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Rioja and the Basque coast self-guided bike tour itinerary for the Welshes and the McTears

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Explore the Basque country on a self guided bike tour taking the magnificent coastal route from San Sebastian to Bilbao and enjoying the region’s rich cuisine along the way.

ACCESSING GPS ROUTES

Click here for our step-by-step guide!

  1. Download the app called RideWithGPS on your cell phone
  2. Follow the steps to make a free account in the app
  3. Once you have your account set up, connect it with your tour routes by clicking this link: click here
  4. This should open an EVENT in the RidewithGPS app, which will include all of your routes. 
  5. To access the routes, at a later date, from the home screen in the app click on “More” then on “My Events”. You should find the routes there! Now you’re ready to pedal!
  6. We recommend downloading each route to ensure offline accessibility. 
  7. Please make sure that you finish the route recording at the end of each day’s ride.
  8. Tips for saving your battery while using the GPS: Click here

¡SHARE YOUR TRIP!

 

We’d love to follow along with the photos and videos from your fabulous bike tour!

Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and don’t forget to tag us in your travel posts.

Be sure to join our Strava club so we can give you kudos for all your amazing rides!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Daily luggage transfers

Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (by 9am at the latest) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labelled with the nametag provided.

Bike fitting

You will have your bike-fitting upon arrival at Villa Abalos. Miguel, our local Basque guide, will pick you up at the Santander airport and will take you to Abalos. If you need to contact him, his number is +34 636 19 53 85.

In case of emergency

Mealtimes in Spain

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, usually including a drink, bread and dessert or coffee. 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.

Must-try dishes

Basque cuisine is a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that reflects the region’s rich culture and history. Located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France, the Basque Country is known for its stunning landscapes and a strong connection to the sea and mountains, which greatly influence its gastronomy.

One of the most iconic aspects of Basque food is pintxos, which are small snacks typically served on a skewer or toothpick. These delightful bites can be found in bars throughout the region and often feature a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, meats, and vegetables, all beautifully presented.

Seafood plays a significant role in Basque cuisine, with dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína (salted cod in a rich red sauce) and chipirones (baby squid) being popular choices. The region is also famous for its txangurro, a spider crab dish that showcases the freshness of local seafood.

Meat lovers will enjoy traditional dishes like txuleta, a thick, juicy steak often grilled over an open flame, and cordero al horno, a succulent roast lamb. The use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients is a hallmark of Basque cooking.

When it comes to drinks, the Basque Country is renowned for its txakoli, a slightly sparkling white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood and pintxos. Another popular beverage is sidra, or Basque cider, which is made from local apples and has a unique, tangy flavor. For those who enjoy a good cocktail, the kalimotxo, a mix of red wine and cola, is a beloved choice among locals.

Overall, Basque food and drinks offer a delightful experience that reflects the region’s unique identity and culinary heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a casual pintxo at a bar or savoring a traditional meal, the flavors of the Basque Country are sure to leave a lasting impression!

On egin — enjoy your meal!

Packing list

Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.

 
 

Cycling safety

Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.

Bike Bloopers

Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.

 

Basque Language (Euskera)

Basque language (Euskera)

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
egun on– good morning/day

 

Itinerary

Monday September 7: Arrival
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Villa de Abalos

Miguel, our local Basque contact, will be waiting for you 4 upon arrival at Santander airport at 15.25h. He will transfer you to Villa Abalos, where you will have the bike-fitting. If you need anything his number is +34 636 19 53 85.

Welcome to the beginning of a great bike tour!

Tuesday September 8: Loop route through the vineyards
Accommodation: Villa de Abalos
Meals included: breakfast

 

Today’s route follows small, quiet country paths along the Ebro River, giving you a chance to explore some of the area’s most beautiful and historic little towns.

The first of these is San Vicente de Sonsierra, a former fortress town where coats of arms still decorate historic palaces. Here, you can visit the medieval city centre, which boasts a castle, several watchtowers and the remains of the original city walls.  You can also visit the 13th century church of San Juan de Arriba, which houses the Vera Cruz Brotherhood, who precede their Easter Week processions with self-flagellation to show their faith. We also recommend a visit to the interesting Bodega Castillo de Mendoza, formerly housed within the castle walls (shop open and tastings available Mon – Fri 9am – 2:45pm and Sat 11:30am – 1:30pm).

