10-Day Cantabria & Asturias Tour Packages

4.5 stars on(8,198 reviews)

Choose from 8 Cantabria & Asturias tours
100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
24/7 customer support

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Cantabria & Asturias itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCantabria & Asturias travel expert at TourRadar

8 Day Northern Spain Itinerary, incl. Picos de Europa and Las Arenas
From Las Arenas, this 8-day hiking adventure traverses iconic routes like the 12km Cares Gorge. Hikers summit peaks up to 6,562ft while spotting golden eagles and griffon vultures. The welcoming Hotel Torrecerredo serves as your comfortable base.
View itinerary
- Day 1
  Arrive Las Arenas de Cabrales
  Settle into the welcoming Hotel Torrecerredo, your home base for the week. Take time to explore the charming village and meet your guide for a welcome briefing. The hotel's restaurant and terrace give you front-row views of the Picos peaks.
- Day 2
  Vanu Pastures Circuit (16km)
  Walk right from the hotel through green pastures overlooking the main Cabrales valley. Keep an eye out for griffon vultures circling above. One reviewer shared: "Walking through meadows full of wild flowers that would be considered rare in England was magical." Remember to pack layers since mountain weather changes quickly.
- Day 3
  Pandescura Peak (14km)
  Take a transfer to Canales village to climb Pandescura peak (1,000m). Follow farm tracks up to Collado de los Buitres for amazing views of the western massif. Fill up your water bottles before starting. You'll find springs along the way but they're spread out.
- Day 4
  Cares Gorge Trail (24km)
  Take on the famous Cares Gorge trail carved into limestone cliffs. This 12km path each way gives you non-stop views of peaks towering 2,000m overhead. Stop in Cain village for lunch. One hiker's tip: "Start early to avoid peak crowds in high season."
- Day 5
  Free Day
  You can go canoeing on Rio Sella, try canyoning or visit nearby coastal towns. The hotel staff can help plan your day. Many guests love visiting the village cheese museum to learn about the local Cabrales blue cheese.
- Day 6
  Peña Main Summit (11km)
  Start near Tieve village and climb into the main range to reach Peña Main's summit. Continue to Collado de Pandebano. Bring walking poles for the steep parts. Most hikers rate this their favorite challenging day.
- Day 7
  Mancondiu Twin Peaks (11km)
  End your week by climbing the Mancondiu twin peaks at 2,000m on old mining paths. The last 200m needs some scrambling but you'll get incredible views of the central and eastern massifs.
- Day 8
  Depart Las Arenas
  Head home after breakfast. Most people fly from Bilbao airport about 2 hours away by transfer.
View itinerary
9 Day Northern Spain Itinerary, incl. Bilbao and Ribadesella
The dramatic Cantabrian and Asturian coasts unfold over 9 days, with nights spent in charming fishing villages like Santoña and Llanes. Cyclists ride past the Sierra de Cuera mountains and through Colombres' indianos villas. A highlight includes visiting the unique landlocked Gulpiyuri beach near Ribadesella.
View itinerary
- Day 1
  Bilbao
  Begin your journey in Bilbao's Old Quarter (Casco Viejo). Visit the Guggenheim Museum right when it opens at 9 AM to avoid crowds. Book your tickets online to skip the lines. End your day exploring the authentic pintxos bars in Plaza Nueva, which offer a more local experience than the newer parts of town.
- Day 2
  Bilbao to Castro Urdiales (40 km)
  Cycle along the Nervión River past the Guggenheim. Cross the UNESCO-listed Puente Vizcaya, a historic transporter bridge. Plan your crossing between 10 AM and noon when it's less busy. A fellow traveler shares: "The route along the coast to Castro Urdiales was well-marked and the views of the Bay of Biscay were incredible. Pack a windbreaker—the sea breeze can be strong even on sunny days."
- Day 3
  Castro to Santoña (35 km)
  Watch for griffon vultures soaring above the cliffs at Sonabia. Take the ferry to Santoña but consider motion sickness pills if needed. Visit the local markets between 8-10 AM to see the morning's fresh catch and try the famous local anchovies.
