Text box item sample content
We love to keep up with the photos and videos of your fabulous cycling tour!
Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and tag us in the posts from your trip.
Don’t forget to join our Strava club, so we can give you kudos for all your amazing bike rides!
Day 1: Santillana del Mar
Arrival day
Accommodation: Posada de la Organista
XXpm: Our local partner, NAME, will pick you up from LUGAR and transfer you to the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar. In case of any issues with the transfer, please contact NAME on TELEFONO. Upon arrival, NAME will carry our your bike fitting and give you a briefing on the cycle route that you will be following over the coming week.
At leisure in Santillana del Mar
According to a Spanish saying, Santillana is known as the “town of the three lies”: “ni es santa, ni es llana, ni tiene mar” (it’s neither holy, nor flat, nor by the sea!) However, the town is one of the most beautiful in Cantabria, and offers many other attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Eating and drinking in Santillana del Mar
Santillana is well-known for various desserts, made with locally-produced milk, including quesadas and tableta. We also recommend trying the local cocido moñtanés, a stew made with white beans and meat.
Day 2: Santillana – San Vicente de la Barquera
Route: 35.4 km/22 miles
Elevation: +637 m/+2,089 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Faro de San Vicente
Leaving Santillana, your route heads westwards through green meadows and the hills and valleys of Cantabria, enjoying fabulous views of the unspoilt coastline and beaches. You’ll soon arrive at the charming village of Novales, a fine example of traditional rural architecture, set amidst lemon groves.
A short while later, in the town of Cóbreces, we recommend a stop to buy traditional cheese hand-made by the monks of the Cistercian Abbey de Santa María de Viaceli (open Mon – Wed 9:30am – 1pm, Thu – Sat 9:30am – 1pm/4:30pm – 6:15pm).
If you fancy lunch with a view, just beyond the village of Liandres you’ll find clifftop restaurant El Remedio (open Tue – Sun 1pm – 3:30pm).
Your next stop is the seaside village of Comillas, whose popularity in the 19th century as a summer retreat of the aristocratic elite is clear in extensive legacy of modernist architecture. The most famous of these are Gaudí’s El Capricho (open daily 10:30am – 8pm), the Palacio de Sobrellano (open Mon – Sat 10am – 2:30pm/3:30pm – 6:30pm, Sun 10am – 4pm), the majestic Universidad Pontificia (open Mon – Fri 9am – 8pm) and the cemetery, particularly the famous Angel of Destruction sculpture. If you decide to have lunch in Comillas, we recommend Restaurante El Carel (open daily 1pm – 4pm).
Leaving Comillas behind, you’ll cycle through the Parque Natural de Oyambre, a protected wetland area home to a wide variety of fish, molluscs and migratory birds. You’ll catch glimpses of the sea as you pass by the beautiful beaches of Oyambre and Merón. Finally, you’ll cross the bay via Puente de la Maza, a 15th century bridge made up of 28 stone arches, and into the beautiful town of San Vicente, enjoying views of the Picos de Europa mountain range in the distance.
At leisure in San Vincente de la Barquera
The pictureque seafront village of San Vincente de la Barquera owes its name to the small boat that used to ferry pilgrims across the estuary before the construction of the Puente de la Maza. Known for its well-preserved old town, bustling fishing port and beautiful beaches, and set against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Picos de Europa, San Vicente is one of the most attractive towns on the Cantabrian coast.
Eating and drinking in San Vicente de la Barquera
San Vicente de la Barquera is well-known for its oysters, which are farmed in the town’s estuary. We recommend that you try them at La Ostrería de San Vicente (open Sun – Wed 12pm – 8pm and Thu – Sat 12pm – 12am), a clifftop spot with fabulous views, specialising in oysters.
Day 3: San Vicente de la Barquera
Optional Loop: 38.9 km/24.1 miles
Elevation: +719/+2359 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Faro de San Vicente
Enjoy a day at leisure in the pretty fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera. Spend the day on the beach and eating seafood fresh from the Cantabrian Sea.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a lovely green loop ride through the foothills of the Picos de Europa mountain range.
Day 4: San Vicente de la Barquera – Llanes
Route: 47 km/29 miles
Elevation: +802 m/+2,632 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Don Paco
Leaving San Vicente behind, today’s route heads westwards along the coast. You’ll cycle around the beautiful headland of Pechón, enjoying magnificent views of the coastline, before crossing the River Deva into the region of Asturias. Asturias is well known for its cider (always aerated by pouring from a height) and fabada (a stew made with white beans and chorizo).
Your first recommended stop in Asturias is the village of Colombres, where you can admire the sumptuous villas built by the indianos: local residents who went to the Americas to make their fortune before returning home to show it off. One of the most striking of these has been converted into the Museum of Emigration (open Tue – Sun 10am – 2pm/4pm – 7pm).
