Create your own journey; Experience the best of Northern Spain at your own pace
Cycling the Basque Coast
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From1.350 EUR/pers.
- 215 Km
- 7 nights
- Difficulty
iNOTE: nowhere, in any Camino, will steep cliffs be found next to path!
1: Very easy. Flat and without significant gradients. Good and normally wide paths.
2: Easy. Slightly hilly. Good and normally wide paths.
3: Medium. Hilly, possibly with longer distances between service facilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.
4: Medium/Hard. Longer, steeper climbs, perhaps with few servicefacilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.
5: Hard. Long gradient(s), possibly few facilities. Very hilly. Good, sometimes narrow paths.- Nature
- Request Quote
215km by bike along the road from Hondarribia to Bilbao
Enjoy this road bike route from the picturesque town of Hondarribia, on the border with France, to the vibrant city of Bilbao.
Along the rugged coastline you will pass through a combination of charming fishing villages and beautiful forested areas.
You will also pass San Sebastian, which is one of the most elegant cities in Spain. The view of its magnificent bay from the viewpoint of Monte Igueldo will amaze you.
The renowned gastronomy throughout the region will be the perfect complement after each of the stages.
Difficulty: Medium to moderate
Season: From April to June and from September to November. (July and August there is no route due to the great rise in traffic on the roads of this route)
Highlights, that you shouln’t miss out
✔ The well-preserved walled town of Hondarribia
✔ The elegant city of San Sebastian, known worldswide for its gastronomy and urban beaches
✔ The perfect scenery along the breathtaking coastline
✔ Charming fishing villages such as Getaria, Lekeitio, Mundaka and Plentzia
✔ The iconic hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, scene of the famous series Game of Thrones
✔ Bilbao, center of art, design and its unmissable old town where the famous pintxos abound
About our bikes
Our bikes are 29" aluminum wheel mountain bikes with fast rolling tires, front suspension and hydraulic brakes.
We also offer the possibility to rent powerful electric bikes with an efficient crank drive motor and battery that will give you a boost when pedaling on mountainous terrain.
Each bike comes equipped with a tool kit as well as a puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube and lock.
We suggest that you bring your own helmet for hygiene and safety reasons. Alternatively, helmets are provided with the bike (on request and at an additional cost)
Also GPS bike computers and panniers are available on request (a supplement applies).
The rental bike includes civil liability insurance. The insurance does not cover damage or theft of the bicycle, so the client is responsible for the safety of the bicycle at all times and for the possible breakage of parts.
It includes
- 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts
- Mountain bike rental with 29" aluminum wheels with fast rolling tires, front suspension and hydraulic brakes.
- Luggage transfers (Máx: 20 kg)
- Tourist and cultural information, route notes, maps and GPS tracks
- 24h telephone support
Not included
- Helmet
- cycle computer
- panniers
Optional
- Extend your trip with extra nights in Bilbao, San Sebastian or any other area in northern Spain.
- Electric bicycle
- Helmet
- cycle computer
- panniers
- Transport to Hondarribia.
- Supplement of 90 euros per person in a double room in June and September.
- Possibility of a superior category hotel in Mundaka (supplement of 20 euros per person in a double room and 40 euros in a single room). Only on request and availability.
Daily program
Cycling the Basque Coast
Detailed itinerary (view all days )DAY 1: ARRIVE TO HONDARRIBIAYou 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
DAY 2: HONDARRIBIA – SAN SEBASTIANThis 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.
DAY 3: SAN SEBASTIAN – GETARIAYou 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
DAY 4: GETARIA – LEKEITIOYou 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
DAY 5: LEKEITIO – MUNDAKADuring 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
DAY 6: MUNDAKA – PLENTZIAToday'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
DAY 7: PLENTZIA – BILBAOA 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
DAY 8: DEPARTUREDepending 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.
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