The best traffic-free bike rides around Leitza

Leitza is nestled in the verdant Leitzaran valley, offering a 'natural paradise' with dense beech and oak forests. The cornerstone for no-traffic gravel biking is the Vía Verde del Plazaola (Plazaola Greenway), an old railway route that provides a mix of compacted earth and asphalt surfaces, perfect for gravel bikes away from vehicle traffic. The region's natural beauty and dedicated greenways ensure a peaceful riding experience.

Leitza offers a selection of dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails, primarily centered around the Vía Verde del Plazaola. While the guide features 5 routes, the broader area supports a rich network of trails suitable for gravel biking, ensuring diverse options for exploring the region's quiet landscapes.

The terrain in Leitza is varied, ranging from compacted earth and asphalt sections along the Plazaola Greenway to more challenging paths through dense forests and green mountains. You'll encounter moderate climbs and descents, with routes like the Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Leitza offering a balanced experience.

Yes, several circular routes are available, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Witches' Bridge – Plazaola Greenway loop from Leitza offers a challenging 45 km ride, while the Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Leitza is a moderate 31 km option.

You'll encounter numerous natural and historical highlights. The Plazaola Greenway itself is a major feature, winding through dense forests and alongside the Leitzaran River. You can also pass through exciting tunnels, including the Leitza tunnel, and see the picturesque Witches' Bridge. The Kornieta mountain is also visible, offering an itinerary to its summit with megalithic remains.

While many routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the Plazaola Greenway has sections, particularly near Leitza's border with Gipuzkoa, that are asphalted and highly accessible. These flatter, well-maintained parts of the greenway are suitable for families looking for a gentler, traffic-free ride.

Leitza's climate is characterized by its 'intense green' landscapes, suggesting lush conditions. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for gravel biking. Summers can be warm but are often mitigated by the shade of dense forests, while winters might bring cooler, wetter conditions.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the Plazaola Greenway, the unique experience of cycling through its numerous tunnels, and the immersive feeling of riding through dense, traffic-free forests.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Cantina del Plazaola – Plazaola Greenway loop from Leitza is a difficult route spanning over 61 km with more than 1200 meters of elevation gain. This route offers a significant workout while keeping you on quiet paths.

The Plazaola Greenway features numerous tunnels, including the Uitzi tunnel (2,700 meters) and the Leitza tunnel (650 meters). While generally lit, it is highly recommended to carry personal lighting for safety and visibility, especially in the longer tunnels.

Leitza, being a hub for outdoor activities, typically offers parking options within or near the town center, providing convenient access to the Plazaola Greenway and other trailheads. Specific parking details may vary by starting point, but general parking is usually available in the vicinity of the greenway access points.