ¥ 44377 NZ$ 525 NOK 3550 kr 3450 $ 317 $ 244 £ 128 $ 216 € 145 ₪ 588 ¥ 22188 NZ$ 263 NOK 1775 kr 1725 $ 159 $ 161 £ 85 $ 143 € 96 ₪ 390 ¥ 14690 NZ$ 174 NOK 1175 kr 1142 $ 105 $ 121 £ 63 $ 107 € 72 ₪ 292 ¥ 11018 NZ$ 130 NOK 881 kr 856 $ 79 Extra nights
San Sebastian: on request
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This is a moderate self-guided bike tour, at times comprised of hilly terrain. Each day you will have a climb of about 6%. Route graphs are available so that you can see daily elevation changes. On two days, a shorter or longer ride is offered and suggestions on other days on how to “take a shortcut”. On any given day, if you tell our partner the day before, you can opt-out of a ride by traveling to the next destination with the luggage transfer or even shorten the ride by riding with luggage transfer part of the way.
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.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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?
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