The Coastal Path in Asturias, Spain is a 65 km long path with breathtaking views. It’s an undiscovered paradise for both cyclists and walkers! It just doesn’t get any better than this!
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The coastal path in Asturias Spain is the same route as the Northern Camino, but despite that, it wasn’t very busy. Cycling in Asturias is simply a must for those seeking adventure experiences!
From observing one group, it’s also possible to do it on horseback. Ready to experience the scenic cycling routes Asturias has to offer?
Let’s go!
I did the third section of the Coastal Path. It starts in Llanes, a traditional fishing port that is still thriving. It’s worth exploring in itself. Of special note is the surviving town walls which date back 800 years!
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The area is part of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Spain. Asturias is known for its breathtaking coast with even prettier coastal villages.
And get this…. 32 white sand beaches in 45km! 32!
From the coast, mountains appear in the background, almost as a frame for the coastal towns and beaches. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever travelled to.
Our cycling tour started near Playa del Sablón in Llanes. Where a beach volleyball competition was taking place. Now, that is an active vacation for sure!
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After watching the players move, it was time to get active! My legs quickly warmed up with an uphill ride up to the cliffs of Paseo de San Pedro.
My eyes were amazed with unspoilt coastline views and within 5 minutes of cycling, you are treated to spectacular views like this:
Needless to say with these views, our spirits started high. They soared even higher as the coastline got even more impressive!
The route descriptions are an understatement to the actual beauty of seeing it in person. The dramatic coastlines were unreal. You just got to see for yourself!
It was totally different than the dramatic coloured cliffs than my previous experience in Basque Country. It made me realize that Northern Spain has some of the most incredible, yet under-appreciated coastlines in all of Europe!
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Paseo de San Pedro is where the coastal pathway really starts. There’s a grassy walkway on top of a cliff with stunning views in every direction:
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The Coast Pathway consists of narrow walking paths, gravel, and paved roads. These not so gentle paths hug the coastline offers scenic viewpoints.
While cycling, there is a specific part that requires you to disembark your bike due to the narrow and rocky path. Be sure to be familiar with route details if you decide to push through, especially if you are an amateur cyclist.
Even if you are familiar with mountain biking and have the coolest mountain bike ever, taking extra care doesn’t hurt. Cycling through the coasts of Asturias still poses some challenges for cyclists.
Given that I’m more familiar with paved paths like those found on the Danube Cycle Trail, I choose the safer option for a few meters before getting back on again.
There are consistent undulating hills. They’re never too high, but high enough to get your heart rate up, similar to hiking the last 100 km of the Camino.
Normally these would be enough to get me grumbling under my breath. But I was so in awe of the stunning mountain views.
I happily puffed up each hill excited to see more Asturian mountain views. Just to go back down again the slight descent, then up again. What a bike ride!
Despite the route being the same path as the Northern Camino, we saw few pilgrims along the way! I hope they were happy to us too though.
Whether it was because of the time of day or the Northern Camino being less popular than its southern counterpart, I was more than happy to have it more or less to myself!
Read French Way of which I walked the last 100 km.
I was delighted, and shocked to see how beautiful, yet deserted so many of the beaches were! There is just so many beautiful cycle routes to choose from.
(Tip: also check out this stunning beach in neighboring Galicia. This is truly a paradise for cyclists or walkers!
When you get too hot, just take a dip in the sea to cool down. Enjoy the beautiful beaches Asturias has to offer after taking a tour of the bike-friendly city of Asturias.
If you’re still up for more adventures then ride a few more kilometers, and then take another dip in yet another pristine white sand beach! Wow, wow, wow!
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I only cycled a small section of the 65 km long Coastal Path in Asturias. However, I’d love to return to do the entire route.
It quickly became one of my favorite places on earth. And even better, few people seem to know about it. So let’s keep this our little secret, shall we?
Know Before You Walk or Cycle the Coastal Route in Asturias:
- The route is divided into 5 stages. That makes it more manageable if you’re walking it.
- There’s also a train service. That gives you have the option of just walking or cycling it one way. Then you can take the train back to the starting point.
- At the end of your cycling trip, be sure to try Asturias’ famous cider! The cider is poured from high above. To aerate it. And only in small amounts. The idea is to drink it quickly – don’t let it sit, or everyone will know that you’re a tourist. Don’t worry, you can go back for seconds or thirds. In fact, it’s expected!
- The locals have lots of suggestions, so don’t be shy to ask.
Cycling the Coastal Path in Asturias Northern Spain is full of fun, adventure and the most beautiful scenery.
Bicycle routes here are perfect for those looking planning to go on cycling holidays.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Asturias Tourism Board, the Spain Tourism Board for the UK and The Travel Mob for making my visit possible. All opinions expressed are my own.
