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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.
Your bike fitting is scheduled for Saturday May 3 at 10am at Maria Cristina Hotel.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, 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. You can also reach out to Miguel, the local contact at +34 636 19 53 85.
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.
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!
Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.
Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.
Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.
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
Fri May 2: San Sebastián
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Hotel Maria Cristina (own arrangements)
Ongi etorri!
Welcome to the Basque Country and the start of an amazing tour!
Arrival at leisure in San Sebastian.
Check out of list of google maps recommendations here!
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!
Saturday May 3: San Sebastian – Zarautz
Route: 33.4 km/20.8 miles
Elevation: +649 m/ 2217 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Ur Bare
Hotel services: spa and massage
Meals included: breakfast
Your bike fitting is scheduled for Sat May 3 at 10 am at Maria Cristina Hotel with our local partner Miguel. In case of any issues, please call Miguel on+34 636195385.
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.
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
Click here for our google maps recommendations!
Zarautz, located on the Basque coast of Spain, offers a variety of leisure activities for visitors to enjoy. The town is renowned for its beautiful beach, making it a popular destination for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Additionally, Zarautz’s scenic promenade is perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride, offering stunning views of the coastline. For those interested in cultural experiences, the town also has charming cafes, galleries, and historical sites to explore.
Zarautz is home to the Church of Santa María la Real, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, which dates back to the 15th century. The church features impressive stained glass windows, a stunning altar, and a tower that offers panoramic views of the town. While Zarautz doesn’t have a traditional castle, there is the Zarautz Palace, which was built in the 19th century and serves as a symbol of the town’s rich history. The palace is not open to the public but adds to the town’s historical charm with its grand architecture and well-preserved surroundings.
Dining in Zarautz is a wonderful experience, with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional Basque flavors. Whether you’re looking for a casual pintxos bar or a more formal dining experience, Zarautz offers a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. Many of the eateries in the town are centered around its coastal setting, so expect to find an abundance of delicious seafood dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
Taberna Masta – This charming restaurant is run by two young, local chefs. They’ve opened recently and serve local specialties, their specialty is seafood and fish.
Sunday May 4: Zarautz – Lekeitio
Route: 44 km/ 27.3 miles
Elevation: +768 m/2520 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarren
Hotel services: indoor pool, beach-front hotel, restaurant, bar, laundry, gym, spa services
Meals included: breakfast
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).
From the seaside town of Zumaia we recommend visiting the flysch. These are very special rock formations on the local beach. Once you depart from Zumaia, 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
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.
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.
Monday May 5: Lekeitio – Mundaka
Route: 44 km/27.3 miles
Elevation: +793 m/ 2601 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Luruna Palacio Larrinaga
Hotel services: laundry
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
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.
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.
Tuesday May 6: Mundaka – Plentzia
Route: 38 km/23.6 miles
Elevation: +845 m/ 2772 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Boutique Bahia de Plentzia
Hotel services: laundry, bar, restaurant
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. On Tuesday you do not need tickets, nor a reservation.
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 your destination, the seaside town of Plentzia.
Bike shops
Bermeo: Aribike– Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, 4.30pm-7pm, +34 946 186 281
Click here for our google maps recommendations!
Dating back to the end of the 13th century, the pretty fishing town of Plentzia boasts a charming old quarter, a historic port and a long, sandy beach – the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling!
For the freshest “ocean to plate” seafood with views over the estuary, we recommend Restaurante Arrarte (open Thu – Tue 9am – 11pm).
Wednesday May 7: Plentzia – Bilbao
Route: 32 km/ 19.9 miles
Elevation: +375 m/ 1230 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Bilbao
Hotel services: bar, restaurant, mini-bar, gym, laundry
Meals included: breakfast
Your final ride of the week takes you along the coastal path across the cliffs, with sweeping views of the dramatic Basque coastline all the way. Shortly before arriving into Bilbao, you’ll pass through the suburb of Getxo, former playground of the 19th century Basque elite and still replete with palaces and manors, although the old town area of Algorta still hints at the fishing village the town once was.
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
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!
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.
Thursday May 8: Departure
Meals included: breakfast
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.
