San Juan de Gaztelugatxe - Basque Country, Spain

BASQUE COUNTRY - SPAIN

Basque Country to Asturias Adventure: Self Guided Cycling Tour

Self-Guided 8 days € 1,050

Ride West, from Bilbao to Ribadella. Discover the beauty of the rugged Basque coastline. Follow the beautiful coastline of Northern Spain, encountering unspoiled beaches, pretty villages, and more.

Style
Road cycling
Gain
640 m
Distance
302 km
Level
Easy

Tour overview

DISCOVER EPIC CYCLING WHERE COUNTRYSIDE MEETS THE COAST

The Basque Country is well known among both professional and amateur cyclists as being one of the most beautiful, challenging and interesting areas in Spain for cycling. The high mountains, vast rugged coastline and picture-postcard villages create a spectacular backdrop for any cycling adventure. 

This self-guided tour across this northern corner of Spain will pass through three of the country’s major cities, Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Vitoria-Gasteiz. The region is home to the world-famous bike manufacturers Orbea and BH as well as the Tour of the Basque Country. 

Whilst the area is known for its mountains and hills, there are options for all levels and abilities. The routes that hug the coastline are flatter than some of the inland options, that dip and soar with the undulating terrain. But wherever you’re riding, there’ll be no short supply of magnificent views of the sea, valleys and of course, the mighty Picos de Europa. Book now or contact us for more information.

Start point
Bilbao
End point
Ribadesella
See program for full itinerary
Flying in
Bilbao
Flying out
Santander/Bilbao

Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com

Highlights of your cycling trip

Self Guided with Luggage Transfers

This tour’s self-guided itinerary allows you to take each day as you please, the perfect plan for more independent riders. It has been plotted by local professional guides that know the area like the back of their hand and have chosen some of their favourite routes. Your luggage will also be transported to your next location for you, meaning all you have to do is focus on pedalling!

Hotel Room

Comfortable Accommodation

Throughout the week you’ll be staying in beautiful 3 or 4-star hotels, all of which have en-suite rooms and breakfast included. From quaint and rural, to larger hotels with pools and extra facilities, each one has been chosen to make sure you are able to rest and relax after a day of exploring the island by bike.

Zumaia coatline in Basque Country - Spain

Explore Basque Country's Coast

The Basque Country is renowned among professional and amateur cyclists alike as being one of the best cycling locations in Spain. This will be a trip to remember as you ride alongside the Atlantic Ocean discovering the best of the best the region has to offer, and all from the saddle of your bike!

Tour destination

THE BASQUE COUNTRY

The Basque Country in northern Spain is one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Bordering the Pyrenees Mountains to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Basque landscapes and ecosystems are rich and varied, and there truly is something for everyone. The region is well known for its coastline, home to long beaches and incredible conditions for water sports, whereas further inland, the land has been forged into high peaks, deep valleys and lush green mountain plateaus, dotted with quaint, mediaeval villages. It is also famous for its gastronomy, which is rich in seafood, as well as being home to numerous Michelin Star restaurants. You will also find many bars serving the traditional pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, perfect for a light dinner or mid-afternoon snack. Whatever you see and do in the Basque Country, you won’t be disappointed with this unique and beautiful corner of Spain.

Discover More
  • Weather

    The Basque Country enjoys a mild summer, which is not typical for Spain. Many Spaniards from the rest of the country spend August here to escape the heat further south, which makes it perfect for cycling as it's never too hot. But don’t forget to pack your waterproof jacket and gilet, just in case!

  • Terrain

    Like much of northern Spain, the Basque Country is hilly and mountainous, unsurprisingly as the region borders the Pyrenees. The coastline is wild and rugged with big beaches, some of which are very sandy, and others that are more rocky. Expect some challenging climbs as there are hardly any flats. But remember, with great climbs, come the most incredible views.

  • Culture

    The Basque Country is a unique region of Spain with its own traditions, music, festivities and even language (Basque, or euskera in Basque itself). It is not related to any other Latin language, and its origins are unknown, making it the subject of many linguistic studies. In terms of gastronomy, the region is famous for its pintxos, a Basque version of tapas, where everything is served on small slices of bread. Make the most of your free time whilst touring to discover the magic of the Basque Country.

