Spain – Basque Country Greenways Bike Tour

Begin your journey in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country, a city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. Stroll the medieval Old Town, admire the Cathedral of Santa María, and relax in the lively Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Enjoy traditional Basque pintxos and wines from nearby Rioja Alavesa, while taking in the city’s reputation as Spain’s Green Capital. With its welcoming atmosphere and blend of heritage and modern vibrancy, Vitoria offers the perfect introduction to the Basque Country. It’s an ideal place to unwind, receive your bicycles, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Vitoria-Gasteiz

We begin our journey pedaling gently along the Basque Navarro Railway Greenway, leaving Vitoria behind. Riders choosing the longer option will enjoy cycling beside the shimmering waters of the largest reservoir in the Basque Country, while the shorter route leads directly into peaceful forests. As the path unfolds, we venture deeper into lush native woodlands and pass through charming small towns, each offering a glimpse of local life.

The route is shaped by the historic Laminoria tunnel (2,195 m), once part of the old Basque Navarro Railway line built in the early 20th century to connect rural towns with larger cities. Though the tunnel is currently closed, it is easily bypassed via a quiet detour through the heart of the Alavesa Mountain forest, a highlight in itself. From there, the trail descends gracefully over the Guereñu Pass before rejoining the original Greenway, continuing toward new landscapes and deeper into the adventure.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 31 km / 19 mi, +400 m or 78 km / 48 mi, +700 m
Overnight: Maestu

After breakfast, we set off and soon leave Álava behind as we cross into Navarra, following the final stretch of the Vasconavarro Railway Greenway. The ride leads us into Estella, a historic town known as the “Toledo of the North” for its wealth of Romanesque and Gothic monuments. Our route concludes at the old Estella Railway Station, today transformed into the town’s bus station, a reminder of the region’s railway heritage. Estella has long been a key stop on the Camino de Santiago, and its lively streets, medieval churches, and inviting plazas make it the perfect place to rest, explore, and enjoy the local Navarrese cuisine and wines before continuing the journey.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 45 km / 28 miles, +150 m
Overnight: Estella

After a good breakfast, we leave the Vía Verde del Vasco Navarro behind and continue along the Eurovelo 1, following the French Camino de Santiago in the opposite direction. The landscape changes completely, offering a beautiful stage through rolling hills, historic villages, and fertile valleys. Along the way, we reach Puente la Reina, famous for its medieval bridge and its role as a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Here, we’ve included a transfer to Pamplona, ensuring a smooth and safe arrival in the capital of Navarra. Once in Pamplona, it is well worth exploring the historic center, with its medieval walls, Gothic churches, lively plazas, and renowned gastronomy that make this city one of Spain’s most iconic destinations.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 25 km / 16 mi, +350 m
Overnight: Pamplona

We begin pedaling out of Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, with the imposing silhouette of Mount San Cristóbal watching over our departure. Soon, the route leads us to the start of the Plazaola Greenway, a former railway line now transformed into one of the most beautiful cycling paths in northern Spain. The landscape shifts quickly from the bustle of the city to tranquil valleys and rolling hills, offering a refreshing contrast.

The ride ascends gently along the Greenway’s first kilometers, passing through tunnels and lush forests that reveal the natural charm of Navarra. Our stage concludes at the old Lekunberri train station, once a hub of local transport and now a welcoming stop for cyclists and visitors. Here, riders can pause to enjoy the town’s hospitality, sample traditional Navarrese dishes, and reflect on the journey through landscapes that blend history, culture, and nature.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 40 km / 25 mi, +450 m
Overnight: Lekunberri

The last stage is truly fascinating. As soon as we begin pedaling and leave the old station behind, we are immersed in a landscape of green slopes, dense forests, and winding valleys that accompany us all the way to the end of the Plazaola Greenway. This route is famous for its series of more than 40 tunnels, where the cool air makes it essential to dress warmly. Some tunnels remain closed, requiring short detours on quiet rural roads, but these diversions reveal even more of the region’s natural beauty and are well worth the effort.

Arriving in Andoain, the scenery shifts once again as we follow rural roads and bike lanes toward the capital of Gipuzkoa. The anticipation builds until, at last, the sight of the Bay of Biscay and the golden beaches of San Sebastián comes into view. Here, the journey culminates in one of Spain’s most celebrated coastal cities, renowned for its Belle Époque architecture, vibrant old town, and world-class cuisine. Standing by the sea, riders can reflect on the adventure that has carried them from the heart of the Basque Country to the sparkling coast, a perfect finale to an unforgettable cycling tour.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 65 km / 40 mi, +150 m
Overnight: San Sebastián

After breakfast, your cycling adventure comes to an end—a perfect moment to reflect on the miles covered, the landscapes explored, and the memories created along the way. Onward travel and departure are on your own, with San Sebastián well connected by train to major cities across Spain and into France. For those wishing to extend their stay, extra nights in San Sebastián can be arranged, offering more time to enjoy its golden beaches, renowned cuisine, and vibrant cultural life.

Meals: breakfast