17 June
Arrived yesterday in the fishing town of Ribadesella in the Asturias region on the northern coast of Spain. Asturias is called the ‘green Spain’ due to it’s high amount of rainfall and consequently, although beautiful, is not on the tourist route.
Biked into town and along the 'Playa De Santa Marina' sandy beach promenade with it’s cafes and colourful nineteenth Century Indiano mansions (returning emigrants who made their fortune in the Americas). Crossed over the Sella river into old-town Ribadesella. Strolled the characteristic narrow streets and plazas and ate potato tortillas with coffee in a bar/cafe serenaded by a talented busker playing the violin. 
After Hector had given Col a ‘top notch' haircut, we wandered around the old fishing harbour lined with fresh fish and seafood restaurants. Climbed up to the church for a great panorama backdropped by the Picos de Europa mountain range and spied a dolphin playing in the water.
18 June
Off to Cudillero today! Through the foothills of the Picos and into rolling countryside and villages with red tiled roofs following the coast towards Oviedo. By passed Gijón and Avilés to Cudillero, 40 minutes north west of Oviedo, to Camping Cudillero located 1km from the sea with swimming pool and restaurant/bar. (17 euros). 
Walked the 5kms down the steep hill and into the cute fishing village terraced around the hills down to a little harbour. Reminded us of the Cinque Terre villages with it’s beautiful architecture, terracotta roofs and colourful tiered housing and alfresco eateries. 
Explored the town and harbour with it’s colourful fishing boats. Climbed the narrow twisting pathways passed the squawking mother seagull protecting her babies perched on the edge of a roof, up to the top of the village.
19 June
A walk and a run in the morning. Late afternoon, walked to the view point at the end of the road for a panorama of the beach and coastline. Followed the winding road down to the sandy beach where the locals are enjoying the sun and sea. It’s a warm muggy day!
20 June
Have reached our furthest point west and are now slowly making our way back to our booked camp in St Malo. Hit the road following the coast on one side and the picturesque Picos de Europa on the other to 'Camping Colombres'. Situated about 15kms from San Vicente De La Barquera with swimming pool, market and views of the Picos. (17 euros). Found a great pitch alongside the frog stream and met Don and Jill from Marlow. Cooled off in the swimming pool.
21 June
A very scenic bike ride that got the legs working hard, through the Picos foothills to Colombres with it’s Indianos' villas and following a steep ‘Camino pathway’ down to the little town of Unquera. 
Climbed the hills en route to San Vicente De La Barquera situated on the Cantabrian coast and evidently an old fishermen’s refuge. Following a river with views of the church and castle on the river bank as we biked down into the town. 
A vibrant picturesque town, with sandy beaches across the bay and a backdrop of the Picos. Alfresco eateries and bars overlooked by the castle. Had lunch with water views enjoying a busker playing the guitar. 
Explored the town and walked the narrow cobbled street up to the castle.
Biked across the bridge over the bay to the lovely sandy beaches and cafes/restaurants. There is a very popular camp here which is nearly at full capacity even at this time of year. It has great views across the bay. 
On our return journey we discovered a beautiful cove near the village of Perlloza. The clear turquoise water reminded us of the Greek Islands. We threw ourselves in!
22 June
If the weather forecast is accurate, we’re in for a spell of rain over the next few days. Although we’re enjoying it here and the camp is great, decided to make the move to Bilbao. Chose the closest ACSI, ‘camping Playa Arenillas’ situated in Islares and 100 metres from the bus stop to Bilbao. (19 euros). The camp told us a mini-bus takes you to Castro-Urdiales which is about 8kms away where you catch another bus into Bilbao.
23 June
Caught the 9.55am mini-bus to Castro-Urdiales, about a twenty minute ride (1.40 euros each), then connected with the ‘Bilbao Directo’ bus into Bilbao, about a forty minute ride (2.73 euros each).
What a surprise city! We loved it!
We were expecting an industrialised sterile city but were very impressed with the old town. Great for wandering the back streets. 
Third floor Guggenheim blew us away! We’ve never seen Andy Warhol pictures in the flesh before and they had a Monet and a Toulouse-Lautrec expo as well. Thought the architecture of the Museum was fantastic. 
Had a wonderful day out.
24 June
Took the main coastal route (not the pay motorway), 150kms to San Sebastián. An unattractive industrial valley through the mountain ranges between Cantabria and the Pyrenees with neglected apartment block villages, including Eibar and Elgiobar. A forgettable drive! Hit the coast about 40kms before San Sebastián and the scenery changed, sandy beaches and resort villages. Onto a steep narrow twisting road climbing up to the camp at the top. ‘Camping Igueldo’ with swimming pool, market and bus stop out the front to San Sebastián. (17 euros).
25 June
San Sebastián is a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country.
It frequently tops lists of the world’s best places to eat, it’s tapas are almost unmatched anywhere else in Spain and it has numerous Michelin star restaurants.
Caught the bus to San Sebastián, about a thirty-five minute ride. (1.70 euros per person). Very excited to be here!
Down to the sea and picturesque sandy beaches, passed the Port and climbed up to the old Fort. A wonderful panorama!
Strolled the beach promenade to the old town, the square and cobbled narrow streets lined with tapas bars (pinxtos). Crowds are socialising over tapas standing around tall bar tables. There is a cool, friendly fun vibe! 
The counters are stacked with every variety of tapas, so many to choose from. Requested a plate and chose our tapas with a preference to seafood, as well as a plate of fried squid and drinks. (28 euros).
Out of this world, they hit the spot! Two Spanish families later joined our table outside and we had some laughs.
More exploring and afternoon tea at an alfresco cafe, sampled their scrumptious donuts as well as the nut chocolate with expressos! A fantastic day!
Back at camp met Linda and Norman, originally from Manchester, live in Motueka. We all read the streaming of the Americas Cup.
26 June
Rainy day today, so a catch up day! Linda and Norman came over for a coffee and a chat. They’re on bikes cycling from Lisbon to Manchester.
Back into France tomorrow.
Enjoyed reading your posts, we too we surprised by Bilbao, especially the old city. The pinxtos in San Sebastian were so good. We are now making up way back up the coast of Spain towards Valencia. No rain for us, but had a couple of cooler mid twenty days. Getting well use to the hotter mid 30 temperatures though, the mid 20 almost seems too cool. Raining heavily in NZ and cold, so definitely not missing that!! Keep in touch. Hope to meet again before we all head home in October.
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