The perfect combination of coastal views and rolling valley scenery. This self-guided tour is a great introduction to Northern Spain. With picturesque routes, historical stopovers, and free days to explore some more, it is guaranteed to be an epic cycling trip.
WELCOME TO NORTHERN SPAIN
Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain has a very pleasant climate with lots of sunshine and cool breezes that make it a wonderful region to explore by road bike, with plenty to see and do along the way.
This Spanish Coast Self Guided Cycling Tour winds through the traditional towns and villages between Cantabria’s dramatic coastline and green rolling valleys. The trip includes stopovers in some of the area’s most traditional and picturesque locations, including the seaside town of Somo, with views of Santander just across the bay. On your free days, head out and explore the local area, by foot, bus or bike… This is your time to relax and plan the day exactly as you please!
This self-guided tour has been designed to help you create lifelong memories, with some incredible activities, routes (such as the beautiful descent in the Miera Valley) and vistas that will make you wish you were never leaving. Book now or contact us for more information!
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
Cantabria is a well-known destination for cyclists given its incredible landscapes and opportunities for riders of all levels of ability. There are some wonderfully flat routes as well as some more challenging proposals that allow you to mix and match and tailor your tour to your taste and ability level.
This tour’s self-guided itinerary allows you to take each day as you please, packing in lots of activities or enjoying a more relaxed pace. It has been plotted by local professional guides that know the area like the back of their hand and have chosen some of their favourite routes. You will be helped along each day by sending your luggage off to your next location, meaning all you have to do is focus on pedalling!
Throughout the week you’ll be staying in beautiful locations that have been chosen specifically so you can relax and make the most of everything the local area has to offer. Each one offers secure bike storage facilities so all you need to do is focus on having a great time!
Cantabria sits on Spain’s most northern coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and borders three other autonomous communities, Castilla-y-León, Asturias and The Basque Country. It is one of Spain’s greenest regions and therefore boasts some incredibly beautiful landscapes, including soaring mountains, lush green valleys and dramatic coastlines. It also hosts parts of the Picos de Europa National Park, which extends across the nearby provinces of Asturias and León and is home to two of Spain’s most elusive creatures, the brown bear and the Iberiean wolf! This epic variety of terrain offers the perfect opportunity for all cycling disciplines and abilities. Nearby we also find the Collados de Asón range in the east and Alto Campoo, which offers all types of climbs, long and gradual, short and steep, and even some long and steep climbs! Wherever you are in Cantabria, the striking contrast of vibrant green pastures and towering rocky peaks makes for an incredible backdrop to any trip, especially in your living and breathing the experience from the saddle of a bike!
Northern Spain is green for a reason, so whilst it enjoys lovely warm weather and plenty of sunshine, it is prone to showers. This is the place the rest of Spain head to when it gets scorching hot elsewhere! Spring, summer and autumn are the best seasons for cycling in this region, but don’t forget your waterproof and jacket, just in case!
Cantabria is perhaps best known for the Picos de Europa National Park that spans over 670 square kilometres and is home to 11 villages nestled between the high peaks. Here we’ll also find meadows and lakes, gorges and impressive forests, as well as an abundance of fauna such as deer, vultures and even bears. The rest of Cantabria has a similar landscape, green and hilly, but flattens out nearer the coast, which can be formed by dramatic rocky cliffs or white sandy beaches (60 of them in total!).
Cantabria is a unique region of Spain. Also known as Green Spain, there are many nature reserves and many sports enthusiasts flock here every year to take advantage of the amazing array of landscapes and conditions, from surfing to skiing. The culture and people are incredibly warm and welcoming, and first-time visitors may be surprised at just how unique this northern corner of Spain can be!
Today’s route:
Distance
Choose between a 36 km or 63 km route
Your route for Day 2 leaves from Santillana del Mar and heads west through meadows, hills and valleys in the direction of the stunning Atlantic coastline. Begin by heading west through the green meadows, hills and valleys, towards the marvellous unspoilt coastline and beaches. On your way you’ll pass through the well-kept village of Novales, nestled amidst lemon groves and filled with beautiful stone houses.
Your next stop will be Comillas, a lovely coastal town that looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Its harbour and quaint town square are filled with tapas bars and restaurants. Take some time to see a wonderful example of Gaudí’s modernist architecture, El Capricho, or the Palace of the Marqués de Comillas, designed by Catalan architect Joan Martorell in 1888.
The final leg of your route for Day 2 crosses the Parque Natural de Oyambre. You could also explore its white, sandy beaches and enjoy the stunning views of San Vicente and the Picos de Europa in the distance.
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Fly in airport: Santander/Bilbao
When best to fly in: in the morning on the first day of the camp
Transfers: scheduled airport transfers are included in the price of this trip; we will reach out to you for your exact flight details to be sure you can take your flight hassle-free
Fly out airport best option: Santander/Bilbao
When to leave: last day of the tour after 13:00
Transfers: scheduled airport transfers are included in the price of this trip; we will reach out to you for your exact flight details to be sure you can take your flight hassle-free
Double as standard, single available as optional extra
As you explore the island at your own pace, your bags will be transported to your next hotel destination
Pick up and drop off is included, so you can have a hassle free trip
Breakfast is included everyday
Please book yourself and get appropriate cycling activity insurance
Cafes, lunch stops on the bike, dinners, and beverages at your own expense
It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, high quality carbon road bikes are available for rental for the duration of the tour. To make sure you get the maximum from your bike for your trip, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of equipment.
With a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly. All rental bikes are mechanically checked and adjusted before each and every hire so you can have peace of mind that your bike will be running smoothly from start to finish!
You can select this option when you proceed to checkout.
Fitted to you and ready to ride!
If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €154* for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.
*Extra charge for high season dates.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.
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