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Don’t forget to join our Strava club, so we can give you kudos for all your amazing bike rides!
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 PLACE Miguel, our local partner, will meet you at the hotel. If you need help contact him at +34 636 195385
Call Miguel on +34 636 19 53 85, or the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653 (office phone) or +34 653 090 864, 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.
Tuesday May 27: San Sebastian
Accommodation: Hotel Ilunión
Ongi etorri! Welcome to the Spanish Basque Country and the start of an amazing tour!
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!
Wednesday May 28: San Sebastian – Hondarribia
Route: 43.1 km/26.8 miles
Elevation: +820 m/+2692 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Jauregui
9.30am: 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 1,90€).
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).
Thursday May 29: Hondarribia – Bayonne
Route: 49.3 km/30.6 miles
Elevation: +536 m/+1759 ft
Accommodation: Mercure Bayonne Centre
After crossing the Bidasoa river into the French Basque Country (in boat for non e-bikes, on the bridge for e-bikes), 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.
Click here for our google maps recommendations for Bayonne!
Friday May 30: 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.
Feel free to arrive extra hungry as dinner is included tonight!
Saturday May 31: Bera de Bidasoa – San Sebastian
Route: 43km
Elevation: 586m
Accommodation: Hotel Ilunión
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.
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!
Sunday June 1: End of tour
Departure day
After breakfast, our services come to an end. We hope you’ve had a great time exploring the French and Spanish Basque Country!
Our Bike Spain Tours staff will be on hand to assist you if necessary with your onward travel plans.
