The Coastal Camino

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Home | Bike Tours | Spain | Coastal Camino

Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela

8 days / 7 nights – Fully Guided & Supported

5 Luxury Paradors & Quality Inns

From

€ 2,975

Camino’s Best Bike Tour!

Cycle Spain’s most famous Bike route, the Ancient Camino de Santiago (Way of St James). This Coastal Camino Bike trip takes you along the green, northern Cantabrian shoreline of Spain and ventures into Europe’s prettiest mountain range of the Picos de Europa before sampling the Celtic flavours of Austrias and her cider! From the Guggenheim museum to the cathedral in Santiago, an incredible adventure awaits!

On our Camino Bike Tour, we travel the road less travelled and bike the ancient Northern way of the Romans across northern Spain’s coast and devout pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy the myths and stories of the Basque Country, Cantabria, the Picos, Asturias and Galicia, our companions on this fascinating Spanish bike journey.

You will be praying the trip won’t end!

 

Dates

25 May 2024 | 12 Jun 2024 | 23 Jun 2024 | 9 Jul 2024 | 23 Jul 2024

%

Riding Level

Moderate

60KM Daily Average

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Cycle the Northern Camino, a UNESCO heritage route and visit famous Cathedral Beach
  • Arrive and enjoy celebrated Santiago de Compostela
  • Journey by Cable Car up the Picos de Europa Mountains!
  • Stay in the Picos de Europa for 2 nights to bike the gorges and hike the rocky heights
  • Visit on a guided tour, the Cathedral of St. James, 1,000 years of pilgrimage and the historical centre of Santiago
  • An Epic journey through 4 unique provinces, with local customs; savour Asturiano cider, Galician seafood & Cantabrian dishes

CC ADVANTAGE

Personally interested in the history, landscape and your enjoyment of the Camino!

Years of experience our local guides have of the area which we all love

Bring home your stamped Pilgrim passport and Camino Certificate!

Sleep in luxury Romanesque monasteries, Paradors & historical mansions

Cycling The Northern Camino​Thank you so much for making our Cycling holiday so happy and enjoyable. We wish you all the best and are sure that your company will go from strength to strength with all the hard work that you put in.
Claire and Madeleine

Stroud, U.K.

Route Map
itinerary
Day 1. Bilbao to Santillana del Mar via Castro Urdiales

Cycling the Camino de Santiago, visit Santillana

Ride : 38km |Elevation Gain : 400 m Or 58 km / 560 m ascent

Meet in Bilbao and take a short transfer out to the ancient Coastal town of Castro Urdiales. Cycle along the coast, sometimes kind, sometimes cruel as these mariners of this area know! Stop off for lunch to enjoy this area’s specialities of fresh sardines and anchovies cooked over a spit, a great way to appreciate the hard work of the fishing communities. The Destination is a hideaway, with an array of medieval monument buildings, as if you’ve stepped back 500 years. Our hotel tonight is a highlight situated right in the midst of this beautiful village.

Road Cycling Tours North Spain Bilbao

Option: We recommend you arrive the day before to explore Bilbao a wonderful city of culture, and home to the wonderful silvery Frank Gehry creation of the Guggenheim Modern Art Museum.


Day 2. Santillana to Fuente Dé, the Picos de Europa

Cycling the Camino de Santiago, bike the Picos de EuropaRide : Up to 75 km | Elevation Gain :  850 m 

Head out of Santillana and start the ride touching the coast, passing Comillas, to visit a famous Gaudi designed home! Today’s route takes in the Picos, often voted as one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. Pedal from the coast after visiting the pretty seaside village of San Vicente de la Barquera and up an awesome gorge to the mountain village of Potes, and on to Fuente Dé, underneath the mountains, our base for the next 2 evenings.  The Parador hotel here is a lovely spot underneath the rocky cliffs of this National Park with its wild diversity.

