Bicycle Tours & Trips in Northern Spain
Cycling Northern Spain means Santillana del Mar's medieval streets, Gaudi's El Capricho in Comillas along Cantabria's coast, and the Miera Valley dropping toward Santander Bay. Routes from Basque Country over to Asturias pass Sonabia's cliffs where griffon vultures ride thermals. The cycling spans Cantabria's coastal villages, Basque mountain passes, and Asturian roads hugging clifftops above the Bay of Biscay.
10 best bicycle Northern Spain tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
- Vineyards of La Rioja Cycling
- Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Santander to Gijón. Along the Coast. 7 Nights. Self-guided
- Cantabria & Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Cantabria - Coast of Green Spain Self-Guided Tour
- La Rioja - The Descent of the River Ebro Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Castile to the Bay of Biscay
- Basque Country & La Rioja | Spain | Guided Bike tour | scheduled departures
- Green Spain & Picos de Europa Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Spain Cycling the Camino del Norte Part 2, 10 Days
Dedicated bike paths lead from Logroño past medieval San Vicente de la Sonsierra fortress. Car-free routes showcase Marques de Riscal vineyard in El Ciego and the River Ebro's scenic banks. Elegant Hotel Palacio Azcárate in mountain village Ezcaray highlights this 8-day, 4-city adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Logrono, Ezcaray, Haro, Laguardia Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 72 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- US$2,400
Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
“Well organised and easy to follow on "Ride with GPS". Accomodation was good and our bags were transported efficiently.”
Hugh, traveled in June
Griffon vultures soar above Sonabia as cyclists pass through Oyambre Natural Park to San Vicente de la Barquera. Gulpiyuri's unique landlocked beach near Ribadesella and Bay of Santander views highlight the 302km route covering 20-34 miles daily. E-bikes available.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bilbao, Getxo, Castro Urdiales, Laredo, Santona, Somo, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Comillas, San Vicente de la BarqueraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French Physical Rating Easy Distance 113 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$1,234
Coastal paths stretch 263km from Santander's bay to Gijón, where you'll see Gaudí's El Capricho in Comillas and the unusual landlocked Gulpiyuri beach. Daily rides average 40-54km over 7 nights, with stays in 3- and 4-star hotels and country inns along the route.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santander, Santillana del Mar, San Vicente de la Barquera, Llanes, Ribadesella, Villaviciosa, Gijon Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 95 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$1,234
Medieval Santillana del Mar marks the start of this journey through coastal paths and mountain valleys. Routes of 22-57km reveal Comillas' architecture, Oyambre's beaches, and Picos de Europa vistas. GPS tracks and luggage transport provided.
Duration 9 days Destinations Santillana del Mar, Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera, Pechón, Llanes, Las Arenas, Bulnes, Puentenansa, Renedo de Cabuerniga, Puente Viesgo Age Range Ages 14+ Operated in English, Portuguese Physical Rating Easy Distance 95 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$1,167
Northern Spain's diverse terrain spans 23-41 miles daily from Santillana del Mar to Somo. Novales' lemon groves, Oyambre's coastal paths, and the spectacular Miera Valley descent create memorable rides. Detailed route guides and luggage transfers included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santillana del Mar, San Vicente de la Barquera, Llanes, Ribadesella, San Roque de Riomiera, Lierganes, Somo, Santona, Santander Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Easy Distance 169 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$1,052
Northern Spain's varied landscapes unfold from Reinosa's mountains through Ebro Canyon to Rioja's renowned wines. Montesclaros Monastery, medieval Frías, and wine-rich Haro mark the journey. Routes of 25-97km come with GPS guidance and comfortable lodging.