- Day 4
  Santoña to Santander (46 km)
  Take a scenic boat ride from Pedreña to Santander. Time your arrival at Somo Beach during low tide for better cycling conditions on the sand. Visit the Magdalena Peninsula around 7 PM for the best sunset views over the bay.
- Day 5
  Santander to Santillana del Mar (54 km)
  The longest cycling day follows parts of the Camino de Santiago. Be careful on the River Besaya bike path if it's wet. Explore Santillana del Mar's medieval streets in the evening after the tourist crowds leave.
- Day 6
  Santillana del Mar to San Vicente de la Barquera (36 km)
  Ride through Novales' lemon groves and stop at Comillas to visit Gaudí's El Capricho in the afternoon for optimal photos. The Natural Park of Oyambre offers excellent photo spots but watch out for strong coastal winds.
- Day 7
  San Vicente de la Barquera to Llanes (47 km)
  Enter Asturias through Unquera and visit the indianos mansions in Colombres. A cyclist notes: "The descent through eucalyptus forests was magical, but keep your speed in check—the path can have loose gravel." Take breaks at Gulpiyuri and Torimbia beaches on your way to Llanes.
- Day 8
  Llanes to Ribadesella (44 km)
  Your final full cycling day combines coastal scenery with views of the Picos de Europa mountains. Visit Gulpiyuri beach early before the crowds arrive. Celebrate in Ribadesella with traditional sidra, poured from high above the glass in local style.
- Day 9
  Ribadesella
  The tour ends after breakfast. If returning to Bilbao, book the ALSA bus ahead of time due to limited bike storage. Morning buses usually have fewer passengers.
View itinerary
8 Day Northern Spain Itinerary, incl. Picos de Europa and Bilbao
Your 8-day adventure takes you through Sotres, Potes, and Bulnes. The 96km trek includes the dramatic Cares Gorge and Naranjo de Bulnes ascent. Family-run Hotel Rural Casa Cipriano provides local cuisine and comfortable accommodation.
View itinerary
- Day 1
  Bilbao to Sotres
  Arrive at Bilbao Airport by 11:30 AM for the group transfer. The 3-hour drive takes you to Sotres, Asturias' highest village. Your home base will be the welcoming Hotel Rural Casa Cipriano. Start your trip with an orientation and welcome dinner featuring local Asturian dishes like Fabada bean stew.
- Days 2-3
  Eastern Massif & Naranjo de Bulnes
  Two challenging hiking days await you. The first is an 18km trek through the eastern massif up to Caseton de Andara at 1,725m where you'll see coastal views. The next day takes you on the famous Naranjo de Bulnes route. This 16km trail includes an 800m climb. You'll need walking poles for steep sections and plenty of water even on cool days.
- Day 4
  Tresviso to Potes
  Walk down through beech forests to medieval Potes on this 10km trail with a 1,150m descent. Good hiking boots and ankle support are essential. Consider knee braces if you have joint concerns. Spend your free evening exploring Potes' old bridges and stone buildings. August groups stay in Sotres due to limited rooms in Potes.
- Day 5
  Fuente Dé & Aliva Valley
  A cable car lifts you 1,000m for spectacular mountain views. One hiker shared: "The cable car ride and subsequent walk down the Aliva Valley was breathtaking - bring a camera but also watch your step on the alpine meadow trails." Your 18km walk back to Sotres passes old mines along mostly downhill paths.
- Day 6
  Cares Gorge
  This 24km round trip through the incredible Cares Gorge is a trip highlight. The path cuts through cliffs over 1,000m high. Start early to avoid crowds and heat. Bring a headlamp for tunnels. The path is well-maintained but requires comfort with heights. "The Cares Gorge was stunning but you need a head for heights."
- Day 7
  La Caballar & Cheese Tasting
  A more relaxed 10km walk visits shepherd huts and includes tasting the local Cabrales blue cheese in Tielve. Join the optional farewell dinner (€25) with regional foods and wines. The hotel owners often share local stories and history during dinner.
- Day 8
  Return to Bilbao
  Leave in the morning for Bilbao Airport, arriving by 11:30 AM. Book flights after 1:30 PM to allow enough transfer time.
View itinerary