Pedal the Basque coast from Bilbao to San Sebastián, or loop through the vineyards of neighbouring La Rioja from Logroño.
Highlights
- Bay of Biscay coast or La Rioja's vineyards
- San Sebastián: most Michelin stars per capita in Europe
- Basque mountains: short, steep, constant gradients
- Itzulia and the Clásica San Sebastián race here
Basque Country Cycling Holidays
Pedal the Basque coast from Bilbao to San Sebastián, or loop through the vineyards of neighbouring La Rioja from Logroño.
Highlights
- Bay of Biscay coast or La Rioja's vineyards
- San Sebastián: most Michelin stars per capita in Europe
- Basque mountains: short, steep, constant gradients
- Itzulia and the Clásica San Sebastián race here
Plan with a cycling expert
Free advice from a team that knows these routes inside out - real people, not a bot
About Cycling in Basque Country
Known for its unique traditions, distinctive language, and world-class cuisine, the Basque Country offers a cycling experience like no other.
From the bustling cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian to the rolling vineyards of neighbouring La Rioja, every turn unveils a new facet of northern Spain.
On our gravel tour, the Rioja region is a paradise for leisurely riders, with its gently undulating terrain and quiet country roads weaving through lush vineyards and charming medieval villages. This is the perfect place to sample world-famous wines, explore ancient bodegas, and take in sweeping views of the Ebro Valley.
In contrast, the coastal routes from Bilbao to San Sebastian offer a more challenging experience, with winding climbs and exhilarating descents through the rugged hills of Pagoeta Natural Park. Along these trails, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay, pristine beaches, and dense forests teeming with wildlife.
And, of course, the highlight of cycling in the Basque Country is its culinary scene. Known as a global food capital, the region tempts travelers with pintxos, fresh seafood, and Michelin-starred dining.
Whether you prefer relaxed vineyard rides or testing your endurance on steep coastal ascents, the Basque Country promises an unforgettable adventure for every cyclist.
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What to Expect When Cycling in the Basque Country?
Three tastes of the Basque coast:
Txakoli, Getaria's lightly sparkling white wine
Still cider, poured straight from the barrel
Pintxos, paid for one by one, apart from drinks
The coast tour opens in Bilbao, among its pintxos bars. On the ride into San Sebastián, make it lunch at a sidrería: cod omelette and steak come with the cider.
Inland, Logroño's Calle del Laurel is a street of tapas bars. More in our Basque Country cycling guide →
This page holds two very different trips: the Bay of Biscay and the vineyards of La Rioja.
Bilbao to San Sebastián: Basque Country Cycling Tour
Rioja by gravel bike: Rioja Vineyards Gourmet Tour
Rioja by road bike: The Ultimate Wine Tour of Rioja
Logroño is La Rioja's capital, not a Basque city. Of the wine tours' overnight stops, only Laguardia lies in the Basque Country.
13.8 %: the steepest 100 m of Azurki, climbed from Sasiola near Deba on the coast tour. Overall it runs 13.4 km at 5.6 %.
On the way up you pass the Ekain cave, UNESCO-listed for its Palaeolithic paintings.
Profile and gradients: Azurki on Climbfinder →
Why do these towns sound familiar?
Gernika was bombed in 1937, and Picasso named his painting after it.
Getaria is the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first to sail round the world. The designer Cristóbal Balenciaga was born there too, and his museum stands in town.
In La Rioja, the twin monasteries of San Millán claim to be the cradle of the Spanish language. Both wine tours pass them.
Every April the pros race the Itzulia Basque Country, a stage race known for ramps well above 20 %. Orbea, Spain's largest bike maker, is based inland at Mallabia.
La Rioja hosts Vuelta finishes too: Moncalvillo above Logroño in 2020 and 2024, Valdezcaray in 2025. The road wine tour sleeps in Ezcaray, at the foot of Valdezcaray.
