Biscay Tour Trail: Gernika - Elantxobe Loop

This route is classified as a moderate road ride. It requires good fitness due to its undulating terrain and an elevation gain of approximately 550 meters. While mostly well-paved, some segments might be more challenging.

This is a circular route, starting and ending in Guernica, taking you through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and to Elantxobe before returning.

The route starts from Guernica (Gernika). While specific parking details aren't provided, as a significant town, Guernica typically offers various parking options. It's advisable to check local parking facilities upon arrival.

You can expect mostly well-paved surfaces, with about 32.1 km of asphalt and 867m of paved sections. The terrain is undulating, featuring gentle mountains and hills that gradually slope towards the coast, offering a varied cycling experience.

The route offers diverse scenery and notable stops. You'll pass by the impressive Arteaga Castle, enjoy views of Laida Beach, and get a View of Laga Beach. The charming fishing village of Elantxobe is a highlight, known for its houses clinging to a steep hillside. You'll also be near the Santimamiñe Cave Paintings in Kortezubi.

The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve benefits from an oceanic climate, making it green and vibrant year-round. However, for road cycling, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures and less extreme weather conditions. Summer can also be good, but be prepared for potentially warmer days.

This route is primarily a road cycling path. While dogs are generally welcome in outdoor areas, it's important to consider their safety and comfort on a road cycling route. If you plan to bring a dog, ensure they are secured in a suitable trailer or carrier designed for cycling, as riding alongside a bike on roads can be dangerous for them.

The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area, but there are generally no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling through the reserve on public roads. However, always respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and practice leave-no-trace principles to preserve its ecological wealth.

Yes, both Guernica at the start/end and the village of Elantxobe, a key point on the route, offer amenities such as cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel and rest. You may also find options in other smaller villages you pass through.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with several other official trails. Notably, it covers 51% of the Bizkaiko bira and 12% of the Laida-Laga trail. Smaller portions also intersect with paths like Atxarre. Artadiaren bihotzaren erdian and Gernika-Lumo Forua. Estuarioaren bihotzean barrena.

You'll experience spectacular and diverse landscapes, including rolling green hills, lush forests, and impressive cliffs meeting the Cantabrian coast. Expect charming villages, views of the sea and the Mundaka estuary, and the unique biodiversity of its marshes. The route also offers panoramic vistas from various viewpoints.