Overview
Cycling the Asturias Green Coast will take you through Spain’s north coast’s diverse sceneries, passing by tiny coves and charming coastal villages, from Cantabria into the Asturias. You will cycle along with the coastal ranges of El Cuera and El Sueve in the shadow of the impressive snowy peaks of the Picos de Europa. You will also have the chance to explore some sections of the Camino de Santiago; you will find ruins and Romanesque chapels along the way and be introduced to the local Asturian gastronomy at the cider capital of Villavicios. Extra nights can be booked to enjoy the beach in Gijón or visit the outstanding San Salvador Cathedral, a Gothic gem situated in nearby Oviedo.
- Pleasant cycling through España Verde (Green Spain)
- Views of Picos de Europa
- Choice of easier or more difficult routes, to suit your ability and preference
- Charming and comfortable accommodation in small villages
- Optional short detours to historical monuments along the way
- Delicious regional gastronomy
- Gijón
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Villanueva de Colombres
You arrive in the Asturias at your charming and stylish hotel built by wealthy emigrants returning from ‘Las Americas’ in 1908, in the typical neo-colonial style locally known as ‘Casona de Indiano’.
- Accommodation: La Quinta de Villanueva*** or similar
Day 2: Circular ride from Villanueva | 45km
You start your cycling tour with a lovely ride through rolling hills on the border between Cantabria and Asturias. You have the option of making a small detour to the beach of Pechón at the end of the day or to the Cueva del Pindal, with its prehistoric cave paintings, or the Romanesque ruins of Santa Tina Church.
- Accommodation: La Quinta de Villanueva*** or similar
- Cycling for the day: 45km, ↑↓440m
Day 3: Villanueva to Llanes | 25.5km
Today you take a quiet ride into the province of Asturias. First, you cross the ‘dark valley’ of la Borbolla, and then you cross over to the coastline, to follow the cycling route Senda de la Costa to Llanes. You will have good swimming possibilities today, biking along the lovely beaches and at the outdoor swimming pool at your hotel in the outskirts of Llanes. For dinner, you have some great options in the town centre.
- Accommodation: Hotel Finca La Mansión**** or similar
- Cycling for the day: 25.5km, ↑475m ↓325m
Day 4: Llanes to Nueva de Llanes | 24 – 28km
Today’s route takes you through rolling green hills to Nueva de Llanes, passing several beaches along the way. The first section takes you past the ethnographic museum in Porrúa and the beautifully-situated church at Niembro. From the market village of Posada, there are two different routes to choose from. The standard one follows a section of St James’ Way (Camino del Norte), via Naves and Villahormes. The alternative route goes further inland and involves a steep ascent via Rales. Both options end at your next accommodation, situated in Nueva de Llanes. From Nueva, you have the option of cycling an additional 4 km, from your hotel to the beach at Cuevas del Mar and back.
- Accommodation: Hotel Don Tomás** or similar
- Cycling for the day: 24 – 28km, ↑250 / 425m ↓220m
Day 5: Nueva to Colunga | 37km
Again you start the day with an ascent, up to Alto del Acebo Pass at 1030m (475m elevation gain). Then you descend into Fonsagrada. Optional detour to the beautiful villages of San Martin and Santa Eulalia de Oscos, famous for their traditional architecture in dark slate. Once you cycle into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentle rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. The accommodation is at a cosy hotel in the centre of the small mining town.
- Accommodation: Hotel Mar del Sueve*** or similar
- Cycling for the day: 37km, ↑330-400m ↓365m
Day 6: Colunga to Agüero via Villaviciosa and Tazones | 37km
Villaviciosa, with its inviting historical centre, was once an important stop for pilgrims going to Santiago. It is now the centre of cider production in Asturias. You cross the town and then cycle along a protected birding area via Tázones to Argüero. The village of Tazones is famous for its seafood restaurants.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rural La Figar in Agüero or similar
- Cycling for the day: 37km, ↑420m ↓390m
Day 7: Agüero to Gijón | 29km
Your last day of cycling is slightly shorter but starts with a good ascent. Climb up through the lush greenery of the Asturian countryside and then, from an elevation of 220 m, ride down into the city of Gijón, cycling along the beautiful San Lorenzo beach boardwalk all the way to your hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel Asturias**** or similar
- Cycling for the day: 29km, ↑240m ↓ 277m
Day 8: Departure
Your tour ends today after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in double or twin private en-suite rooms, in nice, comfortable hotels, located close to the cycle paths. All overnights places offer a warm welcome to visitors, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality.
Click to view default hotels
- La Quinta de Villanueva***
- Hotel Finca La Mansión****
- Hotel Don Tomás**
- Hotel Mar del Sueve***
- Hotel Rural La Figar
- Hotel Asturias****
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available on the route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. As for the evening meals, you can dine either at the accommodation for the day or at some of the local restaurants, you can count that your host will give you the best options.
Difficulty and terrain
The trip includes cycling distances of up to 45km per day, mostly on flat country roads with a few moderate climbs. To enjoy the tour, it is recommended that you have some previous experience and are in good physical shape (read more about difficulty grades). You can also rent an e-bike, which makes the trip accessible practically to everybody. The routes are well marked, and the itinerary is easy to follow. We will also provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of April till the end of September. The best months to visit are April – June and September as in the summer months it may become too hot (and crowded). The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Oviedo OVD, (also known as Asturias Airport), Santander SDR and Bilbao BIO. You can also arrive into Santander or Bilbao by ferry from the UK or to Bilbao from Ireland with Brittany Ferries.
By train or bus
Arrival in Villanueva de Colombres
- If you fly to Asturias airport (OVI) there is an easy shuttle connection to the city centre bus station, then take a bus to Unquera (check timetables at www.alsa.es) and then take a taxi to Villanueva de Colombres.
- If you fly to other airports (Santander-SDR or Bilbao-BIO) you can catch a direct bus to Unquera from Santander or Bilbao city centre. Once in Unquera, you continue by taxi to Villanueva de Colombres (4km). You can also arrive into Santander or Bilbao by ferry from the UK or to Bilbao from Ireland with Brittany Ferries.
- It is recommendable to book your bus tickets and taxi transfer in advance, especially if you’re travelling in summer or at weekends. Bus tickets can be purchased in advance on the ALSA website (www.alsa.es) or through us, upon request.
Departure from Gijón
- From Gijón, there are easy bus connections to all 3 airports (Asturias-OVD, Santander and Bilbao). Check www.alsa.es or the Omio planner above. You can also book your bus tickets through us, upon request.
- We can also arrange private transfers to/from the different airports at the beginning/ end of the tour.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in private ensuite rooms as detailed in the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transport on all cycling days (1 piece up to 20kg per person)
- Detailed maps and route descriptions in English
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided on site.
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Flights and airport transfers
- Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- Single room supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; as costs are not shared, there is a solo traveller supplement to the standard price (we never mix and match and solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Hybrid or e-bike rental (upon request)
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
- Bus tickets or private airport transfers can be booked at an extra cost
Bike rental
We offer trekking bikes with front suspension (100mm travel) and 21-24 gears, as well as e-bikes, perfectly suitable for the daily routes. Please note that a solo traveller rental supplement is applicable, in case you are not part of a group.
- Each rental package includes a repair kit, pump and lock
- Depending on the type of bicycle you can add (for free, but on request): map holder, one front pannier or one rear pannier
- Helmet available (on request), free for children
Sample bike models: Cube Touring, MMR KUMA 29, Kalkhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez
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