 

 

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Day 3. Fuente Dé, the Picos de Europa
Cycling the Camino de Santiago, Road Cycling in the Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa

Rest or Hike Day – 8 km 

A rest day in the mountain lair, where you have the option to visit via cable car, the Col of Fuente De (a gentler ascent than cycling!). Eagles soar here and we really hope for clear skies, the views are stupendous! Enjoy a mountain walk with views of the amazing peaks, stopping for lunch in a rural lodge. From this picturesque high, head down to our mountain retreat hotel or indeed stay ensconced all day in our comfortable hotel. A micro-climate, it grows its own grapes and they pack a punch in the potent grape brandy, orujo, distilled in town. Also worth trying are other “safer” treats like fine cheeses, honey and regional favourites like “cocido lebaniego” (mountain stew). You will be converted to highland living.


Day 4. Potes to Cangas de Onís

Cycling the Camino de Santiago, road cycling in the North of SpainRide : Up to 93 km | Elevation Gain : 850 m 

Pedal down the smooth hairpins of the San Glorio pass from a height of 1206 metres. The mountain scenery is breath taking. The roads today are some of the most beautiful in Spain. Cangas is a lively place in Asturias and is famous for its cider, poured over the head into your small glass! Destination: It is also a highlight Parador hotel on this tour being a historical monument which dates back many hundreds of years. The Romanesque stone building dating from the 12th century is the former San Pedro de Villanueva Monastery and is surrounded by mountains and forests. A fascinating slice of history, heavenly dreams await you!

 


Day 5. Cangas de Onís to Ribadeo

Cycling the Camino de Santiago, road cycling to Cathedral Beach

Ride : 53 km | Elevation Gain : 950 m 

We cycle out in this picture postcard perfect landscape with the high Picos mountains all around us. Take care to avoid the free roaming cows! After lunch we take a longer van transfer (1 1/2 hours) to the Destination town of Ribadeo in Galicia and have a free night to enjoy this remarkable seaside place on the Camino. Ribadeo boasts of being close to what is considered one of Spain´s most beautiful beaches – Cathedral beach, a natural Monument which we will visit. Our Parador hotel tonight has a flare of real Galician charm, and the fresh air here will ensure a good night’s rest for tomorrow’s ride.

 


Day 6. Ribadeo to Arzúa  

Cycling the Camino de Santiago, road cycling in the North of Spain

Ride : 56 km | Elevation Gain :  630 m

This is rolling countryside of farm pastures of the Terra Chá region and around Arzuá, of Galicia. A beautiful ride, we make our way through these roads well trodden by pilgrims on the Camino for centuries. You will see the tell tale signs of those walking the Camino, with backpack and staff and the distinctive Seashell marking the ways. Our pretty rustic stone hotel was built in the 18th century and has been restored with joy, keeping a traditional feel to it with lovely gardens. The quaint stone walled courtyard, birdsong and it’s ambience will wish you had more time to spend here!  Relax before a group dinner and pickup a glass of wine!

 


Day 7. To Santiago de Compostela

]Cycling the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

Ride : 40 km | Elevation Gain : 610 m 

We head in one direction…to the cathedral with a few interesting stops along the way including a Camino refuge and monastery which has been left in time. It is an exciting end, travelling with other pilgrims making our way to the heart of this venerable city. Celebrate and gaze in awe at our final destination for all pilgrims, the Gothic cathedral of Santiago. A short walk away is our 18th century hotel, facing the famous market, the “Mercado de Abastos”. In the large stone city of Santiago, it is an oasis of calm with a small tranquil garden setting where we will enjoy our farewell meal after our privately guided walking tour of the city and Cathedral.


Day 8. Onwards from Santiago de Compostela

Onward Travels

]Cycling the Camino, Santiago de CompostelaAfter an early breakfast, we say “adios” to each other and catch our onward connections. If staying, the cathedral has a pilgrim mass everyday at noon which is fascinating to see. You may feel after visiting the place and its dynamic feel, you will want to do it all over again!  *There is an airport in Santiago and we offer a morning transfer at 10:00/10:30 am.  

