Costa Verde & the Picos Self-Guided

Arrive into the architecturally rich seaside village of Santillana del Mar, where we will arrange to meet you and get you fitted out with your bikes at a time of your suiting. Transfers to Santillana can be arranged from Santander and Bilbao Airports on request.

Santillana-Cabuérniga (34km core route)- Ride along the River Saja from the estuary close to Santillana inland, through rich green forest, up to the beautiful rural Valle de Cabuérniga.

Cabuérniga-Potes (63km)- A beautiful ride through the remote hills and valleys of Cantabria to the dramatic gorge of La Hermida and the village of Potes in the heart of the Picos de Europa. A reasonably challenging ride is well worth it for the views and scenery it proffers, with some dramatic climbs and descents.

Potes Loop ride- we have plenty of options for you today, on your two night stopover. There is plenty to do in and around Potes. A popular option is the ride out to Fuente De, where you can take the memorable cable car ride up to the top of mountain range, before hiking down and riding back into Potes. We also have longer ride options for those who feel lost out of the saddle!

Potes- Arenas de Cabrales (50km core route)- From Potes we ride along the gorge of the River Deva and then along the gorge of the River Cares to Arenas de Cabrales, staddling the borders of the Cantabria and Asturias regions. There are plenty of quaint small villages on route, where you can grab a coffee or sample some of the famous local cuisine.

Arenas de Cabrales-Cangas de Onis (31km core)- From Arenas de Cabrales we ride around the periphery of the Picos de Europa with a possible side trip climbing to the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of the Lagos de Covadonga. Cangas de Onis was the first capital of the kingdom of Asturias. The much-photographed ivy-clad bridge, although called” Roman”, is actually medieval. The Capilla de Santa Cruz, where kings once worshipped, is built over a dolmen.

Cangas de Onis-Llanes (48km)- We ride through beautiful rural scenery towards the rugged coastline and the fishing village of Llanes. Llanes has a medieval quarter with buildings ranging from the 13th to 15th centuries. The town’s Sablon beach is especially attractive.

Llanes- San Vicente de la Barquera (47km)- Another combination of valleys and coastline takes us to the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera surrounded by estuaries. A major port existed on the site of San Vicente de la Barquera in Roman times. Granted numerous privileges in 1210 which accelerated economic development, the town became an important stopover for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. San Vicente has a rich artistic legacy including the Iglesia de Santa Maria de los Angeles and the monastery of El Santuario de la Barquera. Close to the town are several broad picturesque beaches.

San Vicente Loop ride (various)- We have a range of rides available today, both coastal and inland, and of varying distances and degrees of difficulty. You may at this stage of your trip fancy a day off the saddle, with plenty to explore in the town and the surrounding area, including some of the region's finest beaches.

San Vicente- Santillana del Mar (32km core)- Most of the days ride hugs the glorious, imposing coastline. The ride ride takes us to Santillana del Mar with the opportunity to visit the fine village of Comillas, which is home to Gaudí’s El Capricho. Gaudi spend a lot of time in Comillas, and the towns hosts his only buildings outside Catalonia. We will meet you back in Santillana to collect your bikes and wish you a safe onward journey.