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Explore the Basque coastline, from San Sebastian to Bilbao, by bike while taking in the magnificent scenery and enjoying the region’s rich gastronomy.
This bike tour is a great way to enjoy the countryside, the coast and the culture of the Spanish Basque Country. Enjoy a ride discovering the wonderful beaches, enjoying beautiful landscapes and visiting the lovely fishing villages!
The itinerary starts, and ends, in the two most exciting cities of this region: San Sebastian and Bilbao. San Sebastian is a small city although it´s renowned for its food tourism, as their restaurants have more Michelin stars per square meter of its territory than anywhere else in the world. It is also the birthplace of the “new Basque cuisine” movement. The quality of the ingredients used in the spectacularly creative “pintxos” are a highlight to both locals and visitors all year round. In addition, the beauty of its Bay, known as the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea, is a natural amphitheater facing the sea and surrounded by mountains. Given the cities´very high quality of life during the past two centuries it has become a world-class tourist destination.
Bilbao, capital of the province of Bizkaia, is one of the main economic and cultural hubs in northern Spain, and has gained international recognition as an architectural point of reference. Certainly, the Guggenheim Museum has become the main focal point, however, Bilbao has plenty of other interesting sites to offer, in and around the city.
Day 1: San Sebastian
Accommodation: Hotel Codina
Arrival in San Sebastian today is at leisure. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the city centre and the spectacular shell-shaped beach of La Concha, which is just minutes walking distance from your hotel. We recommend you stroll around and try the famous ‘pintxos’ in any of the local bars of the area. ‘Pintxo‘ is a ‘Basque-ified’ take on the Spanish word ‘pincho’, which itself comes from the verb ‘pinchar’, which is ‘to pierce’. They are small finger foods served at bars and taverns throughout the Basque Country. They are the backbone of the Basque food culture and frequently accompanied with a local wine or a crisp, refreshing small beer. You will definitely enjoy many pintxos on your bike tour through the Basque Country.
Day 2: San Sebastian – Zumaia
Route: 35 km/21.8 miles
Elevation: +650 m/ 2217 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Thalassotherapy Zelia
This morning our local partner, Miguel, will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. He will be there to fit your bikes and give you the maps and documents you need for the week and answer any questions. Leaving San Sebastian, by bike, you will start to climb out of the city into the rich Basque countryside. With stunning views of lush green landscapes and the Bay of Biscay you will make your way along the coast passing through the famous surfing town of Zarautz and the charming fishing port of Getaria, before arriving in your final destination, the town of Zumaia.
Your hotel tonight boasts fabulous ocean views and has a relaxing spa, where you can enjoy the relaxing waters in order to loosen up your muscles after your first day in the saddle.
Day 3: Zumaia- Lekeitio
Route: 44 km/27.3 miles
Elevation: +768 m/ 2520 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Uribarren Palace
From the coastal town of Zumaia, you will make your way inland before returning to the coast and passing through the pretty fishing village of Ondarroa and onto your final destination, another charming fishing port, the town of Lekeitio.
Day 4: Lekeitio – Mundaka
Route: 44 km/27.3 miles
Elevation: +793 m/ 2601 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Atalaya
Departing from Lekeitio, today’s ride heads along the coast until you reach the Bay of Guernica and the Urdaibai estuary and biosphere reserve. From there you follow the river inland until you arrive in Guernica, historical capital of Biscay and infamous for Picasso´s painting. After a stop in Guernica, you will continue along the other side of the Mundaka river until you reach the town istelf, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Mundaka – Plentzia
Route: 38 km/23.6 miles
Elevation: +845 m/ 2772 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Bahia Plentzia
Today we cycle from Mundaka to the fishing town of Bermeo, where we recommend a short stop to visit the town. The biking route continues along rolling roads before we can catch a sneak preview of the beautiful island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe which has become quite famous since appearing in Game of Thrones. We recommend a quick stop, just before Bakio, at the Txacoli Museum. Txakoli or Chacolí is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with low alcohol content produced in the North of Spain. (Entrance ticket and wine tasting is included in tour price).
There are only a few more curves until you reach your charming boutique hotel in Plentzia located right by the fishing port.
