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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 the office of our local partners, PLACE
Call Miguel on +34 636 19 53 85, or 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.
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.
Day 1: San Sebastián
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Hotel Codina
Arrival at leisure in San Sebastián.
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!
Day 2: San Sebastian – Hondarribia
Route: 43.1 km/26.8 miles
Elevation: +820 m/+2692 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Jauregui
10am: Bike fitting with our local partner Miguel in the lobby of your hotel. In case of any issues, please contact Miguel on +34 636 19 53 85.
Leaving San Sebastián behind, you’ll soon arrive at the historic fishing village of Pasaia San Pedro, where we highly recommend a visit to Albaola, a reconstruction of a traditional Basque whaling ship (open Wed – Sat 10am – 2pm/3pm – 6pm, Tue and Sun 10am -2pm). From Pasaia San Pedro, you’ll take a boat across the estuary to Pasaia Donibane (continuous operation throughout the day, fare 1,10€).
From here, we recommend that you ascend Jaizkibel Mountain pass (500 meters approx.) for fabulous views over the bay. If you don’t fancy the climb, you can turn right towards Lezo and go straight to the fortified town of 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).
Day 3: Hondarribia – Bayonne
Route: 49.3 km/30.6 miles
Elevation: +536 m/+1759 ft
Accommodation: Hôtel des Arceaux
After crossing the Bidasoa river into the French Basque Country, you’ll follow La Corniche, a beautiful coastal bike path, towards Hendaye, a picturesque border town where you can visit the impressive Château-Observatory of Abbadia (open Mon – Fri 10am –12:30pm/2pm – 6pm, Sat/Sun 10am – 12:30pm).
Next, you’ll come to the charming French Basque town of Saint Juan de Luz. We highly recommend a stop here to explore the cobblestone streets of the old quarter, lined by colourful traditional houses, enjoy the seafront boulevard and pay a visit to the immense Church of St John the Baptist.
Your next suggested stop is the former whale fishing port of Guéthary, now a popular surfing haven. Explore the neo-Basque architecture, notably the town hall and the museum. From here, you’ll continue through the seafront village of Bidart, before reaching the glamourous city of Biarritz, known for its status as the surfing capital of Europe, a haven for golfers and also its therapeutic thermal waters. In Biarritz, we recommend climbing the 238 steps of the lighthouse (open daily 2pm – 6pm) for phenomenal views over the coast, a visit to the Historical Museum (open Tue – Sat 10am – 12:30pm/2pm – 6:30pm) to trace the town’s development from small fishing port to fashionable resort, and the aquarium (open daily 9:30am – 7pm), one of the biggest in Europe.
From Biarritz, you’ll continue along the coast to reach Bayonne, the capital of French Basque country.
At leisure in Bayonne
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Day 4: Bayonne – Bera de Bidasoa
Route: 53.3 km/33.1 miles
Elevation: +653 m/+2144 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Churrut
From Bayonne, you’ll head inland, following a bike path along the course of the River Nive, passing through charming French Basque villages. We recommend a stop in the village of Espelette, famous for a particular kind of pepper (piment d’Espelette) that is produced in the region, and the charming town of Ainhoa, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the area and famous for its traditional colourful Basque houses.
Heading towards the Pyrenees, you’ll enjoy a beautiful ride, surrounded by green countryside, descending across the border into Spain and towards the Navarrese village of Bera de Bidasoa.
Day 5: Bera de Bidasoa – San Sebastián
Route: 36.8 km/22.9 miles
Elevation: +579 m/+1899 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Codina
Today we cycle from Bera de Bidasoa to San Sebastián again, the last stage before finishing the trip. You willl take the Bidasoa Greenway to the border city of Irún, a fascinating city that dates back to Roman times, and which due to its strategic location played an important role in the Napoleonic wars, the Spanish Civil War and WW2. Those interested in ancient history can make a stop here to visit the Oiasso Museum (open Tue, Wed, Thu and Sun 10am – 2pm and Fri/Sat 10am – 2pm/4pm – 7pm), which explores the archaeological remains of Roman-era Irún.
