8-day River Ebro to La Rioja Cycling Holiday

Travel to Campoo, in the Cantabrian Mountains. Settle into your accommodation and after testing your bikes you can explore the surroundings or take a short warm-up ride by the Ebro Reservoir.

Today you will cycle through open meadows and quiet forest tracks as the young Ebro begins to take shape. Ride past the impressive Ebro Reservoir and the Monastery of Montesclaros, surrounded by forests before descending gently into the Valle de Valderredible and the village of Polientes. Those on the short version follow the river direct to Polientes. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.

Challenge: 59 - 97 km / 38 - 61 mi

You start the day cycling through the wide, peaceful valley of Valderredible. Along the way, you can stop to admire the beautiful Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines and explore the remarkable rock-carved chapels that make this area so unique. As you continue, the valley narrows and the landscape rises around you, guiding you into a spectacular limestone canyon where eagles and vultures glide effortlessly overhead.

A short detour brings you to the storybook village of Orbaneja del Castillo, with its waterfalls cascading right through the streets. From here, you follow quiet roads past Pesquera de Ebro and continue on to your charming accommodation in the Valle de Zamanzas, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine nature.

Challenge: 43 km / 27 mi

You follow a beautiful route that traces a wide bend in the river, passing through some of the most picturesque and least-visited villages in the region. If you feel like adding a challenge, you can take an optional extension to Puentedey, a dramatic village perched on a natural stone bridge above the River Nela, a truly unforgettable sight. 

Your day ends in the Castilian town of Medina de Pomar, where narrow streets reveal an old Jewish quarter and an imposing castle rising above the town and the surrounding plains.

Challenge: 36 km / 23 mi. With Puentedey extension: 63 km / 39 mi

From Medina, you ride back towards the River Ebro, following a quiet country lane that runs gently parallel to the water as the valley opens out once more. Along the way, you can stop to visit the impressive Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada, beautifully set in the rural landscape.

Soon the terrain shifts again and you enter another scenic canyon, its cliffs guiding you towards the fertile plains surrounding Frías. Here you finish the day in one of Spain’s most striking villages, crowned by a dramatic hilltop castle with sweeping views over the Ebro Valley.

Challenge: 58 km / 36 mi

As you leave Frías, the valley narrows once again and leads you into another spectacular canyon. The road winds along the edge of a reservoir framed by steep mountain walls, taking you through a series of short tunnels carved directly into the rock — a memorable stretch of the ride.

You then roll into Miranda del Ebro, before the landscape shifts dramatically. Passing between towering peaks, you enter the vast, open valley of La Rioja, where vineyards begin to appear on the horizon.
Tonight you stay in the wine town of Haro, the perfect place to enjoy a well-earned glass of Rioja right where it’s produced.

Challenge: 62 km - 39 mi

You ride through an endless patchwork of vineyards, following quiet lanes that link together some of La Rioja’s most picturesque villages. The Sierra de Cantabria rises dramatically to one side, while the River Ebro stays close by, guiding your way through this classic wine-growing landscape.

Your journey ends in the superb walled medieval town of Laguardia, a place where wine is woven into daily life just as deeply as in Haro. It’s the perfect setting to celebrate the final day of your trip.

Challenge: 25 km / 15 mi. Extended route: 50 km / 31 mi

Your trip comes to an end today, after breakfast. Included transfer from Laguardia to Santander or Bilbao in the morning.