 

 

Trip details
Cycling in Spain's North - Stone Homes

Leisure Tour – Guided

Route – Bilbao / Santiago

Terrain – very rolling, some longer climbs – Quieter roads, busier nearing Santiago

Group Size – 6+

Riding Level

Open to all levels – there will be van transfers along the route enabling cyclists to cycle as little or as much as they want (Daily min average of 25 km to max of 85 km). Quiet country roads. Rolling countryside with some steeper climbs (van transfer if required for beginners). The route is often coastal, and generally hilly and undulating so be prepared!

Accommodation

Beautiful rustic Inns and 4 star Parador hotels, Modern & Historic buildings (see Lodgings below)

All bedrooms are private en-suite

Food

All 8 Breakfasts
2 picnic lunches
4 dinners at the selected accommodation and fine restaurants (3 courses) including wine/beer/soft drinks
Healthy snacks and muesli each day

Also Included
  • Cable Car ride into the Picos de Europa
  • Private and guided city walking tour of Santiago
  • Entrance and guide to Santiago’s cathedral
  • 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier
  • Complimentary Cycling Country Spain cycling jersey, Bottle, Tee & Tags
  • Tour guide book of your route, its history & culture
  • Daily Route notes and maps
  • Experienced cycling guides and SAG van which follows route
  • 5% off your next tour with us
Extras Not included

Extra nights at beginning and end of tour

Bikes

Included is a 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier. If you wish to upgrade there are options to change to a lightweight Trek Carbon road bike with 105 compact crankset €185 or EBike €275

*Please note if planning to bring your own bike, there is a 125€ bike box charge

Staff

2 leaders with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guides, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance. Generally 1 leader cycles with the group. The van support accompanies the group all the way.

Getting Here

There are various access points for arriving in Bilbao and departing Santiago de Compostela including air and train connections.

Lodgings
 

Cycling North Spain Cangas De OnisYour holiday sleeping time is the most important thing, who wants a cranky cyclist?? We also know that the rat race that exists outside Spain, means catch up time on those slumber hours are even more desired. So we want you to get some good solid ZZZZZZs.

Our Coastal Camino tour is no exception and we have picked our accommodation carefully. The hotels chosen for this trip are in keeping with the historical theme. Many are historical monuments or reflect the unique heritage and tradition of this special area of Spain. We have a selection of Monument hotels on this tour (former Convents, Palaces, Castles, Monasteries, Paradors), Highlight Hotels (modern 4 or 5 star hotels) and Boutique spots (smaller, family run places which are charming).

Romenesque Bike Tour hotel in Cangas de OnisThis is an enchanting luxury Parador with such a lot of history.Cangas de Onís, is set in a lovely green garden area with the sounds of the river close by. Simply heaven
Bike Tour Historic Hotel on the CaminoSuch a charming hotel explore its tranquil Romanesque Chapel and Archaeological remains within the hotel.
Mountain hotel On Bike TourStay in the middle of the Picos de Europa, classy, elegant & oh my gosh, what a lot of fresh air! Parador Fuente Dé is a hotel, you won’t forget soon with its mountain peak backdrop
Mountain Picos de Europa hotelA charming hotel full of history, legends and charm, you will love the natural atmosphere of this spot on your Spanish Camino.
Fresh River air on your Coastal Camino Bike Tour HotelBoasting an ideal location on the River, this lovely Parador gives a great view from all directions on your Camino bike trip.
Camino Cycle Tour Hotel in Santiago de CompostelaA beautiful stay in the end of the Camino, Santiago, where you are central to all sights in this traditional historic town in Santiago de Compostela.
Beautiful Hotel on the Coastal camino bike TourWithin this enchanting medieval town, this Parador will not disappoint. So much history around, you won’t believe it.
Road Bike Tour visiting medieval Santillana del Mar Spilling old world charm, this Parador hotel fits in wonderfully in Santillana del Mar.
Reviews

“Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour 2023!”
I wanted to let you know how much our group from Atlanta LOVED the Cycling Country tour. Everything about it was perfect. The hotels, the food, the cycling, the scenery, the downhills…..ALL of it. More importantly, the CC Team of Geoff, Dean, Santiago and Jose’ were top notch and way more than we could have hoped for!! Their ‘nothing is too big an ask’ attitudes and each guy’s willingness to go the extra mile was absolutely astonishing and appreciated. Every day they surprised us with a great route, a treat on or off the bike, and making sure we ALL were OK and well taken care of.