Next, your route takes you up to the tiny mountaintop hamlet of Rivas de Tereso, (pop. just 15!) where you can enjoy a bite to eat with fabulous views at the excellent Asador de José Mari (open Wed – Mon, 10am – 6pm).

Your next stop is the tiny village of Remelluri, famous for the large 10th century necropolis, where 300 anthropomorphic tombs are clearly visible, and the little hermitage of Santa Sabina. You can also stop by the excellent Remelluri Bodega, set in a 15th century monastery (shop open Mon – Fri 8am – 3pm).

You’ll continue on through vineyards, through the town of Bastida to the pretty riverside hamlet of Briñas, where you can stop off at Bodega Tobelos (wine bar open Mon – Sat 12:30pm – 3pm, guided tours available on request).

Your next stop is Haro, one of La Rioja’s centres of wine production, and world-famous for the wine battle that takes place every June, in which locals and visitors alike attack each other with thousands of litres of wine!

Haro itself is a fascinating town, and it’s well worth taking a stroll to discover the sculptures of ordinary inhabitants performing traditional tasks, many of which are, of course, related to winemaking! We also recommend a visit to the Baroque Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Haro, and a walk around the palaces of the old own. You might even like to treat yourself to a Michelin Star lunch at Restaurante Nublo (open for lunch Wed – Sun, 1:30pm – 4pm, prior booking essential).

Of course, no visit to Haro would be complete without stopping by a winery, and our recommendation here is CVNE, which belongs to one of Spain’s biggest wine companies and boasts a wine barrel cellar designed by Gustave Eiffel (wine bar open Mon – Sat 9am – 4:30pm, tours in English available Mon – Sun on request), or  the wine bar at Bodegas Muga (open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 2:30pm, Sat 10:30am – 2:30pm).

From Haro, you’ll head back towards Ábalos.

Cycle route 1: loop around vineyards

At leisure in Abalos

The tiny village of Ábalos (pop. 255!) is almost completely dedicated to winemaking. In the town, you can visit Bodega Solana de Ramirez Ruíz (guided tours and tastings in English available Mon – Fri at 5pm on request).

If your legs are up to it after all that cycling, you can hike the 2.5km up to the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Rosa for beautiful views over the town and its surroundings.

Wednesday September 9: Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Accommodation: Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Meals included: breakfast

Please leave your luggage with reception by 9am at the latest, so that it can be collected and transferred to your next hotel.

Long acknowledged as the oldest tourist trail stretching throughout Europe, the Camino de Santiago (Saint James Way, in English) is the dividing line between the upper and lower Rioja regions.

You’ll pass through San Vicente de Sonsierra and into the atmospheric hilltop town of Briones, whose north side overlooks the River Ebro. Here, we highly recommend a visit to the fascinating Museum of Wine Culture, which explores two millennia of the history of wine (open 10am – 6pm Wed – Sun) at Bodega Vivanco

From Briones, you’ll continue south through Azofra and Alesanco towards Cañas, where you can visit the imposing 12th century Monastery of Santa Maria de San Salvador (open Tue – Fri 11am – 5pm, Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm and Sun 10:30am – 3pm). Opposite the monastery, La Casona de Cañas is a great spot for lunch!

OPTIONAL: If you fancy a bit more cycling (approximately 15 km extra–but worthwhile!) you can head south from Cañas to the town of San Millán de Cogolla, considered to be the cradle of the Spanish language, thanks to the influence of the Yuso (lower) and Suso (mountainside) monasteries. The monks worked for almost a hundred years to create the first comprehensive Spanish grammar. and the two spectacular monasteries are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yuso is open Tue – Sun 10am – 1:30pm/4pm – 6:30pm, and Suso is open 10am – 1:30pm/4pm – 6pm (prior reservation required to visit Suso; you can buy tickets at the Reservations Office in Yuso).

