4-day Camino del Norte Cycling Holiday

Today you pick up your hire bike in Nueva de Llanes then cycle to your first accommodation. A long but gentle route today with no tough ascents, just a few hills (60 m to 90 m) halfway through the route. You follow the pilgrimage route along the coastline and do one section through the foothills of the Sueve range. You can stop off to visit the interesting cave art at Cueva Tito Bustillo, the fossilized dinosaur tracks on the beach between Ribadesella and Colunga, or the karstic formations on the cliffs near Guadamía (blowholes!), at the protected nature area called Castru Arenas.

Challenge: 37 km / 23 mi, 400 m ascent, 365 m descent.

Villages on the way: Nueva, Ribadesella, Colunga

Today you start off with a lovely section, which is shorter but also steeper than yesterday’s ascents. Once again, the route follows the Camino de Santiago, passing the “Sierra del Sueve” to reach Villaviciosa, capital of cider-production in Asturias. In the town centre, there are some interesting buildings dating back to times when many pilgrims walked the Santiago Trail following the ‘Camino del Norte’, or northern route. From Villaviciosa you follow the estuary through a protected area (especially interesting for birdwatchers). Finally, you ascend via the picturesque port of Tazones to the plateau at Argüero.

Challenge: 37 km / 23 mi, 420 m ascent, 390 m descent.

Villages on the way: Villaviciosa, Tazones, Argüero

Your last day of cycling is not too long (in terms of kilometres) but do remember that halfway through the route, a tough ascent (of 210 m) awaits. You cycle along a narrow winding road (the only way to avoid heavy traffic), then ‘sail down’ into the city of Gijón and ride along the boardwalk past San Lorenzo beach, to reach your hotel. In the afternoon, you can take a short bus or train ride to the regional capital of Oviedo, some 30 km inland, which has a very interesting Gothic cathedral and three of the most important pre-Romanesque monuments, which figure on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

If you have parked your car in Nueva on the first day, a transfer (1 person + bikes) is included today at 3 pm from Gijón to Nueva to pick-up the car and return to Gijón. 

Challenge: 29 km / 18 mi, 240 m ascent, 280 m descent.

Villages on the way: Gijón

Your cycling programme comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Departure from Gijón.