I would be remiss if I didn’t praise Jose’ with his wonderful and generous help in assisting with our friend Nancy and her injury/hospital fiasco. If he had not come with she and I to the hospital when her injury occurred and helped with translation, I don’t know WHAT we would have done. His assistance and time he spent with us was beyond his ‘duties and job’. So very much appreciated!!

I know Peter is talking with you and Geoff about a Portugal trip next year – I’m sure it will be as wonderful as Spain. I cannot imagine having a better time, but I KNOW your team will make sure that we do!

Please share with the guys how much I appreciate all the details they attended to and how much our group LOVED them and the tour!

Look forward to Portugal in ’24.

M. McDaniel – Georgia, USA – Sept 2023

“Camino Bike Ride”
I can’t give enough stars for the expertise and experience of our team. The entire staff was beyond compare. The routes and experiences through the northern Spain region were unforgettable. If you ever need to find a great company to lead your trip, this is the one for any cyclist.
D. Maund -North Carolina, USA – Sept 2023

“Cycling Northern Spain & Galicia”
I cannot say enough good things about this company from initial bike set up to ensuring we took in local historic sites, they were attentive in all aspects. I plan to use them again for another tour of Spain or Portugal. I highly recommend this company.
N. Bowers -Georgia, USA – Sept 2023

“Originally I was thinking of walking part of the Camino but when my search brought up ‘Coastal Camino by bike’ I was excited at the prospect of cycling in Spain, and I had Cycling Country on my radar 10years ago thinking about the Vuelta. At 76, now a weekend cyclist, and four years since my last cycle tour, I knew it would be a challenge, but I couldn’t resist so I contacted Maggi who assured me that it would be fun and very doable with a pedal-assist e-bike: furthermore, a helmet would be waiting for me.

Following the route, supplied by CC, on the ‘Ride with GPS’ app was very reassuring and allowed us to ride at our own pace, stop for photos and enjoy the scenery and the descents! Wow! I used the handlebar bag on the e-bike to hold my power pack so was able to maintain a cable connection to my phone, mounted in the holder supplied by CC, and thus avoid a flat battery during the day.

The pre-tour information was comprehensive and accurate, e.g., moderate to very hilly, quality accommodation. The itinerary, I thought, was well designed for a leisure trip, with the van support available for the unforeseen, van transfers avoiding busy roads and a cable car to lunch on the rest day.

Our guides, Javier and Miguel, were obliging, attentive and entertaining and ensured the tour ran smoothly and on time. They introduced us to Spanish culture in general while highlighting the history and uniqueness of the North.
For me this tour was perfect, just the right mix of organization, independence, challenge, adventure, excitement, fun and education in a bubble of comfort and security.
Wish Spain wasn’t so far away
R. Ryan – Queensland, Australia – July 2023

“Cycling Country Excelente!
The routes were excellent, well thought out and very scenic. San Gloria to Cangas was absolutely among the best rides ever! Geoff and Miguel were great, always open to our questions and needs. Well organized in every detail. The accommodations excellent, the side trips interesting.
A great tour.
T. Graim – Colorado, USA – June 2023

“Cycling Country Rocks!
We had an amazing life experience with Cycling Country! Geoff and Miguel were wonderful hosts and guides. The ride through the mountains of Northern Spain was spectacular, and at the end of each day, we spent the night relaxing in cozy hotels. Reaching Santiago, our final destination, was truly a gift! Our small group became friends and fellow travelers. I highly recommend Cycling Country for your next biking adventure!
B. Smith – Conneticut, USA – June 2023

“Camino de Divertido
The beautiful scenery of Northern Spain was awe inspiring every day!
The Picos de Europa were stunning, and the ride through the gorge was unforgettable and will remain on my list of all time best days of my life!
B. Reininger – Washington, USA – May 2023

“Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour”
WOW! WOW! Cycling the Camino with Cycling Country was the best vacation I have had in my 79 years. Maggi and Jeff know how to find the best routes, the best lodging, the best food, and some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Thank you, Jeff and Maggi! May the winds always be gentle and always at your back. Blessings

M. O’Donnell – Oregon, USA – Oct 2022

“Camino Cycling”
Just returned from a tour with Cycling Country with a guided tour to Santiago. Unbelievable the level of detail, quality of service and positive experience that Geoff, Maggie and team provided. Their organization is top-down run with precision, care, and experience. When my Dad who used them 10 years ago for a Portugal tour told me they were the best at what they do I brushed it off but having gone on the tour with them – he wasn’t kidding. World Class run tour – thank you so much Geoff, Maggie, and team for making this such a memorable trip.
J. O’Donnell – Oregon, USA – Oct 2022

“Camino Bike Trip”
Cycling the Coastal Camino route was an incredible experience! The route is well-thought out and full of unique and interesting experiences that show the best Northern Spain has to offer. I can’t say enough about the attentiveness of the staff to the unique needs of each rider. You will not regret availing yourself of this experience!.
Lara Mc. – California, USA – June 2022

“Cycling the Camino
This was our second trip with Cycling Country. We rode in Andalucia in fall, 2018 and came back to do the Coastal Camino ride from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostella. I didn’t think they could top Andalucia, but this ride was even better. Spectacular scenery, excellent accommodations, first class equipment, and great support from our guides, Javi and Dani.
Ross & Jess M. – California, USA – June-July 2019

“Hi Maggi,
Thank you so much for organizing a lovely trip!
Balbino, Javi and Dani were fabulous and took very good care of us. We didn’t want for anything the entire time.
The e-bike was an adjustment for me and I prefer a road bike to the heavy and upright position of the ebike
but it allowed me to ride and feel safe and I honestly don’t think I would have been able to climb some of those hills on a regular bike with the shape I was in
so yes I would definitely recommend it to someone else in a similar position.
While I believe the e-bike has a way to go before I would ever consider owning one, it definitely had its purpose on this trip!
I have had several people ask about your company since I have been back and I hope I can bring your more business in the future with all my high praise and recommendations!
Regards,”
H. Shewmake – Texas, USA – July 2018

“Dear Maggi
Andy and I both enjoyed our second ride with Cycling Country in Spain. It was good to meet up with Javi and his wonderful sock collection again. Javi, Dani and Balbino worked really hard to ensure that we all had the best time. They are all three conscientious, attentive, cheerful and knowledgeable, even when they put in very long days.…..
With best wishes to you all at Cycling Country!”
M. & A. Howard – NSW, Australia – Camino July 2018

“Simply the BEST
This was our third tour with Cycling Country. Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain left from near Bilbao and ended 8 days later in Santiago de Compostela. Amazing cycling, wonderful lodging, and the best guides on earth. You simply feel like family and every day is special. The route was superb, the food in Spain is wonderful, and even the bikes were just perfect. Geoff, Maggi, and Javi go above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels comfortable regardless of what the day brings whether it is long climbs, inclement weather, or whatever. We look forward to our fourth trip with this wonderful cycling company. Previous to this we did Lisbon, Portugal to the Spanish border, and prior to that, a fantastic trip across Andalusia.”
S. & R. Maislin – MA, USA – Camino June 2017

“The photos you sent out gave us great comprehensive coverage of our magic moments of the Camino tour.
I hope your other tours are going as well as ours did.
I look forward to keeping in touch and Looking into your other tours for next year.
Cheers.”
P. Crossman – South Australia – Camino July 2016

“Thank you so much for making our Cycling holiday so happy and enjoyable. We wish you all the best and are sure that your company will go from strength to strength with all the hard work that you put in.”
Claire and Madeleine – UK

Testimonials from previous cyclists are always available and we enjoy receiving the feedback after tours. It helps us improve our services and offer you an even better experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a reference to talk to. Others have also posted reviews on the independent travel website .

DATES & RATES

COASTAL CAMINO

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

From € 2,975

SINGLE SUPP. € 435

CLICK YOUR DATE ABOVE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Discounts for 4+ booking together

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