The landscapes of a river – Pedales de Bidasoa MTB

In 2013, the town council of Santesteban (Doneztebe) in the Foral Community of Navarra in Spain unveiled its project: Bidasoako Pedalak – Pedales de Bidasoa. Spanning 109 kilometres (67 mi), this loop features a little over 5,200 metres (17,000 ft) of elevation gain. It’s part of the Pedales del Mundo network, adding to its already intriguing offerings.

This extraordinary route showcases the diverse landscapes, historic towns and lush nature that envelop the Bidasoa River. You’ll journey through the verdant forests of the Baztan Valley in Navarra, the French part of Lapurdi and the stunning coastline of Guipuzcoa. You’ll also test your skills and stamina on challenging ascents like Larrondo, Aizkoa, or Bulatxiki.

The unique architecture, locales, and, especially on this particular adventure, the cuisine in each village you encounter are nothing short of exceptional. You can count on a well-rounded culinary experience throughout the journey. Santesteban, Elizondo, Arizkun, Zugarramurdi, Hondarribia, Pasai Donibane, Oiartzun, and more are just some of the welcoming towns that eagerly await to share their landmarks, services, and culinary delights with you.

The route's level of difficulty is evenly distributed across the four proposed stages, but you have the flexibility to extend the trip by shortening the daily distances or to make it more demanding by completing it in fewer stages.

Each day ends in a town with a wide range of accommodation options. If you opt to visit during the summer – a great choice due to longer daylight hours, pleasant temperatures, and lower chances of rain – be sure to book your overnight stays in advance. Summertime is considered the high season and beds tend to fill up more quickly than during other times of the year.

Santesteban is easily accessible by bus, with good connections to Pamplona, which boasts a train station and an airport.

In terms of equipment, virtually any mountain bike is suitable for this route. I recommend using a lightweight bike with moderate suspension and wide, sturdy tires. With some planning, you can even complete the journey on an e-bike, taking advantage of recharging points available at each stage.

Embrace the opportunity to explore this extraordinary and distinctive corner of the world.