The best traffic-free bike rides around Basaburúa Mayor

Komoot offers nearly 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Basaburúa Mayor. These routes range from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels. You can find detailed information on each route, including distance and elevation, within this guide.

The centerpiece for no-traffic touring cyclists is the Plazaola Greenway (Vía Verde del Plazaola). This 78-kilometer route follows an old narrow-gauge railway line, offering a mostly flat and accessible path through stunning natural landscapes. It's ideal for touring bikes due to some unpaved sections and gentle gradients.

Yes, the gentle gradients and car-free nature of the Plazaola Greenway make it highly suitable for families. Its mostly flat terrain and well-maintained path provide a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages. Consider routes like the Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Uitzi for a moderate, family-friendly option.

The routes wind through idyllic river valleys, characterized by lush Atlantic forests of beech and oak, rolling meadows, and green slopes. You'll enjoy crystal-clear rivers and constant views of the surrounding mountains. Notable natural features include the Ixkier Waterfall, which you can experience on routes like the Zuarrarrate Pass (780 m) – Ixkier Waterfall loop from Imotz.

Yes, the Plazaola Greenway features numerous tunnels, remnants of its railway past. The Uitzi Tunnel, one of Europe's longest greenway tunnels at 2.7 kilometers, is a significant feature. Cyclists are strongly advised to carry lights for the unlit sections of these tunnels to ensure safety.

The region, particularly around the Plazaola Greenway, offers various services for cyclists. In towns like Lekunberri, you can find bike rental, transfer services, self-washing, and self-repair stations. Lekunberri's beautifully restored old station now houses a Tourist Office and a bar-restaurant, providing convenient stops along your ride.

The Plazaola Greenway passes through charming traditional villages like Latasa, Lekunberri, and Leitza, showcasing magnificent examples of local architecture. You can also access sites of heritage value such as the medieval Monastery of San Esteban and the Oskia Gorge. The Aixita Castle Ruins offer a blend of history and nature, with opportunities to see vultures.

Basaburúa Mayor, part of the 'green and mountainous Navarre' region, is best enjoyed during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes, ideal for exploring the greenways and natural trails. Winter cycling is possible, but some unpaved sections might be muddy, and tunnels can be colder.

Yes, several circular routes are available for touring cyclists. For example, the Embalse de Leurza, Beintza, Labaien – Circular Route offers a challenging yet rewarding loop through diverse landscapes. Another option is the Ixkier Waterfall – Incredible views loop from Basaburua, providing stunning vistas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the stunning natural beauty of the Atlantic forests and river valleys, and the unique experience of cycling through old railway tunnels. The well-maintained greenways and the availability of cycling amenities also receive positive feedback.

Given that some sections of the Plazaola Greenway are unpaved, touring bikes or gravel bikes are ideal for these routes. Their robust tires and comfortable geometry handle varied surfaces well, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride. While racing bikes might find some unpaved sections challenging, mountain bikes are also well-suited for the terrain.