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FUNHOGS Basque country itinerary

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Explore the Basque country and Navarra on a self-guided gravel and road bike tour 

ACCESSING GPS ROUTES

Click here for our step-by-step guide!

  1. Download the app called RideWithGPS on your cell phone
  2. Follow the steps to make a free account in the app
  3. Once you have your account set up, connect it with your tour routes by clicking this link: click here
  4. This should open an EVENT in the RidewithGPS app, which will include all of your routes. 
  5. To access the routes, at a later date, from the home screen in the app click on “More” then on “My Events”. You should find the routes there! Now you’re ready to pedal!
  6. We recommend downloading each route to ensure offline accessibility. 
  7. Please make sure that you finish the route recording at the end of each day’s ride.
  8. Tips for saving your battery while using the GPS: Click here

¡SHARE YOUR TRIP!

 

We’d love to follow along with the photos and videos from your fabulous bike tour!

Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and don’t forget to tag us in your travel posts.

Be sure to join our Strava club so we can give you kudos for all your amazing rides!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Daily luggage transfers

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.

Bike fitting

Your bike fitting is scheduled for Thursday September 4 at 10:30am at your hotel.

 
 

In case of emergency

Mealtimes in Spain

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.

Must-try dishes

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!

Packing list

Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.

 
 

Cycling safety

Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.

Bike Bloopers

Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.

 

Basque Language (Euskera)

Basque language (Euskera)

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

 

Itinerary

Wednesday September 3: Pamplona
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Hotel 3 Reyes
Hotel services: laundry, bar

Ongi etorri!
Welcome to Pamplona and the start of a fabulous adventure!

Arrival at leisure in Pamplona.

At leisure in Pamplona

There’s a lot to see and do in Pamplona! Click here for our google maps recommendations. Here are some recommendations:

Walk the Camino de Santiago route through the city by following the yellow arrows and scallop shells as the famous pilgrimage trail winds through the old town and past key landmarks like the Cathedral and Plaza del Castillo.

Visit the Plaza de Toros and learn about the Running of the Bulls
Explore Spain’s second-largest bullring and its small but informative museum, especially if you’re interested in the history of the San Fermín festival.

Stroll along the medieval city walls and fortifications on the well-preserved Renaissance-era walls which afford panoramic views and a peaceful walk through history, particularly around the Ciudadela (Citadel) and Fortín de San Bartolomé.

Explore the old town and sample local pintxos while wandering the narrow streets of the Casco Antiguo, stopping at traditional bars for local wines and small bites in lively spots like Calle Estafeta and Calle San Nicolás.

Visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Real which is more than just a Gothic cathedral as it includes a stunning Neoclassical façade, cloisters, and the Diocesan Museum inside. 

Eating and drinking in Pamplona

Here are four great local dinner spots in Pamplona:

  • Bar Gaucho – Beloved pintxos bar near Plaza del Castillo, known for classic Basque bites and lively local atmosphere.

  • Café Iruña – A Pamplona institution since 1888, this elegant, historic café overlooks Plaza del Castillo and is famous for its beautiful interior, old-world charm, and connection to Ernest Hemingway. Great for dinner, drinks, or a relaxed evening of pintxos in a grand setting.
  • La Olla – Traditional Navarrese cuisine on Calle Estafeta, famous for its chistorra and local wines.

  • La Vieja Iruña – Classic tavern with a long bar of pintxos, perfect for a casual, authentic meal in the old town.

  • El Mercao – Market-style eatery in Mercado del Ensanche offering creative small plates at fair prices.

 

Thursday September 4: Pamplona – Basoa Treehouses
Route: 52km
Elevation: +610m
Accommodation: Basoa Treehouses
Hotel services: 
Meals included: breakfast

Today’s ride begins in the historic city of Pamplona, known for its medieval walls, winding streets, and of course, the famous Running of the Bulls. As you leave the city behind, you’ll quickly find yourself cycling through peaceful countryside roads, passing through quiet villages and gentle farmlands nestled in the heart of Navarra.

We recommend that you stop in Irurtzun for a snack mid-way. Once you leave Irurtzun, the route gradually climbs throughout the day, enough to get your legs working without being overly demanding. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, pine-dotted slopes, and glimpses of the Pyrenees in the distance.

I know that you all use Komoot, and there’s a little hiking detour (steep, like everything in the Basque country) up to the vulture’s viewpoint (just after you leave Irurtzun). Here’s a link for the route I made for you if you want to use some other muscles!

