Motorcycle Touring in Northern Spain and the Picos de Europa
The Ultimate Rider’s Adventure
If you’re dreaming of sweeping mountain curves, wild ocean-view roads, and timeless villages where life moves at a slower pace, motorcycle touring in Northern Spain should be at the top of your list. From the Basque coast to Galicia, and the jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa in between, this is one of Europe’s most rewarding — and least crowded — destinations for motorcyclists.
Why Ride Northern Spain?
Unlike the sun-baked south, Northern Spain is 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 wild Atlantic coastlines, misty mountain passes, medieval towns, and some of the best food in Europe. 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.
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
Routes like the N-634 along the Cantabrian coast provide endless curves, cliffside views, and dramatic Atlantic 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.
Picos de Europa
No motorcycle tour of Northern Spain would be complete without the Picos de Europa National Park. This dramatic limestone range, spanning Asturias, Cantabria, and León, is often compared to a smaller, wilder version of the Alps — a must-ride for motorcyclists seeking mountain roads. The jagged peaks, deep gorges, and dramatic passes make this area a highlight of the whole region. Roads like the Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge on the N621 offer thrilling curves and stunning vistas at every turn. Small mountain villages such as Potes or Cangas de Onís provide perfect stops for tapas, coffee, and local camaraderie.
The Atlantic Coast of Galicia
Ride the N-634 coastal road through Galicia’s Costa da Morte, where dramatic cliffs meet crashing waves and the roads are smooth, quiet, and scenic — perfect for long, flowing rides with the Atlantic breeze at your back.
Best Time to Ride Northern Spain
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 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. Many riders extend the adventure west into Portugal for the complete Iberian experience.
Great food, warm hospitality, and some of the best motorcycling roads in Europe — all waiting for you with Columbus Motorcycle Tours.
Northern Spain, Picos de Europa and Portugal Tour
📅 12 Day Tour | 12/09/2027 – 22/09/2027
Experience the ultimate 13-day motorcycle tour through the Picos de Europa, Northern Spain, and Portugal. Ride twisty roads through dramatic mountain passes, explore the stunning Douro Valley wine region, and discover the wild Atlantic coastline.
From £3,395.00 per person
French Alps Tour
📅 10 Day Tour | 06/09/2027 – 15/09/2027
Join us on a 10-day motorcycle tour through France’s most iconic roads. Ride the legendary Route Napoléon with its cambered corners and stunning scenery, explore Europe’s Grand Canyon at Gorge du Verdon, and conquer Col de la Bonette — France’s highest paved road.
From £2,495.00 per person
Highlights from Northern Spain & the 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.
The Basque Country & Cantabria
Start in San Sebastián or Bilbao and ride the coastal N-634 through fishing villages, green hills, and sandy coves, with stops in Santillana del Mar and Comillas for classic Cantabrian architecture.
Asturias & Galicia
Roads like the AS-114 and AS-228 wind through mountains, valleys, and picturesque villages — a combination of technical riding and breathtaking scenery on the way toward Oviedo and Galicia.
The Atlantic Coast (Costa da Morte)
Ride the N-634 through Galicia’s Costa da Morte, where dramatic cliffs meet crashing waves on smooth, quiet roads — perfect for long, flowing rides with the Atlantic breeze at your back.
Recent Trip Reports from Our Previous Tours
Spain & Portugal 2024
12 days from Santander to Santiago de Compostela through the dramatic Picos de Europa and Northern Spain’s finest roads.
Spain & Portugal Tour 2025
13 days through the Picos de Europa and Santiago de Compostela on deserted mountain roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Picos de Europa good for motorcycle touring?
Often called Spain’s “Little Alps,” the Picos de Europa offer hairpin bends, deep gorges, and towering limestone peaks — with a fraction of the traffic you’d find in the Alps proper, and roads like the N621 through the Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge among the best mountain riding in Spain.
When is the best time to ride Northern Spain?
May to October is ideal, when mountain passes are clear and temperatures are comfortable. Early summer and autumn offer the quietest roads.
Can I combine a Spain and Picos de Europa tour with Portugal?
Yes — our guided tour runs Northern Spain, the Picos de Europa, and Portugal together as one 12–13 day route. See our dedicated Portugal touring guide for more on that leg.