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
- Camino (Frances) – Guided *CYCLE*
- Basque Country & La Rioja | Spain | Guided Bike tour | scheduled departures
- Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Green Spain & Picos de Europa Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Cantabria & Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Cantabria - Coast of Green Spain Self-Guided Tour
- Castile to the Bay of Biscay
- Santander to Gijón. Along the Coast. 7 Nights. Self-guided
- La Rioja - The Descent of the River Ebro Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Northern Spain. San Sebastián to Santander. 7 Nights. Self-guided.
This 883km route tests riders with steep climbs reaching 1,400m in the Pyrenees and 1,335m at O Cebreiro, broken up by flat stretches across La Meseta plains. Pedal through La Rioja vineyards, cross the 17-arch medieval bridge at Puente Villarente, then ride eucalyptus forests near Melide before Monte del Gozo reveals Santiago Cathedral.
Duration 14 days Destinations Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Estella, Torres del Río, Logrono, Najera, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, BeloradoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Distance 426 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From $7,420
11% Off- US$6,604
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
11% Off- US$3,251
Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
“A beautiful route with breathtaking viewpoints. Highly recommended!”
Johan, 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
11% Off- US$1,282
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 English, Italian Physical Rating Easy Distance 150 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
11% Off- US$1,093
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
11% Off- US$1,212
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
11% Off- US$1,093
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
11% Off- US$1,282
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
11% Off- US$1,282
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
11% Off- US$1,369
The 71km route from San Sebastián climbs Monte Igeldo through txakolí vineyards to reach Lekeitio on the Bay of Biscay, passing elegant Zarautz and fishing village Getaria. Later, a 51km ride from Mundaka to Getxo includes views of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe island chapel and the 19th-century Puente de Vizcaya transporter bridge.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Sebastián, Monte Igueldo, Zarautz, Getaria, Deba, Lekeitio, Gernika-Lumo, Mundaka, Bermeo, BakioSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French Physical Rating Moderate Distance 328 mi Operator IberoCycle Tours From
11% Off- US$1,356
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."