Cantabria is a treasure trove of medieval villages, ancient monuments, grandiose architectural gems and well-preserved prehistoric cave paintings. Lovers of nature, wildlife and adventure sports are drawn to the Picos de Europa National Park with its dramatic canyons and long, narrow gorges. The rivers of the Picos abound with salmon and trout; wild cats, chamois and red deer roam the mountainsides and eagles and goshawks rule the skies.
The diversity of the flora in Asturias and the Picos de Europa is unparalleled. Traditional farming methods are still widely practised throughout Asturias and the region’s remote mountain villages safeguard a way of life which has hardly changed for centuries.
For gastronomes there are colourful festivals to celebrate the fabulous food and drink of the region. This is the land of cider, aromatic cheeses, hearty peasant stews, a wonderful variety of fish and some of the most prized wines in the whole of Spain.
Starting and finishing in Santander, the itinerary includes 14 nights accommodation and 12 full days of riding plus an optional ride on arrival day. From Santander, there will be a transfer to the first night’s accommodation in charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar, 20 miles along the coast. The cycling routes for the most part follow paved little-trafficked back roads. Core distances average 45 miles a day, with a maximum of 55 miles. There will be route extensions available on most days.
The first part of the tour takes us inland and upwards from Santillana on a gradual climb along the beautiful valley of Cabuerniga to the source of the River Ebro. A side trip leads to the picturesque mountain village of Barcena Mayor, an unforgettable cluster of perfect stone mountain houses. The climb finishes on the northern edge of the meseta that stretches all the way to Madrid.
The next two days are spent in an exploration of that part of the meseta directly the south of the Cantabrian mountains. From our base at a parador in the village of Cervera de Pisuerga there are several ride options around the wonderfully scenic man-made lakes of the region.
From Cervera we head north towards the towering Picos. A long but steady, gentle climb takes us to the pass of Piedrasluengas, from where there is a glorious descent into the natural amphitheatre where the major valleys of the Picos converge. Here, the charming village of Potes provides our accommodation for the next two nights.
There are several valleys to explore – one great option is to ride up to the old village of Espinama and on to Fuente De. Here you can leave your bike and take the teleferico (cable car) up to the Mirador del Cable. From the top there is a fabulous hike back to Espinama. Picking up your bike you can enjoy a well-deserved 15 mile freewheel back to Potes.
Leaving Potes we ride north through the dramatic, sheer-walled gorge of La Hermida, following the River Deva as it cascades from the heart of the Picos towards the Atlantic Ocean.
At the point where the Deva meets the River Cares in Panes we enter Asturias and turn west to ride through yet more stunning mountain scenery. Our destination is Cangas de Onis with its much photographed medieval bridge spanning the River Sella. From the town there is the option to ride one of the classic stages in the Vuelta de España cycle race - the ascent to the Lakes of Covadonga.
From Cangas we again turn north towards the beautiful Atlantic coastline at Llanes. The town has a medieval quarter rich in buildings of the 13th – 15th centuries. The routes of the next two days take us on a thorough exploration of the marvellous coastline of the Costa Verde around Llanes and San Vicente. San Vicente, which first came to prominence in Roman times, is one of the oldest fishing ports on the Cantabrian coast. Nearby Comillas is a most surprising little village, filled with Art Nouveau structures built by Spain’s leading architectural exponents of the style. Gaudi’s EL Capricho, now a restaurant, is the star attraction.
The final stages of the itinerary lead us first through tranquil lowland scenery of the valleys of Cantabria. Leaving San Vicente we ride inland, the route taking us through beautiful hill scenery as we ascend alongside the River Nansa towards the old medieval village of Carmona where modern life has made little impact. Continuing east, we come to Selaya, home to the pasiegos – a cattle farming people whose semi-nomadic lifestyle still persists. A good climb from Selaya is rewarded by a truly stunning final descent of the Miera valley all the way down to the bay of Santander. From the resort of Somo, a short ferry ride lands us back in Santander to complete a fantastic trip.
Transfer to Bilbao in included in the tour price.
Day 14
Saturday, July 4
Departure from Bilbao Airport or onward travel to other parts of Spain/Europe.
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