Experience the ultimate 12-day motorcycle tour through the Picos de Europa, Northern Spain, and Portugal. Ride twisty roads, enjoy stunning scenery, and savor delicious local cuisine on this unforgettable European adventure.
Experience the ultimate 12-day motorcycle tour through the Picos de Europa, Northern Spain, and Portugal. Ride twisty roads, enjoy stunning scenery, and savor delicious local cuisine on this unforgettable European adventure.
Why Choose Our Northern Spain, Picos de Europa and Portugal Tour?
Our Northern Spain, Picos de Europa and Portugal tour is a 12-day motorcycle adventure for riders who love great roads, great scenery and great food. With carefully planned routes including the legendary N621 Pots & Pans Road, the Douro Valley wine region and the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, it’s the ultimate Iberian riding experience. You’ll benefit from years of route expertise, motorcycle-friendly hotels, small group sizes and the camaraderie of fellow riders who share your passion for touring some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.
This tour offers the perfect combination of twisty roads, superb tarmac and stunning scenery. Along the way you’ll ride through picturesque landscapes, charming villages and rolling hills, all while enjoying incredible local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for thrilling curves, scenic routes or delicious regional food, this tour has it all.
After leaving Plymouth the previous day, we dock in Santander and get straight into the action. Leaving the port behind, we head south through Cantabria before turning west for a coffee stop in the hills of the Sierra del Cordel. After some well-earned refreshments, we ride to our first overnight stop via the fabulous Picos de Europa.
The next day we head further west through the quiet towns and villages of Asturias, known for its rugged coastline, mountains and medieval architecture. Thanks to its lush vegetation it’s part of “Green Spain”, which is very different from what most of us expect from Spain. More sweeping bends and smooth tarmac take us to our second night on tour.
We continue across Asturias the following day, past the Puerto del Palo and into Galicia, to Santiago de Compostela for two nights. The reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, it’s a hugely popular pilgrimage destination, and we often see pilgrims along the Camino, some of whom will have walked hundreds of miles to get here. It’s a stunning city steeped in history, and with tapas bars throughout its narrow streets, it’s a fantastic place to try the local seafood and meats. It really is a foodie destination not to be missed.
On day 5 there’s a choice of a ride-out around the Costa da Morte, or Coast of Death, so called because of the huge number of ships that have sunk in the treacherous seas off this north-western corner of Spain. Alternatively, you can have a day off the bike in Santiago de Compostela to visit the cathedral and the city’s many other sights.
After our second night in Santiago de Compostela, we head south through the Serra do Candán in southern Galicia and cross the border into Portugal via the Braga region. Our next overnight stop is Guimarães, the medieval town that was Portugal’s first capital, where we stay close to the old town.
On day 7 our route takes us down to the banks of the Douro River, one of Portugal’s most famous wine-growing regions, where the road follows the curving path of the river and the scenery is just amazing. Heading further south after lunch through the Viseu District, with plenty more curving roads, we arrive at our next two-night stop in the Serra da Estrela, home to the highest point in mainland Portugal and a former NATO radar station used during the Cold War.
Day 8 is either a rest day or an optional ride-out around the Serra da Estrela, which offers some of the quietest and best riding roads in Europe. We then head north, rejoining the Douro River and its rolling hills, and cross back into Spain via the Montesinho Natural Park to our hotel near the Portuguese border, on the edge of the Sierra Segundera.
Our next day’s ride leads us back to the Golden Triangle of the Picos de Europa and the wonderful roads of the area. We have one night in the Picos, and on our last day we search out the bear and deer statues and ride the famous N621, also known as the Pots & Pans Road, on our way back to the ferry at Santander.
The Magical Picos de Europa
Spanish traffic jam!
Fabulous roads of the Serra da Estrela
Tour Highlights Summary
Two Countries: Spain and Portugal Ferry: Plymouth–Santander overnight, both ways Iconic Roads: N621 Pots & Pans Road, AS14 Asturias, N221 Douro Valley, Serra da Estrela mountain roads Mountains & Parks: Picos de Europa, Serra da Estrela, Serra do Candán, Montesinho Natural Park UNESCO Sites: Santiago de Compostela, Guimarães Highlights: Picos de Europa Golden Triangle, Douro Valley wine region, Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage city, bear & deer statues, Costa da Morte Perfect Mix: Mountain passes + Atlantic coastline + UNESCO cities + wine country + rich culture
Guided or Self-Guided?
Would you rather choose your own dates and ride independently? This route is also available as a self-guided Northern Spain and Portugal motorcycle tour, with the ferry, hotels, GPS routes and a printed daily guide all arranged for you.
Join us for this unforgettable 12-day Northern Spain and Portugal motorcycle adventure!
TOUR MAP / ITINERARY
12-Day Northern Spain, Picos de Europa & Portugal Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
Discover the day-by-day route through Northern Spain’s Picos de Europa, the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela and Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley. This guided motorcycle tour covers approximately 1,800 miles over 12 days, combining world-class riding roads with rich culture and food.
