Green Coast of Spain

Day 1: Arrival to Santander
Day 2: Santander to Santillana del Mar, 33 mi./53 km. Climb: 893 m
Day 3: Santillana del Mar to San Vicente de la Barquera, 20 mi./32 km. Climb: 528 m
Day 4: San Vicente de la Barquera to Llanes, 30 mi./48 km. Climb: 880 m
Day 5: Llanes to Ribadesella, 24 mi./38 km. Climb: 556 m
Day 6: Ribadesella to Villaviciosa, 26 mi./45 km. Climb: 618 m
Day 7: Villaviciosa to Gijón, 28 mi./42 km. Climb: 246 m
Day 8: Departure or extra nights

*All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore 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 caused by roadwork, please follow the directions posted on site.

Day 1: Arrival to Santander
Individual arrival and a chance to explore the belle-époque elegance of Santander along the famous El Sardinero beach.

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Chiqui or Hotel NH

Day 2: Santander to Santillana del Mar, 33 mi./53 km. Climb: 893 m
On this first cycling day, you will have the bicycle handover in the morning and then your adventure begins. Following bike lanes, you will leave  the city and cycle through the verdant countryside following the coast. Your overnight this evening will be the beautifully preserved and historic Santillana del Mar. There is an old saying that this town is The Town of Three Lies it is not holy (santi), flat (llana) or by the sea (mar)! But, you will not be disappointed. This town is a jewel with its bright cobbled streets and lovely little houses passed from one generation to the next.

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Altamira or Hotel Cuevas

Day 3: Santillana del Mar to San Vicente de la Barquera,  20 mi./32 km. Climb: 528 m
Leaving Santillana, first on the agenda is the internationally famous Altamira Caves, containing  Spain´s finest prehistoric art, the wonderful 13.000- 35.000-year-old paintings of bison, horses, and other animals. The town of Comillas, first inhabited in prehistoric times when the caverns that are plentiful in the area were used as shelters will be an excellent place to stop for lunch and spend some time exploring. This full-day will end in the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera where you will be able to enjoy wonderful fresh fish and seafood for dinner.ón

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Faro San Vicente or Hotel Luz

Day 4: San Vicente de la Barquera to Llanes, 30 mi./48 km. Climb: 880 m
From San Vicente to Llanes, the route is totally on secondary roads near the coast with stunning beaches dotting the way. The beautiful coastal town of Llanes awaits you with its small medieval core and bustling harbor.

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Don Paco or Hotel Sablón

Day 5: Llanes to Ribadesella, 24 mi./38 km. Climb: 556 m
You will cycle along the coast following a succession of wonderful sandy beaches, pretty coves and cliffs. Your day´s cycle ends in the small port town of Ribadesella with another stunning beach.

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Jardin de Eugenia or Hotel Villadesella

Day 6: Ribadesella to Villaviciosa, 26 mi./45 km. Climb: 618 m
From Ribadesella to Villaviciosa you will see many orchards as this is the area where much of Asturias´ famous cider is produced. More beautiful beaches and estuaries will take you to the quaint small town of Villaviciosa.

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Carlos 1 or Hotel A B Murias Blancas (Villaviciosa)

Day 7: Villaviciosa to Gijón, 28 mi./42 km. Climb: 246 m
One final cycling day along small country roads following the coast will take you to your final destination: the small city of Gijón. Gijón has emerged from its industrial past and has given itself a facelift with pedestrianized streets, parks, seafront walks, cultural attractions, and a very lively food and drinks scene.

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Alcomar or Hotel San Miguel

Day 8: Departure or extra nights
Extra nights in Gijón, Santander or return.

Be sure to check out all of our featured bike trips, and specials, or check out all of our bike tours in Europe.

An eclectic mix of 3 * accommodations from modern to rustic to historic, some located by the sea, and others, in the heart of the villages. Please refer to each day’s details below for a list of the preferred accommodations based on availability. If the preferred hotel list is not available, a hotel of equal standard will be contracted.