The best traffic-free bike rides around Facería 53

Facería 53, located near the Spanish-French border in the Basque Country, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including mountain passes like Col Lizuniaga and Col de Lizarrieta, dense forests, and open terrain. This provides a varied and scenic backdrop for gravel biking, with many routes specifically designed to be traffic-free, allowing for a peaceful and immersive experience.

This guide features 8 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike routes around Facería 53. These routes offer a range of distances and elevations, ensuring there's something for various skill levels, though most are rated as difficult.

While most routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult' due to their length and elevation gain, the area does offer varied terrain. For those looking for a moderate challenge, consider the Gulina Viaduct – Plazaola Greenway loop from Izurdiaga-Irurtzun, which covers 41.3 km with about 392 meters of elevation gain. It's a good option for riders with some experience looking for a less strenuous ride than the more challenging routes.

The routes often pass through stunning natural areas. You might encounter features like the Ixkier Waterfall or the peaceful Sources of the Iribas River. The region is characterized by lush natural environments and offers rewarding views, especially from mountain passes.

Yes, several routes offer glimpses of historical and cultural points of interest. You could pass by the Bartolo Tunnel, the ruins of Aixita Castle, or the serene Ermita de San Donato. The Plazaola Greenway itself is a historic railway line converted into a scenic path, offering a unique cycling experience.

Yes, all the traffic-free gravel bike routes listed in this guide are designed as loops. This means you'll start and finish at the same point, making logistics like parking much simpler. For example, the View of the Dos Hermanas Gorge – Larraun River Path loop from Lekunberri is a great circular option.

The komoot community rates the routes in Facería 53 highly, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the rewarding views from mountain passes. The varied terrain and well-maintained greenways are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects of the gravel biking experience here.

Many of the routes, especially those starting from towns like Izurdiaga-Irurtzun or Lekunberri, have accessible parking options nearby. It's always a good idea to check the specific tour details on komoot for precise parking information for your chosen route.

The longest route featured is the Cantina del Plazaola – View of the Dos Hermanas Gorge loop from Izurdiaga-Irurtzun, which spans approximately 76.2 km and includes over 1,198 meters of elevation gain. This challenging route is perfect for experienced gravel bikers looking for a full day's adventure.

Absolutely! Facería 53 and its surrounding region are a hub for various outdoor pursuits. In addition to gravel biking, you'll find extensive trails for hiking and running. The area's natural beauty, including vibrant natural areas like the 'Nacedero del Urederra' (though requiring prior reservation), makes it ideal for exploring on foot as well.

The region features several iconic mountain passes. The Santa Cruz Tunnel – Plazaola Greenway loop from Imotz, for instance, offers scenic views and challenging climbs characteristic of the area. Passes like Col Lizuniaga and Col de Lizarrieta, while not directly on all routes, define the mountainous character of the region and offer rewarding vistas.