Complete route map for the 12-day Northern Spain and Portugal motorcycle tour
Day 1: Plymouth to Santander Ferry Crossing
Begin your Northern Spain motorcycle adventure with a relaxing overnight ferry crossing from Plymouth to Santander across the Bay of Biscay. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow riders and your guide, settle in and get ready for the journey ahead.
Distance: Ferry crossing
Highlights: Overnight ferry, meet the group, Bay of Biscay crossing
Roll off the ferry in Santander and head straight for the magnificent Picos de Europa. Your first taste of Spain’s legendary motorcycle roads awaits, with twisting mountain passes, dramatic limestone peaks and smooth tarmac through the Cantabrian Mountains.
Distance: 120 miles (190 km)
Highlights: First ride in the Picos de Europa, Cantabrian Mountains
Day 3: Picos de Europa to Green Spain – Asturias
Ride west through Asturias, part of “Green Spain”, with its lush landscapes and medieval villages. Enjoy sweeping bends on smooth tarmac through quiet Spanish towns, discovering a side of Spain most tourists never see.
Day 4: Asturias to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Ride into Galicia, known as the “land of a thousand rivers”, and on to Santiago de Compostela for two nights. The legendary end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great.
Distance: 190 miles (300 km)
Highlights: Galicia, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Camino de Santiago, UNESCO World Heritage city, two-night stop
Day 5: Rest Day or Ride-Out – Santiago de Compostela or Costa da Morte
Explore the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and historic old town on foot, or join the optional ride-out along the dramatic Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), where rugged Atlantic cliffs meet centuries of maritime history. In the evening, enjoy the city’s tapas bars and seafood restaurants.
Distance: 0 miles (rest day) or up to 160 miles (260 km) ride-out
Highlights: Santiago Cathedral, old town, Costa da Morte coastal roads, Galician tapas and seafood
Day 6: Galicia to Guimarães, Portugal
Head south through the Serra do Candán in southern Galicia and cross the border into Portugal. Your overnight stop is the medieval town of Guimarães, birthplace of Portugal and its first capital, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Distance: 160 miles (260 km)
Highlights: Serra do Candán, Spain–Portugal border, UNESCO-listed Guimarães, medieval architecture
Day 7: Guimarães to Serra da Estrela via the Douro Valley
One of the tour’s most spectacular days takes you through the legendary Douro Valley. Follow the winding Douro River past terraced vineyards producing world-famous port wine, then continue south to the Serra da Estrela for two nights. It’s home to mainland Portugal’s highest point, Torre, at 1,993m.
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
Highlights: Douro Valley, terraced vineyards, port wine country, Serra da Estrela, two-night stop
Day 8: Rest Day or Ride-Out – Serra da Estrela
Join the optional loop through the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, on some of the quietest and most scenic motorcycle roads in Europe, with sweeping mountain passes, granite peaks and traditional mountain villages. Or take a well-earned day off the bike.
Distance: 0 miles (rest day) or up to 145 miles (230 km) ride-out
Highlights: Serra da Estrela mountain passes, Portugal’s highest roads, traditional villages, quiet riding roads
Day 9: Serra da Estrela to the Spanish Border via the Douro
Head north on the N221 alongside the Douro River once more, then ride through the Montesinho Natural Park, one of Portugal’s most remote protected areas. Cross back into Spain, where Portugal’s green river valleys give way to Spain’s high plateau, to your overnight stop near the Portuguese border.
Ride north across the plains and back to the Golden Triangle of the Picos de Europa, one of Europe’s most celebrated motorcycling regions, for your last night in Spain.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Highlights: Return to the Picos de Europa, Golden Triangle, mountain road network
Day 11: The N621 Pots & Pans Road to the Santander Ferry
Your final riding day features the iconic N621 “Pots and Pans Road”, one of Spain’s most famous motorcycle roads, winding through the La Hermida gorge. Stop at the famous bear and deer statues for photos, enjoy the best roads the Picos has to offer, then head to Santander for your overnight ferry back to the UK.
Arrive back in Plymouth after your overnight crossing from Santander, with memories of the Picos de Europa, Santiago de Compostela, the Douro Valley and countless great riding roads. You’ll probably already be planning your return to Iberia.