In San Millán, you have a few options for lunch: Yuso’s very own restaurant, In Vino Veritas (open 1:30pm – 3pm, and a historic flour mill, Restaurante El Molino de San Millán (open daily 1pm – 4pm).

Today’s route finishes in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Cycle route 2: to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

At leisure in Santo Domingo de la Calzada

The most important attraction in Santo Domingo is the spectacular 16th century Cathedral (open Mon – Sat 10am – 2pm/4pm – 7pm, Sun 10am – 3pm), which includes a sculpted chicken coop in honour of one of the miracles of Saint Domingo, the town’s patron, who brought a roasted chicken back to life in order to save an innocent pilgrim from being hanged.

Eating and drinking in Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Before leaving Santo Domingo, you must try ahorcaditos, small cakes shaped like the shell of St James (due to the town’s importance on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route). The best place to buy these is Pastelería Isidrio (open Tue – Sun 10:30am – 2pm/5:30 – 8pm)

The Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada has an excellent in-house restaurant; however, if you would like to explore the town further we recommend Restaurante Los Caballeros (open Tue – Sat 1pm – 3:30pm/7:30pm – 10pm and Sun 1pm – 3:30pm), which is set in a historic manor house.

Thursday September 10: loop route to Ezcaray
Accommodation: Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Meals included: breakfast

Today, you’ll follow a former railway line that once went all the way to Haro, and has now been converted into a peaceful cycle path: Vía Verde del Rio Oja. Fifteen kilometres of pure biking pleasure between the floodplain of the River Oja and the foothills of the Sierra de la Demanda, dotted with picturesque medieval hermitages and flanked by agricultural fields. As you head towards Ezcaray, the route gradually becomes more forested until you reach the limestone cliffs of the Peña de San Torcuato, an important habitat for birds of prey.

In Ezcaray, you can celebrate with a lunch at Hotel Echaurren, either at the Michelin Star restaurant Portal de Echaurren (open for lunch 1:30pm – 2:30pm Thu – Sun, prior booking essential) or Restaurante Tradición (open daily for lunch 1:30pm – 3:15pm). It’s also well worth taking some time to explore the town, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in La Rioja: set in the mountains, surrounded by unspoilt nature, and retaining the traditional architecture of its historic town centre.

 

Cycle route 3: loop to Ezcaray

Friday September 11: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Lasala Plaza
Meals included: breakfast

Private transfer (with your bikes and luggage) to San Sebastian. Free day in San Sebastian.

At leisure in San Sebastián

Check out of list of google maps recommendations here!

  • 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)

Eating and drinking in San Sebastián

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. 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!

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!

Cycle route 4 (optional): San Sebastian to Hondarribia

Saturday September 12: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Lasala Plaza
Meals included: breakfast

Free day in San Sebastian.

I’ve given you 2 routes (they’re the same, one has a little scenic detour in Hondarribia) if you fancy some biking on Saturday or Sunday. You can take the train back. The train departs from Irun and it’s called Euskotren.

Links to help you: 
Euskotren- https://www.euskotren.eus/en/tren

Take the train from Irun (click for google maps), Irun (you click on Irun, and there are a few stations, so you want to first choose Irun and then Irun again). 

to

Donostia-San Sebastian

Sunday September 13: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Lasala Plaza
Meals included: breakfast

 
Free day in San Sebastian.

Monday September 14: San Sebastian – Getaria
Accommodation: Hotel Iturregi
Meals included: breakfast

As you cycle out of San Sebastián, you’ll climb out of the city and into the lush Basque countryside that surrounds it. Enjoying stunning views of bucolic green landscapes and the Bay of Biscay, you’ll make your way along the coast, heding downhill into the interesting town of Orio before continuing on through vineyards towards the sea.

Approaching the surfer haven of Zarautz, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the town and across to bay to the “mouse”: the mountain of San Antón, which is connected to the village of Getaria by a strip of land. We recommend that you make a stop to watch the surfers and have a drink at Hotel Restaurante Karlos Arguiñano (open daily from 8am), owned by a famous local chef and offering fabulous views of the beach.

