Spain by bike, greenways of the Basque Country and Navarre

Spain by bike, Basque Country and Navarre along the greenways and EuroVelo 1

This tour begins in the capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz. Travel along the greenways and discover the autonomous communities of Navarre and Basque Country by bike. You reach EuroVelo 1 in Estella-Lizarra following this European cycle route all the way to San Sebastián. In the heart of surprising nature, this route takes you through natural parks to visit a beautiful heritage and enjoy gourmet gastronomy.

Points of interest:

• Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green capital of the Basque Country
• The cities of Pamplona and San Sebastian
• Izki Natural Park
• Gastronomy
• Greenways on an old railway line with more than 40 tunnels
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz

Day 1: arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Settle into your hotel and take some time to visit the capital of the Basque Country. If you have rented bicycles, they will be delivered directly to the hotel.

Overnight in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Day 2: from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Maestu - 31 km / + 460 m

This first stage follows a greenway built on the old railway line that once connected the Basque Country to Navarre. A stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a Romanesque masterpiece dating from the 11th century, is a must. As you cycle, you gradually penetrate into the typical forests of this green region and visit its charming little villages. A few hills to expect this day but nothing insurmountable.

Overnight in Maestu

Day 3: from Maestu to Estella-Lizarra - 45 km / + 60 m

After a few pedal strokes, you leave the province of Álava to enter Navarre. You reach Estella-Lizarra via the old railway line, arriving directly at the former train station, now converted into a bus station. The village is magnificent with its medieval heritage like the Church of San Pedro de la Rúa and the Palace of the Kings of Navarre.

Overnight in Estella-Lizarra

Day 4: from Estella-Lizarra to Pamplona - 60 km / + 700m

Today you leave the Basque Navarre greenway to join the EuroVelo 1 route which is largely inspired by the French Way (pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela). The landscape changes completely, it’s a magnificent stage. In Pamplona, you absolutely must visit the historic center.

Overnight in Pamplona

Day 5: from Pamplona to Lekunberri - 40 km / + 450 m

You leave the capital of Navarre under the watchful eye of Mount San Cristobal. The Plazaola greenway leads you gently to Lekunberri.

Overnight in Lekunberri

Day 6: from Lekunberri to San Sebastian - 65 km / + 170 m

This last stage is remarkable with forests and valleys all along the way. With more than 40 tunnels to cross, be sure to dress warmly. Some tunnels are closed so you will have make a detour but it is worth the effort. The arrival in San Sebstián is via secondary roads and urban cycle paths leading to the incredible bay of the capital of Gipuzkoa (one of the three provinces of Basque Country).

Overnight in San Sebastian

Day 7: San Sebastian

End of the tour after breakfast.

General information :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version : charming hotels and guest rooms
• Child rates: contact us

The dates 2025 :

Departure every day from April 1 to October 31

• Low season: from 17/04 to 15/06 and from 15/09 to 31/10
• High season: from 01/04 to 16/04 and from 16/06 to 14/09

Included :

• 6 nights with breakfasts
• Baggage transfer
• Travel book
• GPS App
• Assistance (except in case of puncture)

Not included :

• Transportation to the starting point
• Return from San Sebastián
• Lunches and dinners
• Drinks
• Parking
• Visits and personal expenses
• Anything not specified in “included”

The options :

• Mountain bike or ebike rental
• Additional night(s) in Vitoria-Gasteiz and San Sebastián
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Multi-risk cancellation insurance

Levels:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Climate :
Moderate continental climate inland. Warm and temperate climate in San Sebastian.
 
Technicality and terrain:

• 31 to 65 km per day or 3 to 6 hours of cycling
• Between 60 and 700 m of positive altitude difference (requires good physical condition or an ebike)
• Circuit mainly on greenways or cycle paths. Some sectionsare on secondary roads with light traffic.

 
Meal :

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, bread butter, jam, orange juice) or buffet
• Lunches: not included
• Dinners: not included.
   

The bike :

• Rental bike: Hybrid / mountain bikes or ebikes delivered at the first hotel and equipped with helmet, basic kit reparation and a lock.
• Personal bike: Standard and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bicycle before leaving. At the end of your tour, you will need to take care of your bike.

 
Support:
Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).
 
Travel book :
A travel book will be send by post before departure. We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes, sent to your home before departure.
 
Transportation :

• By train: approximately 8h30 by train to Vitoria-Gasteiz from Paris
• By car: Vitoria-Gasteiz is located 930 km from Paris
• By plane: Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastian or Burgos airports

Cancellation insurance :
To guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.