San Sebastián to Santander

San Sebastián to Santander follows the Basque and Cantabrian coast west from San Sebastián's Old Quarter, tapas bars and txakolí wine, out via Monte Igeldo to the seaside resort of Zarautz, the "Mouse" of Getaria and the harbour town of Lekeitio on the Bay of Biscay.

The route continues past the flysch formations near Elantxobe, inland through the Urdaibai Estuary Nature Reserve to Guernica, then on to the chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Basque industrialists' villas of Getxo, crossing the River Nervión on the World Heritage-listed Puente de Vizcaya transporter bridge to reach Bilbao's outskirts, with the Guggenheim Museum accessible by metro.

Continuing into Cantabria, riders pass the gothic harbour town of Castro Urdiales, griffon vulture cliffs at Sonabia and the anchovy port of Santoña, before a short ferry and boat crossing brings the route to Somo, Pedreña and finally Santander.

Highlights:

• Tapas and txakolí wine in San Sebastián's Old Quarter
• Coastal riding via Zarautz, Getaria and Lekeitio on the Bay of Biscay
• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe chapel and the Urdaibai Estuary Nature Reserve at Guernica
• Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum and the World Heritage-listed Puente de Vizcaya bridge
• Griffon vulture cliffs at Sonabia and anchovies of Santoña
• Boat crossing of the Bay of Santander to finish in Cantabria's capital

Surface and terrain:
Coastal route through the Basque Country and Cantabria, hilly as far as Bilbao. Optional train support shortens the San Sebastián-Lekeitio and Mundaka-Getxo legs. Daily distances 28-70 km. Carbon road, trekking and e-road bikes offered.

Suitable for:
Self-guided cyclists comfortable with hilly terrain and days up to 70 km. Train-shortened options on Days 2 and 4 suit less experienced riders wanting to skip the toughest climbs.