Cycling Climbs in Cantabria

Climb	Town	Altitude (m)	Length (km)	Gradient (%)	Difficulty	Rating
Jito de Escarandi	Poncebos	1308	14.5	7.5	1245	*****
Alto del Torno	Labra	526	14.5	3.1	324	*****
Alto del Torno	Nueva	526	8.4	5.7	454	****
Alto de la Tornería	Llanes	471	5.3	7.4	512	****
Alto de la Tornería	Puentenueva	471	10.7	3.8	213	****
Panderrueda	Caín	1450	18.8	5.1	1145	****
Pandetrave	Caín	1562	19	5.7	1284	****
Puerto de San Glorio	Portilla de la Reina	1609	9.5	4.1	244	***
Alisas	Arredondo	674	8.9	5.8	347	***
Alisas	La Cavada	674	12.6	4.9	362	***
Collado de Carmona	Puentenansa	611	10.1	4.3	255	***
Collado de Carmona	Valle de Cabuerniga	611	4.9	7.2	321	***
Collado de la Hoz	La Hermida	663	10.4	5.2	351	****
Collado de la Hoz	Sobrelapeña	663	7.7	5.5	322	***
Collado de Ozalba	Puentenansa	559	5.7	6.7	175	***
Collado de Ozalba	Quintanilla	559	6.1	3.7	124	***
Collado Espina	Bustablado	920	9	7.8	1217	****
Collado Espina	San Roque de Riomiera	920	5.2	10.8	924	****
El Caracol	San Roque de Riomiera	822	6	7.7	454	***
El Caracol	Selaya	822	10.8	5.5	402	***
Fuente Dé	Camaleño	1105	16.3	4.2	340	****
Fuente del Chivo	Espinilla	1982	21.3	4.9	724	*****
Peña Cabarga	Heras	569	5.9	9.2	722	****
Picón del Fraile	Linto	1614	21.6	5.6	812	*****
Piedrasluengas	Potes	1354	29	3.7	432	****
Piedrasluengas	Puentenansa	1354	37.6	3.2	465	***
Puerto de la Sía	Arredondo	1250	20.6	5.3	644	****
Salto de la Cabra	La Hermida	1112	10.3	9.8	1442	****
Puerto de San Glorio	Potes	1609	26.7	4.8	674	***
Puerto de la Sía	Espinosa (Las Machorras)	1250	7.2	6	170	***
Picón del Fraile	Las Machorras	1614	14.7	5.4	644	****
Alto del Torno	Labra	526	14.5	3.1	324	*****
Alto del Torno	Nueva	526	8.4	5.7	454	****

Mountains

Cantabria is one of the most mountainous regions in Spain, with great climbs from its coastline right up to the borders with Castilla-y-León, Asturias and The Basque Country. Its most famous and highest range is the Picos de Europa mountains, situated on the border with Asturias, but there are also some great climbs in The Collados de Asón range - in the east of the region - and at Alto Campoo.

There are all sorts of climbs here: long and gradual, short and steep and also a couple of long and steep ascents!

Scenery

Cantabria is one of the most picturesque parts of Spain - at least when it is sunny (more on that below...). The vibrant green scenery is particularly impressive when juxtaposed with high rocky peaks, as it is in the Picos de Europa. However, elsewhere it is also very pleasurable to ride, with the scenery very different to most mountainous regions in Europe.

Cantabria has the added benefit of some hilly coastal routes, which adds a nice diversity to riding around the region.

Roads

The road surfaces are generally in very good condition in Cantabria. The region invests a lot in the construction and maintenance of even the most remote mountain climbs.

It is easy to find quiet roads in Cantabria - simply stay away from the coasts (particularly around Santander) and away from the valley containing the towns of Torrelavega and Reinosa. Elsewhere there is usually little traffic; particularly in the mountains.

Getting There

The nearest large airport is Bilbao; although Asturias airport is just as quick if you plan on visiting the Picos de Europa. Santander has ferry links with the United Kingdom and trains also run here regularly from Madrid.

Weather

Cantabria's spectacular green scenery owes much to its wet climate. However, it is only wet by Spanish standards and would be considered normal for most of Europe. Cycling is possible here throughout the year, with winters generally mild; however, the best time to visit is from May to October. This is the driest and warmest part of the year.

Cycling Holidays

Our Picos de Europa & Asturian Coast visits the most westerly part of the Cantabria region.

We also have two more leisurely cycling holidays in the neighbouring Basque Country.

You can find more details and links to the full itinerary in the tour information below.