SPAIN & PORTUGAL TOUR – APRIL 2023
Guide, Rich Edwards, and Support Rider, Rafal Brymer, report on our tour of northern Spain, Portugal and the Picos.
Spain: Picos de Europa and Northern Portugal Tour Trip Report May 2023
Day 1
Plymouth has greeted us with a glorious sunshine and after a quick brief we boarded ferry to Santander. After a few drinks, meal and getting to know each other we sit to admire the lovely sunset. Bring on tomorrow!
Day 2
After what felt like a lengthy crossing we arrived at cloudy and wet Santander. It was only a short ride to hotel but we thought it would be a good idea to send Nathan to check the following day’s route 
Thank you Magellan Motorcycle Tours for the welcome supper and drinks.
Day 3
Today we followed part of the famous Camino de Santiago and after a very adventurous ride (thanks to sat navs) we arrived at Tineo.
The Palacio de Meras Hotel is superb and wow, what a view to wake up to!
Day by day the scenery and rides are getting better and better and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead of us.
Day 4
Terrific biking roads, stunning scenery, delicious food and wonderful company. That’s what Magellan touring is all about.
Day 5
Day off the bikes to enjoy glorious weather and a perfect time to explore Santiago de Compostela. Thank you Magellan Motorcycle Tours for organising the guided tour.
Day 6
Today after a well deserved break we set off towards Portugal 
in a mixture of clouds, sunshine and some localised light rain. We followed the OR312 road through the Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês until we reached the border crossing point, where we’ve been greeted by a stunning views over the Cavado River. Quick lunch break at Geres and then we arrived in Guimaraes. The extra hour we gained at the crossing was much appreciated as we could all enjoy the hotel spa facilities.
Day 7
A sublime rideout today around the Serra Da Estrela National Park on some of the most
glorious roads.
Day 8
Despite the weather being not very favourable to say the least some of us still decided to venture out and explore.
Day 9
Today we rode the Spanish equivalent of route 66. About 200km of mostly flat, straight, fast roads and then we hit the Picos: twisty, breathtaking mountain roads and lots of fun after lunch.
Day 10
After a great night at Parador de Zamora we rode some stunning open and fast roads towards Picos. We stopped at Riano for lunch overlooking beautiful lakes. After lunch we headed towards Cangas de Onis enjoying many twists and mind-blowing landscapes.
Despite dark skies over the mountains, thunder and lightning most of us managed to avoid rain.
If you’ve enjoyed following along with Rich and Rafal on this jaunt in the north-west of the Iberian peninsula, why not take the tour in person? There are always plenty of future dates to choose from!