Distance: Ferry crossing
Highlights: Tour complete
Total Tour Statistics
Total Distance: Approx. 1,800 miles (2,900 km) including optional ride-outs
Countries Visited: Spain, Portugal
Regions Explored: Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, Northern Portugal, Castile and León
Riding Days: 10, including 2 optional rest days
Ferry: Plymouth–Santander overnight, both ways
Accommodation: 11 nights – 9 hotel nights plus 2 nights on board the ferry
UNESCO Sites: Santiago de Compostela, Guimarães
Mountains & National Parks: Picos de Europa, Serra da Estrela, Serra do Candán, Montesinho Natural Park
Return Ferry Crossing: Plymouth to Santander ferry (single room bookings includes your own cabin, no need to share)
11 Nights Accommodation: Premium motorcycle-friendly hotels throughout the Tour (includes 2 nights on ferry)
Daily Breakfast: Full breakfast each morning at all hotels to fuel your riding day
Evening Meals: 3 evening meals are included on this tour
Hotel Leisure Facilities: Full access to swimming pools, spas, and fitness facilities at all hotels
Detailed Route Maps: Comprehensive route plans covering all Alpine passes and scenic roads
Motorcycle Parking: All hotel parking fees covered
GPS Navigation Files: Pre-loaded GPS routes compatible with Garmin, TomTom, and smartphone apps
Daily Itinerary Guide: Detailed daily plans with sightseeing highlights, coffee stops, and lunch recommendations
Expert Tour Guide Support: Fully guided by experienced motorcycle tour leader throughout your Motorcycle adventure
What’s Not Included in Your Motorcycle Tour
Motorcycle Fuel Costs:
Road Tolls & Pass Charges:
Attraction Entry Fees:
Meals & Drinks not specified as included:
Travel Insurance & Breakdown Cover: Comprehensive motorcycle travel insurance including breakdown recovery and UK repatriation is mandatory but not included. We strongly recommend European breakdown cover from providers like RAC, AA, or specialist motorcycle insurers.
Northern Spain & Portugal Motorcycle Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the N621 Pots and Pans Road in the Picos de Europa?
The N621, nicknamed the “Pots and Pans Road”, is one of Spain’s most famous motorcycle roads through the Picos de Europa. The name comes from the towns of Potes and Panes at either end. It winds through the dramatic La Hermida gorge with bend after bend and towering limestone cliffs on either side, and you’ll ride it on the final day along with a stop at the famous bear and deer statues.
When is the best time to ride the Picos de Europa and Northern Spain?
May to September is the best time for a Northern Spain and Portugal motorcycle tour. May and June offer mild temperatures and quieter roads, July and August are warmer but busier, and September brings excellent riding conditions and the grape harvest in the Douro Valley. Our 2027 guided tour runs from 12 to 23 September.
Can I visit the Douro Valley wine region on this tour?
Yes. The tour includes two rides through Portugal’s famous Douro Valley, following the winding river past steep terraced vineyards, the home of port wine. You’ll ride some of Europe’s most scenic wine country roads, with opportunities to taste the local wines in the evenings.
What is the N221 and the Douro River route?
The N221 is a spectacular road in northern Portugal that runs alongside the Douro River, with sweeping curves, deep gorges and views across the terraced vineyards. It takes you through remote landscapes and ancient villages on some of the quietest and most enjoyable riding roads in the Iberian Peninsula, and it’s one of the highlights of Day 9.
What’s included in the 12-day Northern Spain and Portugal tour?
The tour includes the return Plymouth–Santander overnight ferry, 11 nights’ accommodation (9 hotel nights plus 2 nights on board the ferry), daily breakfast, 3 evening meals, hotel parking, route maps and GPS files, a daily itinerary guide and expert tour guide support throughout. You provide your own motorcycle, riding gear, fuel, lunches and other meals, and travel insurance including breakdown cover.
Are ferry cabins included?
Yes. Cabins are included on both overnight crossings. If you book a single room, you’ll have a private cabin too.
Are there toll roads on the route?
No. The route avoids motorways completely in Portugal, so there are no electronic motorway tolls to worry about. There’s a short stretch of motorway in Spain, but it isn’t a toll road.
How much riding is there each day?
Riding days are between 120 and 195 miles, leaving plenty of time for photo stops, coffee and long lunches. Days 5 and 8 are optional rest days in Santiago de Compostela and the Serra da Estrela, with a ride-out on offer if you’d rather stay in the saddle.
Can I join the tour as a solo rider?
Absolutely. Solo riders are very welcome, and you can choose to share a twin room with another solo rider or book a single room, which also gives you a private ferry cabin. Riding with a small group means there’s always good company on the road and at dinner.
Do I need a Green Card for Spain and Portugal?
No. UK riders don’t need an insurance Green Card for Spain or Portugal. You do still need valid motorcycle insurance and European breakdown cover, so check with your insurer that your full cover applies abroad. Carry your passport, driving licence, insurance documents and V5C logbook.
Is there a self-guided version of this tour?
Yes. If you’d rather choose your own dates and ride independently, the same route is available as a self-guided Northern Spain and Portugal motorcycle tour, with the ferry, hotels, GPS routes and a printed daily guide all arranged for you.
More Questions About Touring Northern Spain and Portugal
What currency do I need? Euros in both Spain and Portugal. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for coffee stops.
Is there a time difference? Yes. Portugal is on UK time, one hour behind Spain.
What’s the weather like? Rain is possible in “Green Spain”, and the mountains can be cool, while inland Portugal is usually warmer and drier. Pack waterproofs and layers.
What type of motorcycle do I need? Any reliable, well-maintained motorcycle, ideally 500cc or above, with luggage for nearly two weeks away.
Will I meet livestock on the road? Quite possibly. Cows, sheep and goats often wander across the mountain roads in the Picos – the classic Spanish traffic jam!
Can pillions join? Yes. With relaxed daily distances, great food and two-night stops, it’s a fantastic tour for pillions too.