From here the route continues between the coast and the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera, foothills of the magnificent Picos de Europa. Shortly after the village of La Borbolla, you’ll come across Quesería Picurriellu (open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 1:30pm/4pm–7:30pm, Sat 9:30am – 1:30pm), where you can pick up some traditional Asturan cheese.
Just before reaching Puertas de Vidiago, you can take a short detour to visit the Idol of Peña Tú, a huge monolith decotated with paintings and carvings dating back to the Bronze Age.
A beautiful descent through eucalyptus forests brings you back to the coast where you’ll cycle past beautiful and unspoilt beaches, so typical of Asturias, to arrive at the charming fishing village of Llanes.
At leisure in Llanes
The charming coastal village of Llanes grew up around the fishing and whaling industries, reaching its peak in the medieval era. A number of structures from this time can still be visited today.
Eating and drinking in Llanes
If you haven’t yet tried Asturian cider, we recommend stopping by Bar-Sidrería La Amistad (open Tue – Sat 8:30am – 10:30pm).
Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, set in the dining room of the old convent. However, if you would like to explore the town further, we recommend Restaurante Le Bistro (open Tue – Sun 8pm – 1pm).
Day 5: Free day in Llanes or Optional Loop ride
Accommodation: Hotel Don Paco
Today, you can choose between many wonderful options!
Day 6: Llanes – Miera Valley Descent – Somo
Route: 43.1 km/26.8 mi
Elevation: +381 m/+1,249 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Torres de Somo
9:30am: Private transfer to the Alto del Caracol in the Miera Valley, the starting point of today’s ride.
From the Alto del Caracol, you’ll enjoy a marvellous ride through the stunning limestone valley of the River Miera, descending into the farmland around Somo and the Bay of Santander.
Along the way, you can visit the spectacular mountain village of San Roque de Riomiera. Further along the route, we recommend a stop at the spa village of Liérganes, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuury thanks to a nearby artillery factory (now an interesting museum, open Tue – Sun, 11am – 2pm/5pm – 8pm). The town still retains a number of elegant buildings from this era, and it’s well worth taking a break here to explore the charming old qaurter. If you fancy stopping for lunch in Liérganes, we recommend Restaurante El Ojo del Ábrego (open Wed – Mon, 10am – 4:30pm).
As you leave Entrambasaguas, we recommend a diversion to Restaurante La Bicicleta (open Wed – Sun 1:30pm – 3:30pm), a luxury restaurant run by a former pro cyclist turned chef! Another option for a special lunch is the triple Michelin star restaurant El Cenador de Amós, situated in an elegant 18th century palace (open Wed – Sun 1:15pm – 2:30pm, prior reservation essential).
At leisure in Somo
The seafront town of Somo is a surfer haven, situated right on the Bay of Santander. Take a stroll across the sand dunes and relax on the fabulous Puntal beach, or enjoy a beautiful cliff walk from Loredo beach across to Galizano beach.
The Cantabrian capital of Santander is located a short boat ride across the bay. The boats depart from the Embarcadero de Somo every 30 minutes Monday – Friday, and every hour at the weekend (timetables here).
In Santander, we recommend a stroll along the long seafront promenade, and a visit to the beautiful Palace de la Magdalena for spectacular views across the bay. In the city centre, you can admire the beautiful Catedral de la Asunción (open daily 10am – 1pm/4:30 – 7:30pm), visit the old fishermen’s district to try some delicious seafood and enjoy the belle époque atmosphere of El Sardinero, where Alfonso XIII and his court spent the summer months in the early 20th century. Those interested in local history can also pay a visit to the Maritime Museum (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 7pm) and the Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory (open Tue – Sun 10am – 2pm/5pm – 8pm).
Eating and drinking in Somo
For seafood fresh from the Bay of Santander, we recommend Restaurante las Quebrantas (open Wed – Mon 12pm – 5pm/8pm – 10:30pm
Day 7: Free day in Somo
Route: 43 km/26.6 miles
Elevation: +680 m/+2,232 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Torres de Somo
Today is up to you! You might like to take a day off from cycling to relax on Somo’s beaches, or take a boat across the bay to explore the elegant city of Santander.
Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful ride through green country lanes to the village of Ajo, famous for its paellas. We particularly recommend Restaurante Carlos III.
Visit the Nature Park of Cabárceno with wild animals from all over the world, and bizarre scenery resulting from its one time use as a Roman mine.
Cycle around the bay from Somo and eat freshly grilled sardines in the seaside restaurants of Pedreña, birthplace and home of the famous golfer, Severiano Ballesteros.
Day 8: Transfer Somo – Departure point
End of trip. Pick up from Somo hotel and transfer to departure point.
