EuroVelo 1 from Sunbilla: Bidasoa route towards Lesaka and Bera
The Bidasoa Greenway is more than a local leisure trail: Sunbilla sits on one of the Navarra sections used by EuroVelo 1, the long-distance Atlantic cycle route. Guests at El Eco de los Robles can start from the village and ride north along the Bidasoa towards Igantzi, Lesaka, Bera and the border.
The corridor combines the former Tren Txikito railway alignment with woodland, traditional houses, tunnels and the river. It is one of the best ways to experience the Upper Bidasoa landscape at a pace that allows frequent stops.
EuroVelo 1 from Sunbilla: essential facts
• EuroVelo 1 enters Navarra at Endarlatsa.
• The official route passes near Bera, continues through Berrizaun, crosses Sunbilla and reaches Doneztebe/Santesteban.
• The former railway section is generally low difficulty.
• From Sunbilla you can ride north towards Igantzi, Lesaka and Bera.
• The corridor includes tunnels, weirs, Atlantic woodland and river access points.
• Check official route notices before every long ride.
1. Leave Sunbilla on the former Tren Txikito route
The Greenway uses the alignment of the former Bidasoa railway, commonly known as the Tren Txikito. The gentle railway gradient is the reason it works so well for touring bikes, gravel bikes and walkers.
Heading north from Sunbilla quickly takes you out of the village and into a narrow corridor between mountain and river.
One of the former railway tunnels in Sunbilla. Photo: Bixintxo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
2. The Bidasoa as the route's backbone
The river accompanies much of the ride. At times it disappears behind vegetation; elsewhere it appears beside weirs, fish ladders and small access points to the bank.
The landscape stays intensely green through much of the year and changes dramatically between dry periods and the days after rain.
Bidasoa River in Sunbilla. Photo: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
3. Bisusta as a first nature stop
A few kilometres from Sunbilla, Bisusta Waterfall is one of the most worthwhile short detours. It lies beside the Greenway and gives you an easy reason to stop before continuing north.
If the goal is not to accumulate kilometres, make Bisusta the turnaround point. For a longer cycle day, continue along the corridor.
Bisusta Waterfall. Photo: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
4. Towards Igantzi and Lesaka
Further north, the route approaches the Igantzi area and provides connections towards Lesaka. This section of the valley keeps much of the former railway character while mixing natural scenery with small rural settlements.
Lesaka deserves a visit in its own right, so one sensible option is to use the bike to reach the area and leave enough time to explore the town on foot.
5. Continue to Bera
Bera is one of the main towns in northern Navarra and lies close to the section where EuroVelo 1 enters from Endarlatsa. With enough time and fitness, reaching Bera turns the outing into a much more complete cycle-touring day.
From there, the corridor approaches the border and onward links towards Irun, Hondarribia and the Atlantic coast.
Bridge over the Bidasoa in Bera. Photo: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
6. What type of bike works best?
A hybrid, gravel or mountain bike is a comfortable choice because it handles changes in surface and minor irregularities. A city bike can also work on the better-prepared sections.
After rain, mud or potholes can appear. Carrying spare tubes or a repair kit, a pump and lights for the tunnels is a simple precaution.
7. Family outing or sporting ride
There is no need to complete a long distance. For a family, a short ride from Sunbilla to Bisusta and back may be enough. More experienced cyclists can continue towards Bera and turn the same corridor into a much longer stage.
Decide before leaving whether the goal is a relaxed outing or a mileage-focused day. That makes it easier to plan water, food and return time.
8. EuroVelo 1 and the wider European connection
EuroVelo 1 is a long-distance route following Europe's Atlantic side. In Navarra, official tourism information describes an itinerary of almost 90 kilometres between the Irun-Endarlatsa area and Sarasa, linking the Bidasoa with other greenways and inland roads.
For a visitor staying in Sunbilla, the important point is not riding the full distance but knowing that the local trail is part of a European-scale cycle network.
9. Check route conditions
The Bidasoa corridor is wet and enclosed by steep terrain. Heavy rain and landslides can temporarily close sections of the Greenway.
Before a long ride towards Bera or Irun, check Navarra tourism notices and any signs installed on the route.
10. How to fit it into a stay in Sunbilla
A short ride works well on the first day or as an active break between car-based excursions. A longer ride towards Bera can occupy much of the day.
Other days can be used for Bertiz, Elizondo, Amaiur, Zugarramurdi-Urdax or Leurtza. Sunbilla is particularly well positioned for combining all of them.
Where to stay for EuroVelo 1 and the Bidasoa
El Eco de los Robles is in Sunbilla, close to the centre of this network of routes. The whole house sleeps six guests plus two additional places and includes a garden, seasonal swimming pool, barbecue area and private parking.
That makes it easy to organise rides of different lengths and return to the same base, which is especially useful for cyclists, families and groups of friends.
Frequently asked questions about EuroVelo 1 from Sunbilla
Does EuroVelo 1 pass through Sunbilla?
Yes. The official route enters Navarra at Endarlatsa, passes close to Bera and Berrizaun, crosses Sunbilla and continues towards Doneztebe/Santesteban.
Can you cycle from Sunbilla towards Lesaka and Bera?
Yes. The Bidasoa Greenway corridor allows you to continue north towards Igantzi, Lesaka and Bera, although current route conditions should be checked before a long outing.
Is the route difficult?
The former railway section of the Greenway is generally easy. Difficulty increases if you add detours, local roads or continuations away from the main trail.
Can you walk the route?
Yes. For walking, it is usually more practical to choose a defined section and return the same way or arrange collection at another point.
What can you see on the route?
The Bidasoa River, former railway tunnels, traditional farmhouses, weirs, fish ladders, Bisusta Waterfall and villages along the Bidasoa corridor.
Should you check for closures before setting out?
Yes. Landslides, works or rain damage can temporarily close parts of the Greenway. Navarra tourism publishes route notices.
Where should you stay to ride this section?
Sunbilla lies centrally on the corridor, and El Eco de los Robles provides a convenient base for rides north or south towards Doneztebe.
Sources consulted
Official Navarra tourism information for EuroVelo 1 and the Bidasoa Greenway, including route, difficulty and towns along the corridor.
Cartographic documentation and local Bidasoa resources for points of interest and connections. Editorial review: September 2026.
Image credits
Cover image: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, Bidasoa Sunbilan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Interior image 1: Bixintxo / Wikimedia Commons, Sunbillako tunela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Interior image 2: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, Bisusta ur-jauzia 01, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Interior image 3: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, Bidasoa Bera Zubia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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