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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 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, 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
DATE: Arrival in Bilbao
Accommodation: Hotel Zenit Bilbao
Ongi etorri! Welcome to the Basque Country and the start of an amazing tour!
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.
DATE: Bilbao – Plentzia
Route: 32 km/ 19.9 miles
Elevation: +356m/ 1180 feet
Plentzia: Accommodation: Hotel Boutique Bahia de Plentzia
Your bike fitting is scheduled for DATE at TIME with our local partner Miguel at the reception of your hotel!
Your first ride of the week takes you over the bridge, as you pass by the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry’s masterpiece. As you enter 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). Getxo is the 19th century Basque elite´s old stomping grounds, and it´s still replete with palaces and manors. Then you´ll head through the old town of Algorta which hints at the small, quaint fishing village the town once was.
Lastly, you will continue along the coastal path across the cliffs, with sweeping views of the dramatic Basque coastline all the way to Plentzia.
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).
DATE: Plentzia – Mundaka
Route: 38 km/23.6 miles
Elevation: +904m/ 2875 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Atalaya
As you depart Plentzia you will make your way along the coast to 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.
After Bakio you will continue along the coast until you arrive to 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. Please note that entrance to the hermitage is by timed ticket ONLY: you can book here .
Shortly after the visit you will arrive in 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.
After Bermeo you´ve got a few km to roll into Mundaka, enjoy the coast!
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 tow
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.
DATE: Mundaka – Lekeitio
Route: 45 km/27.3 miles
Elevation: +815 m/ 2681 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Uribarren
It’s worth making a stop just after leaving Mundaka to take in the views at the Portuondo viewpoint. Then, as you continue on the road you will pass the Ekoetxea Urdaibai (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 7pm), an exhibition centre dedicated to the biodiversity of the area.
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.
As you continue on 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).
After leaving Guernica you have a nice ride up the other side of the estuary before continuing along the hilly, coastal roads all the way to Lekeitio.
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.
DATE: Lekeitio – Zumaia
Route: 39 km/ 27.3 miles
Elevation: +836 m/2640 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Talasoterapia
As you leave Lekeitio you continue 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: The small town also boasts a bridge designed 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.
The next spot to visit is 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.
From here, your ride continues along the coastal path all the way to the charming coastal town of Zumaia where you´ll be in for a treat when you make it to the local beach to see the flysch.
Your hotel tonight boasts fabulous ocean views and has a relaxing spa, where you can loosen up your muscles after a long week in the saddle (spa treatments not included in tour price).
Click here for our google maps recommendations!
Zumaia, a picturesque coastal town in Spain’s Basque Country, offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences.
Itzurun Beach: Famous for its dramatic flysch cliffs and as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Itzurun Beach is a haven for surfers and nature enthusiasts. The unique geological formations are best appreciated during low tide.
Flysch Cliffs & Geological Walk: Embark on a walk from Talaimendi Hill (Zarautz) to Algorri Point (Zumaia) to witness the stunning flysch formations—alternating layers of sandstone and shale that tell the Earth’s geological history. Guided tours and boat trips are available for a deeper understanding.
Wander through narrow medieval streets adorned with centuries-old buildings. Highlights include:
For a hearty and traditional dinner after your day of cycling, we recommend Algorri (open 11am – 8pm, Thu – Tue) a Basque cider house where you can enjoy a delicious meal of steak and house cider, with fabulous views, or Restaurante Ubera (open 10am – 11pm, Wed – Sun), which serves a changing menu of seasonal local fare.
DATE: Zumaia to San Sebastián
Route: 32 km/ 19.3 miles
Elevation: +596 m/1950 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Ilunion
Say goodbye to the cliffs and get ready for a short, but gorgeous, last day! The first recommended stop is in 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).
Today is full of fun, and after a windy road along the coast you will come to the surfer haven of Zarautz, where 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.
As you depart Orio, which is an interesting town, you will begin the final gradual ascent and then descent heading out of the lush Basque countryside . Enjoying stunning views of bucolic green landscapes and the Bay of Biscay, you’ll make your way along the coast, heading downhill into the the world-renowned foodie paradise of San Sebastian.
We hope you’ve enjoyed your bike tour and that your visit in San Sebastian is relaxing and enjoyable!
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!
DATE: San Sebastian – Hondarribia
Route: 43.1 km/26.8 miles
Elevation: +820 m/+2692 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Jauregui
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).
There are fantastic dining options in Hondarribia: if you’re in the mood for traditional Basque seafood, La Hermandad de Pescadores (open for dinner from 8pm, closed Mondays) is a beloved local institution known for what many call the best fish soup in the world.
Another excellent option is Restaurante Jaizkibel (open for dinner from 8pm Tuesday to Saturday), which serves elegant seasonal dishes in a quiet, modern setting within Hotel Jaizkibel.
If you’d prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Gastroteka Danontzat (open for dinner from 8pm, Thursday to Monday) is a lively spot popular for its creative pintxos and smoked fish plates.
DATE: Hondarribia – Bayonne
Route: 49.3 km/30.6 miles
Elevation: +536 m/+1759 ft
Accommodation: Villa Koegui
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!
There are plenty of inviting dining options in Bayonne: if you’re seeking flavorful pintxos and tapas in a lively setting, Xurasko (open for dinner from around 19:00) is a neighborhood staple known for excellent roasted potatoes and generous tapas at very reasonable prices.
If you’re after traditional Basque-style dining, Chez Txotx (open for dinner from 19:00, daily) is a rustic bodega full of local charm, hearty plates, and riverside seating near the market area. And for a Michelin experience we highly recommend the family-run Goxoki (dinner from 19.30-21.30h Monday to Saturday) with their high-quality ingredients and creative, yet elegant, prix-fixe menus.
DATE: Bayonne – Ostape
Route: 35km
Elevation: 625m
Accommodation: Auberge Ostape
This short routs offers a captivating blend of coastal charm and mountainous serenity. The route begins by navigating the vibrant streets of Bayonne before transitioning onto the scenic route which will take you through Cambo-les-Bains. As you approach Bidarray, the terrain becomes more challenging, with the final ascent leading to the tranquil 17th-century farmhouse nestled amidst the Basque countryside.
We recommend booking dinner at the Auberge Ostape as this is a rural hotel.
DATE: Ostape – Bera de Bidasoa
Route: 45km
Elevation: 713m
Accommodation: Hotel Churrut
This beautiful route offers a rich mix of rolling terrain, pastoral landscapes, and iconic villages. Saying goodbye the peaceful retreat of Auberge Ostape you will descend toward Itxassou, a quaint village flanked by the Nive River and cherry orchards. A short climb takes you to Espelette, famous for its vibrant red peppers and traditional Basque charm.
From Espelette, continue south to Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, where the terrain becomes more undulating and scenic as you approach Sare, one of the most picturesque villages in France. The final leg to Bera involves a mix of winding climbs and lush descents as you cross into Spanish Navarre, finishing in a quiet town nestled in the green foothills of the Pyrenees.
Dinner, at the hotel, is included tonight.
Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
DATE: Bera de Bidasoa – San Sebastian
Route:
Elevation:
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.
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!
DATE: 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.