Day 6: Plentzia – Bilbao
Route: 32 km/ 19.9 miles
Elevation: +375 m/ 1230 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Bilbao
Your last ride of the week takes you all the way into the city of Bilbao, which is the largest city in the province. After leaving the coastline, you will arrive in the city on a mix of roads and biking paths, which will bring you directly into the heart of the city along the river where the imposing image of Frank Gehry’s mindblowing architecture will greet you as you approach the Guggenheim Museum.
Take the afternoon to enjoy this impressive structure and then go for a stroll through the city’s old quarter for a final farewell “txakoli” white wine and pintxo!
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will bid farwell to your bike and the beautiful Basque Countryside. Get in touch with us if you are interested in spending some extra nights in Bilbao or extending your trip to the beautiful green city of Vitoria or other towns in the Basque Country.
Hotel Codina
The Codina Hotel is located 300 metres from Ondarreta Beach, in San Sebastián.
It is a 3-star hotel designed to offer you a pleasant stay in the city. Remodelled in 2006, the building is modern and welcoming. The Sercotel Codina Hotel offers 65 rooms equipped with all the amenities, including free WiFi Internet. Because of its location and facilities, this hotel is one the best accommodation option for your visit to this famous city.
Hotel Thalassotherapy Zelai
An unrepeatable experience. Unbeatable views, only metres from the authentic Zumaia Flysch.
The Thalassotherapy Zelia hotel is a newly built construction designed to ensure that visitors enjoy a restful and comfortable experience. You’ll find us in Zumaia, directly above the famous Flysch (making our location a privileged spot) and only a moment’s walk from the San Telmo hermitage.
Hotel Silken Uribarren Palace
The Silken Palacio Uribarren is in an unbeatable location with superb views of the sea, the slopes of Mount Lumentza and Mount Otoio.
This hotel in Lekeitio overlooks Isuntza beach, close to Santa María de la Asunción Basilica and beside the harbour, one of the most popular areas for eating pintxos. It is within easy walking distance of the harbour wall which offers spectacular views of the sea. All rooms have a free, high-speed Wi-Fi connection, satellite TV with international channels, USB chargers, automatic doors with proximity sensors, a mini-bar and a safe. Also, you will find a salt water swimming pool, perfect for relaxing.
Hotel Atalaya
The Hotel Atalaya, built in 1911, is housed in a listed building of architectural interest.
This hotel sits just a few metres from the sea and the famous surfing zone in Mundaka. Beautifully decorated with a mix of old and new styles the hotel boasts spacious rooms and a peaceful terrace for breakfast. This is a delightful guesthouse in Mundaka and the ideal place to rest your head for the night.
Hotel Boutique Bahia de Plentzia
Hotel Boutique Bahía de Plentzia is brand new but it keeps the essence of the antique key building that was some years ago in Plentzia village.
Located in an amazing spot, just next to the Plentzia river and surrounded by nature and beaches, Hotel Boutique Bahía de Plentzia is the ideal place to spend a relaxing night in Plentzia.
Hotel NH Hesperia Zubialde
Guests appreciate the calm, comfortable facilities and high-quality services in a fully-renovated building that has held on to its traditional charm.
The four-star Hesperia Zubialde hotel in Bilbao is centrally located and very near major attractions such as the San Mames stadium and the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum.
250.00€
350.00€
450.00€
1.530,00€ – 1.730,00€
| Dates | Low season 1st Apr to 30th June 2025, High season 1st July to 30th Sept 2025, Low season 1st Oct to 31st Oct 2025 |
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I wanted to say thank you for helping craft an amazing experience with my son. This was a truly amazing trip, very hard climbing…but still amazing. Your planning, guidance, and help on the last day when we had some hotel challenges were just top notch. The tour was exactly what we wanted. The stages were great, the views amazing, the towns very cool, and people were fantastic. The hotels were perfect. I have already recommended your company to a number of my biking friends and colleagues.
We´d rate it a 10- we thought the trip was excellent. The route, hotels, bikes and BikeSpain employees were excellent. Their enthusiasm and help was the best! I was having a hard time finding train tickets and they not only knew exactly what to do, but they purchased them for us and sent us the tickets and a simple payment link. This exemplifies excellent customer service. We were so motivated for our trip because of their enthusiasm.
