Spain - Day 1 to 6

🇪🇸 Spain: Where History Meets Velocity

At the crossroads of tradition and momentum, Spain offers more than just scenery — it delivers depth. Its roads are a living archive of empires, rebellions, and cultural evolution. For the rider, it's a country best understood in motion — from tight mountain passes to broad, sunlit plains.

🏍️ A Landscape Engineered for Two Wheels

Spain’s terrain is built for varied rhythm: the alpine sweepers of the Picos de Europa, the barren straightaways of La Mancha, the technical descents into Andalusia’s sierras. Paved or gravel, coastal or highland — the country offers riding that rewards skill and endurance.

🎭 Cultural Identity at Full Throttle

Spain pulses with a strong regional character. From Galicia to Catalonia, Andalusia to the Basque Country, each zone speaks its own dialect — linguistically, culturally, and gastronomically. Riding through it is not just a tour — it’s a study in contrast and complexity.

🍽️ Culinary Range Beyond Expectations

On the road, food becomes part of the terrain. Expect hearty stews in the north, olive-oil-driven simplicity in the south, and seafood that rivals anywhere in the world. Local wines, strong coffee, and regional spirits pair naturally with post-ride reflections.

🏰 History in Every Mile

It’s impossible not to feel the weight of history here — Roman bridges under your tires, Moorish castles on the horizon, cathedrals looming over medieval town squares. Spain offers not just landmarks, but living context.

📊 Practical Overview

• Language: Spanish (Castilian); regional languages include Catalan, Galician, and Basque.
  
  

• Spring Weather: Ideal for motorcycling — mild days, cool nights.
  
  

  • Madrid: 10°C–20°C (50°F–68°F)
    
    

  • Coastal zones: 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F)
    
    

Spain is more than a backdrop — it’s a dynamic, demanding, and deeply rewarding environment for riders who seek connection through terrain, culture, and history.
It doesn't just take you somewhere. It leaves a mark.

🏍️ Day 2 – May 18: Pola de Lena → Potes

🗺️ Route Overview

• 🛣️ Distance: ~230 km

• ⏱️ Estimated Riding Time: 5 to 5.5 hours

• 🧭 Route: Pola de Lena → Cangas de Onís → Desfiladero de la Hermida → Potes

• 📍 Google Maps Link: Pola de Lena → Potes 

🌄 Highlights of the Ride

• 🏞️ Cangas de Onís: Visit the iconic Roman Bridge and the gateway to the Picos de Europa.

• 🏔️ Desfiladero de la Hermida: Ride through Spain's longest gorge, with towering cliffs on either side.

• 🌊 Río Deva: Follow the river's path into the heart of Cantabria.

🏡 Destination: Potes (Population ~1,300)

Potes, known as the "Village of Bridges," sits at the confluence of four valleys in the Liébana region. It's a charming town with medieval architecture and serves as a gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park.

🍽️ Local Flavor

• 🍲 Cocido Lebaniego: A traditional chickpea stew with meats and vegetables.

• 🍷 Orujo: A local pomace brandy, perfect for a post-meal digestif.

🛏️ Where to Rest

• 🏨 Hotel Valdecoro: Comfortable stay with views of the mountains.

• 🏡 Hostal La Serna: Cozy and biker-friendly accommodations.

🌃 Evening Moves

• 🏰 Explore the Old Town: Wander through cobblestone streets and visit the Torre del Infantado.

• 🍻 Local Bars: Enjoy a drink in the town square, mingling with locals and travelers alike.

🔧 Next-Day Prep

• ⛽ Fuel Up: Ensure your tank is full for the mountainous routes ahead.

• 🛠️ Bike Check: Inspect brakes and tires; tomorrow's terrain is demanding.

🏍️ Day 4 – May 20: Molina de Aragón → Cazorla

🗺️ Route Overview

• 📏 Distance: ~460 km

• ⏱️ Riding Time: 6.5 hours

• 🧭 Route: Molina de Aragón → Cuenca → Valdepeñas → Úbeda → Cazorla

• 🌍 Map Link: Molina de Aragón to Cazorla

🌄 Highlights of the Ride

• 🏰 Cuenca (Optional Stop): Medieval hilltop town known for its famous Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) — teetering on cliffs like drunk daredevils.

