Spain is a country known for its beaches, its culture and its food. Many who visit this country head to the beaches and the bars, and others explore the mountains and the rustic towns that pepper the regions of Castille. The northern provinces offer cliffs with views of the sea, gorges and green valleys.
There are many bicycle routes around this part of the country. The route across the Picos de Europa mountain range is one of the most popular routes, known for its views of these mountains, which are located kilometers away from the Bay of Biscay.
Santander
Its starting point is the aristocratic town of Santander, where mansions and palaces have views towards the promenade and the Magdalena Peninsula, on the edge of Santander Bay. Nearer the Bay of Biscay coast the beaches are rugged, with many cliffs. Visitors will be able to surf and practice many water sports.
The Picos de Europa route has several roads the lead through these mountains. There are many small towns and cities where cyclists can rest. This route is known for its views, with many hills, mountains and rivers. In some parts local animals can be seen, including bears, eagles and vultures.
Way of St. James
The route from Santander to Unquera is part of the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Some of the main attractions on the route include visits to small towns.
Santillana del Mar is an historical old town on this route, located near the Altamira caves, some of the oldest caves in the region known for their cave paintings. The town has cobbled streets, stone houses decorated with flowers and many artisan shops. Slightly off the route is the coastal town of Comillas, perched on a cliff with views towards the ocean. Anonio Gaudi’s El Capricho is located in the center of the town. Another nearby town is San Vicente de Barquera, a medieval town with views towards the estuary. This historic town is known for its old bridge and the castle. The town’s church is visited for its wooden floors, which were made from coffins.
The Picos de Europa
There is a road from Unquera until the town of Potes, a small medieval town, that is located on the edge of the Sierra de Cuera mountains, filled with eucalyptus. From here cyclists can climb up the valley and enjoy the sights of the Hermida gorge. After this pass, in the province of León, visitors will find the Posada de Valdeón, a small mountain town with views towards the Picos de Europa. Nearby towns include small Santa Marina, Caldevilla, Prada, Los Llanos, Cordiñanes y Caín. Soto de Valdeón is a village with traditional architecture where visitors can see the horreones, ancient barns that are a typical sight in the northern provinces of the country. Near Caín, a traditional northern village with stone houses, there is a path that leads to the Cares Gorge.
From Posada de Valdeón there is a small climb to the Puerto de Panderruedas and the Puerto el Pontón, after which there is a long descent of more than thirty kilometres. Some of the main landmarks include the Beyos Gorge with its rock formations and Cangas, a large town with a campsite and views towards the western edge of the Picos de Europa.