Asturias cycling trip
Asturias cycling trip
Start: Villanueva de Colombres Mål: Gijón
Dag 1: Arrival in Villanueva de Colombres
Dag 2: Circular route from Villanueva (45 km)
Dag 3: Villanueva to Llanes (25,5 km)
Dag 4: LLanes to Nueva de Llanes (24 - 27 km)
Dag 5: Nueva to Colunga (37 km)
Dag 6: Colunga to Agüero via Villaviciosa and Tazones (37 km)
Dag 7: Agüero to Gijón (29 km)
Dag 8: Adiós Gijón
Green fields, cool woods and lovely coves
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Pleasant cycling through the gorgeous landscapes of España Verde (Green Spain)
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Green fields, cool woods and lovely coves: views to both the mountains and the sea
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Choice of easier or more difficult routes, to suit your ability and preference
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Charming and comfortable accommodations in small, peaceful villages
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Short detours to historical monuments along the way
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Traditional local architecture: village houses, stables, wooden grain barns, stone walls, etc.
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Delicious regional gastronomy, including hearty stews, free-range chicken and beef, natural apple cider and an amazing variety of locally-produced artisan cheeses
Spain’s green north coast makes the perfect setting for an easy cycling holiday. Over hills and almost flat country roads you cycle past the coast ranges of El Cuera and El Sueve in the shadow of the impressive snowy peaks of the Picos de Europa. Passing tiny coves and charming coastal villages, you ride from Cantabria into Asturias. Some of your routes follow sections of the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago de Compostela (Saint James’ Way) so you will find ruins and Romanesque chapels along the way. The cider-making capital of Villaviciosa makes a good introduction to Asturian gastronomy before sending you off to the friendly city of Gijon where good fish restaurants await you. Extra nights can be booked to enjoy the beach in Gijon or to visit the outstanding San Salvador Cathedral, Gothic gem situated in nearby Oviedo.
Dag y
Arrival in Villanueva de Colombres
Today you arrive in Asturia and Villanueva de Combres. Here you find charming hotels. If you’re interested in the history of (re)migration in Asturias, you can visit the Museum in the Quinta de Guadalupe in Colombres.
Challenge: Arrival on the Green Coast of Spain.
Villages along the way: Villanueva de Colombres
Day 2
Circular route from Villanueva (45 km)
You start off the cycling tour with a lovely ride of 41km (375m in ascent) through rolling hills on the border between Cantabria and Asturias. 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.
Challenge: 45 km, 440 m ascent/ descent.
Villages along the way: Merodio, Muñorrodero, Pechón, Pesués, Vilde
Day 3
From Villanueva to Llanes (25,5 km)
Today you take a quiet ride further into the province of Asturias. First you cross the ‘dark valley’ of la Borbolla and then you cross over to the coast line, in order to follow the cycling route “Senda de la Costa” to Llanes. Lovely beaches along the way and an outdoor swimming pool at your hotel in the outskirts of Llanes. For dinner you have very good options in the town centre.
Challenge: 25,5 km, 325 m ascent, 140 m descent.
Villages along the way: Colombres, Pimiango, La Borbolla, Andrín, Cué
Day 4
From LLanes to Nueva de Llanes (24 - 27 km)
Choose between a tough ascent of 650m (37km) to enjoy lovely views from the Sierra del Cuera or a gentler ride through rolling green hills of 27km (440m in ascent, including one ascent of 175m and several short ones; but even this 175m ascent can be avoided by taking the main road). Along the way there are several spots where you can stop to go for a paddle in the sea but you also cycle to the Cuevas del mar beach after you’ve arrived at the hotel (4km extra).
Challenge: 24-27 km, 250 m ascent and 150 m descent OR 425 m ascent and 225 m descent.
Villages along the way: Posada, Rales
Day 5
From Nueva to Colunga (37 km)
Today you continue along the coast. Your route is also part of the Camino de Santiago del Norte (Northern Variant of Saint James’ Way) and painted shells in blue and yellow will guide you. In Colunga there is still time to visit the Jurassic Museum before dinner (but in order to get there, you have to cycle and climb a few km extra.
Challenge: 37 km, 330-400 m ascent , 225 m descent.
Villages along the way: Caravia, Colunga
Day 6
From Colunga to Agüero via Villaviciosa and Tazones (37 km)
Villaviciosa, with its inviting historical centre, was once an important stop for pilgrims going to Santiago. It is now the centre for cider-making in Asturias. Your cross this town and then cycle along the estuary protected birding area; ZEPA) via Tázones to Argüero (36km, 420m in ascent). The village of Tazones. This village is famous for its sea food restaurants and because of the accidental anchoring of Emperor Carlos the 5th fleet in 1517
Challenge: 37 km, 420m ascent, 180m descent.
Villages along the way: Priesca, Villaviciosa, Tazones
Day 7
From Agüero to Gijón (29 km)
Your last day of cycling is slightly shorter but starts off with a good ascent. Climb up through the lush greenery of the Asturian countryside and then, from an elevation of 220m, sail down into the city of Gijon, riding along the beautiful San Lorenzo Beach boardwalk all the way to your hotel.
Challenge: 29 km, 240 m ascent, 280 m descent.
Villages along the way: Arroes, Peón, Somio
Day 8
Adiós Gijón!
Your arrangement ends today after breakfast.
Practical information
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and October.
The nearest airports are Oviedo (OVD), also known as Asturias airport), Santander (SDR) and Bilbao (BIO).
Arrival in Villanueva de Colombres
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If you fly to Asturias airport (OVI) there are easy shuttle connection to 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.
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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).
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It is wise 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)
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Departure from Gijón
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From Gijón there are easy bus connections to all 3 airports (Asturias-OVD, Santander and Bilbao). Check www.alsa.es.
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S-Cape Travel can also arrange private transfers to/from the different airports at the beginning/ end of the tour.
All properties are carefully selected with a view to location, atmosphere and/or unique facilities. All rooms have a private bathroom. You can always book in advance for extra nights at one of the accommodations along the way.
Bike rental upon request, hybrid bikes, Mountain bikes, E-bikes
GPS tracks are available on request.
Price includes:
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Accommodation in double/twin rooms with en suite bathing facilities
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7 Breakfasts
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2 Dinners (day 1 and 6)
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Luggage transport according to program
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Detailed route description and maps
Not included:
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Transport to first and from last accommodation
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Lunches
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5 dinners
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Bicycle rentals and helmets
Optional:
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Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station or any other transfer
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Extra nights
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Single room