Picos & Angliru (Northern Spain)
- Experience the best cycling in the Picos de Europa by road bike
- Climb famous Vuelta passes: Alto de l'Angliru, Gamoniteiro, Fuenta Dé, and Lagos de Covadonga
- Flexible itinerary with daily route options to suit mixed-ability pairs and groups
- Optional daily Challenge route: over 800km and 16,500m ascent across the week
- Comfortable and friendly 2* and 3* hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Exceptional support from two customised support vans and two expert, proactive and fun guides focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
Excellent - This was my tenth Marmot trip and it was absolutely fabulous. The overall experience was brilliant. From arrival to departure, we were well looked after. Thank you for such a memorable holiday!!
Introduction
The Picos de Europa in Northern Spain is a little-known paradise for cyclists. There are few places where the landscape is so varied: rugged limestone mountains, deep gorges, tranquil mountain pastures, and traditional Cantabrian villages. The climbs on this Marmot Classic style holiday are also diverse: from gentle and meandering to short and sharp! Then there is the infamous Alto de l'Angliru, which is just plain brutal - but optional of course!
This is a fabulous cycling holiday for pairs or groups of friends with mixed abilities, due to the variety of routes we've crafted for you. We've designed the daily Classic route so that if taken steadily, the gradients and distance between the hotels where you'll be staying are manageable and enjoyable for most keen cyclists. However, each day there's an optional Challenge route, comprising extra climbs and loops, increasing the possible daily ascent to between 2000m and 3600m. This makes this cycling tour also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on some epic cycling challenges and infamous ascents.
As with all our flexible-pace itineraries, you'll benefit from the incomparable support of two expert (and fun!) Marmot guides whose mission is to help you achieve your goals as an individual. You can ride at your own pace, stop when you like, and take advantage of our fully kitted-out support vans loaded with snacks, water, and mechanical spares, should you need them. All you need to do is admire the scenery, turn the pedals and enjoy the ride!
If you'd like to, you can read more about cycling in the Picos and Asturias and our adventures supporting Cyclist magazine with several of their Big Ride features entitled Different Worlds, The Divine Gorge and also their Big Ride on Angliru, The Pain in Spain .
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 7 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers from Bilbao Airport (BIO) at scheduled times on the arrival day. Transfers take about 2hrs 45min.
Today you'll meet your guides, assemble your bikes, and have a welcome briefing with your fellow riders, before enjoying a great dinner in the peaceful setting of your hotel.
Day 1: Day Ride from Potes
Vamos! You'll start your week with a glorious ride: the Puerto de Piedrasluengas (1355m). It's a great introduction to cycling in the Picos and it starts relatively gently, despite having a few 'cheeky' sections in the middle! As you climb, you eventually emerge from the trees to be treated to a stunning vista from the summit viewpoint, which overlooks the Picos to the east and the plains to the south.
From here you ride back to Potes for lunch. You then have the choice of spending the afternoon visiting the historic town, or cycling into the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park.
The road to Fuente Dé (1105m) is well surfaced and takes you to a cable car station, where you could enjoy the 700m breathtaking ride up in just 4 minutes - make sure you turn off Strava! Alternatively, you can enjoy the amphitheatre of limestone cliffs from the comfort of a café. Being a ‘there and back’ ride, it doesn't matter if you don’t get to the top, but the higher you get, the longer the descent!
Classic : 58 KM with 1230m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 107 KM with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Potes to Soto de Cangas
Today we head north through the deep gorge of the Desfiladero de la Hermida, almost down to sea level, before joining a beautiful road that skirts around the northern high peaks of the Picos. The most significant climb is the modest Alto de Ortiguero (443m), which should test your legs for what's to come later in the week!
After 75km we arrive at our hotel for the night, where you have the option of retiring gracefully, maybe visiting the mountain town of Cangas de Onís, or taking on the infamous Vuelta stage ending, the Lagos de Covadonga (1120m)!
