Cycling holidays in winter: Road cycling in the green Basque Country
Text: Kerstin Börß
Glorious light, empty cycle paths and plenty of stops with warm drinks: cycling in winter has many beautiful facets that are worth discovering. This applies to the routes on your own doorstep, which change with the seasons, as well as to cycle tours in other regions. To make sure your bike doesn't get stuck in the cellar this winter, we've put together a few cycling travel tips that will inspire you to plan your holiday or simply daydream. These include a trip to the Basque Country, where green hills and stunning panoramas beckon.
But no matter where you are cycling this winter, you should check the weather and the condition of the paths and roads before setting off. Because even in places where mild temperatures usually prevail, there are sometimes more uncomfortable days in winter. Then, for once, the bike can be parked for a short time and the regional delicacies can be savoured. As many of the regions are close to the sea or mountains, a good rain jacket should always be in your bike bag. In the best case scenario, it will stay there untouched for the entire holiday.
Cycling holidays in winter: The Basque Country beckons with plenty of greenery
Spain's cycling heart beats in the green north. From relaxed tours through the forests and valleys of the hinterland to mountainous routes on the cliffs of the Atlantic coast: in the Basque Country, everyone will find the right cycling adventure, and in mild winter temperatures. And it gets even more varied, because there are also some dream routes in the French Basque Country. The province of Labourd with its picturesque villages and the forests and hills of the Soule, for example, are a tempting prospect.
If you fancy a great view and are not afraid to make an effort, you can tackle the Jaizkibel in the Pyrenees near San Sebastián (Basque name Donostia) - again in Spain. At the top, there are fantastic views of the roaring sea. But beware: the mountain is really tough. Perhaps this is something more for watching from afar - or on TV. After all, prestigious cycling races often take place over this climb.
Green is the dominant colour in the Basque Country. Some cycle tours also have green in their name, such as the Vía Verde Montes de Hierro railway cycle path - the green path of the Iron Mountains - near Bilbao. Here you can experience history while cycling along the route of former mining railways. With the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo route EV1) and the Scandibérique (EuroVelo route EV3), two European long-distance cycle routes also pass through the French and Spanish Basque Country.
Whether long, short, by e-bike, mountain bike or road bike: the end of a Basque cycle tour can be enjoyed wonderfully in one of San Sebastián's bars - with a view of the sea. You can then try as many different pintxos as possible. Or head across the border to the French coastal town of Biarritz for fresh oysters and a glass of white wine.
Information about cycling holidays in the Basque Country
- General: guide-du-paysbasque.com and tourism.euskadi.eus/en. In Biarritz, for example, e-bikes can be rented from La Folie Verte, also online in advance; in San Sebastián there is a whole range of different bikes, including at La Bicicleta.
- Tip: "Kaixo" means "hello" in Basque. If you want to say thank you, say "ekerrik asko".
