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Trans Picos Challenge

Custom tours
7 nights
Advanced
583 km
13,830 m
Trans Picos Challenge

Summary

Discover the Picos de Europa, an enchanting region in the north of Spain packed with iconic climbs and dramatic landscapes. Stay in unique local guestshouses and small hotels and experience the warm hospitality of the people of Asturias and Cantabria. Every ride promises jaw-dropping scenery and is packed with ‘wow’ moments around every corner.

Join us to discover this unique part of the world from the intimate perspective offered by the bicycle.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Distance
583 km
Hotels
Region
North Spain
Terrain
Road
Level
Advanced
Average Distance X DAY
83 km
Average Time X DAY
4 h 30 min
PRICE PER PERSON FROM
€ 3699.00
Book now with a 30% DEPOSIT
from € 1110

Tour Highlights

Puerto San Glorio
Lagos de Covadonga
Alto del Cordal & the (optional) Angliru
Lagos de Somiedo
Picos de Europa

Is This Tour For Me?

Advanced

Rated 3 out of 4 our Advanced tours are designed for people who ride regularly and want back to back challenging days on the bike. Riders should be confident riding in a small group, comfortable on extended climbs (at your own pace) and have good bike handling skills on corners and descents. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to the Costa Verde

Meet the Eat Sleep Cycle team in Bilbao for the group transfer west along the coast to La Franca (around 2 hours). Settle in, get your bike set up and roll out for a first ride along the Costa Verde, where green hills meet the Cantabrian Sea. Finish the day with dinner together at the hotel.

Eat
Lunch, ride nutrition and dinner at the hotel
Sleep
Hotel Mirador de la Franca
Cycle
The Costa Verde - 70 km, 1,150 m
Day 2
To Potes

Leave the coast behind and head inland into the Picos de Europa, riding through quiet valleys to Potes, the medieval heart of the Liébana valley. Feeling strong? Extend the day with the climb to Fuente Dé, right at the foot of the central massif.

Eat
Breakfast, lunch en route, ride nutrition and dinner
Sleep
Picos de Europa Suites
Cycle
La Franca to Potes - 63 km, 1,500 m. Extend: climb to Fuente Dé, add 46 km, 950 m
Day 3
Puerto San Glorio

The queen stage. Climb out of Liébana over the Puerto San Glorio, one of the longest and most scenic climbs in the Picos, then loop round the mountains and back north to Cangas de Onís for two nights.

Eat
Breakfast, lunch en route, ride nutrition and dinner
Sleep
Mirador de la Cepada
Cycle
Potes to Cangas de Onís - 120 km, 2,700 m
Day 4
Lagos de Covadonga

Take on the legendary Lagos de Covadonga, a Vuelta a España favourite that winds up to the glacial lakes high in the Picos. Want more? Extend the ride to the coast at Ribadesella, taking in the Mirador del Fitu.

Eat
Breakfast, lunch en route, ride nutrition and dinner
Sleep
Mirador de la Cepada
Cycle
Lagos de Covadonga - 45 km, 1,300 m. Extend: Ribadesella, add 67 km, 1,400 m
Day 5
To Langreo

Ride point to point west from Cangas de Onís into the heart of Asturias, watching the landscape change as we follow quiet back roads to Langreo.

Eat
Breakfast, lunch en route, ride nutrition and dinner
Sleep
Hotel Palacio de las Nieves
Cycle
Cangas de Onís to Langreo - 97 km, 2,000 m
Day 6
The (Optional) Angliru

Today’s ride takes in the Alto del Cordal, a regular on the Vuelta. For those who want the ultimate challenge, summit the Angliru, one of the steepest climbs in professional cycling.

Eat
Breakfast, lunch en route, ride nutrition and dinner
Sleep
Solo Palacio
Cycle
Alto del Cordal - 68 km, 2,300 m. Extend: summit the Angliru, add 17 km, 1,100 m
Day 7
Lagos de Somiedo

The final stage heads deep into the Somiedo Natural Park and up to the remote Lagos de Somiedo. Finish with a short 20 minute shuttle to Oviedo, or ride all the way into Oviedo centre. Celebrate the week with a final dinner together.

Eat
Breakfast, lunch en route, ride nutrition and dinner
Sleep
Hotel de la Reconquista
Cycle
Lagos de Somiedo - 120 km, 2,880 m & 20 min shuttle to Oviedo. Extend: ride to Oviedo centre, add 43 km, 950 m
Day 8
Departures from Oviedo

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before departing from Oviedo. Transfers back to Bilbao can be arranged on request.

Eat
Breakfast at the hotel
Sleep
-
Cycle

Gallery

The Tour In Detail

Ride Support

FULL SUPPORT

Enjoy full ride support from our professional guide team & support vehicle.

The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.

Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.

All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.

Hotels

Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change

Palacio de Ruesga

The Torre de Ruesga Palace, built in 1610, is located in the Cantabrian town of Valle, in the Alto Asón region. It is surrounded by impressive nature, among which the Collados del Asón Natural Park stands out.

It has an outdoor swimming pool, modern Spa facilities with Jacuzzi and Sauna, and free WiFi Internet connection throughout the building.

