Road Cycling Routes near Gernika
Discover the best road cycling routes near Gernika in Basque Country, Spain. We've curated 7 road cycling routes within riding distance of Gernika. The area offers mountainous terrain. Each route includes GPX files, detailed elevation profiles, highlighted climbs, and recommended café stops along the way.
7 routes
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe loop from Bilbao
126.2 km • 1540 m • Hard
This loop connects the city with the heart of Urdaibai, heading inland from downtown Bilbao before returning along the coast. After rolling through quieter interior roads, the route reaches the Urdaibai Natural Reserve, where views begin to open up, especially on the stretch between Gernika and Bermeo that follows the river. A couple of cols add a challenge mid ride, with Jata from Bakio as the most recognizable climb. Along the way, there are easy chances to stop for coffee, food, or pinchos.
Medio Fondo Urdaibai
126.5 km • 1947 m • Hard
A shorter and more relaxed version of the Gran Fondo Urdaibai that keeps the same mix of inland and coastal riding but skips the climb to Oiz. The route flows through green valleys, small towns, and open stretches near the sea, with constant changes in scenery rather than a single defining ascent. It is shaped by quiet secondary roads and a steady rhythm, with several opportunities to stop, eat, and recharge as you move between the interior of Urdaibai and the coast.
Eastern Urdaibai Loop
70.5 km • 1113 m • Moderate
A short and charming loop through the eastern side of the Urdaibai reserve. The ride opens with the climb to Muniketa, followed by the descent of the Balcón de Bizkaia before rolling out toward the coast. The return to Gernika follows a quiet road along the Urdaibai estuary, with wide views over the water and surrounding wetlands. A stop for a coffee or something to eat fits naturally along the way.
Urdaibai Gran Depart
95.3 km • 1431 m • Moderate
This route follows the roads used during the 2023 Tour de France Grand Départ, which brought the opening stages of the race through Bizkaia and into the Urdaibai area. Shaped as a figure eight, it explores both sides of the river, linking inland villages with well known coastal towns through quiet, scenic secondary roads. Stops in Bakio and Bermeo fit naturally into the loop, making it easy to pause for coffee, drinks, or pinchos before continuing on the opposite side of the estuary.
Cols of Urdaibai
91.3 km • 1738 m • Hard
A compact inland route built around a collection of short, punchy climbs scattered across the hills of Urdaibai. Muniketa and Paresi are the main highlights, both demanding in different ways and linked by narrow, quiet roads that keep the ride constantly moving. The route descends the Balcón de Bizkaia toward Munitibar, where Sindikatu Jatetxea offers the only clear stopping point of the day, before the roads turn back into rolling terrain framed by green valleys and forested slopes.
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