From Irun, you’ll climb up to Gurutze mountain pass, and then enjoy a sweeping descent into the town of Oiartzun and then onwards to San Sebastián.
Day 6: End of tour
Departure day
After breakfast, our services come to an end. We hope you’ve had a great time exploring the Basque Country!
Our Bike Spain Tours staff will be on hand to assist you if necessary with your onward travel plans.
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 Jauregui
The Sercotel Jauregui is a cozy 3 star hotel located in the center of Hondarribia, very close to the airport of San Sebastián and the architectural features reflect a kind of mixture between Spanish and the French Basque Country characteristics.
Located near the towns of Biarritz, Hendaye and St Jean de Luz. The site, run by its friendly and attentive staff, is ideal for a few days of leisure and tourism. Hondarribia is full of perfectly manicured houses with colorful wooden balconies.
2 minutes from the sea and in an environment in which they are the best places to sample typical Basque cuisine, the Hotel Sercotel Jauregui has 42 rooms and 11 apartments.
Our hotel in Hondarribia is the perfect base for excursions to the French coast or along the spectacular valleys of the Pyrenees of Navarre
Hotel des Arceaux
In the heart of the historic center of Bayonne, in the pedestrian area, is located the Hôtel des Arceaux, in a perfect location to explore the city or make your business stopovers, hotel in downtown Bayonne.
The Hôtel des Arceaux, a charming 2-star hotel, is ideally located in the city center of Bayonne so that you can easily discover the city. Stroll through the historic district, meet the artisans who bring the city center to life, find yourself in the restaurant district less than 100 meters from our establishment and stroll along the quays to enjoy the sweetness of life in the region. We also advise you to visit the Sainte-Marie de Bayonne Cathedral.
Bayonne is a city rich in history and culture and there are so many places to visit as a museums.
Hotel Churrut
Set in an 18th-century manor house, this hotel is a 7-minute walk from the city center, 10 km from Le Musée du Gâteau Basque and 16 km from the Larrun rack railway, on the French border.
The Churrut Hotel is a relaxing three star boutique hotel ,which is located In a 18th Century Manor House , in the heart of the old town quarter of Bera, which is a peaceful town surrounded by spectacular country side.
This family- run Hotel was lovingly restored to an 18 bedroom hotel in 2002. The charm and character of the hotel extends to all its bedrooms, every one different, in which it is combined traditional decor with modern facilities.
Being on a bike tour shouldn’t mean constantly worrying about your bike breaking down. Nevertheless, bikes are machines, and issues can occur. Here’s what to look for if something doesn’t sound, feel, or work right.
ACCIDENTS: In case of an accident, keep calm, get off the road and go to a safe place (such as the hard shoulder) where you can evaluate the problem. If you suspect that you need medical care, call the Spanish emergency services on 112, explaining clearly where you are and what the problem is. Have your passport and your insurance documentation handy before calling. Please contact our office immediately after speaking with emergency services.
Remember that personal insurance it is not included on our self-guided tours. We offer an optional insurance policy. If you choose not to purchase this, please make sure that you keep own insurance documentation with you (including your passport).
The tour price does not include any roadside assistance with bicycle maintenance (e.g. flat tires) or any other taxi transfers during the tour. Any repairs that need to be caarried out on the bicycles that are not a result of negligence on Bike Spain Tours’ part will be paid for by the client.
HELMET: Cycling on the road in Spain without a helmet is illegal and unsafe; remember to wear your helmet at all times.
