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Itinerario: Ruta autoguiada por la costa y la montaña cantábrica y asturiana

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A beautiful ride along the coastline of northern Spain.

ACCESO A LAS RUTAS GPS

    1. Descarga la app RideWithGPS en tu móvil

    2. Sigue los pasos para hacerte una cuenta gratuita en la app

    3. Una vez que tengas tu cuenta configurada, conéctala con tus rutas haciendo clic en este enlace: haz clic aquí
    4. Esto debería abrir un EVENTO en la app RidewithGPS, que incluirá todas tus rutas.

    5. Para acceder a las rutas más adelante, desde la pantalla de inicio de la aplicación, haz clic en «Más» y luego en «Mis eventos». Ahí encontrarás las rutas. Ya estás listo para pedalear.

    6. Recomendamos descargar cada ruta para garantizar la accesibilidad sin conexión.

    7. Por favor, asegúrese de terminar la grabación de la ruta al final del recorrido de cada día.

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SHARE YOUR TRIP!

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!

Itinerary

Día 1: Santillana del Mar

Día de llegada

Alojamiento: Posada de la Organista

XXpm: Nuestro socio local, Iberocycle, le recogerá en QUEDA POR DEFINIR y le trasladará a la encantadora villa medieval de Santillana del Mar. En caso de cualquier problema con el traslado, póngase en contacto con Iberocycle a 942.58.10.92. A su llegada, Iberocycle le ajustará la bicicleta y le informará sobre la ruta ciclista que seguirá durante la próxima semana.

Tiempo libre en Santillana del Mar

Según un refrán español, Santillana es conocida como «la ciudad de las tres mentiras»: «Ni es santa, ni es llana, ni tiene mar». Sin embargo, la villa es una de las más bellas de Cantabria y ofrece otros muchos atractivos para el visitante.

Uno de los más famosos es la imponente Colegiata de Santa Juliana, construida a mediados del siglo XII sobre una estructura anterior del siglo IX, y que alberga una reliquia de la Vera Cruz.

La ciudad cuenta con un fabuloso legado arquitectónico, que puede dividirse en el medieval sector y el Rennascimiento/Baroco. Pasee por sus calles empedradas y admire los elegantes palacios construidos por la élite histórica de la ciudad.

Si le apetece un paseo corto (¡o aún más corto en bicicleta!), le recomendamos encarecidamente una visita a las famosas Cuevas de Altamira (abierto de martes a sábado de 9:30 a 20:00, domingos de 9:30 a 15:00), considerada la Capilla Sixtina de las pinturas rupestres paleolíticas. La cueva original está cerrada por motivos de conservación, así que los visitantes pueden explorar el museo y la «neocueva»: una fiel reproducción de la cueva original y sus obras de arte.

Comer y beber en Santillana del Mar

Santillana es conocida por sus postres, elaborados con leche de producción local, como las quesadas y la tableta. También recomendamos probar el cocido moñtanés, un guiso de alubias blancas y carne.

Restaurante Gran Duque (abierto de martes a sábado de 13:00 a 16:00 y de 20:00 a 23:00, y los domingos de 13:00 a 16:00)

Restaurante Plaza Mayor (abierto de miércoles a lunes de 9:00 a 16:00)

Bar-Restaurante El Canton (abierto todos los días de 11:00 a 16:00 y de 19:30 a 23:00)

Día 2: Santillana – San Vicente de la Barquera

Recorrido: 35,4 km/22 millas

Desnivel: +637 m/+2.089 pies

Alojamiento: Hotel Faro de San Vicente 

Saliendo de Santillana, su ruta se dirige hacia el oeste a través de verdes prados y las colinas y valles de Cantabria, disfrutando de fabulosas vistas de la costa virgen y las playas. Pronto llegarás al encantador pueblo de Novales, un buen ejemplo de arquitectura rural tradicional, rodeado de limoneros.

Poco después, en la localidad de Cóbreces, le recomendamos una parada para comprar queso artesano elaborado por los monjes de la Abadía Cisterciense de Santa María de Viaceli (abierta de lunes a miércoles de 9:30 a 13:00 y de jueves a sábado de 9:30 a 13:00 y de 16:30 a 18:15).

Si le apetece comer con vistas, un poco más allá del pueblo de Liandres encontrará el restaurante El Remedio (abierto de martes a domingo de 13:00 a 15:30).

La siguiente parada es el pueblo costero de Comillas, cuya popularidad en el siglo XIX como lugar de veraneo de la élite aristocrática queda patente en el extenso legado de arquitectura modernista. Las más famosas son El El Capricho de Gaudi (abierto todos los días de 10:30 a 20:00), el Palacio de Sobrellano (abierto de lunes a sábado de 10:00 a 14:30 y de 15:30 a 18:30, y los domingos de 10:00 a 16:00), la majestuosa Universidad Pontificia (abierta de lunes a viernes de 9:00 a 20:00) y el cementerio, donde destaca la famosa escultura del Ángel de la Destrucción. Si decide comer en Comillas, le recomendamos el Restaurante El Carel (abierto todos los días de 13:00 a 16:00).

Dejando atrás Comillas, pedalearás por el Parque Natural de Oyambre, una zona húmeda protegida que alberga una gran variedad de peces, moluscos y aves migratorias. Vislumbrarás el mar al pasar por las hermosas playas de Oyambre y Merón. Por último, cruzaremos la bahía por el Puente de la Maza, un puente del siglo XV formado por 28 arcos de piedra, y entraremos en la hermosa localidad de San Vicente, disfrutando de las vistas de la cordillera de los Picos de Europa en la distancia.

