Grand Cycling Tour of Cantabria & Asturias.

Westwards through green meadows, hills, valleys and marvellous unspoilt coastline and beaches. Novales is set amidst lemon groves and with its fine typical rural architecture. Comillas has a fine beach, harbour, a pretty square with tapas bars and restaurants, and the architectural sights of Gaudi’s El Capricho and the Palace of the Marqués de Comillas. Cycle through the Parque Natural de Oyambre and along the beautiful beaches of Oyambre and Merón with the stunning view of San Vicente and the Picos de Europa in the distance. 36 km or 62 km

Spend time getting to know this pretty fishing village with its many seafood restaurants and magnificent setting. Take a ride on one of the free day routes and visit the lovely mountain village of Carmona..

 Alternatively, enjoy a ride through the unspoilt hill country behind the village, give the bikes a rest and take a canoeing trip on the Deva river,  or you may just prefer to spend a lazy afternoon on the beach.

Rides of various distances; 10, 20, 40, 60 kms

Westwards around the beautiful headland of Pechón with its magnificent coastline. Cross the River Deva in Unquera to enter Asturias. Colombres is home to the sumptuous villas of the indianos, emigrants to the Americas who made their fortune then returned. Continue between the coast and the dramatic mountains of the Sierra de Cuera, foothills of the magnificent Picos de Europa. A beautiful descent through eucalyptus forests leads to the coast and unspoilt beaches, to arrive at the charming fishing village of Llanes.  47 km

Visit a string of fine beaches including the incredible landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri, or ride through the most beautiful hills and valleys behind Llanes. Alternatively, hike through the dramatic and renowned Cares Gorge in the heart of the Picos de Europa. Take a train to Ribadasella and visit the Caves of Tito Bustillo with their prehistoric paintings before cycling back. Enjoy the busy atmosphere of the fishing village of Llanes, so popular with Spanish tourists. Rides of various distances

From Llanes we turn south towards the magnificent Picos de Europa. A most beautiful and spectacular ride takes us over the pass of El Mazuco and the Sierra de Cuera and we are finally greeted with the panorama of the Picos themselves. We see the beautiful pastures and hills so characteristic of Asturias. A final descent takes us into the valley of Cabrales and the village of Arenas de Cabrales, famous for its authentic blue cheese and gateway to the Picos mountains. Here we will spend our next two nights. 37 km- 23 miles.

Free day in Arenas de Cabrales. Cycle to the mountain village of Sotres (34 km round trip) in the heart of the Picos, or even further on to Tresviso (57 kms round trip), famous like Cabrales for its blue cheese matured in caves, and also its truly spectaclar setting. Take the funicular railway (or walk!) up to Bulnes, once possibly the most isolated village in Spain - only accessible along a mountain track, or walk the world-famous Ruta del Cares, an easy but incredibly beautiful walk through the heart of the Picos de Europa Or just take a day off and chill out enjoying the bustling village atmosphere of Arenas

Follow the River Cares, the Sierra de Cuera to our left and the imposing Massifs of the Picos de Europa to our right. In Panes, the Cares flows into the Deva and we follow the latter village of Potes. The sides of the valley close in and the route runs through the incredible gorge of La Hermida. Mountains tower around us as we cycle Potes and the valley of Liébana, completely encircled by mountains. Alternative accommodation in Hotel del Oso, Cosgaya. 

50 km - 31 miles

Expore the valleys of Liébana. The cable car at Fuente Dé has breathtaking views of the mountains, where brown bear and wolves still roam. Hike through the lush green valleys or the higher mountains, or visit the busy market village of Potes, with its mix of farmers, tourists and mountaineers. Tmany other picturesque villages are dotted around the area. Cycle up to the Monastery of Santo Toribio of the charming country monastery of Piasca. There is no shortage of things to do in this magnificent setting.

Rides of various distances

Enjoy yet another day in the magnificent setting of Potes and the Picos de Europa.

Vehicle transfer to the Cantabrian Mountains, to begin our descent of the Miera Valley to our final stop in Somo from the starting point at 822 metres / 3757 feet above sea level. From here, a marvellous ride through the stunning limestone valley of the River Miera takes us down to the farmland around Somo and the Bay of Santander. Visit the mountain village of San Roque de Riomiera and the spa village of Liérganes with its charming old quarter.

43 km 

Somo has a marvellous beach with miles of golden sand. A short boat ride across the Bay to visit the lively and elegant city of Santander, capital of the province of Cantabria. Enjoy the belle époque atmosphere of El Sardinero or shop in the town centre. Cycle through green country lanes to visit the beautiful beaches of Loredo, Langre or Galizano and the village of Ajo, famous for its paellas. Eat freshly grilled sardines in the seaside restaurants of Pedreña, birthplace and home of the famous golfer, Severiano Ballesteros.

Rides of various distances

Transfer from Somo to Santander or Bilbao.