Bike Tour in Basque Country: from Bilbao to France by the coast
Embark on this weeklong cycling holiday in the Basque Country, exploring the stunning coastline and rolling hills that connect Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France. This 7-day road cycling tour invites you to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, where lush green hills meet the rugged Atlantic coastline.
Your cycling Basque Country adventure begins in vibrant Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum and a thriving culinary scene. Pedal along quiet, perfectly paved roads that wind through coastal cliffs and verdant valleys. Conquer classic climbs that reveal panoramic vistas of the ocean and the rolling countryside, offering a mix of steep, punchy ascents and smooth gravel tracks through peaceful valleys.
Discover charming fishing villages, explore historic towns like Guernica—whose tragic past inspired Picasso’s famous painting—and visit Azpeitia, birthplace of the Jesuit movement. As you ride, the beauty of the Basque coast unfolds with pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and hidden inland gems.
Food and drink are integral to this journey. Refuel with pintxos and tapas, sip on txakoli (the region’s signature white wine), and indulge in fresh seafood delicacies like chipirones (baby squid) and navajas (razor clams). In the evenings, hearty dinners featuring locally sourced meats and fresh produce await, offering the perfect end to your days of exploration.
Ride into San Sebastián, renowned for its stunning beaches and gastronomic delights, before crossing into France to finish in picturesque Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Stroll through the Grande Place and along its beautiful cliffs, reflecting on a week filled with challenging rides, cultural discoveries, and the best of Basque hospitality.
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Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country. After our guides pick you up at the local airport/train station and transfer you to your first hotel for the briefing and bike setup of the tour, take the day to settle into your accommodation, explore the city's highlights, and visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by Frank Gehry. Enjoy leisure time in Bilbao, savouring Basque cuisine at local restaurants and experiencing the city's unique cultural atmosphere.
Hotel: Vinnci Consulado de Bilbao or Grand Hotel Domine Bilbao (premium option)
After breakfast at your hotel, your cycling journey begins as you leave Bilbao. The route immediately challenges you with a climb, offering stunning views of Bilbao from above. Along the way, you'll briefly join the Camino de Santiago and then the road soon widens, providing a more manageable gradient shaded by trees. You'll enter a classic Basque cycling route, often used for professional training. Keep an eye out for race markings on the tarmac and cheer on aspiring cyclists. The ride takes you to Lezama and a rare flat section toward Larrabetzu. From there, you'll descend to Guernica, famous for Picasso's masterpiece. Explore the town, including a reproduction of the mural and the site where village leaders once gathered around an oak tree. Sample Basque cuisine, particularly the mild green peppers, before reaching your final destination, the prestigious Castillo de Arteaga.
Hotel: Castillo de Arteaga (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast, you'll depart from Guernica, starting with a coastal route that treats you to scenic lagoons and beaches bordering the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy the serene beauty and follow the dedicated cycleway. You'll then arrive in Lekeitio and continue along the coastal road, which boasts breathtaking views. If hunger strikes, your guide can direct you to a fantastic pizza place in Ondarroa. Continue your journey along the picturesque coast. In the evening, dine in Deba, a charming town where you can savor the local cuisine.
Hotel: Hotel Arbe (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast, start the day with a gentle ride along the coast, relishing the scenic beauty. As you approach Itziar and Azurki, you'll encounter the only climb of the day. Enjoy a refreshing stop in Zestoa before embarking on a pleasant gravel road, part of the Via Verde network. This path leads to Azpeita, where you can explore the sanctuary of Ignatius de Loyola. Conclude the day with a manageable climb that offers breathtaking vistas. Your overnight stay is at the beautiful Hotel Irriarte.
Hotel: Hotel Irriarte (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast, descend from your hotel and head towards Tolosa. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes and forests. You'll then arrive in Villabona and begin the ascent to Aia, entering the Parque Natural Pagoeta. This climb is challenging but rewarding. Descend to Orio, where you can enjoy lunch at a local bar. Then, tackle the Monte Igeldo climb, known for its stunning views and local dining options. Arrive in San Sebastian and relax at your hotel, located in the heart of the town.
Hotel: Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra or Hotel Villa Favorita (premium option)
After breakfast, start the day with a climb up Jaizkibel, a classic route that offers incredible views. As you descend, you'll cross into France, marking the transition to French cuisine. Pass through Irun and Hendaye as you approach the French border. Enjoy your first croissant on the journey. Arrive in Saint Jean de Luz and savour the French "savoir-vivre" with delicious food and wine at a cyclist-friendly café.
Hotel: Hotel de La Plage or Grand Hotel Thallasso & Spa (premium option)
Breakfast and check-out at your hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Saint Jean de Luz train station.
This tour offers a mix of challenging climbs, rolling coastal roads, and scenic gravel paths, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Basque Country and its surroundings. The routes alternate between steep ascents, such as Jaizkibel and Monte Igeldo, and descents with breathtaking views of the coastline and rural valleys. Riders will traverse forested backroads, sections of the Camino de Santiago, and dedicated cycleways through natural reserves like Urdaibai. Occasional flat stretches provide a respite before tackling the next climb, culminating in rewarding vistas and cultural landmarks at every turn.
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
Our guides and support vans will provide you with nutrition and hydration along all our guided tours so that you can better enjoy your ride.
Ricardo "El capitán" Costa is the"roadie" in charge of designing this tour. Having ridden all over the world, from Malaysia to the USA, it is in Portugal that he found some of the best rides in the planet. Ricardo has picked some of the best roads in the region, that will introduce you to his favorite vineyards, coffee stops, viewpoints, hotels and other secret spots.
