Basque Country to Asturias Self-guided Bike Tour

Welcome to Bilbao, a vibrant Basque city where tradition and modernity blend effortlessly. After settling into your hotel, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where narrow cobbled lanes lead to lively plazas and centuries-old churches. Sample pintxos—Basque-style tapas—at local bars, each offering a creative twist on regional flavors.

Whether you're relaxing along the Nervión River or soaking up the buzz of the city streets, your cycling adventure begins with a taste of Basque culture and cuisine.

Today you begin your cycling journey by following the River Nervión toward the sea. As you ride, pass the iconic Guggenheim Museum and head through Getxo, where stately 19th-century mansions showcase Basque wealth. Pause in Algorta, a quaint former fishing village with whitewashed charm. A highlight of the day is crossing the estuary via the UNESCO-listed Puente Vizcaya, a unique transporter bridge dating to 1893.

The coast opens up with beautiful beaches and cliffside views. Pedal through tranquil seaside villages and feel the salt air on your face as you approach the charming port town of Castro Urdiales. This fishing village welcomes you with its colorful harbor, lively promenade, and striking Gothic church perched above the sea.

Settle in and explore the waterfront or enjoy a seafood dinner as the sun sets over the Bay of Biscay.

Leave Castro Urdiales behind and follow a scenic coastal route westward, with the Cantabrian Sea as your steady companion. You’ll soon reach Sonabia, where dramatic cliffs rise above the shore—keep your eyes peeled for griffon vultures circling overhead. Continue on to Laredo, a bustling port town boasting a long, golden beach that stretches toward the horizon.

Ride along the shore before arriving at the estuary of Santoña. Here, you’ll board a short ferry that gently carries you across the water. On the other side awaits Santoña, famed for its anchovies, a local delicacy worth sampling.

From the town, it’s a short and easy spin to your hotel on Berria Beach, where waves crash gently and the mountain of Monte Buciero towers behind you. The day offers a peaceful mix of rugged nature and cultural charm—ideal for both active cycling and quiet coastal moments.

Today’s ride blends green countryside, surf beaches, and charming coastal towns. From Santoña, you’ll pedal west on quiet roads with views of the sea and forested hills.

Reach Somo, a laid-back surf town popular for its long beaches. Continue to Pedreña, birthplace of the legendary golfer Severiano Ballesteros, and enjoy sweeping views of the Bay of Santander. Here, you’ll board a boat to cross the bay—a scenic and peaceful ferry ride that lands you right in the heart of Santander. This elegant city offers a mix of maritime charm and cultural vibrancy.

Ride along the grand boulevard, admire stately architecture, and visit the Magdalena Palace. End your ride at El Sardinero beach, a golden crescent of sand perfect for relaxing after a rewarding day. Enjoy fresh seafood and perhaps a sunset stroll along the waterfront promenade. Santander welcomes you with elegance and sea air.

Start your day by cycling along Santander’s graceful waterfront and the wide sandy sweep of El Sardinero Beach. As you leave the city behind, the coastline becomes more rugged and serene. Continue west to Liencres, where protected dunes and wild beaches offer incredible views of the Bay of Biscay and even the distant Picos de Europa mountains.

Follow part of the historic Camino de Santiago trail, enjoying peaceful inland paths through sleepy villages and rolling green hills. The River Besaya guides you toward the sea again, leading to the fishing village of Suances. Stop here for a quick seaside break before heading inland once more.

Soon, you’ll arrive in Santillana del Mar, often called “the town of three lies” because it is neither holy (santa), flat (llana), nor by the sea (del mar). Nevertheless, it’s one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval towns—a place to rest, explore, and soak in history.

Pedal westward through quiet countryside and lemon groves as you ride through the small village of Novales, known for its citrus trees and traditional charm. Soon, you’ll reach Comillas, a stylish town filled with Modernist architecture.

Don’t miss El Capricho, a whimsical villa designed by none other than Antoni Gaudí. Continue through the green expanses of Oyambre Natural Park, where pristine beaches meet grassy headlands. This ride offers a gentle blend of hills, ocean breezes, and forested paths. Your destination is San Vicente de la Barquera, a picture-perfect fishing town with a castle, medieval bridge, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal spot to rest, unwind, and sample local seafood. Whether you relax by the beach or take an evening stroll through the historic old town, this stage delivers a full dose of Cantabria’s natural beauty and coastal charm at every turn.

Today you start the day with a scenic climb to the headland of Pechón, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the coastline. Cross the River Deva in Unquera to enter Asturias, a region known for its green hills and dramatic sea cliffs. Continue through Colombres, famous for its Indiano architecture—elegant villas built by wealthy emigrants who returned from the Americas. Your route winds between the sea and the Sierra de Cuera mountains, offering a striking contrast of ocean and peaks. Descend through fragrant eucalyptus forests until the sea reappears and the road brings you into Llanes. This lively fishing village is known for its charming harbor, medieval quarter, and love of Asturian cider.

Take time to explore the town’s artistic waterfront or relax at one of its many sandy coves. Today’s ride is all about balance—rugged nature, cultural history, and the welcoming warmth of coastal Asturias.

Your final day on the bike is a joyful ride through some of Asturias’ most photogenic landscapes. Head west along quiet country roads that pass through open meadows and lush woodland. Visit a string of beaches, including Gulpiyuri, a rare inland beach tucked into a meadow, where saltwater flows underground from the sea. Marvel at this geological oddity before continuing your journey.

To your right, the rugged coastline offers glimpses of sea spray and rock formations; to your left, the Sierra de Cuera and Picos de Europa rise dramatically. The contrasts are stunning, and the peaceful rhythm of this stage makes it easy to soak it all in. Soon, you roll into Ribadesella, a vibrant town where mountains meet the sea. Stroll along the riverside promenade, toast your adventure with a glass of cider, and savor your final evening in this idyllic corner of northern Spain.

Your cycling journey ends after breakfast. Ribadesella is well connected by train and bus. Travel to Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) or take a fast train to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) for your return flight. Or, linger in town a little longer and soak up the coastal serenity.