Bikepacking from Bilbao to Santander

Route: Bilbao to Santander

Looking for an epic northern Spain adventure? This ride from Bilbao to Santander delivers! Starting in Bilbao—Basque Country’s biggest city, famous for the stunning Guggenheim Museum and vibrant riverside bars—you’ll snake your way along the dramatic Cantabrian coast. The journey covers roughly 170 km and promises plenty of up-and-down action, with over 5,000 meters of ascent.

You’ll enjoy a nice mix of quiet roads, cycleways, and some scenic gravel stretches—perfect for riders who love a little variety under their wheels. Expect rolling green hills, coastal cliffs, and occasional ocean breezes, plus the reward of riding into Santander, a chic city known for its beautiful beaches and elegant promenades.

Some unpaved and gravel sections make this best suited for a gravel or adventure bike—nothing too technical, but you’ll want to be ready for a little rough-and-tumble. Take your time, grab a few pintxos on the way, and soak up those northern Spanish vibes. Asturias and Cantabria never looked better from the saddle!