Green Coast of Spain: Santander to Gijon

A cycling holiday from Santander to Gijón offers a perfect way to explore Spain’s stunning Green Coast, with a mild climate year-round, making it ideal for those seeking comfortable temperatures while cycling. This route from Cantabria to Asturias is often called Spain’s best-kept secret, providing a mix of scenic coastal roads, traditional cuisine, and charming historical towns—perfect for cycling enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Cyclists can enjoy riding along quiet country roads, taking in breathtaking views of the rugged northern coastline while stopping to explore the region’s famed gastronomy, including fresh seafood, cheeses, and other local delicacies, all affordably priced. The hand-picked hotels in prime locations offer a relaxing haven each evening, with plenty of opportunities to explore nearby streets and find excellent restaurants for dinner after a day of cycling.

Key highlights include cycling through Santander, known for its belle-époque elegance and vibrant foodie scene, and enjoying refreshing swims at the pristine beaches along the route. Historical gems such as Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets and medieval charm, and Comillas, with its golden beaches and modernist mansions, offer unique cultural stops. The picturesque fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, framed by the stunning Picos de Europa mountains, is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

Further along the route, you’ll encounter Llanes, a beautiful coastal town with a medieval core and bustling harbour, and Ribadesella, home to the breathtaking Santa Marina beach. The town of Villaviciosa, renowned for its cider production, offers a taste of Asturian tradition. The cycling holiday concludes in the vibrant town of Gijón, with its spectacular beaches and lively cultural events.

2027 launch offer: £50 per person off all 2027 departure dates!

8 days

Difficulty: Moderate

From £1119 P/P

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Itinerary

Route overview

What’s included

Photos

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Itinerary

Arrival and a chance to explore the belle-époque elegance of Santander along the famous El Sardinero beach.

This morning, you will set off along cycle lanes that will lead you out of the city and into the verdant countryside. For the most part, you will find yourself following the coast. Tonight you will spend your first night in the beautifully preserved town of Santillana del Mar.

Next to Santillana, you will find the internationally famous Altamira Caves Museum, well worth a visit. Later, you will enjoy the town of Comillas, an excellent place to stop for lunch and spend time exploring. This full day will end in the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, where you will be able to enjoy wonderful fresh fish and seafood for dinner, amongst other local dishes.

From San Vicente to Llanes, enjoy winding country roads along the coast, stopping to take a dip on one of the stunning beaches. The bustling coastal town of Llanes awaits you!

Today you will discover more wonderful sandy beaches and impressive cliffs. All with the backdrop of the Sueve mountains. Your day’s cycle ends in the small port town of Ribadesella with another stunning beach. Take time to soak in the breathtaking views full of hidden coves and coastal islands.

From Ribadesella to Villaviciosa, you will see many orchards, as this is the area where much of Asturias’ famous cider is produced. More beautiful beaches and estuaries full of bird life will take you to the quaint town of Villaviciosa.

Today, you reach your final destination: the small city of Gijon, which has emerged from its industrial past and has given itself a facelift with pedestrianised streets, parks, seafront walks, cultural attractions and a very lively food and drink scene.

Departure from Gijon or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

Arrival: Santander

Departure: Gijon

Nearest arrival airport(s): Santander or Bilbao

Nearest departure airport(s): Santander or Bilbao

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Santander by rail.

Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.

Route overview

Starting point: Santander

End point: Gijon

Total cycling distance: approx. 258 km

Cycling from Santander to Gijón offers an incredible journey along Spain’s stunning Green Coast, with varied terrain that takes riders through scenic landscapes, charming coastal towns, and historical villages. The route stretches across the regions of Cantabria and Asturias, providing a blend of coastal paths, rolling hills, and mountain views, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a mix of adventure and natural beauty.

BIKE HIRE OPTIONS

This cycling holiday benefits from high-quality bike hire options that have been carefully selected for the tour. Each well-maintained bike has modern V-brakes, aluminium wheels and puncture-proof tyres based around a branded frame. Dynamo lights, small panniers, a mobile phone holder, repair accessories, a handlebar bag and a comfortable saddle ensure that you have everything you need for an enjoyable cycle tour.

Standard Unisex Bike
Sizes: XS to XL

Standard Men’s Bike with crossbar
Sizes: XS to XL

Unisex Electric Bike
The electric bikes available on this tour assist up to 25 km/h whilst pedalling. The pedalec motor is in the bottom bracket of the frame and the detachable batteries last for approximately 120 km. Each bike has an illuminated LCD and 8-speed internal hub gears. Only limited numbers are available.
Sizes: S to XL

Route Map

What’s included

7 nights’ accommodation in 3* and rural hotels
7 breakfasts
Luggage transfers
Detailed maps with the trail marked
Itinerary description, full of recommendations for things to do and places to visit, advice and suggestions and information about your accommodation, etc
Emergency support
Activity insurance

Not included

Travel to/from the start and finish (Flights/Trains)
Evening meals (unless stated)
Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
Helmets (Please bring your own cycle helmet with you)
Water bottles
Travel insurance
Bike hire (Rental bike insurance included)
Bike insurance (unless stated)
Welcome meetings (unless stated)
Transfers (unless included)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £439 PER PERSON

Check Availability

2026/27 Self-Guided cycling holidays

All prices shown are per person, based on sharing a double or twin room, and exclude flights and bike hire.

Special Offer: £50 per person off all 2027 departure dates!

NEW FOR 2027

To make a booking, simply use the filter to select the day of the week on which the tour operates. You’ll then see all available tour dates and prices. No payment is taken at this stage.

For all bookings, we require a 20% deposit, with the final balance due 56 days before arrival. An invoice and online payment link will be generated once the tour has been confirmed.

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