Duration 8 days Destinations Reinosa, Polientes, Medina de Pomar, Frias, Haro, Laguardia Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French Physical Rating Moderate Distance 95 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$1,318
Duration 9 days Destinations Potes, Picos de Europa National Park, Fuente De, Asturias, San Vicente de la Barquera, Comillas, Santillana del Mar Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 217 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$1,234
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Vitoria, La Rioja, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Najera, Laguardia, Estella, Pamplona, Hondarribia, San Sebastian Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Easy Distance 219 mi Operator Terranova Touristik From
- US$3,242
The 44km downhill ride through limestone Miera Valley leads to Somo's golden beaches. San Roque de Riomiera's mountain villages and Liérganes' spa quarter create scenic stops. E-bikes available for Picos de Europa section, with Fuente Dé cable car offering views from 2,697 feet.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santillana del Mar, San Vicente de la Barquera, Potes, Fuente De, San Roque de Riomiera, Lierganes, Somo, Santander, Santona Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in Only: Italian Physical Rating Easy Distance 150 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
- US$5,609
The Camino del Norte by bicycle takes 10 days, covering 365 kilometers from Oviedo through Asturias and Galicia to Santiago de Compostela. The scenic Camín Real de Las Ballotas coastal route leads to Cadavedo, then a challenging 975-meter climb from Ribadeo to Mondoñedo follows. Terra Chá's inland highlands near Vilalba sit at 560 meters elevation. The whitewashed fishing port of Luarca offers a coastal stop before crossing the Eo River estuary into Galicia. Sobrado dos Monxes monastery, founded in 951, appears before the route joins the French Way at Arzúa.
Duration 10 days Destinations Oviedo, Aviles, Cudillero, Luarca, Ribadeo, Vilalba, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 158 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,045
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What our customers ask about Bicycle Tours & Trips in Northern Spain
What is the best time of year for cycling in Northern Spain?
Northern Spain's cycling season stretches from April to October with the most favorable conditions in May-June and September. The weather varies by region. The Cantabrian coast and Asturias see some rain throughout the year while the Rioja region has more predictable weather patterns. Summer months (July-August) tend to be hot in Rioja. Spring brings mild temperatures that many cyclists prefer. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The abundance of colorful wildflowers on our journey through Galicia in May was truly remarkable."
What are the typical daily cycling distances on Northern Spain bicycle tours?
Daily routes in Northern Spain cover between 35km to 95km depending on the chosen itinerary. The Green Spain & Picos de Europa tour features rides of 36-62km along the Cantabrian coast while cyclists on the Camino de Santiago typically cover 50-70km each day. A TourRadar traveler noted "The cycling was harder than expected with some challenging climbs but the views made it worthwhile. We covered around 50-60km each day with plenty of breaks."
What type of accommodation can I expect on bicycle tours in Northern Spain?
Cyclists stay in a range of properties from boutique countryside hotels to historic paradores. Notable examples include the Hotel Paraiso del Bierzo in Villafranca and Hotel Los Agustinos in Haro. These accommodations feature private bathrooms and are chosen for their proximity to cycling routes. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The hotels were very good with full-sized baths which were very welcome after a day's cycling and they were perfectly positioned to explore local towns in the evenings."
What are the highlights of cycling through Northern Spain's wine regions?
The wine regions especially La Rioja blend cycling routes with vineyard visits and historic sites. Riders pass through medieval settlements like Laguardia and Haro where local wineries welcome visitors. The routes offer views of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and wind through expansive vineyards. The Haro area stands out for its historic bodegas and wine tasting opportunities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Cycling through the vineyards with the backdrop of mountains stopping at ancient villages and visiting family wineries made for an unforgettable experience."
How challenging are the mountain sections in Northern Spain's cycling routes?
Mountain sections present varying levels of difficulty across Northern Spain. Key climbs include the route to O'Cebreiro at 1300m and Picos de Europa segments reaching 900m. Tours accommodate different fitness levels with alternative options. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The climb up to O'Cebreiro was tough at 900m elevation gain but the views at the top looking down at cloud-filled valleys made it all worthwhile. The support vehicle was always available if needed."
What kind of meals are included in Northern Spain bicycle tours?
Tours typically provide daily breakfast featuring local specialties. Regional cuisine takes center stage particularly in the Basque Country and Galicia where tours often include traditional pilgrim dinners. Routes incorporate stops at culinary destinations like Logroño's pintxos bars and San Vicente de la Barquera's seafood restaurants. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food was consistently excellent from breakfast through to evening meals. We particularly enjoyed stopping at local markets and trying regional specialties along the route."