After passing through a string of small villages, the route curves northward into a more forested and remote landscape. Expect a tranquil ride through eucalyptus-scented woods and lush greenery as you make your way toward the final stretch.

Your destination this evening is a truly unique one: a set of beautifully crafted treehouses, perched above the forest floor and offering a peaceful retreat in nature. Nestled in the treetops, your accommodation provides an ideal place to unwind, stargaze, and reconnect with the natural world—far from the bustle of city life.

A well-earned rest awaits in this unique spot! Dinner can be arranged nearby or brought to your treehouse for a cozy night in. Please check here for more info on the dinner options offered at the treehouses. 

Cycle route 1: Pamplona to Basoa Treehouses

Friday September 5: Basoa Treehouses a Donamaria
Route: 39 km
Elevation: 600m
Accommodation: Venta de DonaMaria
Meals included: breakfast

Your day begins at Basoa Treehouses and you’ll begin your ride by descending on quiet, paved rural roads, passing through meadows and farmland in the Ultzama Valley. The terrain is gentle here, giving you a smooth warm-up as you pedal through this lush corner of northern Navarra. There will be bits of gravel, mixed with small paved roads.

After around 12 km, you’ll join the Vía Verde del Plazaola, a disused railway line converted into a peaceful greenway. This car-free section of the route winds through shady beech and oak forests and follows the old railbed along compacted gravel. Along the way, you’ll pass stone bridges, tunnels, and the remnants of 19th-century rail infrastructure, adding a historic character to the ride.

As the greenway continues north, the route begins to climb gently through increasingly remote landscapes. After leaving the greenway behind, you’ll transition onto narrow, paved country lanes, winding through small villages and past farmsteads. The scenery becomes more rugged as you enter the Belate forest, a protected area of deep forest, rolling hills, and traditional mountain pastures.

Climbing steadily, you’ll make your way into the highlands surrounding Belate. This section has a true sense of wilderness and solitude. You may spot grazing livestock, soaring birds of prey, or simply enjoy the peace of pedalling through old woodland on your way north.

The final stretch of the ride brings a rewarding descent through forest and pastureland into the small village of Donamaria, where your accommodation awaits. Hotel Venta de Donamaria is a traditional rural inn housed in a beautifully restored stone building, offering a warm welcome and quiet surroundings—perfect for resting up after a good day of riding!

Cycle route 2: Basoa Treehouses to Donamaria

Eating and drinking in Donamaria

In rural Navarra there aren’t that many options, but you never go hungry! 
The closest option for dinner on Friday is the local bar in the village Donamaria, you can find it here.

The other possibility would be to head up to Santesteban, about 3km away. There you can find a variety of options for dinner. Ekaitza Ostatua is a bit more casual and best known for their tapas while Belarra Restaurant might be a better bet for a sit-down dinner. 

Saturday September 6: Donamaria a Hondarribia
Route: 47km
Elevation: +400m
Accommodation: Parador de Hondarribia
Hotel services: laundry
Meals included: breakfast

Today’s ride begins in the quiet village of Donamaria, nestled in the foothills of the western Pyrenees. Leaving your rural inn behind, you’ll join the Vía Verde del Bidasoa, a scenic greenway built along the route of a former railway line that once connected inland Navarra with the coast. This section offers a peaceful, car-free ride through some of the region’s most unspoiled landscapes.

The surface of the greenway is mostly compacted gravel and earth. The path follows the course of the Bidasoa River, meandering gently through a lush river valley lined with chestnut, oak, and beech trees. Along the way, you’ll pass old railway tunnels, stone bridges, and small villages that still bear traces of the area’s industrial past. You’ll pedal through a series of quiet hamlets and farms, with frequent opportunities to stop and take in the scenery or enjoy a picnic by the river. The greenway is well signposted and shaded for much of the way, offering a cool, tranquil experience even in warmer weather.

As you approach the town of Bera, the landscape begins to open up, and the mountains of the Basque coast come into view. If you want to have lunch we recommend stopped in Bera as it’s the biggest town along the route. From here, the path gradually transitions into a combination of quiet paved backroads and cycle paths, linking you to the outskirts of Irun, where you rejoin the greenway for the final stretch.

Crossing into Hondarribia, you’ll arrive at your destination: the Parador de Hondarribia, a majestic 10th-century fortress perched above the town’s historic quarter. With views across the Bidasoa estuary to France and the Atlantic beyond, it’s a truly special place to end your day.

Cycle route 3: Donamaria to Hondarribia

At leisure in 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).