From Zarautz, you’ll follow the coastal path around the bay to the charming fishing port of Getaria, famous for producing txakoli white wine and boasting its own Protected Denomination of Origin status. A favourite of top chef Antony Bourdain, Getaria boasts famous seafood restaurants such as Elkano (open Tues – Sat 1pm – 3:15pm/Fri & Sat 8:30pm – 10:15pm) and Kaia Kaipe (open Tues – Sat 1pm – 3:30pm/Fri & Sat 8pm – 10:30pm) Prior booking is essential for both.

Around Getaria, you will cycle through txakoli vineyards and past numerous bodegas, many of which offer visits upon prior appointment: Gaintza (Tue – Sat at 11:30am), Txomín Etxaniz (Mon – Sat 9am – 12pm) Ameztoi (Guided tours available Tue – Sat at 11am (Spring/Autumn), daily at 11am (Summer), Tastings daily 11am – 2pm).

Just after Getaria, you’ll take a left to head up the hill to your beautiful rural hotel for the next 2 nights. Enjoy the views!

Bike shops
Zarautz Bike– Mon-Fri 10.30am-1.30pm, 4.30pm-8pm, Sat 10.30am-1.30pm, +34 680 882 152
Ciclos Eizagirre– Mon-Fri 9am-1.30pm, 4pm-8pm, Sat 9am-1.30pm, +34 943 834 869

Cycle route 5: San Sebastian to Getaria

At leisure in Zumaia

Click here for our google maps recommendations! 

The top attraction in Zumaia are the flysch landscapes: layers of sedimentary rock that can be read like a geological textbook, and which have created spectacularly beautiful cliffs that have been used as filming locations for Game of Thrones, among others. You can enjoy fantastic views from the small chapel of San Telmo, and we highly recommend a short hike along the GR-121 to explore the beaches and flysch landscapes.

Weather permitting, we also suggest a visit to Itzurun beach, where the high concentration of iodine in the sands and water has proven health benefits.

Eating and drinking in Zumaia

For a hearty and traditional dinner after your day of cycling, we recommend Algorri (open 11am – 8pm, Thu – Tue) a Basque cider house where you can enjoy a delicious meal of steak and house cider, with fabulous views, or Restaurante Ubera (open 10am – 11pm, Wed – Sun), which serves a changing menu of seasonal local fare.

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!

Wednesday 16 September: Getaria – Lekeitio
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarren
Meals included: breakfast

From Iturregi, you’ll make your way to the seaside town of Zumaia, where we highly recommend taking a detour to visit the flysch rock formations on the local beach. Then, you will make your way inland before returning to the coast and the fishing town of Deba, where we recommend making a brief stop to visit the 15th century Church of Santa Maria, which boasts a well-known polychromatic façade.

The route continues along the coast to the pretty fishing village of Ondarroa, which is an interesting cultural experience because it’s one of the places with most Basque language speakers in the country, and boasts a bridge deigned by prestigious architect Santiago Calatrava. We recommend a lunch stop here at Sutargi Jatetxea (open Tue – Sun 12pm – 10:30pm), which specialises in kokotxa (fish cheeks), a local delicacy, or Batzoki Ondarroa (open Wed – Mon 1pm – 3:30pm), which boasts a terrace with beautiful sea views.

From here, your ride continues along the coastal path all the way to the charming fishing port of Lekeitio.

Bike shops
Deba: Ciclos Turbina- Mon-Fri 9.30am-1pm, 4.30pm-8pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm, +34 943 19 23 82
Lekeitio: Ciclos Artilea– Mon-Fri 10.30am-12.30pm, 5pm-7.30pm, + 34 664 522 888

Cycle route 6: Getaria to Lekeitio

At leisure in Lekeitio

Click here for our google maps recommendations!

Lekeitio’s “new” port, Txatxo Kaia, dates back to the 19th centry and was named after a local sailor who accompanied Christopher Colombus on his voyage to the Americas. The colourful fishermen’s houses that line the port once looked out directly over the sea.

The town was surrounded by a stone wall in the 14th century, to defend against both invaders and the fires that frequently devastated the town. Parts of this can be seen to this day.

The magnificent Basilica de Santa Maria dates back to the 15th century and boasts a Gothic altarpiece that is considered to be one of the most important in the region.

