From Basque Mountains to the Beach

Time to get on the saddle and the old Vasco Navarro railway line, now a delightful greenway heading southeast out of Vitoria. But before leaving the city completely, there’s one place that has to be worthy of a small detour – the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a true Romanesque gem dating to the 11th century.

From here, you’re on track to funnel deeper and deeper into forests of the Montaña Alavesa, breaking your journey through the rocky landscape at little Basque towns and villages along the way, just as the trains would have done between 1927 and 1967. The old rail route goes through the mountains – literally at times! – by means of impressive tunnels and cuttings . The inaccessible 2,195m Laminoria tunnel however requires a wide berth – nothing that a short detour along roads with only light traffic can’t sort – but you’re soon back in the verdant company of the greenway and heading through a sound tunnel to the town of Maestu in the beautiful Izki Natural Park.

Overnight: Maestu

Miles 38 Kms 31

Be sure to check your head-torch batteries and pop an extra fleece in the panniers before you set off along the Vasco Navarro railway path again, this time into Navarra. Once the mighty nine arch Arquijas viaduct surveying the Barranco de Lasia nature reserve, has led you over the River Ega into wild and rugged Navarra landscapes, you’ll be reaching for the extra kit as you enter the dark and chilly cavernous Arquijas tunnel (1, 415 metres).

If the tunnel doesn’t give you butterflies, then nature surely will after the town of Zúñiga. It’s butterfly heaven here, and home to species including the Atalanta, Macaon and Nazarene. But then the whole of this area is awesome, from the holm oak forests and wooden walkways to traces of built industrial heritage.

At the end of the Vasco Navarro line sits the resort of Estella (perhaps taking its name from the impressive night skies of the region). Here you’ll find not only the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, but your comfortable accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Estella.

Miles 28 Kms 45

A day of varied terrain as you take to the hugely historic French Camino de Santiago (Eurovelo route 1) across the ancient Kingdom of Navarre. You’ll be heading in the opposite direction to Santiago de Compostella though, first through vineyards, olive (and almond) groves, alongside asparagus fields and over the Arga River to Puente la Reina and beyond.

The Alto del Perdón soon beckons, with its wind turbines towering over the mountain pass. But after the ascent to Uterga (just 4 kms from the top!) it’s time to turn those handlebars and steer north east for a descent towards the magnificent city of Pamplona, famed for its bull runs in the streets.

A visit to Pamplona Cathedral and its castle are a must, but the historic streets, home to pilgrim hostels for centuries and where bull runs have traditionally taken place, are full of exciting foodie finds too. Bring on the ‘pintxos’ – you will definitely have deserved them today!

Overnight: Pamplona

Why not add an extra night or more in Pamplona to your tour to enjoy this amazing city? You’ll find details in our pricing information.

Miles: 38 Kms: 60

Descending past the old city wall and its gateway, you’ll leave Navarra’s capital along bike lanes and short sections of roads overseen by Mount San Cristóbal as you pedal towards old railway line No.2 – the Plazaola Greenway.

Beyond Sarasa, the trackbed path climbs gently beside the River Arga, delivering some selfie-worthy views back towards Pamplona. Here and there, the landscape becomes greener, revealing impressive throwbacks to railway days like the 190 meter long, 13 metre high, 18 arch Gulina viaduct – the longest of 37 bridges which crossed the train line between Pamplona and Donostia-San Sebastián.

Finishing point for the day is Lekumberri, full of old town charm with an authentic rural Navarra feel about it… it even retains its communal laundry wash-house!

Overnight: Lekumberri

Miles: 25 Kms: 40

Another day with fleeces and headtorches to the fore – the Uitzi Tunnel is soon on the horizon and at a (literally) straight 2,700 metres in length, no wonder things can get a little dark and chilly in there!

Back out in the fresh air, Leitza is a place to take a little breather before the Plazaola Greenway provides some stunning cycling (and views) as it carves its way through remote parts of Guipúzcoa province, alongside the river and through emerald green landscapes, all by means of passes and tunnels.

Things switch from trackbed path to rural roads and bike lanes from the town of Andoain, with some short significant climbs before spinning to the coast. And on reaching the three, first class, sandy beaches which make the elegant city of San Sebastián so irresistible, who can’t stop themselves from putting a toe in the water?

Overnight: San Sebastián

Miles: 41 Kms: 65

Time for a ride on the funicular railway? A visit to La Concha beach or a quick catamaran trip? You’ll leave San Sebastián after breakfast… unless you want to add an extra night or two to your tour of course!

Extra nights in San Sebastián an option. You’ll find all details in our pricing information.