The challenge comes 7km from the lakes when there is an 800m section of 15%! Your reward? A justifiable lie on the grass by the side of a beautiful lake and cafe at the top, before freewheeling most of the way back to the hotel. If that's not enough cycling, then the Alto de Riensena/Torno (534m) is a great finale to the day.
For those wanting an easier day, the Basilica of Covadonga is well worth a visit.
Classic : 114 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 147 KM with 2400m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Soto de Cangas to Riaño
Fuel up with a mid-morning churro and coffee today before starting the climb of the Puerto del Pontón (1280m). Although 46km long, its gradients are mostly kind and the ever-changing scenery will keep you motivated all the way to the top. You are now on the high plateau of the Picos, a landscape of small forested peaks, surrounded by lush fields that have been laboriously levelled from this otherwise harsh, rocky land.
Our destination is the new town of Riaño, built on a rocky peninsula after the old town was flooded under the huge reservoir. Our hotel offers classic hospitality and its kitchen produces some excellent local cuisine.
Today's optional extra rides are at the start of the day - the Alto de Cazo (653m) and the Alto de Les Bedules (933m). Both are beautiful climbs on small roads through some pretty rural countryside.
Easier : 69 KM with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 89 KM with 1950m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 106 KM with 2600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Riaño to Campomanes
Today we traverse the high plateau to the west of Riaño over several small mountain passes, cycling through narrow gorges, remote villages, and terraced hillsides. It is a truly stunning ride and the descent from the Passo Pajares (1378m) is a real treat.
You have options from here: rest the legs by retiring to our rustic hotel with its atmospheric bar in Campomanes, or take on one of two great climbs ...
The Alto de la Cobertoria (1173m) is no stranger to the Vuelta with good tarmac and stunning views, and despite being fairly tough, it's bound to be a highlight of your holiday! Those wanting even more can then add on the Alto del Gamoniteiro (1772m) - this is often known as the Ventoux of Spain and it's a brutal climb to the top of the mountain, but the views are mind-blowing!
Classic : 125 KM with 1330m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 168 KM with 3080m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Campomanes to Riaño
What goes down, must go up again! The Puerto de San Isidro (1520m) is an epic climb, lasting the best part of 30km! Next up, you'll climb the beautiful and gentle Puerto de Las Señales (1625m) before descending to the reservoir and our hotel in Riaño.
Those really wanting to test their mettle might want to take on the gradients of the mighty Alto de l'Angliru (1570m) today - a climb that rivals Alpe d'Huez and Mortirolo as one of the most demanding in professional cycling. The main ascent is only 7km, but has an average gradient of 14% and an extended section of 24% - oof! In order to get to the Angliru you must first endure the Alto de El Cordal (789m) which serves as a good warm-up!
Classic : 115 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 150 KM with 2900m ascent
Challenge : 171 KM with 3600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Riaño to Potes
Today you'll enjoy riding through narrow gorges, towering limestone cliffs and lush green meadows in the heart of the Picos. You'll start gently with the understated Puerto de Panderruedas (1450m), then you'll descend to the mountain town of Posada de Valdeón. Enjoy a coffee whilst you contemplate whether or not to cycle the Challenge route, which takes in the most visited road in the Picos: the narrow gorge to Caín de Valdeón ...
Unusually, this optional extra ride descends to Caín (where the road turns into a narrow path), so you must turn around at the end and climb back up! The road is narrow and our support vehicles cannot get down there, so it's a decision you'll need to commit to!
Next up is the Puerto de Pandetrave (1562m); a 'cheeky' climb that leads to the Puerto de San Glorio (1608m) and a fun descent to Potes - and the hotel pool! We're sure you'll agree that it's a fantastic end to an incredible week of cycling.
Classic : 91 KM with 1400m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 108 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, your week of glorious cycling in the Picos has come to an end - though your legs will no doubt thank you! We offer included transfers at scheduled times from Potes to Bilbao Airport (BIO), a journey of about 2hrs 45min.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 7 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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