Renovated in 2017, the Palace is elegantly decorated with stone walls and exquisite antique furniture. It also has a restaurant that serves impeccably prepared dishes using local products.

Parador de Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar is known as “The town of three lies” because it is not holy, not flat and has no sea. Even so, it’s one of the most tourist-oriented places in Spain, and is protected with the designation of an Historic-Artistic Site. Two buildings in this town are the headquarters of Paradors. The Parador de Santillana del Mar is a new building which, while respecting the town’s surroundings, reproduces popular mountain architecture and has a large, pleasant terrace. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a sauna and a garden. Its spacious rooms, which are large-capacity and boast natural light, have the services and equipment necessary to hold all kinds of events.

Posada Valle del Oso

It is an establishment with 15 exquisitely decorated rooms, with a living room with a games area and a library designed to offer maximum comfort and rest, a dining room where breakfasts will be served, an outdoor swimming pool, a relaxation area with Jacuzzi, a sauna and a cold shower, and internet connection. WiFi throughout the building and large terraces.

Parador Cangas de Onis

The Parador de Cangas de Onís awaits you on the banks of the river Sella, surrounded by the spectacular Picos de Europa. It is located in the Benedictine monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, one of the oldest in Asturias and closely linked to the lineage of the first kings of Asturias.

The Parador, with spectacular rooms of stone and wood decorated to give a warm traditional feel, is the ideal starting point to discover the marvels to be found in the Asturian landscape. The salons and garden next to the river make an ideal setting for unforgettable celebrations, while its location just two kilometres away from Cangas de Onís allows you to enjoy the folklore of this ancient culture.

Hotel Castillo del Bosque la Zoreda

Just 4 km from Oviedo, the Hotel Castillo del Bosque la Zoreda stands, a magical spot in the heart of the wonderful Asturias’ countryside.

The Hotel occupies an emblematic palace of the early twentieth century, and in its Restaurante la Zoreda, one of the 5 best restaurants in Oviedo, you can taste a selection of the most recognized dishes of traditional cuisine.

Bike Hire

Not Included

Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €60 per day.Bikes shown here are examples and are subject to availabilty at the time of booking. We'll let you know the available options in your size when you book with us.

Wilier Garda Hybrid Road E-Bike

All Road Electric

A comfortable e-road bike with a lightweight carbon frameset and a clean-cut design featuring fully integrated cable routing. The Garda Hybrid uses the proven and reliable Mahle X35+ drive unit with 250 Wh motor inserted in the rear hub while the battery is housed in the down tube. The groupset is Shimano 105 Di2. The Garda has an autonomy of 1,000m of elevation, or constant use 1.5-2hrs – it’s possible to rent a range extender to double the range for an additional fee.

Electric

Wilier Filante SL

All Road

The Wilier Filante SL guarantees a first-class weight, a precise ride and a great aesthetic clarity thanks to the integrated cables. Carbon Monocoque frame with full internal cable routing. New fully integrated one piece carbon handlebar. Electronic Shimano 105 Di2 shifting. Carbon wheels, 50 mm profile. Chainrings: 50/34, Cassette: 11-34

Ride Leaders

Josep Grau

Hailing from Reus, Josep is a guide who finds beauty in the quiet details, from silent bike components to unknown mountain climbs. A lover of history and Led Zeppelin, he enjoys sharing the culture of his hometown. For Josep, a perfect day involves the Pyrenees, a glass of wine, and the Tour de France.

Details

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION

How To Get There
Fly to Bilbao Airport
Meeting Point
Bilbao train station
Time
11:00 am
Departure
Oviedo train station

WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES

Cycling
Fully supported
Accomodation
4* & 5* Hotels and guesthouses
Food
Full board
Transfers
Group transfers included as described
Bike Rental
optional

EAT SLEEP CYCLE LOCATION

ESC North Spain

The northern coastal regions Euskadi, Cantabria and Asturias are perfect for cycling adventure, famous for their rugged, untamed landscapes and exquisite cuisine.

New for 2026, you can also hire bikes from Eat Sleep Cycle in Northern Spain. Check out our website to find info on bike hire from Bilbao, San Sebastián and Santander.

Discover Now

Reservation & Payment

If you have any questions about our tours, dates, or anything else, contact us here

/1
Deposit
A 30% deposit will secure your place on the tour
/2
Final Balance
The final balance is due 90 days before the tour departs
Single Room Supplement:
€
799
Monday
28 June 2027
Monday
5 July 2027
€3,699
Book Now
Monday
2 August 2027
Monday
9 August 2027
Guaranteed Departure
€3,699
Book Now
Start
Choose your dates
Finish
Choose your dates
Custom Price
More Info

