The Spanish Basque Country by bike
On the Basque Country's beautiful cycle routes from Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian
Highlights
Vitoria, capital of Alava
Izki Natural Park
Vasconavarro greenway
Pampluna, capital of Navarre
Monte Ezcaba
San Sebastian, capital of Guipuzcoa
The Spanish Basque Country and Navarre
The Spanish Basque Country offers you a charming, active holiday in a region with a strong identity. Across three provinces - and three capitals - you're able to pedal from the Alava Plain (Llanada Alavesa) to the sea on beautiful green cycle paths.
Welcome to Vitoria-Gasteiz, one of Europe’s greenest cities. Your cycling trip begins in the capital of the province of Alava and the autonomous community of the Spanish Basque Country. Enjoy the charm of its Old Quarter, with its cobbled streets, picturesque squares and ancient buildings. Visit the famous Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, the city’s emblematic square that regularly hosts festivals and events.
Leaving Vitoria behind, you enter the Navarrese countryside using the region’s extensive network of cycle paths (known as bidegorris). You cycle along the Izki Nature Park, a protected natural area of outstanding ecological diversity, natural landscapes and wooded areas. Pedal along the Vasconavarro railway greenway to Estella. Navarre offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes: from verdant mountains to fertile valleys and rolling plains, there’s nothing to miss. An important stopover on the Camino de Santiago (Pilgrimage of Compostela), Estella offers an interesting mix of history and architecture. Its bridges, churches, convents and Calle Mayor (the main avenue) give you an idea of the town’s atmosphere.
Your cycling journey continues along the Eurovelo 1 route, under the watchful eye of Monte Ezcaba, towards Pamplona, the capital of the Autonomous Community of Navarre. Surrounded by ramparts, the city promises a well-preserved medieval historic center. If you arrive in early July, don’t miss the San Fermin festivities, the famous running of the bulls known as the encierro. The city is never short of entertainment, with the Plaza Del Castillo, the lively heart of Pamplona, a popular meeting place for locals and cyclists alike.
Leaving Navarre, you head for the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa: San Sebastian, the last capital of this tour. A gentle descent along the Plazaola greenway takes you there. You’ve now reached the sea. Stretch your legs on the famous La Concha beach. It’s framed by a magnificent shell-shaped bay, offering sublime panoramic sea views. The old town of San Sebastian is ideal for strolling around and enjoying Basque gastronomy, with Idiazabal (Basque cheese), Bacalao (cod) and pintxos (small portions of food served in bars).
Three provinces, three capitals: a great off-road cycle tour in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country!
Fit From VITORIA-GASTEIZ to MAESTU 31km 460m 
You start your journey along the green route of the Navarrese Railway, away from Vitoria. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a jewel of 11th-century Romanesque art.
You then head off into the typical forests of the region and enjoy the charming small towns that this area has to offer. This first section is subject to the Laminoria tunnel (2195 m.), which is currently inaccessible. To avoid it, we suggest you take a slight detour via a traffic-free road, or a mountain path for the more expert riders. You pedal through the lush forest of the Alavesa mountains. You then descend to the Col de Guereñu and return to the greenway. After passing through a tunnel, you arrive at Maestu, one of the largest villages in the region. Among its monuments, you discover the Samaniego rural palace, an exceptional 17th-century Baroque work, and the church dedicated to the Invención de la Santa Cruz, whose bell tower features a singular clock with a mechanical figure.
From MAESTU to ESTELLA 45km 60m
As soon as you start pedaling, you escape the charms of Álava and enter the enchanting territory of Navarre. You ride safely along the cycle path of the old Vasconavarro railroad, which guides you to your next destination. At the end of this route, you reach the old Estella station. Once the scene of railway stories, it now rests, metamorphosed into a bus station, guardian of memories and witness to past journeys.
From ESTELLA to PAMPLONA 60km 700m
After a hearty breakfast, you saddle up and leave the Vía Verde del Vasco Navarro behind. You ride along the Eurovelo 1, which follows the route of the Camino de Santiago, the faithful companion of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The metamorphosis of the landscape envelops you, each pedal stroke revealing a natural fresco. After a beautiful stage, you reach the gates of Pamplona. The city reveals its architectural treasures, lively squares and charming alleyways, inviting you to lose yourself in a labyrinth of discoveries. Every corner of Pamplona offers a fascinating glimpse of its heritage, making your visit an unforgettable experience.
From PAMPLONA to LEKUNBERRI 40km 450m
Get on your bike and make your way out of Navarre’s capital. As you ride away, the majestic Mount San Cristóbal keeps a watchful eye on your journey. You reach the Plazaola greenway. The first few kilometers of this picturesque track take you gently uphill, gradually revealing the captivating panorama that surrounds you, until you reach the old Lekunberri station.
From LEKUNBERRI to SAN SEBASTIÁN 65km 170m
This is a fascinating stage. Leaving Lekunberri, you suddenly enter an enchanting landscape. Green slopes, forests and lush valleys accompany you to the end of the greenway.
The route includes no fewer than 40 tunnels! Don’t forget to dress warmly!
Ocassionally you have to leave the greenway to avoid the closed tunnels, but don’t worry, it’s worth the few pedal strokes.
Arriving in Andoain, you pedal along rural roads and cycle paths to the capital of Guipuzcoa. It’s here, in San Sebastián, that you meet the sea. Visit San Sebastian and you’re sure to be seduced by its cultural dynamism and atmosphere, quite different from the rest of the country.
SAN SEBASTIÁN
After breakfast, the tour ends. Agur!
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 860€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The route book in digital format
- Documentation and itinerary
- Access to the navigation application (Ride with GPS) with the itinerary.
*Luggage transfer: limited to one piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20kg per person.
- Day 1 : Welcome briefing by phone on the day of your arrival.
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits and other personal expenses
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Spain:
- Routes selected with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized video welcome before your trip with our local guide (in English)
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A trekking mobile app to follow the routes step by step ( smartphone not provided)
- A roadbook containing all useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a tour description.
And also:
- Comfortable bike rentals, ideal for this itinerary.
- The option of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Tourring ebikeCannondale Mavaro Neo 5+. Supplied equipment per bike
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Trekking bikeCannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 3. This bike don’t have a rack for pannier, so we advise to bring your own backpack. Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : VITORIA-GASTEIZ
Coming by car
- at 8h from PARIS
- at 3h45 from BORDEAUX
- at 8h from LYON
Coming by train
- Gare de Vitoria-Gasteiz - 10h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Vitoria-Gasteiz airport
Arrival city : SAN SEBASTIÁN
Coming by car
- at 7h from PARIS
- at 10h from AMSTERDAM
- at more than 16h from MILAN
Coming by train
- San Sebastian Train Station - 8h from Paris
Coming by plane
- San Sebastian airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian in 1h50 (hotline)
- Return by car in 1h15 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From April 1st to October 15th
Destination Spain
EUROPE
EuroVelo 1
EuroVelo 3
Basque Country
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Easy , 
Expert
VITORIA-GASTEIZ
Arrive on your own to Vitoria-Gasteiz. You choose your arrival time so that you can enjoy a day of relaxation and visit the capital of the Basque Country before starting to pedal the next day. Here, you receive your bikes if you’ve rented them.
Orientation by phone with us
A few days before your trip, our local partner take the time to talk to you by phone over a videoconferencing to explain all the important points and answer any questions you may have.