Ocio en San Vicente de la Barquera

El pintoresco pueblo costero de San Vicente de la Barquera debe su nombre a la pequeña barca que transportaba a los peregrinos a través de la ría antes de la construcción del Puente de la Maza. Conocida por su bien conservado casco antiguo, su animado puerto pesquero y sus hermosas playas, y con las cumbres nevadas de los Picos de Europa como telón de fondo, San Vicente es una de las localidades más atractivas de la costa cantábrica.

Pasee hasta la iglesia de Santa María de los Ángeles(abierta todos los días de 10:00 a 13:00 y de 16:30 a 18:30), un espectacular ejemplo de arquitectura gótica con fabulosas vistas sobre la ciudad y la ría.

Junto a la iglesia se encuentra el Castillo del Rey, del siglo XII (abierto de martes a domingo de 11:00 a 14:00 y de 17:30 a 20:00), que alberga un pequeño museo.

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.

  • In the old fishing port, you can admire the iconic Cubos de la Memoria (Cubes of Memory): a beautiful artwork by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola, consisting of brightly coloured designs painted onto the cement blocks that make up the old breakwater. This spot also offers fantastic views over the sea.
  • As in Colombres, Llanes also benefitted from the wealth of “las Indias”, as can be seen in the numerous mondernist palaces around the old town, notably the Casino.
  • Llanes also retains an impressive medieval architectural legacy, including the old city walls, the defensive towner and the 13th century Basilica of Santa Maria.
  • Take a walk along the Paseo de San Pedro, a beautiful clifftop path with a number of spectacular viewpoints.

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!

  • Cycle westwards and visit a string of fine beaches including the unique landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri.
  • Another beautiful cycle route takes you through the beautiful hills and valleys behind Llanes.
  • Alternatively, you can give the bikes a rest and take a canoeing trip on the Deva or Sella Rivers, or a hike through the dramatic Cares Gorge in the very heart of the Picos de Europa. Contact us for excursion options.
  • Cycle to Ribadasella and visit the Caves of Tito Bustillo with their prehistoric paintings (open Wed – Sun 9:45am – 5:30pm) before visiting the charming village of Porrúa.
  • Finally, you can simply enjoy a day on the beach or exploring the popular fishing village of Llanes.

 

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.

CYCLING SAFETY

SEGURIDAD EN BICICLETA

  • Para màs informaciòn y consejos sobre como circular en España vease nuestro blog aquí

BIKE BLOOPERS

What to do if something goes wrong…

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.

  • The brakes. Disc brake. Take care of brake pads, don’t brake constantly. If the brake disk becomes too warm from overusing the brakes, stop for a moment or squeeze the brakes in order to cool down the disc.
  • Shifting. Always use a gear that is comfortable for you, so that you can maintain a high cadence of pedalling; this is better for both your legs and the bicycle. That is, don’t use the lowest gears of the smallest disk, or the highest gears of the largest disk. Most of our routes are filled with ups and downs, so bear this in mind and change your gears ahead of time instead of when you’re struggling with a climb.
  • My tyres are soft. Be sure you know how to use the pump ahead of time! If not, other cyclists will surely help you out. Most importantly though, keep the tyres well inflated to avoid getting a flat.
  • Wheels. The Thru Axle can be removed with a 6mm Allen Key, but this isn’t an easy task. Ask for help if you need it.
  • Uh-oh….!!! If the problem is more difficult than that, or you don’t really know what’s wrong with the bike, there are three steps you can take:
  1. Flag down a fellow cyclist and ask for help. A lot of the bikers are real gear-heads, and more than ready to give you a hand if you’re having trouble. Some of the words you might need includes: frenos (brakes), cambios (gears), cadena (chain), rueda (wheel), cámara de repuesto (spare inner tube.) And if you’re not sure what’s happened, be honest: ¡No tengo ni idea!

  2. Call the bike shops (talleres de bicicleta) or auto shops (taller de recambios) listed on each day’s description. They can go where you are or will call a taxi driver you pick you up and drive to the shop.

  3. If you can’t locate a shop and you’re not sure what to do, call the office at +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need. Our office is in Madrid, but we’ll try to transfer you to your hotel and call a local bike dealer to repair the bike. Note that any payments that have to be made to bike shops or taxi drivers must be paid for by the client. Save all receipts. We only accept responsibility if the bicycle is defective.
     

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. 

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

The weather

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)

Recommended (guide) books and maps

  • The Story of Spain | Mark Williams
  • The New Spaniards | John Hopper
  • The Arts in Spain | John F. Moffitt
  • Ghosts of Spain | Giles Tremlett
  • Between Hopes and Memories: A Spanish Journey | Michael Jacobs
  • The Green Guide—Spain | Michelin Travel Publications
  • Lonely Planet—Spain | Lonely Planet Publications

Recommended movies

  • Volver | Pedro Almodóvar (2006)
  • Lucia y el Sexo | Julio Medem (2001)
  • Jamón Jamón | José Juan Bigas Luna (1992)
  • Flamenco | Carlos Saura (1995)

Recommended music (flamenco & fusion)

  • Paco de Lucía Antología | Paco de Lucía (1995)
  • Una Leyenda Flamenca | El Camarón de la Isla (1993)
  • Lágrimas Negras | Bebo Valdés and Diego El Cigala (2003)
  • Sueña La Alhambra | Enrique Morente (2005)
  • Barí | Ojos de Brujo (2002)

Useful Websites

  • www.spain.info | The official website for Spanish Tourism. Lots of great information in English about all of Spain.
  • www.spanish-fiestas.com | Has little on fiestas but does have everything from events listings to links to Spanish culture.
  • www.winesfromspain.com | A wide range of information on background history, on vineyards and winemaking, on the characteristics differentiating the distinct winemaking areas, and on the varieties that give Spanish wines personality.

HISTORY

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.

GASTRONOMY

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

Proceed Booking