Basque tour (1)

Basque Country to Asturias Self-guided Bike Tour

This captivating 8-day cycling journey takes you along Spain’s lush northern coast, from the modern charm of Bilbao to the tranquil seaside town of Ribadesella. Ride through the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias, weaving together a rich tapestry of landscapes, culture, and coastal serenity. From iconic cities to sleepy fishing villages, you’ll experience northern Spain at a perfect pace—on two wheels.

Each day brings new discoveries: explore the striking architecture of Bilbao before following the Cantabrian Sea to Castro Urdiales. Watch vultures soar over cliffs near Sonabia, ferry across picturesque estuaries, and visit timeless towns like Santillana del Mar and Comillas. Along the way, you’ll encounter dramatic headlands, eucalyptus forests, golden beaches, and views of the distant Picos de Europa.

Off the saddle, indulge in local seafood, sip Asturian cider, and uncover Spain’s layered history—from Gaudí’s whimsical designs to medieval bridges and Roman ruins. With a well-balanced mix of scenic rides, cultural highlights, and seaside relaxation, this tour is as rewarding as it is varied.

Ideal for cyclists, the route combines flat stretches with moderate climbs, always rewarding your efforts with panoramic views or cultural gems. Whether you're chasing the coastal breeze or enjoying a quiet moment in a stone-paved plaza, the Bilbao to Ribadesella route offers an unforgettable journey through northern Spain’s most authentic corners.

Tour Type

Self-guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Bilbao

Finish

Ribadesella

Level

moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

46km / 28.5mi

Cycling Days

7

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 10

Fly-In

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Fly-Out

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Highlights

Highlight Image

Crossing the Vizcaya Bridge

Cycle through Getxo and take your bike aboard the UNESCO-listed Puente Vizcaya, the world’s oldest transporter bridge. Gliding across the Nervión River with coastal views all around is a moment of pure Basque engineering meets cycling adventure.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Bilbao

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.

Meals:
Accommodation: Hotel Abando (4-Star)
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Day 2: Castro Urdiales

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 50km / 31mi
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Day 3: Santoña

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 35km / 21mi
Accommodation: Hotel Juan de la Cosa
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Day 4: Santander

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 54km / 33mi
Accommodation: Hotel Bahía (4-Star)
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Day 5: Santillana del Mar

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 62km / 38mi
Accommodation: Casa del Organista
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Day 6: San Vicente de la Barquera

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 36km / 22mi
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Day 7: Llanes

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 47km / 29mi
Accommodation: Hotel Don Paco
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Day 8: Ribadesella

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 40km / 25mi
Accommodation: Hotel Don Pepe

Day 9: Departure

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Single Supplement

From US $675

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $110



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Trek FX Male Frame or similar

trekking

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Trek FX Female Frame or similar

trekking

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Cube Attain GTC or similar

road

Available at a surcharge

Bike Image

E-hybrid bikes or similar

hybrid

Available at a surcharge

Bike Image

MMR Beat e-Road Bike or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

You will arrive at Bilbao which is served by Bilbao Airport. You can take a bus with ALSA (Spain's long distance bus company) from airport to reach the city. There is an option to catch a train RENFE (Spain’s national railway company) to reach Bilbao.

You can also arrive at Santander Airport and then take a bus to Bilbao city. You have the option to catch a train which is a 3-hour journey.

Departure

You depart from Ribadesella. You can take ALSA bus to Bilbao which is approximately a 4-hour journey.

Another option is to travel via bus to Santander Airport or Santander city which takes 2 hours.

You can also opt to take bus to Oviedo, and from there onwards reach Asturias Airport.

Weather

The Basque Country to Asturias cycling tour runs from March to October, when the weather is mild to warm with great riding conditions.

May to September is ideal—sunny, dry, and perfect for coastal cycling.

March, April, and October are cooler with occasional rain but fewer tourists. November to February is off-season—colder, wetter, and less suitable for riding this route.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Good

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Good

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is on largely paved surface.

We provide an app-based navigation system that can also be used offline. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we will share the login details ahead of your trip. Since the app works offline, it helps conserve your phone's battery during use.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

We provide 24/7 emergency support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

Yes, we can provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Yes, panniers will be provided.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.

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