Coastal Cycle Route Spain: From Bilbao to Ribadesella

Welcome to the Basque Country! Bilbao, the largest city in the region, is known for its mix of modern architecture and traditional charm. Visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the historic old town or enjoy Basque specialties in one of the many pintxos bars. Spend the night in Bilbao before your coastal cycle route Spain: From Bilbao to Ribadesella begins.

Your first day of cycling begins with a ride along the River Nervión to its estuary. In Getxo, you can admire magnificent 19th century villas before reaching the former fishing village of Algorta. A special highlight is the crossing of the river with the Puente Vizcaya, a unique floating ferry (not included) from 1893, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You then follow the coastline with spectacular views, past the beach of La Arena and the impressive cliffs. Your destination for the day is the charming Castro Urdiales with its pretty harbor and the imposing Gothic church of Santa María right by the sea.

Today you continue westwards on the coastal cycle path. You will soon reach Sonabia with its impressive cliffs, which are home to a colony of majestic griffon vultures – keep an eye out for these impressive birds circling above you! The tour then continues to the fishing port of Laredo. You cycle parallel to the extensive sandy beach in the direction of Santoña, which is picturesquely situated against the backdrop of Monte Buciero. A short ferry crossing (not included) takes you across the estuary. Santoña is famous for its excellent anchovies – a local specialty that you should definitely try. Your hotel is idyllically located on the beach of Berria and invites you to relax after an eventful day of cycling.

The third stage of your coastal cycle route Spain: From Bilbao to Ribadesella takes you through green coastal landscapes, past impressive cliffs. You pass Somo, known for its wide sandy beaches and lively surfing scene. The route continues to Pedreña, home to one of the most famous golf courses in Spain. From here you take a boat (not included) across the bay of Santander – a picturesque transfer with wonderful views of the city and the sea. Once you arrive in Santander, an elegant port city awaits you with magnificent boulevards, the impressive Palacio de la Magdalena and a charming old town that invites you to stroll around.

Today's route takes you along the elegant waterfront promenade out of Santander. Enjoy the magnificent view over the bay and the extensive beaches of El Sardinero. Continue to the unspoiled beaches of Liencres with breathtaking views of the coast and the Picos de Europa. On the Way of St. James, you follow the Besaya river to the coastal town of Suances. From here, it is only a short drive to the beautiful medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Not far away are the caves of Altamira, world-famous for their prehistoric paintings.

Your route begins in Santillana del Mar and first takes you to the picturesque village of Novales, which exudes a Mediterranean atmosphere with its lemon groves. Through beautiful coastal landscapes, you reach Comillas, known for its modernist buildings. The most famous of these is El Capricho, a masterpiece by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. The route then takes you through the Oyambre Natural Park with its beautiful beaches and impressive stretches of coastline. Your destination for the day is San Vicente de la Barquera, a picturesque harbor town with the imposing Gothic church of Santa María de los Ángeles. Enjoy the magnificent view of the majestic Picos de Europa, which impressively dominate the scenery in the background.

This day's stage of your coastal cycle route Spain: From Bilbao to Ribadesella takes you across the border into Asturias. You reach the beautiful headland of Pechón. In Unquera you cross the River Deva and enter Asturias. In Colombres, the magnificent villas of the Indianos, former emigrants who went to America and built impressive mansions on their return, await you. The route continues on a dreamlike route between the coast and the imposing mountain backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera. A descent through fragrant eucalyptus forests brings you back to the sea, where the charming fishing village of Llanes awaits you with its historic old town, beautiful beaches and impressive coastal landscape.

The last section of your cycle tour along the Atlantic coast of Spain takes you through the impressive landscape of Asturias. On the way to Ribadesella, you will be accompanied by spectacular cliffs, picturesque bays and rolling hills. The charming coastal town awaits you with a delightful old town, a historic fishing port and extensive beaches. As you cycle through small villages and along the coast, you will immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of this region. Once you arrive in Ribadesella, you can visit the famous stalactite cave of Tito Bustillo with its Stone Age paintings or relax in one of the cozy street cafés. If you want to enjoy the sea, Playa de Santa Marina is the perfect place for a well-deserved break.

After breakfast, your coastal cycle route Spain: From Bilbao to Ribadesella ends. With many unforgettable impressions in your luggage, you start your individual journey home – full of memories of an impressive cycle tour along the Spanish Atlantic coast. We are happy to extend your stay in Ribadesella with an extra night on request.