Cycling Spain Tour Picos de Europa

Cycling Spain Tour of Picos de Europa as a cultural experience

A classic cycling road tour connecting three northern Spain provinces called Cantabria, Asturias y Castilla y León. The type of the routes are usually small secondary mountain roads secure to ride. Picos de Europa road tour offers a perfect way to enjoy spectacular alpine views, roll among sharp limestone peaks deep in green valleys with no need to leave comfortable mountain road.

Transfers & Transport

We will take care of all transport details to and from airports or ferry ports and also transfers between the different routes.

GPS & Maps

All the routes are self-guided. We have customized maps and GPS devices ready to use. Basic knowledge of map reading and orientation is advised. Bring your GPS device if you wish.

Accommodation

Carefully selected hotels for your comfort and relaxation in twin or double rooms with a continental style breakfast included.

Equipment

We provide some bicycles for hire. Road, mountain bike or treking one advised.

Cycling Spain Tour of Picos de Europa as a cultural experience

A classic road cycling tour connecting three northern Spain provinces called Cantabria, Asturias y Castilla y León. The type of the routes are usually small secondary mountain roads secure to ride. Picos de Europa road tour offers a perfect way to enjoy spectacular alpine views, roll among sharp limestone peaks deep in green valleys with no need to leave comfortable mountain road.

6 Nights

7 Days

daily 60-90 kms

climb 1.1-1.6 km/d

A town with a river and docks for boats in Asturias

DAY 1

ARRIVAL

From Santander or Bilbao airport we travel to an Asturian village called Llanes to spend our first night. After a short briefing you can relax, assemble your bicycle or enjoy a pleasant walk in a village where you should not miss tasting the local gastronomy.

DAY 2

Nº1 – LLANES – CANGUES DE ONÍS

Distance: 48 km | Ascent: 1.020m | Descent: 900m || Extension: 38 km | Ascent: 1.200m | Descent: 1.200m

In the morning we say goodbye for a couple of days to the sea and set up on the first ascent of the day with nice views of the Cantabrian coast. Also the first descent is very enjoyable passing several Asturian villages where we have possibility to stop and refresh ourselves. Slowly getting closer to Picos de Europa we finally arrive to Cangas de Onís where we stay overnight. There is a trip extension to lagos de Covadonga with the most beautiful scenery in Spain prepared for those who wish to pedal this challenging ascent.

Mountain road zig-zag with fog in the valley

Biker riding Cycling Spain tour of Picos de Europa

DAY 3

Nº2 – CANGUES DE ONÍS – POSADA VALDEÓN

Distance: 62 km | Ascent: 1.300m | Descent 500m || Extension: 15 km | Ascent: 700m | Descent: 600m

Heading southward we start to penetrate the valley of river Sella with the countinuous climb. The toughest cyclists can take a detour visiting the charmful lookout of the Amieva valley. Continuing the ascent we find ourselves in a quiet alpine scenery finishing today´s trip with a descent to Posada Valdeón.

DAY 4

Nº3 – ROUTE OF CARES/RIAÑO

Up to 40 kms ( hiking the Cares river )

Distance: 72 km | Ascent: 1.144m | Descent: 1.144m |

Today we can change our bikes for trekking shoes and enjoy the walk in “Ruta del Cares”. It is considered one of the most spectarular natural places in Spain and the most visited in Picos de Europa national park. Its 11 km long path carved in limestone rock will guide us through the gorge of river Cares to Poncebos. An easy and entertaining hike. There is a second option for those who want to keep pedaling. A loop trip to Riaño. A former small village in the province of León in the Cantabrian Mountains near the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Due to a planned dam project the original village was flooded in the 1980´s and rebuilt higer above the reservoar waters.

Two persons walking on a thin track in a stone wall

A biker on a cycling Spain tour of Picos de Europa climbing up the road

DAY 5

Nº4 – POSADA VALDEÓN – POTES

Distance: 55km | Ascent: 1.000m | Descent: 1.640m || Extension: 21km | Ascent: 505m | Descent: 505m

Today we are going to reach two mountain passes. Pandetrave and San Glorio where we enter the province of Cantabria. A long 27 km long descent awaits for us full of u-turns and lookouts of the Valle de Liebana. We finish today cyclotourist trip in its capital called Potes. You can enjoy night street life, taste a traditional mountain stew called ‘Cocido Liebanego’ or have a shot of ‘Orujo’ the famous local liquor of Potes.

DAY 6

Nº5 – SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA

Distance: 55km | Ascent: 1.200m | Descent: 1.507m || Extension: 21km | Ascent: 300m | Descent: 270m

Our Picos de Europa road tour starts as well as finishes down by the Cantabrian sea. So the last day of planned cycling we pass through the breathtaking “Gorge of Hermida” up to La Hoz pass and finaly descend for 40 km to the fishing village of San vicente de la Barquera from where for those who wish can continue along the coast. The route passes along beautiful beaches such as Merón, Read More

Houses of a village with mountains at the back

DAY 7

DEPARTURE

The final day is left packing, dismantling bikes and preparing for departure to you respective airports or ferry terminals. We take care of all your transfer requirements on this final day to make your departure is as smooth as possible. CycleCantabria is pleased to have made this cycling Spain tour one you will never forget and we hope you return to repeat the wonderful experience.