To check the weather before you leave on your trip, please take a look at current weather conditions at www.weatheronline.co.uk. For historical temperature and precipitation statistics visit www.weatherbase.com or take a look at the Spanish Meteorological website with detailed information per region (http://www.aemet.es/en/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos)
The history of Spain is a compendium of influences from the different cultures that have lived in the country. The first settlers on the Peninsula were the Celts and the Iberians. The Roman presence in Hispania lasted for seven centuries, during which time the basic borders of the Peninsula in relation to other European towns were set up. Many institutions were inherited from Rome such as the concept of family, Latin as a language, religion and law. At the start of the 5th century new settlers from the North arrived and settled on the Peninsula: the Visigoths in the interior and the Swabians on the West. The decomposition of the Visigoth state apparatus would lead to the successive infiltration of Arab and Berber troops from the other side of the Straits of Gibraltar at the beginning of the 8th century. In the middle of the 8th century the Muslims had completed occupation and Cordoba became the center of the flourishing Andalusian state. The Arab presence in Spain would last for almost seven centuries and leave an indelible mark on the Spanish cultural heritage.
Following a long period of peaceful coexistence, the small Christian strongholds in the North of the Peninsula took on a leading role in the Reconquest, which ended with the capture of Granada in 1492 under the reign of the Catholic King and Queen, traditionally considered the founders of peninsular unity and the imperial management of the Spanish revival. The 16th century represents the zenith of Spanish hegemony in the world, a process that would last until the middle of the 17th century. Following the death of Charles II, the last of the Austrians, who died without having had children, Phillip V inaugurated the dynasty of the Bourbons of Spain.
The crisis of the Old Order opened the doorway to the Napoleonic invasion. The War of Independence was a war against the French invasion, but also a revolutionary war due to the decisive involvement of the people and the clear formation of a national consciousness that would later shape the 1812 Constitution. The Courts of Cadiz thereby enacted one of the first Constitutions of the world which ratified that sovereignty would reside in the nation. The conflict between liberalists and absolutists, or in other words, between two different ways of perceiving the establishment of the state, would be one of the longest Spanish conflicts throughout the 19th century.
The ballot box is introduced into Spain and with it the first democratic experience of the 20th century: the second Republic, a brief attempt to introduce the reformations the country needed, frustrated by General Franco’s military rising and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. The military victory of General Franco gave way to a long dictatorial period that would last until 1975. Following his death, the Spanish peacefully made the transition from dictatorship to democracy in a process known as ‘the Spanish model’. Don Juan Carlos I, as King of the Spanish people, became the chief of a social and democratic state of law, which molded the Constitution of 1978.
More information…? Should you be interested in a specific theme, please check here, you will find many info about culture, environmental issues, nature, society, geography and politics.
In Spain you have exquisite and innovative dishes with the guarantee of internationally prestigious chefs. The highest quality products from the best producers, recipes combining popular tradition with artistic creation and offer you exciting, new flavors. Spain’s culinary revolution, headed by master chefs like Ferrán Adriá, Arzak and Berasategui turns the pleasure of good food into a luxury for the senses that is at its finest when savored in Spain.
Spanish cuisine is nowadays recommended in the finest restaurants, heralded by the most prestigious critics and demanded by millions of consumers over the world. It has gone through a real revolution, which, in the time of a few short years, has put Spain at the top of international cuisine. With traditional styles as the basis, a modern, innovative cuisine has developed, identified by the use of quality products and by the creativity of its chefs.
To read more about Spain’s cuisine
With regards to food, the Basque Country is probably the most important tourist destination in Spain. A coastal and border region, whose very varied culinary delights are due to the mixture of sea and mountain cultures with modern top-quality cooking. This trend emerged over the last decades with the appearance of the so-called Basque Nouvelle Cuisine. But most importantly, the good food is a reflection of the character of the Basque people, a people devoted to tradition and good food, the centre of any social occasion. The Basque Country, a culinary paradise.
Due to its geographical position in the Bay of Biscay, the Basques have been avid sailors for many centuries. Its constant fishing on the shore of Terranova has resulted in the consumption of cod on mass. The cod is a fish which in the past was consumed on the mainland to fight off the famine and which today has been converted into a delicacy, forming part of numerous recipes. The sauces which have emerged due to this fish – “pil pil” (garlic), Biscay sauce, green sauce, “ajoarriero” (eggs and garlic) – have become real institutions over the years and are proof of the region’s age-long capacity of producing sophisticated meals with the excellent raw materials at hand.