At low tide, a path appears across the bay to the island of Garraitz, also known as the island of St Nicholas, after the hermitage that once stood there. It’s well worth walking out to the island to enjoy spectacular views of the coast all the way to Zarautz (please consult the tide schedules).

Take a stroll down Calle Arranegi to admire the juxtaposition of 16th and 17th century palaces with traditional fishermen’s houses.

Eating and drinking in Lekeitio

Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, specialising in locally-sourced traditional Basque cuisine; however, if you would like to explore the town further, we recommend a tapas crawl around the port in order to try the diverse seafood dishes of this traditional fishing village.

Thursday September 17: Lekeitio – Mundaka
Accommodation: Hotel Luruña Palacio Larrinaga 
Meals included: breakfast

Today’s route follows the Urdaibai estuary, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most richly diverse natural landscapes in the whole of the Basque Country, including a wetland that is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Those interested in ornithology can visit the Urdaibai Bird Center (open Sat/Sun, 11am – 7pm Nov – May, Daily Jun – Oct), while history fanatics can take a detour to the Caves of Santimamiñe (open daily 9:30am – 2:30pm), which boast paintings dating back to the Late Paleolithic. Although the paintings themselves cannot be visited in order to prevent their deterioration, the visitor centre offers excellent 3D virtual tours.

Heading inland, you’ll come to the town of Guernica, made famous by the Picasso painting which depicts the bombing of the town by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War, considered to be the first deliberate attack on civilians in military history. We highly recommend a stop here to visit the ceramic representation of Picasso’s painting, a visit to the Peace Museum (open Sun & Mon 10am – 2:30pm and Tue – Sat 10am – 6pm, closed Mondays Nov – Mar) to better understand the local history, and a visit to the magnificent Casa de las Juntas (open daily 10am – 2pm/4pm – 6pm) to visit the original Tree of Guernica, and see the stained-glass ceiling depicting important scenes in Basque history. If all that sightseeing has given you an appetite, we recommend lunch at 1000 Kolorau (open Wed – Mon 11am – 6pm).

Next, you’ll continuing north up the other side of the estuary towards Mundaka. Along the way, we suggest a visit to Ekoetxea Urdaibai (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 7pm), an exhibition centre dedicated to the biodiversity of the area.

It’s worth making a stop just before Mundaka to take in the views at the Portuondo viewpoint. There’s also an excellent restaurant (see below) where you can enjoy lunch with an amazing view.

Bikeshops
Gernika: Basati Bike– Mon-Fri 8.30am-13.30pm, 4pm-7pm, + 34 944 653 839

Cycle route 7: Lekeitio to Mundaka

At leisure in Mundaka

Click here for our google maps recommendations!

Mundaka is a surfer’s paradise, and is considered to have some of the best waves in the world, best viewed from the Mirador de Atalaya or the viewpoint at the Ermita de Santa Catalina, once used to quarantine plague victims.

Historically a fishing town, Mundaka’s old port remains the beating heart of the town, and marks the start of the charming old town.

Eating and drinking in Mundaka

We highly recommend walking up to the Portuondo viewpoint, where you’ll find Restaurante Asador Portuondo (open daily 1:30pm – 3:30pm, Fri&Sat 1:30pm – 3:30pm/9:15pm – 10:30pm), offering delicious views with spectacular views over the bay, where the greenery of the mountains sweeps down into the sea.

Friday September 18: Mundaka – Getxo
Accommodation: Hotel Embarcadero
Meals included: breakfast

Your route today takes you from Mundaka to the fishing town of Bermeo, where we recommend a short stop to explore the town. Visit the colourful fishermen’s houses in the old port and the 14th century Franciscan convent, and stop by the Ercilla tower, a fortified aristocratic home dating back to the 15th century, which now houses the Fishermen’s Museum (open Tue – Sat 10:30am – 7pm, Sun 10:30am – 2:30pm), dedicated to the life and customs of Basque seafarers.

