The best traffic-free bike rides around Irurtzun

There are 14 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Irurtzun featured in this guide. While many are challenging, there are also a couple of moderate options for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

While most routes in this guide are rated as difficult, there are 2 moderate routes available. The region's most prominent car-free path, the Plazaola Greenway, offers sections that are generally suitable for touring, though some parts are unpaved and feature unlit tunnels, requiring a bike light. For a moderate challenge, consider the Plazaola Railway Memorial Arch – Gulina Viaduct loop from Irurtzun.

The routes around Irurtzun traverse diverse landscapes, from scenic river valleys like the Larraun River to impressive rock formations. You'll experience green meadows, picturesque tunnels, and potentially sections near larger natural parks, offering a constantly changing backdrop for your ride.

Yes, the Plazaola Greenway is a significant car-free route that is also part of the longer EuroVelo 1 route (Atlantic Coast Route). This allows for extended touring opportunities through Navarre and connects to the Way of St. James, offering magnificent landscapes and relatively flat rides in sections.

Absolutely! The region is rich in natural beauty. You can find routes that pass by stunning features like the Ixkier Waterfall. A particularly beautiful section of the Plazaola Greenway, featuring a waterfall and mountain springs, can be found in the final 5-8 kilometers before Lekunberri. Consider the Ixkier Waterfall – View of the Irurtzun Gorge loop from Irurtzun for a route that includes a waterfall.

Beyond natural beauty, you can explore historical sites. The Aixita Castle Ruins offer panoramic views, and the charming town of Lekunberri, a historically significant settlement, is often explored by cyclists on the Plazaola Greenway. Irurtzun itself features historical architecture like the Old Bridge over the Larraun River.

Yes, several routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end in Irurtzun without retracing your path. An excellent example is the Plazaola Greenway Loop, which offers a comprehensive experience of the region's car-free cycling infrastructure.

The region's diverse ecosystems mean landscapes shift with the seasons. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for touring cycling. Summers can be warm, while winter cycling is possible but requires preparation, especially for unlit tunnels on routes like the Plazaola Greenway.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, car-free nature of the routes, the stunning natural scenery, and the unique experience of cycling through old railway tunnels on the Plazaola Greenway.

Irurtzun is a town, and while specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, local bus services may connect to nearby towns along the routes. For detailed public transport information, it's best to check local bus schedules for connections to Irurtzun and surrounding areas.

As Irurtzun is the starting point for many of these routes, you can typically find parking within the town. Look for public parking areas in Irurtzun. For routes starting in other towns along the Plazaola Greenway, such as Lekunberri, parking facilities are usually available near the Greenway access points.