Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (around 9am) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labelled with the nametag provided by our Bike Spain Tours staff.
Your bike fitting is scheduled for DATE at TIME at your hotel’s reception. Miguel, our local partner, will meet you at the hotel. If you need help contact him at +34 636 195385
Call Miguel on +34 636 19 53 85, or the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653 (office phone) or +34 653 090 864, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Many places will offer a menú del día: a set menu with 2/3 options for each course, and usually including a drink and bread. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
The Basque Country is a bilingual region of Spain, so expect to hear both Spanish (castellano) and Basque (euskera)! Almost everyone you meet will speak Spanish, but in the smaller villages you are likely to come across people whose first language is Basque, and all official signs will be in both languages.
Here are a few basic words which will likely earn you a smile in the smaller Basque-speaking villages:
kaixo (kai-sho) – hello
agur – goodbye
eskerrik asko – thank you
mesedez – please
Central to Basque cuisine are pintxos, small finger foods served at bars and taverns throughout the Basque Country. The word pintxo is a ‘Basque-ified’ take on the Spanish word pincho, which itself comes from the verb pinchar, meaning ‘to pierce’. This is because pintxos are very often held together by cocktail sticks, and many bars will bill you by counting how many empty cocktail sticks are left on your plate!
Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.
Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.
Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.
Monday May 4: San Sebastian
Arrival day
Accommodation: Hotel Ilunion
Welcome to your fabulous gravel bike tour of the Basque Country!
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the city centre and the spectacular shell-shaped beach of La Concha. Why not carb-load ahead of your cycling adventure by trying some of San Sebastian’s world-famous pintxos, accompanied by a glass of local txakoli white wine?
Spend the afternoon on one of San Sebastián’s three beaches: beautiful shell-shaped La Concha, sporty Ondarreta and surfer haven Zurriola.
Enjoy a cruise out into the bay to the tiny island of Isla Santa Clara (available every hour 11:30 – 18:30 March – May (weekends only), and June – September (every day))
Take a stroll along the seafront boulevard, and explore the city’s so-called “Romantic area”, or delve into the narrow streets of the old quarter. Don’t miss the views of Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro (open Mon – Sun, 10:15am – 1:15pm/4:45 – 7:45) and the Catedral del Buen Pastor (Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 12:30pm/5pm – 8pm, Sat/Sun according to Mass times), two beautiful cathedrals placed 1km apart, with no buildings in between.
Learn more about the local history and culture with a visit to Museo de San Telmo (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 7pm), the biggest museum dedicated to Basque history in existence, with exhibitions spanning from prehistoric times to modernity.
Enjoy a visit to the gardens of Palacio de Miramar, the summer getaway of the Spanish royal family.
Warm up your legs before your bike tour with a walk up Monte Urgull, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over the bay from the feet of Cristo de la Mota, the 12m high statue of Jesus that watches over the city from the ruins of Castillo la Mota.
At the other end of the bay, visit the famous Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) statue by Edward Chillida, before taking the funicular up Monte Igueldo for fabulous views over the city and a visit to an old-fashioned mountaintop amusement park. For lunch with a view, we recommend Restaurante Alaia (open Wed – Mon 1:30pm – 4:30pm)
San Sebastián is world-famous for its gastronomy, and with good reason! The city boasts more Michelin starts per person than any other city in Europe.
The most famous area to go out for pintxos is the old town. Some of our favourite pintxos bars are Atari (don’t miss the carrilleras or the torrijas), La Txuleta (grilled meat and fish), Bar Sport (foie and sports!) and La Viña (famous for its Basque “burnt” cheesecake). Further towards the city centre, we recommend Bar La Espiga.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, why not try one of the city’s ten Michelin-star restaurants?
Alternatively, take a taxi to the nearby village of Astigarraga and enjoy a traditional cider house meal, a very popular activity among Basques! The menu typically consists of cod tortilla and steak followed by cheese and membrillo (quince), plus unlimited cider, brewed in-house and served straight from the enormous barrels that line the walls! Basque cider must be aerated, so try to copy the local technique of catching it mid-stream in your glass!
Tuesday May 5: San Sebastian – Leitza
Route: 42km/26mi,
Elevation: 570m/1875ft
Accommodation:Rural Cyclist hotel
This morning our local partner, Miguel, will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9.30h for your bike fitting. He will be there to fit your bikes and give you the maps and documents you need for the week and answer any questions.
Next, its time to start your Basque gravel bike tour! Today’s ride is a great stage to get your legs warmed up.
Leaving San Sebastian behind, you’ll follow a bike path out of the city, along the Urumea river and past the famed cider houses of the village of Astigarraga. We recommend that you make a stop here to sample some locally-produced Basque cider, which is traditionally poured from a height to aerate it!
