Cycling the Basque Coast

You will have time to visit this beautiful town situated between the sea and the mountains. The walled old town is one of the best preserved in the Basque Country.

NOTE: A 7 day / 6 nights  version is also available, to start in San Sebastian, instead of in Hondarribia

Distance: 215 Km

This first stage joins two large bays of breathtaking beauty through the demanding ascent of Mount Jaizkibel. Once you have left the mountain area behind, you will traverse the interesting old town of Pasaia and after crossing the estuary by boat you will arrive in San Sebastian by cycle path. The city is world famous for its gastronomy, its international film festival, the elegance of its bay and its urban beaches. It is very cycle accessible  and is a wonderful reward after all the day's effort.

Difficulty: Moderate. Cycling distance: 32 Km. Total Ascent: 550 m.

You will leave San Sebastian, a steady climb, cycling along a road with spectacular views.  After the first 2 km, it is worth taking a short detour to see San Sebastian and the bay of La Concha from the viewpoint of Monte Igueldo. The second part of the route is much more comfortable and gentle, along the coast. You will visit the historic town of Zarautz and will end this stage in the charming fishing village of Getaria, located next to Mount San Antón, a natural park known by the locals as the "mouse of Getaria" because of its shape.

Difficulty: Moderate. Cycling distance: 30 Km. Total Ascent: 550 m

You will continue along the coastal road and in Zumaia we recommend taking the train to the next town, Deba, to avoid the traffic on the national road. After crossing the bridge over the river you will continue along a pleasant cycle path also passing a beautiful beach in a spectacular setting. You will reach Lekeitio on a quiet and enjoyable well suited cycling road with beautiful panoramic views. This village is one of the most charming fishing locations in the area due to its privileged position at the mouth of the river Lea. You will enjoy a stroll along its colourful harbour and stunning beach.

Difficulty: Easy. Cycling distance: 32 Km. Total Ascent: 300 m

During the first few kilometres of this stage, you will ride through an impressive inland landscape with mostly off-road sections, following the Lea River. You will then pass through Guernica, the town that was bombed during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 and that inspired Picasso's famous painting. Along a long cycle path you will border Urdaibai, a spectacular UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the river Oka forms marshes and extensive sandy areas full of migratory birds. Mundaka is an international surfing destination which boasts the longest left-hand break wave in Europe.

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Cycling distance: 50 Km. Total Ascent: 450 m

Today's stage is the most physically demanding of the trip due to the accumulated gradient. However, the reward will be the view of one of the most magical and iconic places on the trip: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a scene immortalised in the series Game of Thrones. You will then pass by Bakio beach, one of the most emblematic beaches on the coast of Biscay. The day ends in the elegant seaside town of Plentzia, with a mixture of medieval palaces, charming seaside houses and a pleasant promenade along the estuary.

Difficulty: Moderate. Cycling distance: 38 Km. Total Ascent: 900 m

A comfortable day in which you will reach the final destination of the journey, mostly along cycle paths. A last climb at the beginning of this stage will allow you to enjoy fantastic views of the wide beaches of Sopelana from spectacular cliffs. During the rest of the route you will be able to see how Bilbao has evolved over the last twenty years. The city has left behind its industrial past dedicated to the steel industry and shipbuilding to become a hub for cultural and business tourism, with the Guggenheim Museum as the greatest exponent of this metamorphosis.

Difficulty: Easy. Cycling distance: 35 Km. Total Ascent: 200 m

Depending on the time of your return flight you can keep enjoying Bilbao. If you prefer, you can book a taxi transfer with us to the airport. You can also spend an extra night in the town.