Northern Spain - Coast & Valleys

Northern Spain - Coast & Valleys is a guided tour through Cantabria, recently singled out by Lonely Planet as one of Europe's most rewarding regions to visit. From the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and its Altamira Caves museum, the route heads west through the lemon groves and rural architecture of Novales to the seaside village of Comillas, with its harbour, tapas-lined square and the architectural sights of Gaudí's El Capricho and the Palace of the Marqués de Comillas. From there riders cycle through the Oyambre Natural Park and along the beaches of Oyambre and Merón towards San Vicente de la Barquera, with the Picos de Europa already visible in the distance.

Crossing briefly into Asturias at Unquera, past the sumptuous villas of Colombres, riders follow the Deva Valley through the dramatic La Hermida gorge into the mountain-ringed valley of Liébana, staying two nights in the market village of Potes. A free day here offers a cable car trip at Fuente Dé, hiking through the valleys or higher mountains, or a visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio.

The route then crosses Cantabria's lesser-known valleys, through Riocorvo and the spa village of Puente Viesgo with its prehistoric cave paintings, to Villacarriedo. The final stage descends the limestone Miera Valley past the spa village of Liérganes, finishing with a ferry crossing of the Bay of Santander into Cantabria's capital. Groups of 10-20 are supported throughout by a back-up vehicle and IberoCycle staff, with route options most days for a range of abilities.

Highlights:

• Medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Caves museum
• Comillas, with Gaudí's El Capricho and the Marqués de Comillas' palace
• La Hermida gorge and the mountain-encircled Liébana valley around Potes
• Free day at Picos de Europa: cable car at Fuente Dé, hiking, or the Monastery of Santo Toribio
• Cantabria's lesser-known valleys via Cabuérniga and Villacarriedo
• Boat crossing of the Bay of Santander to finish in Cantabria's capital

Surface and terrain:
Generally easy to intermediate cycling. A free day at Picos de Europa and route options on three riding days let cyclists choose their distances. Day 6 (Villacarriedo) is a descent day down the Miera Valley. Carbon road, trekking, e-road and e-hybrid bikes offered.

Suitable for:
Groups of typically 10-20 riders on a self-navigated but staff-supported tour (back-up vehicle, no personal guide). Soft route options on most days suit a wide range of fitness levels, from leisurely to more challenging; non-cyclists can join via the transfer service