The journey truly finds its rhythm in Andoain, which serves as the gateway to the legendary Plazaola Greenway. This path follows the bones of an old narrow-gauge railway that once hauled iron ore and passengers through the mountains. As you pedal away from Andoain, you enter the Protected Biotope of the Leitzaran Valley, where the air stays cool beneath a canopy of oak and beech trees and the sound of the rushing river follows you at every turn.
Leitza is a small, traditional Basque village. There are, of course, a few great options for dinner.
We recommend Taberna Beatriz, with generous portions and a very local atmosphere.
Another local tavern, just outside of the town center, is Sagasta Restaurante. Hearty portions, local ingredients and a homey atmosphere make for a delicious dinner!
Wednesday May 6: Leitza to Ultzama
Route: 50km/31m
Elevation: 575ft/1890ft
Accommodation: Hotel Ultzama Mirador and Spa
This leg of the journey offers a beautiful transition from the forested gorges of the Plazaola to the rolling plateaus of the Ultzama Valley. The first half leans into adventure on the Plazaola Greenway, where you will navigate a gravel path that feels like a secret passage through the mountains. Leaving Leitza, you will tackle the steady climb toward the Uitzi Tunnel, a 2.7km atmospheric highlight that carries you through the mountain divide before you emerge near the restored train station in Lekunberri.
As you leave the greenway behind, the terrain shifts to quiet backroads leading toward Etzaleku and Jauntsarats. The landscape opens into a tapestry of vibrant meadows and ancient oak groves characteristic of the Basaburua valley. This section is a peaceful immersion into traditional rural life, with the route winding past stone-built hamlets and cider orchards. The ride culminates at the Hotel Mirador de Ulzama, where you can look back over the undulating hills and deep forests of the Basque countryside.
Tonight dinner is included. Please let the reception know what time you want dinner when you check-in.
Thursday May 7: Ultzama to Elgorriaga
Route: 40km/25 miles
Elevation: +516 m/1690 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Balneario Elgorriaga
This leg of the journey takes you from the open meadows of the Ultzama Valley down into the quieter, wooded valleys of the Malerreka region. Starting near Eltzaburu, the route follows narrow country roads through a landscape of oak forests and small family farms. As you ride toward Ola and Oiz, the terrain becomes more enclosed and green, offering a straightforward look at the rural side of Navarre away from the busier tourist spots.
The road continues with a steady descent toward the Ezkurra River, passing through Oiz where you’ll see the typical stone houses of the area. It is a simple, scenic stretch of riding that stays mostly off the beaten path. The trip ends in the small village of Elgorriaga, home to a local spa known for its high-salt thermal waters, making it a practical and relaxed place to wrap up the day’s ride.
Tonight you’re in for a double treat: a spa circuit and dinner are included!
Friday May 8: Elgorriaga – Hondarribia
Route: 48km/30mi OR 67km/41mi
Elevation: 265m/867ft OR 987m/3238ft
Accommodation: Hotel Rio Bidasoa
Short option:
This route follows the gentle flow of the Bidasoa River as you head back toward the Atlantic coast. Starting from Elgorriaga, you’ll quickly join the Bidasoa Greenway, a flat and easy-going path that leads you through Sunbilla. This section is characterized by old stone bridges and a lush, narrow valley where the hills press in close, covered in deep green ferns and hardwoods.
Continuing through Bera, the landscape begins to broaden, and the mountain air starts to mix with a salty breeze. You’ll leave the quiet woods behind as the river widens and leads you toward the coast. The journey finishes in the vibrant town of Hondarribia, where the medieval walls of the old town and the colorful fishing houses of the Marina district provide a lively contrast to the quiet river trails you traveled throughout the day.
Longer option (think: French pastries!):
This route takes you across the border into the French Basque Country, crossing through rolling hills and traditional villages before hitting the coast. Starting from Elgorriaga, you head north toward Bera, following the river valley before beginning the ascent toward Sare and Ainhoa. These two villages are quintessential examples of Labourd architecture, featuring white-washed facades with deep red and green timber framing set against a backdrop of emerald-green pastures.
After descending from the hills, the route heads to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a historic port town known for its protected bay and pedestrian streets. From there, you follow the scenic Corniche road along the rugged cliffs toward Hendaye. The journey concludes at the Hendaye pier, where you can board the small passenger ferry for a short crossing over the Bidasoa River, arriving directly at the waterfront in Hondarribia.
Click here for our google maps recommendations in Hondarribia!
Once in Hondarribia, continue following the route for an optional tour around the town and its viewpoints. Visit San Telmo Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and is known as the Pirate Castle for its role in protecting the town against attacks from the sea; take in the views from Figer lighthouse; and head up into the hills for lunch with a view at Restaurante Oilurta Azpi (open Tue – Sun 12:30pm – 3:30pm).
