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Discover the hidden valleys and traffic-free greenways of the beautiful Basque country on this off-the-beaten-path self-guided gravel bike tour!
This beautiful tour takes you into the green heart of the rural Basque Country, exploring forests, valleys and villages lost in time. Enjoy some spectacular gravel cycling along vías verdes: disused railway lines that have been converted into traffic-free bike paths. Challenge yourself with climbs into the majestic Basque mountains and a wide range of cycling terrain.
The itinerary starts and ends in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, which has become world-famous for the quality of its gastronomy. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the renowned Basque “pintxos”, washed down with a glass of local txakoli wine!
Leaving San Sebastian behind, the route takes you through some of the region’s most beautiful villages, the stunning Basaburua Valley and even across the border into France, with a stop in the colourful medieval fishing village of Hondarribia.
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?
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.
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: 47 km/29.2 miles
Elevation: +390 m/ 1280 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Rio Bidasoa
Today’s gravel bike stage follows the brand-new Bidasoa vía verde cycle path along the river of the same name. Enjoy a relaxed downhill ride through picturesque Navarrese villages, all the way to the border town of Hendaye. Here, you’ll take a boat across the bay and into France, where you’ll spend the night in the colourful fortified town of Hondarribia.
Day 6: Hondarribia – San Sebastian
Route: 31 km/ 19.3 miles
Elevation: +530 m/ 1740 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Codina
Your last ride of the week starts with a beautiful coastal ride along a seafront bike path, admiring historic lighthouses. From here, you’ll head up to Jaizkibel Mountain pass for stunning panoramic sea views, before enjoying a sweeping descent into the charming fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan. After a quick stop for coffee and a pintxo, you’ll take the boat across the bay to follow a bike path all the way into San Sebastian.
Day 7: Departure
End of tour
After breakfast, your Basque gravel bike tour comes to an end!
Get in touch with us if you are interested in spending some extra nights in San Sebastian, or extending your trip to the beautiful green city of Vitoria or other towns in the Basque Country.
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Plaza de la Villa 1,
28005 Madrid
+34 915 590 653
info@bikespain.com