Sunday September 7: free day in Hondarribia
Accommodation: Parador de Hondarribia
Hotel services: laundry, bar, restaurant
Meals included: breakfast

Today is a day off! You can relax in Hondarribia or if you want to jaunt across to France we recommend heading up the coast to Biarritz or as far as Bayonne. I have added a route in your RideWithGPS event to Bayonne. Since you have electric bikes you cannot take the ferry (your route reflects this). Then, once you make it to Biarritz, or Bayonne, you can get the train back to Hendaye. Then, crosss the bridge and you’re in Spain again. Check the bike-ticket availability here.  Let me know if you have specific questions about this option. It is very important to book the bike tickets! 

Monday September 8: Hondarribia – Zumaia
Route: 60km
Elevation: +1260m
Accommodation: Hotel Talasoterapia
Hotel services: spa and massage
Meals included: breakfast

Starting in Hondarribia, we recommend heading up the Jaizkibel Mountain pass (approx. 500 meters altitude), which offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the bay below. After descending, you’ll reach the picturesque village of Pasaia Donibane.

From there, take the short boat ride across the estuary to Pasaia San Pedro (runs continuously throughout the day, fare: 1.90 €). Once across, don’t miss Albaola, a traditional Basque shipbuilding museum where artisans are reconstructing a historic whaling ship (open Wed–Sat 10am–2pm / 3pm–6pm, Tue and Sun 10am–2pm).

Continuing west along the coast, you’ll soon arrive in the vibrant city of San Sebastián, a perfect place to relax on the beach, stroll through the old town, or enjoy some world-renowned pintxos as you well know!

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.

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 Getaria, you’ll enjoy a downhill ride into Zumaia, your destination for the evening.

Your hotel tonight boasts fabulous ocean views and has a relaxing spa, where you can loosen up your muscles after your first day in the saddle (spa treatments not included in tour price).

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

Cycle route 4: Hondarribia to Zumaia

At leisure in Zumaia

Click here for our google maps recommendations! 

The top attraction in Zumaia are the flysch landscapes: layers of sedimentary rock that can be read like a geological textbook, and which have created spectacularly beautiful cliffs that have been used as filming locations for Game of Thrones, among others. You can enjoy fantastic views from the small chapel of San Telmo, and we highly recommend a short hike along the GR-121 to explore the beaches and flysch landscapes.

Weather permitting, we also suggest a visit to Itzurun beach, where the high concentration of iodine in the sands and water has proven health benefits.

Eating and drinking in Zumaia

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.

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!

Tuesday September 9: Zumaia- Lekeitio
Route: 43km
Elevation: +792m
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarren
Hotel services: indoor pool, beach-front hotel, restaurant, bar, laundry, gym, spa services
Meals included: breakfast

 

From the seaside town of 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

Cycle route 5: Zumaia to Lekeitio

At leisure in 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.

Eating and drinking in Lekeitio

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.

Wednesday September 10: Lekeitio to Mundaka
Route: 45km
Elevation: +866m
Accommodation: Hotel Atalaya
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

Cycle route 6: Lekeitio to Mundaka

At leisure in Mundaka

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.

Eating and drinking in Mundaka

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.

Thursday September 11: Mundaka to Getxo
Route: 62km
Elevation: +1171m
Accommodation: Hotel Embarcadero
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. Please note that entrance to the hermitage is by timed ticket: your visit has been booked for you at 11:20h and you can access your tickets here.

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 through Plentzia. As you pass Plentzia you will head through Sopelana, known for it’s wild beach (playa Salvaje) and this special viewpoint (secret suggestion from Aviva). After Sopelana you have another 10 km along the coast, and a wee bit along the river that heads into Bilbao. You will have made it all the way to Getxo, where the bike tour ends at your great hotel. Enjoy and be proud of everything you’ve accomplished!

Miguel, who has done your bike-fitting, will arrange for the bikes to be picked up this afternoon.

Bike shops
Bermeo: Aribike– Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, 4.30pm-7pm, +34 946 186 281

Cycle route 7: Mundaka to Getxo

At leisure in Mundaka

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.

Eating and drinking in Mundaka

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.

Friday September 12: Free day in Getxo-Bilbao

Accommodation: Hotel Embarcadero
Hotel services: laundry, bar, restaurant
Meals included: breakfast

At leisure in Bilbao

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!

Eating and drinking in Bilbao

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.

Saturday September 13: Departure

 

After breakfast, you will bid farwell to the beautiful Basque Countryside. We hope that you’ve had a fulfilling, exciting tour and have thoroughly enjoyed your experience through the Basque Coutnry. 

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