Cycling in the Basque Country is absolutely wonderful! Shifting and verdant landscape with few cars. We start down on the Atlantic coast in Biarritz and aim for Pamplona and our first destination in Spain. When we roll back into Biarritz six days later. Have we experienced days with everything from forest roads to open landscapes with wonderful views. Cycling is incredibly popular in the Basque Country. And it is not difficult to understand why in many places here it is considered the national sport before even football.
Schedule
Day one
After a start at Biarritz, now well-known to us, we head east. Already after 3 miles we pass the border to Spain. The environment is lush and often passes through forest areas. After 8 miles we reach the highest point of the day (just under 1,000m) and look out over the plains and our destination Pamplona. We will get there about a week before San Fermin, but the atmosphere in town will be magical and expectant nonetheless.
Day two
Now we steer south. Our destination and our vineyard Eguren Ugarte looms in the distance. This is initially the section with the least elevation gain on our trip. But just before our goal, we climb up to the small town of Lapoblacon at almost 1,000 m. Before rolling down to our accommodation. We have now reached the border where all the vineyards of Rioja take over.
Day Three
We have now reached the southernmost destination on our journey. Before we arrive at the big classic and most exciting city of the trip, Bilbao, we pass Vitoria - Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country. Only a short coffee there, however, the schedule is made so that you have time to visit the Guggenheim museum before dinner.
Day Four
This morning we follow the coast and the sea on our way. We choose pretty much the same route as the Tour de France does on its Grand Depart in 2023. So once again classic roads and with a vast sea on our left and mountains and slopes on our right. And stay tuned if you enjoy Game of Thrones, our destination San Juan Gaztelugatxe was one of the most classic filming locations!
Day Five
More wonderful sea this day. But also two fascinating intermediate goals. First Mundaca, wonderful coastal town / village, loved by everyone and perhaps most of all the world's surfers who make the pilgrimage here. After that Guernica, perhaps best known for the painting that Picasso did as a memorial after the Spanish Civil War. Every city on our trip is famous for its good food. But maybe today's goal is no1 there, San Sebastian!
Day Six
Grand finale, Biarritz and its fine beach Grand Plage looms. Either we take the nearest (approx. 5 miles) road along the coast and maybe a long coffee at the beach in St.Jean de Luz. Or we climb some of the mountains (approx. 1000 m high) on the right side and get a nice last view of our previous route in the east, before joining the others at our final destination. In any case, very delicious to be discussed and digested during the afternoon and evening over a glass of bubbly.