Bike Spain Tours le proporcionará un casco (si lo solicita), una botella de agua, una camiseta, funda de teléfono y una bolsa de manillar. En nuestros tours guiados, también recibirá un maillot de bicicleta de cortesía.
Ropa de ciclismo
Otras prendas
Artículos opcionales
No olvide
Qué dejar en casa
Being on a bike tour shouldn’t mean constantly worrying about your bike breaking down. Nevertheless, bikes are machines, and issues can occur. Here’s what to look for if something doesn’t sound, feel, or work right.
ACCIDENTS: In case of an accident, keep calm, get off the road and go to a safe place (such as the hard shoulder) where you can evaluate the problem. If you suspect that you need medical care, call the Spanish emergency services on 112, explaining clearly where you are and what the problem is. Have your passport and your insurance documentation handy before calling. Please contact our office immediately after speaking with emergency services.
Remember that personal insurance it is not included on our self-guided tours. We offer an optional insurance policy. If you choose not to purchase this, please make sure that you keep own insurance documentation with you (including your passport).
The tour price does not include any roadside assistance with bicycle maintenance (e.g. flat tires) or any other taxi transfers during the tour. Any repairs that need to be caarried out on the bicycles that are not a result of negligence on Bike Spain Tours’ part will be paid for by the client.
HELMET: Cycling on the road in Spain without a helmet is illegal and unsafe; remember to wear your helmet at all times.
To check the weather before you leave on your trip, please take a look at current weather conditions at www.weatheronline.co.uk. For historical temperature and precipitation statistics visit www.weatherbase.com or take a look at the Spanish Meteorological website with detailed information per region (http://www.aemet.es/en/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos)
The history of Spain is a compendium of influences from the different cultures that have lived in the country. The first settlers on the Peninsula were the Celts and the Iberians. The Roman presence in Hispania lasted for seven centuries, during which time the basic borders of the Peninsula in relation to other European towns were set up. Many institutions were inherited from Rome such as the concept of family, Latin as a language, religion and law. At the start of the 5th century new settlers from the North arrived and settled on the Peninsula: the Visigoths in the interior and the Swabians on the West. The decomposition of the Visigoth state apparatus would lead to the successive infiltration of Arab and Berber troops from the other side of the Straits of Gibraltar at the beginning of the 8th century. In the middle of the 8th century the Muslims had completed occupation and Cordoba became the center of the flourishing Andalusian state. The Arab presence in Spain would last for almost seven centuries and leave an indelible mark on the Spanish cultural heritage.
Following a long period of peaceful coexistence, the small Christian strongholds in the North of the Peninsula took on a leading role in the Reconquest, which ended with the capture of Granada in 1492 under the reign of the Catholic King and Queen, traditionally considered the founders of peninsular unity and the imperial management of the Spanish revival. The 16th century represents the zenith of Spanish hegemony in the world, a process that would last until the middle of the 17th century. Following the death of Charles II, the last of the Austrians, who died without having had children, Phillip V inaugurated the dynasty of the Bourbons of Spain.
The crisis of the Old Order opened the doorway to the Napoleonic invasion. The War of Independence was a war against the French invasion, but also a revolutionary war due to the decisive involvement of the people and the clear formation of a national consciousness that would later shape the 1812 Constitution. The Courts of Cadiz thereby enacted one of the first Constitutions of the world which ratified that sovereignty would reside in the nation. The conflict between liberalists and absolutists, or in other words, between two different ways of perceiving the establishment of the state, would be one of the longest Spanish conflicts throughout the 19th century.
The ballot box is introduced into Spain and with it the first democratic experience of the 20th century: the second Republic, a brief attempt to introduce the reformations the country needed, frustrated by General Franco’s military rising and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. The military victory of General Franco gave way to a long dictatorial period that would last until 1975. Following his death, the Spanish peacefully made the transition from dictatorship to democracy in a process known as ‘the Spanish model’. Don Juan Carlos I, as King of the Spanish people, became the chief of a social and democratic state of law, which molded the Constitution of 1978.
More information…? Should you be interested in a specific theme, please check here, you will find many info about culture, environmental issues, nature, society, geography and politics.
In Spain you have exquisite and innovative dishes with the guarantee of internationally prestigious chefs. The highest quality products from the best producers, recipes combining popular tradition with artistic creation and offer you exciting, new flavors. Spain’s culinary revolution, headed by master chefs like Ferrán Adriá, Arzak and Berasategui turns the pleasure of good food into a luxury for the senses that is at its finest when savored in Spain.
Spanish cuisine is nowadays recommended in the finest restaurants, heralded by the most prestigious critics and demanded by millions of consumers over the world. It has gone through a real revolution, which, in the time of a few short years, has put Spain at the top of international cuisine. With traditional styles as the basis, a modern, innovative cuisine has developed, identified by the use of quality products and by the creativity of its chefs.
To read more about Spain’s cuisine
