San Sebastián to Santander Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in San Sebastián
You will arrive in San Sebastián. Spend the evening trying pintxos and txakolí wine in the Old Quarter, and enjoy the city's famous promenade and beaches. Many travellers choose to add an extra night here before starting the ride.

Day 2: San Sebastián – Lekeitio (71 km)
After breakfast your bike is delivered and the ride begins. You will leave San Sebastián via Monte Igeldo, with sweeping views back over the city, then ride with the txakolí vineyards between you and the sea. The route continues through the seaside resort of Zarautz, past the rock known as the "Mouse" of Getaria, and through fishing villages such as Deba, before reaching the harbour and beach of Lekeitio on the Bay of Biscay. The ride can be shortened to 48 km or 38 km by taking the train to Zarautz or Zumaia.

Day 3: Lekeitio – Mundaka (45 km)
The coast road continues past unique geological flysch formations, one of the most striking stretches of the route. You will pass through the fishing village of Elantxobe before turning inland along the Urdaibai Estuary Nature Reserve to Guernica. Accommodation is in Guernica or in the nearby village of Mundaka, known for its world-famous surfing wave on the estuary.

Day 4: Mundaka – Portugalete (51 km)
Today's ride passes through the fishing village of Bermeo, followed by a climb that reveals a view of the chapel on the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. You continue past the coastal villages of Bakio, Armintxa and Plentzia to Getxo, home to grand villas built by Basque industrialists. Your hotel sits at the mouth of the Nervión estuary, beside the historic 19th-century Puente de Vizcaya bridge; the Bilbao Metro gives easy access to the city centre and the Guggenheim Museum.

Day 5: Portugalete – Castro Urdiales (58 km)
You will cross the River Nervión aboard the Puente de Vizcaya transporter bridge, an experience in itself. The route follows the estuary to the fishing village of Zierbena before turning west along the coast. Here you leave the Basque Country and enter Cantabria, riding a short distance to the fishing town of Castro Urdiales, with its pretty harbour and striking Gothic church.

Day 6: Castro Urdiales – Santoña (35 km)
Heading west along the coastline, you will soon reach Sonabia, where impressive cliffs are home to a colony of griffon vultures often seen soaring overhead. The route continues to the fishing port of Laredo and along its long beach toward Santoña, with Monte Buciero as a backdrop. A short ferry crossing takes you over the river estuary to your hotel on Berria beach; Santoña is known for its anchovies, a local delicacy.

Day 7: Santoña – Santander (46 km)
The route runs westward, parallel to the coast, past green scenery, beaches and cliffs, reaching Somo with its beaches and surfers. A short ride brings you to Pedreña, home to the world-famous golf course where Severiano Ballesteros learned to play. From here you cross the Bay of Santander by boat to reach the elegant Cantabrian capital.

Day 8: Departure from Santander
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end in Santander, having completed a ride along the coast of Northern Spain.