There are fantastic dining options in Hondarribia: if you’re in the mood for traditional Basque seafood, La Hermandad de Pescadores (open for dinner from 8pm, closed Mondays) is a beloved local institution known for what many call the best fish soup in the world.
Another excellent option is Restaurante Jaizkibel (open for dinner from 8pm Tuesday to Saturday), which serves elegant seasonal dishes in a quiet, modern setting within Hotel Jaizkibel.
If you’d prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Gastroteka Danontzat (open for dinner from 8pm, Thursday to Monday) is a lively spot popular for its creative pintxos and smoked fish plates.
Saturday May 9: Hondarribia to San Sebastian
Route: various routes available
Elevation: various routes available
Accommodation: Hotel Zenit
This final leg is a spectacular coastal journey featuring some of the most iconic cycling terrain in the region. Leaving the medieval walls of Hondarribia, the route immediately begins the famous ascent of Jaizkibel. This climb is a staple of professional racing, offering steady gradients and dramatic views of the Bay of Biscay and the French coast as you gain height. The ridge of the mountain feels like the edge of the world, with open pastures on one side and the deep blue sea on the other.
The descent leads you into the unique harbor town of Pasai Donibane, a narrow, atmospheric village where the houses seem to grow directly out of the water. To continue toward the city, you can take a small rowing boat ferry across the narrow mouth of the bay to Pasai San Pedro. From there, the path climbs again onto Mount Ulia, a former whale-watching lookout that is now a peaceful coastal park. The trail winds along the cliffs, passing the Faro de la Plata lighthouse, before revealing a bird’s-eye view of Zurriola Beach as you descend into San Sebastián.
If you prefer an easier route you don’t have to do the Mount Ulia 2nd hill, you can just continue on local bike paths from Pasaje de San Juan all the way to San Sebastian.
Welcome to San Sebastian, the pintxo capital of the world. Eat away and enjoy your last night!
Spend the afternoon on one of San Sebastián’s three beaches: beautiful shell-shaped La Concha, sporty Ondarreta and surfer haven Zurriola.
Enjoy a cruise out into the bay to the tiny island of Isla Santa Clara (available every hour 11:30 – 18:30 March – May (weekends only), and June – September (every day))
Take a stroll along the seafront boulevard, and explore the city’s so-called “Romantic area”, or delve into the narrow streets of the old quarter. Don’t miss the views of Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro (open Mon – Sun, 10:15am – 1:15pm/4:45 – 7:45) and the Catedral del Buen Pastor (Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 12:30pm/5pm – 8pm, Sat/Sun according to Mass times), two beautiful cathedrals placed 1km apart, with no buildings in between.
Learn more about the local history and culture with a visit to Museo de San Telmo (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 7pm), the biggest museum dedicated to Basque history in existence, with exhibitions spanning from prehistoric times to modernity.
Enjoy a visit to the gardens of Palacio de Miramar, the summer getaway of the Spanish royal family.
Warm up your legs before your bike tour with a walk up Monte Urgull, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over the bay from the feet of Cristo de la Mota, the 12m high statue of Jesus that watches over the city from the ruins of Castillo la Mota.
At the other end of the bay, visit the famous Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) statue by Edward Chillida, before taking the funicular up Monte Igueldo for fabulous views over the city and a visit to an old-fashioned mountaintop amusement park. For lunch with a view, we recommend Restaurante Alaia (open Wed – Mon 1:30pm – 4:30pm)
San Sebastián is world-famous for its gastronomy, and with good reason! The city boasts more Michelin starts per person than any other city in Europe.
The most famous area to go out for pintxos is the old town. Some of our favourite pintxos bars are Atari (don’t miss the carrilleras or the torrijas), La Txuleta (grilled meat and fish), Bar Sport (foie and sports!) and La Viña (famous for its Basque “burnt” cheesecake). Further towards the city centre, we recommend Bar La Espiga.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, why not try one of the city’s ten Michelin-star restaurants?
Alternatively, take a taxi to the nearby village of Astigarraga and enjoy a traditional cider house meal, a very popular activity among Basques! The menu typically consists of cod tortilla and steak followed by cheese and membrillo (quince), plus unlimited cider, brewed in-house and served straight from the enormous barrels that line the walls! Basque cider must be aerated, so try to copy the local technique of catching it mid-stream in your glass!
Sunday May 10: End of tour
Departure day
After breakfast, our services come to an end. We hope you’ve had a great time exploring gravel in the Basque Country! Our Bike Spain Tours staff will be on hand to assist you if necessary with your onward travel plans if you’d like.