Leaving Bermeo behind, your route continues towards one of the most magical spots on the Basque coast: the beautiful island hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 9th century fortified chapel recently made famous in its role as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Please note that entrance to the hermitage is by timed ticket: your visit has been booked for 11.10am and you can access your tickets here.

From Gaztelugatxe, your route continues into Bakio, where we recommend a stop to the Txakoli Museum (open Tue – Sat 10am – 2pm (Nov – Apr); Mon – Sun 10am – 2pm (May – Oct)), where you can learn more about the production and enjoy a taste of Basque txakoli wine. Entrance tickets and tasting are included in the price of your tour.

From Bakio, your route winds its way along the coast to Plentzia and then into Getxo where you’ll spend the night.. 

Bike shops
Bermeo: Aribike– Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, 4.30pm-7pm, +34 946 186 281

Cycle route 8: Mundaka to Getxo

Eating and drinking in Getxo

We recommend dining at the hotel. 

If not, here are a few other options: 

Willows Restaurant

To get here you’ll have to cross the bridge, and we recommend reserving:

Restaurante el Palador y El Txakoli (2 different ones, in the same place) 

Saturday 19 September: Getxo – Bilbao
Accommodation: Hotel L’Artiste 
Meals included: breakfast

Your final (short) ride of the week takes you from Getxo, former playground of the 19th century Basque elite and still replete with palaces and manors, along the river into Bilbao.

As you leave Getxo, you’ll pass by the Puente Colgante, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest suspension bridge in the world (walkway visits available daily 10am – 7pm).

Beyond the bridge, you’ll continue along the river into Bilbao, passing directly by the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry’s masterpiece. You’ve arrived!

Bike shops
Sopelana: Uribike– Mon-Fri 11am-4pm, 5pm-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm, +34 944 655 076
Getxo: Ciclos Olabarrieta– Mon-Fri 10.30am-1.30pm, 5pm-7.30pm, Sat 10.30am-1.30pm, +34 944 644 798
Bilbao: Ciclos Zubero– Mon-Fri 9.30am-1.30pm, 4.15pm-8pm, Sat 10am-1.30pm, +34 944 231 686

Cycle route 9: Getxo to Bilbao

At leisure in Bilbao

Click here for our google maps recommendations!

Bilbao’s most famous attraction, the Guggenheim Museum (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 7pm), needs to be top of your list, even if you only visit the external artworks that form part of this magnificent building! Take a selfie with “Puppy”, Jeff Koons’ colourful dog sculpture made from living flowers, “Maman”, Louise Bourgeois’ enormous spider sculpture, and Anish Kapoor’s “The tall tree and the eye”.

If classical art is more to your taste, don’t miss the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (open Mon – Sat 10am – 8pm and Sun 10am – 3pm. Closed Tue), which exhibits pieces dating back to the 13th century and has an important collection of Basque art through the centuries.

For the best views in the city, take the cable car up Mt Artxanda, and enjoy a coffee or dinner with an amazing view at hilltop restaurant El Txakoli.

Football fans will love the museum and stadium tour at San Mamés, the brand-new home of Athletic Bilbao, the world’s only all-Basque football team!

Eating and drinking in Bilbao

There are endless dining options in Bilbao: if you’re looking for a Michelin star experience to celebrate your achievement, you can find a list of restaurants here; alternatively, if you haven’t yet had a Basque cider house experience you can enjoy steak and unlimited cider at Bilbao Urban Sagardotegi (open daily from 10:30am) or Galtzagorri Sagardotegia (open daily from 11am).

Another fantastic dining option is the Mercado de la Ribeira (open daily from 8am), a historic market building converted into a modern gastromarket with an impressive range of eateries.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed dinner, you can enjoy the many pintxos bars of Bilbao’s old quarter! Some of our favourites are Gure Toki, Café Bar Bilbao, Irrintzi, Bar Charly and Victor Montés.

Sunday 20 September: Bilbao
Accommodation: Hotel L’Artiste 
Meals included: breakfast

Free day in Bilbao. 

Monday September 21: Departure

After breakfast, you will bid farwell to your bike and the beautiful Basque Countryside. You will have a transfer, with Miguel, from your hotel to the airport in Santander for your flight at 11.15h. 

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