Follow our 12-day Spain and Portugal Motorcycle Tour 2024 – from Santander to Santiago de Compostela, through the Picos de Europa, Douro Valley, and Serra da Estrela.
Day 1 – Ferry to Spain & the Start of Our Adventure
Riders gather in Plymouth and cross to Santander as the Spain & Portugal Tour 2024 begins.
Our Spain and Portugal Motorcycle Tour 2024 kicked off in Plymouth, where riders from across the UK gathered under blue skies. After greetings and introductions, we boarded the ferry to Santander, enjoying smooth seas and great company. The crossing gave everyone time to relax, share travel stories, and build anticipation for the days ahead on the open road.
Day 2 – Into the Picos de Europa
From Santander to the Picos de Europa, our Spain & Portugal Motorcycle Tour 2024 gets into full swing.
After disembarking in Santander, we tackled the first mountain roads of our journey. A quick coffee stop and photo opportunity in the misty hills set the tone for an exciting day. The scenery was dramatic, the roads were smooth, and the enthusiasm was contagious. We ended the day at a comfortable coastal hotel along the Cantabrian coast—a perfect introduction to Spain’s stunning north.
Day 3 – Through Asturias’ Hidden Roads
Exploring rural Asturias with quiet roads, scenic passes, and authentic local cuisine.
Our third day took us through Asturias, known for its beautiful countryside and welcoming locals. We rode a scenic mountain pass (with a few cows for company!) before stopping for coffee overlooking the Picos de Europa. Lunch was at a rustic restaurant popular with Camino de Santiago pilgrims, where we sampled traditional Asturian stew. A wonderful day’s ride ended in a hilltop town with sunset views and tired smiles.
Day 4 – From Asturias to Santiago de Compostela
Puerto del Palo, Galician pine forests, and our arrival in Santiago de Compostela.
We climbed the Puerto del Palo, a spectacular mountain road offering endless views, then stopped at a 1950s hydroelectric dam for a history lesson courtesy of Alastair. The landscape changed as we crossed into Galicia—lush forests and open, flowing roads. By late afternoon, we rolled into Santiago de Compostela, checking into a historic convent-turned-hotel close to vibrant tapas bars.
Day 5 – Exploring Santiago or Riding the Costa da Morte
Riders explore Santiago de Compostela or head to Cape Finisterre, the “end of the world.”
Today was a choose-your-own-adventure day. Some riders toured Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral and old town, while others ventured along the Costa da Morte to Cape Finisterre, where the Romans believed the world ended. The Atlantic shimmered beneath a clear sky—a perfect day of exploration, culture, and coastal riding.
Day 6 – Crossing into Portugal
From Santiago to northern Portugal, we enjoy empty roads, national parks, and great food.
We rode south under blue skies, through quiet national parks and smooth, empty roads—a motorcyclist’s dream. At the Spain–Portugal border, we stopped for photos before reaching our hotel, a converted monastery with a top-notch restaurant. Dinner featured Portuguese goat stew and laughter all around. Another unforgettable day on the road!
Day 7 – Douro Valley and the Serra da Estrela Mountains
Exploring the vineyards and valleys of northern Portugal on two wheels.
We left the borderlands behind and followed the Douro River, winding through its terraced vineyards. Coffee by the river, then onward through peaceful villages, brought us to the Serra da Estrela Mountains. The weather was perfect, the roads sublime, and our mountain hotel offered spectacular views. Tomorrow promises even more mountain riding!
Day 8 – Ride-Out in the Serra da Estrela
A full day of mountain riding in Portugal’s stunning Serra da Estrela.
A perfect day for riding—bright skies, smooth roads, and virtually no traffic. We split into smaller groups to explore the Serra da Estrela National Park, meeting at coffee and photo stops to share stories. Every turn revealed another incredible view. This region truly is a hidden gem for motorcyclists.
Day 9 – Back into Spain via Montesinho National Park
Quiet Portuguese roads, the Douro River, and a Parador stay back in Spain.
Today we traced the Douro River once more, following its curves northward before crossing into Spain through Montesinho National Park. Glorious 25°C weather made for relaxed, scenic riding. We settled into a charming Parador hotel, sharing dinner and stories of the tour so far.
Day 10 – Into the Picos de Europa Once More
From Astorga’s Gaudí Palace to the breathtaking Picos de Europa.
We rode through quiet Castilian countryside, stopping for coffee beside Gaudí’s Palace in Astorga. By afternoon, we were back among the towering peaks of the Picos de Europa, where eagles soar overhead. Our Parador hotel offered the perfect setting for our final two nights, complete with scenic views and hearty Spanish fare.
Day 11 – The Final Ride in the Picos de Europa
A spectacular final day of mountain roads, sunshine, and unforgettable scenery.
Our last full day was spent exploring the best of the Picos de Europa. Morning mist soon cleared to reveal stunning vistas, twisting roads, and photo ops with local landmarks like the bear and deer statues. The perfect finale to our incredible Iberian adventure.
Day 12 – Return to Santander & Farewell
Our Spain and Portugal Motorcycle Tour 2024 comes to a close with fond memories and future plans.
Rain and mist greeted our final ride to Santander, but spirits remained high. After boarding the ferry, conversations turned to future Columbus Motorcycle Tours and the unforgettable memories made on this journey. What a trip—it’s been an absolute pleasure guiding such an amazing group of riders!