Self Guided Asturias and Cantabrian Bike Tour

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. Then magnificent coastline where the green meadows meet the Bay of Biscay. 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 Palacio Sobrellano of the Marqués de Comillas. The local beach of Oyambre is spectacular.

Leaving Comillas, the ride follows the spectacular coastline along the beaches of Oyambre and Merón. San Vicente de la Barquera is a busy fishing village almost completely surrounded by its two estuaries, constantly changing with the ebb and flow of the tide. Then we ride inland towards the valley of the River Nansa, and the estuary Tina Menor, with wonderful beaches and coastline. Finally we reach the village of Pechón close to more spectacular beaches.

Westwards around the beautiful headland of Pechón with its magnificent coastline. Cross the River Deva in Unquera to enter the 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.       

A selection of longer and shorter rides today to take us to Arenas and the Picos de Europa. Visit a string of fine beaches including the incredible landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri, Then ride through the most beautiful hills and valleys behind Llanes. Alternatively, give the bikes a rest and take a hike through the dramatic and renowned Cares Gorge in the heart of the Picos. Or take the funicular to the mountain village of Bulnes and hike back down. And do not miss the fantastic Cabrales blue cheese with the local Asturian cider

From Arenas de Cabrales, our ride follows the beautiful River Cares through its impressive limestone gorge. In the village of Panes, the Cares meets the Deva which we follow downstream watching the canoe excursions following the river to Unquera before crossing to the valley of the River Nansa. All these rivers are home to Salmo Salar, the Atlantic salmon. Extend the ride to visit the famous cave of El Soplao, with its indescribable stalactites and stalagmites. Rest in the charming rural hotel close to the banks of the River Nansa.

Follow the River Nansa to Puente Nansa and then on to the village of Carmona, one of the emblematic rural villages of Cantabria. A climb takes us to the valley of Cabuérniga formed by the River Saja. This valley is famous for its cocido montañés, a rich bean stew, typical in Cantabria. A side trip leads to another beautiful rural village, Bárcena Mayor, and intrepid souls may like to ascend to the mountain pass of Palombera and enjoy the views of Campoo, the valley of the River Ebro, the longest in Spain.

Along the River Saja to Ruente, where another river emerges from a cave, which is home to the anjana, a mythological fairly-like creature. Through green meadows and pretty villages and then another short ascent leads us to the River Besaya and the village of Ríocorvo. The last ascent and we descent to the River Pas and Puente Viesgo. Relax in the superb spa facilities of the hotel, visit the local caves of El Castillo, with their cave paintings, or enjoy a ride along the Pas on the superb vía verde (green way) cycle path.

Transfer from Puente Viesgo to Santander or Bilbao.