Motorcycle Touring in Northern Spain, Portugal, and the Picos de Europa
The Ultimate Rider’s Adventure
If you’re dreaming of sweeping mountain curves, ocean-view roads, and timeless villages where life moves at a slower pace, motorcycle touring in Northern Spain and Portugal should be at the top of your list. This spectacular corner of the Iberian Peninsula offers a perfect mix of rugged scenery, smooth tarmac, and rich culture—making it one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for motorcyclists. Northern Spain and Portugal offer some of the most exhilarating landscapes and roads for motorcycle touring in Europe. From winding coastal highways to dramatic mountain passes, this region is a playground for riders seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery.
Why Ride Northern Spain and Portugal?
Unlike the sun-baked south, Northern Spain and Northern Portugal are lush, green, and mountainous. The cooler climate means excellent riding conditions from April to October, and the roads are often quiet—even in summer. Here, you’ll find everything from wild Atlantic coastlines to misty mountain passes, medieval towns, and some of the best food in Europe. Motorbike riders love this region for its twisting backroads, spectacular views, and authentic local charm. You can ride for hours without hitting heavy traffic or overdeveloped tourist areas.
Northern Spain From the Basque Coast to Galicia
Northern Spain, particularly regions like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, is rich in scenic routes and natural beauty. The area is known for its lush green landscapes, rugged coastlines, and charming medieval towns.
The Basque Country & Cantabria
Start your adventure in San Sebastián or Bilbao. Ride along the coastal N-634, which winds through fishing villages, green hills, and sandy coves. Don’t miss a stop in Santillana del Mar or Comillas for a taste of traditional Cantabrian architecture.
Asturias & Galicia
Roads & Riding: Routes like the N-634 along the Cantabrian coast provide endless curves, cliffside views, and dramatic Atlantic Ocean vistas. Inland, roads such as the AS-114 and AS-228 in Asturias wind through mountains, valleys, and picturesque villages, offering a combination of technical riding and breathtaking scenery. Continue west toward Oviedo and Galicia, where the Costa da Morte (“Coast of Death”) offers wild ocean views and deserted beaches. Roads here are smooth and scenic—perfect for long, flowing rides.
Northern Portugal
Crossing into Portugal, the landscape softens into rolling hills, vineyards, and river valleys and provides a diverse riding experience combining rivers, hills, and historic towns. The Douro Valley is a must-see for motorcycle travelers. Follow the N222, often called one of the most beautiful roads in the world, renowned for its twists and turns through vineyards as it snakes along the Douro River through terraced wine country.
Further north, explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, with its granite peaks, waterfalls, and ancient stone villages. The mountain roads of Peneda-Gerês are less travelled, offering thrilling rides with minimal traffic making them incredibly rewarding.
Picos de Europa
No motorcycle tour of Northern Spain would be complete without the Picos de Europa National Park. This dramatic limestone range, located in Asturias, Cantabria, and León, is often compared to a smaller, wilder version of the Alps, are a must-ride for motorcyclists seeking mountain roads. The jagged peaks, deep gorges, and dramatic passes make this area a highlight of northern Spain.
Roads like the Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge on the famous N621 with the route offer thrilling curves and stunning vistas at every turn. The small mountain villages, such as Potes or Cangas de Onís, provide perfect stops for tapas, coffee, and local camaraderie.
Best Time to Go for a Self Guided Tour
The ideal riding season runs from May to October, when mountain passes are clear and temperatures are comfortable. Early summer and autumn bring quieter roads and vibrant landscapes—perfect for immersive, unhurried riding.
A Journey to Remember
Whether you’re an experienced tourer or planning your first European motorcycle trip, Northern Spain, Portugal, and the Picos de Europa deliver an unforgettable mix of scenery, riding pleasure, and genuine hospitality. With world-class roads, rich culture, and fewer crowds than the Alps, it’s no wonder so many riders call this region Europe’s best-kept secret.
Great food, warm hospitality, and some of the best motorcycling roads in Europe—all waiting for you with Columbus Motorcycle Tours.
Highlights from Northern Spain, Portugal & Picos de Europa
Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa National Park is a dramatic limestone mountain range straddling Asturias, Cantabria, and León. Often called Spain’s “Little Alps,” the Picos offer spectacular riding with hairpin bends, deep gorges, and towering peaks. The N621 through the Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge is a must-ride, with thrilling curves and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Charming mountain villages like Potes and Cangas de Onís provide perfect stops for traditional Spanish tapas and local hospitality.
The Douro Valley
Portugal’s Douro Valley is one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The N222 road, often called one of the most scenic drives on Earth, snakes along the Douro River through terraced vineyards and ancient estates. Riding here is pure pleasure—smooth tarmac, gentle curves, and postcard views at every corner. Stop to taste Port wine, explore historic quintas (wine estates), and soak in the timeless beauty of this enchanting valley.
The Atlantic Coast
Northern Spain and Portugal’s Atlantic coastline offers wild, rugged beauty unlike anywhere else in Europe. Ride the N-634 coastal road through Galicia’s Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), where dramatic cliffs meet crashing waves. Further south, Portugal’s coastal roads wind past sandy beaches, fishing villages, and historic lighthouses. The air is fresh, the roads are smooth, and the views are spectacular—perfect for long, scenic rides with the Atlantic breeze at your back.
Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range, is a motorcyclist’s paradise. Rising to 1,993 meters, these dramatic granite peaks offer some of the most exhilarating riding in Portugal. The N339 mountain road winds through stunning high-altitude landscapes with sweeping curves, breathtaking viewpoints, and minimal traffic. Pass through traditional shepherd villages, discover glacial valleys, and experience authentic Portuguese mountain culture. In winter, it’s Portugal’s only ski resort; in summer, the cool mountain air provides perfect riding conditions away from coastal heat.
Picos de Europa
The Douro Valley
The Atlantic Coast
Serra da Estrela