42.9896° N, 2.6189° W

Discover the rides you'll soon love

Zumaia coatline in Basque Country - Spain

Basque Coast at it’s best

This is one of the nicest stretches of the coast of the Basque Country, with impressive views and some unique rock formations. Places to be recognised by some Game of Thrones fans!

More

Accommodation during your tour

Comfortable 3-4* Hotels

Each night you’ll sleep in a 3 or 4 star hotel along the route, all of which offer a very pleasant stay after a full day of riding. The accommodation is chosen based on its location and proximity to the start and end of each route and each location includes secure bike storage facilities so you can focus on some well-deserved R&R. A support vehicle will be assisting us throughout the trip to move your bags and belongings safely between each location.

Breakfast Included

Fuel up before a long day of riding with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, as well as a nice big cup of coffee! 

After a day in the saddle, the evenings are your own, leaving you free to choose your own restaurant for dinner and enjoy a well-deserved meal after the day’s adventure.

Tour itinerary

Your guide to a perfect cycling tour

Bilbao to Castro Urdiales
  • Distance
    40km

Today’s route:

  • Bilbao to Castro Urdiales

Distance: 40 km

The first route of your trip on Day 2 will leave Bilbao by following the River Nervión and pass by the impressive Guggenheim Museum. As you pass through the coastal town of Getxo, notice the magnificent 19th-century villas built by wealthy Basque industrialists, before visiting the quaint fishing village of Algorta with its steep narrow streets and beautiful rugged beach.

Next on our itinerary is crossing  the river on the magnificent Puente Vizcaya, a suspension bridge built in 1893 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Your route will then follow the coastline to the fishing port of Castro Urdiales with its pretty harbour and gothic church on the seafront, where you will spend the second night of your tour.

Getting there

Information to help you book your flights and get around.

Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]

Flying in

Fly in airport: Bilbao

When best to fly in: in the morning on the first day of the camp

Transfers: scheduled airport transfers are not included in the price of this trip; reach out to us for more information if you require a transfer upon arrival

Flying out

Fly out airport best option: Santander or Bilbao

When to leave: last day of the tour after 13:00

Transfers: scheduled airport transfers are not included in the price of this trip; reach out to us for more information if you require a transfer upon arrival

Tour essentials

What’s included in your cycling trip.

  • Hotel room
    Accommodation

    A double room is included in your tour. However a single room is available as an optional extra.

  • Luggage Transport

    As you explore at your own pace, your bags will be transported to your next hotel destination.

  • Information Pack & Support

    Route guides and maps are provided whilst on-call support is available in case of emergencies

  • Traditional spanish tapas selection
    Breakfast

    Breakfasts are included in your tour package.

Cycling bottle

What’s not included in your cycling trip.

  • Air flight & travel insurance

    Reach out to us to find out which airport is the best for you to fly into. Travel insurance is essential and we always recommend you carry your own insurance for your specific needs.

  • Lunch, dinner, and alcoholic drinks

    Only buffet breakfasts are included in this tour. There are amazing local restaurants in close vicinity to the hotel so you can choose and sample the local Spanish flavours.

  • Airport transfers

    You will need to make your own way to the first hotel in Bilboa. Reach out to us for more information and assistance.

Extra
Bike rental
Only €150 for the entire trip

It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, high quality carbon road bikes are available for rental for the duration of the tour. To make sure you get the maximum from your bike for your trip, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of equipment.

With a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly.  All rental bikes are mechanically checked and adjusted before each and every hire so you can have peace of mind that your bike will be running smoothly from start to finish!

You can select this option when you proceed to checkout.

Giant TCR Advanced 2
Brands and models may vary

Fitted to you and ready to ride!

More things to maximise your cycling trip

  • EXTRA
    Single accommodation
    From €329 for the entire tour

    If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €329* for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.

    *€343 during high season tour dates

Booking options

Choose when you want to travel

Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.

  • Guarantee a spot during busy periods
  • Only 30% down payment to secure your place
  • Fair & Transparent Cancellation Policy
Saturday 1 July 2023
Sunday 9 July 2023
Booking options