Basque Country to Asturias - Along the coast

Basque Country to Asturias - Along the Coast follows Northern Spain's coastline from Bilbao to Ribadesella. From Bilbao's Old Quarter and tapas bars, the route follows the River Nervión past the Guggenheim Museum to Getxo, with its 19th-century industrialists' villas, crossing the river on the UNESCO-listed Puente Vizcaya transporter bridge before reaching the fishing port of Castro Urdiales.

Continuing west, the route passes the griffon vulture cliffs at Sonabia and the beach town of Laredo to Santoña, known for its anchovies, then on along the coast past Somo and Pedreña's golf course, with a boat crossing of the Bay of Santander into the city itself. From Santander, the route follows the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail past the beaches of El Sardinero and Liencres to the medieval village of Santillana del Mar.

The route continues through the lemon groves of Novales to Comillas, with Gaudí's El Capricho, and along the beaches of the Oyambre Natural Park to San Vicente de la Barquera. Crossing into Asturias at Unquera, past the emigrant villas of Colombres, the route follows the Sierra de Cuera to the fishing village of Llanes, finishing with a ride past the landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri to Ribadesella.

Highlights:

• UNESCO-listed Puente Vizcaya transporter bridge, dating to 1893
• Tapas of Bilbao, anchovies of Santoña, cider of Asturias
• Boat crossing of the Bay of Santander
• Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail past the beaches of El Sardinero and Liencres
• Comillas, with Gaudí's El Capricho, and the Oyambre Natural Park
• Landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri near Llanes

Surface and terrain:
The route usually follows the coastline. Hilly at times, but hills are never too long; generally easy to intermediate cycling. Carbon, e-road, trekking and e-hybrid bikes offered.

Suitable for:
Self-guided cyclists comfortable with coastal riding and occasional short hills, daily distances up to around 50-60 km.