Gavel Route San Sebastian and the 3 lost valleys

We suggest you take advantage of the day to continue visiting the beautiful city of San Sebastian, dive into the waters of its beaches or visit the San Telmo museum. Have lunch in the old part of town and start this short 20 km stage that will take us to Urnieta. On the way you will find the well-known cider bars of Astirragada where it is also a good tip to stop, lock your bike and eat a good grilled txuleta!

Leaving the Hotel K10 in Urnieta, we take the cycle path that will take us to Andoain, the point where we start the Via Verde del Leizarán. This is an exciting route along one of the most spectacular gravel roads in northern Spain. Narrow, green valleys with illuminated tunnels will take us to the first Navarrese village on our route, Leitza, a place of local life with a great family atmosphere. We continue through the Plazaola Valley where we can observe the change in the landscape; wider valleys and a less humid environment. Finally we reach the village of Lekumberri, where we will spend the night in the hotel.

This day’s stage runs along the Bidasoa Greenway, following the flow of the river of the same name. This gravel route is not technically complicated and has a negative gradient. It passes through the Navarrese villages along the way; Lesaka (detour) and Bera de Bidasoa are historic towns in Navarre where you will find a great atmosphere in the streets, with bars and restaurants where you can stop for lunch. At the end of the stage the route enters the area of France to reach the town of Hendaye, where you take a boat to cross to the other side of the river Bidasoa, where you will find the important town of Hondarribia.

GRAVEL OPTION Leaving the hotel we head along the cycle path towards the marina and continue towards the Higuer lighthouse. We continue along a comfortable track combined with an asphalted track until we reach the Church of Guadalupe. From here we take a track that is in fairly good condition, although some areas have some stones. The views from the Jaizkibel track (Camino de Santiago) are impressive. Finally we reach Pasajes de San Juan. Enjoy this charming medieval village and have a pintxo (tapa) in one of the bars located in the square in front of the estuary. Take the small ferry that will take you across (2 minutes) and once you get off, take the cycle path that will take you to San Sebastian and as a tip, a stroll along the Paseo Nuevo to see the waves breaking on the rocks. Finally take the road to the Hotel.

ROAD OPTION  Leaving the hotel we go along the bike path towards the marina and go up towards the Higuer lighthouse. We turn left to continue along a secondary asphalt road, from where you will get beautiful views. Continue along this comfortable road between farmhouses until you reach the main road that will leave you at the Church of Guadalupe. Continue ascending along the main road, but with little traffic, until you reach the top (450mts). Beautiful descent by road with views towards the Cantabrian Sea and finally you will arrive to Pasajes de San Juan. Enjoy this charming medieval village and have a pintxo in one of the bars located in the square in front of the Ria. Take the small ferry that will take you to the other side (2 minutes) and once you get off the ferry take the bike path that will take you to San Sebastian and as a tip, a walk along the Paseo Nuevo to see the waves breaking on the rocks. Finally take the road to the Hotel.