• 🌾 La Mancha Plains: Wide-open and golden, this stretch is pure “windmill country” — Don Quixote’s stomping grounds.

• 🍷 Valdepeñas: Spain's wine-soaked heartland. A perfect lunch stop — try the tinto.

• 🏞️ Sierra de Cazorla: The final stretch is lush and rugged — curvy mountain roads that snake through pine forests and limestone cliffs.

🏡 Destination: Cazorla (Population ~7,700)

Cazorla sits at the edge of Spain’s largest protected natural park, the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. Twisting alleys, castle ruins, and olive orchards surround this historic Andalusian village. Expect crisp mountain air and a soundtrack of goat bells and canyon winds.

🔍 Fun Fact

Cazorla was a strategic Moorish stronghold — its Yedra Castle still looms over the town like a watchful guardian. The region is also known for producing some of the finest olive oil in Europe.

🍽️ Local Flavor

• 🐑 Cordero Segureño: Local lamb grilled with herbs — tender and rich.

• 🌿 Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra: Liquid gold. Taste it fresh at any taverna.

• 🥘 Migas Serranas: Rustic mountain fare — garlicky bread crumbs with sausage and peppers.

🛏️ Where to Sleep

• 🏨 Hotel Ciudad de Cazorla: Central with bike parking and a pool to cool off.

• 🏡 Parador de Cazorla (outside town): Nestled in the park — amazing views, old-school stone walls, and forest silence.

🌙 Evening Vibes

• 🏰 Wander up to the castle ruins at sunset for panoramic views.

• 🍷 Find a terrace bar for wine and jamón as night rolls in over the sierra.

🔧 Next-Day Prep

• ⛽ Fuel Up: Gas station right at the town entrance.

• 🔍 Bike Check: You’ll want good grip and brakes for tomorrow’s twisties to the coast.

• 💤 Rest Up: Tomorrow’s ride into Tarifa is a banger — rolling through Ronda’s cliffside glory.

💤 Day 6 – May 22: Tarifa (Rest Day)

🗺️ Ride Overview

• 🛣️ Distance: 0 km

• ⏱️ Riding Time: 0 hours

• 🧭 Route: Feet only — or wheels if you rent a bicycle or longboard

🌅 What to Do (or Not Do)

• 🏖️ Beach Time: Chill out on Playa de los Lances. Watch the kitesurfers do their thing — or give it a try.

• 🏰 Old Town Ramble: Tarifa's old medina is a maze of whitewashed houses, palm-shaded alleys, and little shops selling leather, incense, and Moroccan goods.

• 🐬 Dolphin & Whale Watching: Tours leave daily — it’s not uncommon to spot orcas and pilot whales in the Strait.

• 🍹 Sunset Drinks: The rooftop of La Cocotera or El Balcón de África is where the ocean turns gold.

🧭 Vibe Check

This is a border town in every sense — windblown, weird, and full of drifters, nomads, and salty dogs. Chill, but keep your radar on. It's also your last night in Europe — soak it in.

🛏️ Stay Suggestions (if you’re changing spots or booked late)

• 🏕️ Camping Río Jara: Quiet, close to the beach, and moto-friendly.

• 🛌 Kook Hotel Tarifa: Artsy, central, with top-notch breakfast and sea views.

🔧 Next-Day Prep: Border-Ready Checklist

• 📄 Passport – Valid + no issues with multiple entry/exit stamps

• 🏍️ Bike Registration (V5/Carta Gris)

• 📝 Green Card (International Insurance Certificate) – Or buy Moroccan insurance at the port

• 🛂 Printed Copies of Docs – Some border agents still work in paper mode

• 💬 Download Google Translate (Offline Arabic/Spanish)

• 🎒 Pack tight – You’ll want agility for border chaos and city riding