Coast of Green Spain

Coast of Green Spain is a self-guided tour along the Cantabrian and Asturian coast, with three free days built in for riders to cycle as much or as little as they like. From the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets and Altamira Caves museum, the route heads west through the lemon groves of Novales to the seaside village of Comillas, with its harbour, tapas-lined square and Gaudí's El Capricho, then along the beaches of the Oyambre Natural Park to the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, where a free day allows a ride to the mountain village of Carmona or simply a lazy afternoon on the beach.

Crossing into Asturias at Unquera, past the sumptuous villas of Colombres, the route follows the Sierra de Cuera to the fishing village of Llanes, with a free day offering a choice of beaches, a canoeing trip on the Deva or Sella rivers, or a hike through the dramatic Cares Gorge in the heart of the Picos de Europa.

From Llanes, a vehicle transfer carries riders up to 822 metres in the Cantabrian Mountains for the tour's signature stage: a long, scenic descent of the limestone Miera Valley, passing the spa village of Liérganes, down to the farmland around Somo and the Bay of Santander. A final free day at Somo allows a boat trip across to Santander's belle époque seafront, or a ride to the beaches of Loredo, Langre and Galizano.

Highlights:

• Medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Caves museum
• Comillas, with Gaudí's El Capricho and the Palace of the Marqués de Comillas
• Dramatic mountain backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera en route to Llanes
• Free day at Llanes: beaches, canoeing, or a hike through the Cares Gorge
• Scenic descent of the limestone Miera Valley from 822m to the coast
• Charming old quarter of Liérganes and the beaches of Somo and El Sardinero

Surface and terrain:
Generally easy to intermediate cycling. A mix of move-on days and three free days lets riders choose their own distances. Day 6 is a long descent from 822m down the Miera Valley to the coast. Carbon, e-road, trekking and e-hybrid bikes offered.

Suitable for:
Self-guided cyclists wanting a coastal-focused tour of Cantabria and Asturias, with three free days built in for extra activities (canoeing, hiking, beach time) or simply resting.