Any Questions?
Contact Us

FAQs

What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
We offer a flexible cancellation policy, which you can view in full when you book. If you have any doubts at all, get in touch and we're happy to help.
1
Is the tour the right level for me?
This tour is rated Advanced on our scale, which runs from Level 1 (Leisure) to Level 4 (Epic). Expect around 90 km and 4 hours 30 minutes of riding a day, with 12,500 m of climbing over 633 km. Not sure? We're happy to talk it through by phone.
2
What about bikes? Can I hire one or should I bring my own?
Bike hire is available as an optional extra, or you're welcome to bring your own bike. Let us know when you book and we'll talk you through the options.
3
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance that covers cycling is required for this tour, so please check your policy includes cycling before you travel.
4
Can we run the Trans Picos Challenge on our own dates?
Yes. Alongside our 2027 dates, this tour can be run privately for your group on dates that suit you. Tell us when you'd like to ride and we'll check availability.
5
How is the price set for a private group?
The listed price is €3,699 per person. For a private trip, the price depends on your group size, dates and any extras, so we'll send you a tailored quote.
6
Is there a minimum group size for a private tour?
Get in touch with your group size and dates and we'll confirm what's possible for your trip.
7
How do I enquire about a custom trip?
Send us your preferred dates, the number of riders and a little about your riding. We'll come back to you with a proposal and quote.
8
Are there set departure dates?
Yes. The 2027 dates are 28 June to 5 July and 2 to 9 August, both at €3,699 per person.
9
Am I fit enough for the Trans Picos Challenge?
This is an Advanced tour with around 90 km and 4 hours 30 minutes of riding a day and 12,500 m of climbing over the week, including El Angliru. You should be used to long days in the mountains.
10
What's included in the price?
Seven nights in small hotels and guesthouses, full board, full support from our guide team and support vehicle, ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, picnic lunches on selected days and group transfers as described.
11
What isn't included?
Travel to Bilbao and home from Oviedo, bike hire, the single room supplement and travel insurance aren't included.
12
Is there a single room supplement?
Yes, the single room supplement is €799. Solo travellers are very welcome.
13
How much is the deposit?
A 30% deposit secures your place, which is €1,110 on €3,699. We'll confirm when the balance is due when you book.
14
What support do I get on the road?
Our professional guide team and support vehicle are with you all week. The vehicle carries ride nutrition, electrolytes, water and a full set of tools to fix mechanicals.
15
Is my luggage moved between hotels?
Yes. On point-to-point days your luggage travels with our team, so you can ride with just what you need for the day.
16
How do I get to the start and home from the finish?
Meet us at Bilbao train station at 11:00 on Day 1. The tour finishes at Oviedo train station on Day 8 after breakfast, so plan your onward travel from there.
17
What will the weather be like in the Picos de Europa?
Summer is a great time to ride here, but mountain weather can change quickly, with cooler conditions and rain possible on the high climbs. Pack for both.
18
Can a non-riding partner join the trip?
Get in touch and we'll let you know how we can include a non-riding partner on your dates.
19
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Meals are full board, so tell us about any requirements when you book and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
20
Can I ride an e-bike?
Ask us when you enquire and we'll confirm e-bike options for your dates.
21
What should I pack?
Bring your usual kit plus layers, a rain jacket and arm and leg warmers for the descents. Gearing for very steep climbs is a good idea for El Angliru and Los Machucos.
22
What does a typical day look like?
Start with a hearty breakfast, ride around 90 km through the mountains with lunch en route or a picnic from the support crew, then enjoy an evening meal with the team.
23
Can you help with bike setup?
Bring your bike set up the way you usually ride. Our team can help with adjustments on Day 1 so you're comfortable for the climbs ahead.
24
How hard is El Angliru by bike?
El Angliru is one of the hardest climbs in professional cycling, famous from the Vuelta a España, with brutally steep ramps. On this tour it's the dramatic finale of the Day 7 loop.
25
How hard is the climb to Lagos de Covadonga?
Lagos de Covadonga is a tough mountain climb made famous by the Vuelta a España. You'll ride it on Day 5, with the option to continue down the valley to the climb to Sotres.
26
What are the best climbs in the Picos de Europa?
Highlights include Lagos de Covadonga, Los Machucos, El Angliru, Les Praeres and the Puerto de la Reina, all part of this tour.
27
What is the best time of year to cycle in the Picos de Europa?
Summer is the best time for the high climbs, which is why our departures run in late June to early July and August. Mountain weather can still be changeable.
28
How do I get to Bilbao for a cycling tour in northern Spain?
Bilbao is served by its international airport and rail links. The tour meets at Bilbao train station at 11:00 on Day 1.
29
How much does a guided cycling holiday in the Picos de Europa cost?
The Trans Picos Challenge costs €3,699 per person for 8 days, with full board, full support and group transfers as described. The single room supplement is €799.
30
How long is the Trans Picos Challenge?
It's 8 days and 7 nights, covering 633 km with 12,500 m of climbing, from Bilbao to Oviedo.
31
Is Asturias and Cantabria good for road cycling?
Yes. The region is packed with iconic climbs, dramatic landscapes and quiet backroads, and you'll experience the warm hospitality of local guesthouses and small hotels.
32
Trans Picos Challenge or Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees: which is harder?
Both are Advanced. The Trans Picos Challenge covers 633 km and 12,500 m over 8 days, with longer days, while Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees is 410 km and 11,700 m over 7 days.
33
Road or gravel bike for the Picos de Europa?
This is a road tour, so bring a road bike with gearing suited to long, steep mountain climbs.
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