The best road cycling routes around Aulesti

Aulesti offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 70 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, ensuring there's a suitable ride for every cyclist.

Road cycling in Aulesti features diverse terrain. You'll encounter challenging mountain climbs, such as those around Urregarai and Illunzar, offering panoramic views. There are also gentler rides along the Lea River on the Lea Walking Path, as well as routes through wide green areas and picturesque rural scenery.

Yes, Aulesti provides several challenging routes for experienced road cyclists. For instance, the Coastal roads of Ondarroa, Lekeitio and Ea — circular from Berriatua is a difficult 62.4 km route with significant elevation gain, offering coastal views. Another demanding option is the Lekeitio Old Town and Basilica – View of Laga Beach loop from Lekeitio, which covers 49.6 km through coastal landscapes.

For a moderate challenge, consider routes like the Lekeitio Old Town and Basilica – Ondarroa Bay loop from Berriatua, a 44.2 km path exploring coastal towns and offering bay views. Another great option is the Mendata Village – Artzubi Bridge loop from Aulesti, which is 38.2 km and takes you through charming villages.

Absolutely. The Santa Eufemia climb, connecting Aulesti with Markina-Xemein, is a notable feature, regularly included in the Tour of the Basque Country race. It offers good road conditions, minimal traffic, and scenic forested sections. Other significant passes and climbs in the region include Alto de Muniketa (Montecalvo), Alto de Ixua, and the Areitio Climb.

Aulesti's road cycling routes offer stunning scenic views. From mountain summits like Urregarai, you can enjoy magnificent panoramas of the Urdaibai Biosphere, the coastlines of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, and the mountains surrounding Durango. Coastal routes provide expansive sea views, while inland paths wind through wide green areas and picturesque rural landscapes with traditional farmhouses.

While many routes involve climbs, the Lea Walking Path, which follows the Lea River, offers a gentler and more relaxing environment suitable for families. This path provides a serene ride amidst nature with numerous access points, allowing for shorter, more manageable excursions.

The road cycling routes around Aulesti are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average score of 4.7 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic coastal roads, and the overall beauty of the green, rural landscapes.

Yes, Aulesti is rich in cultural and historical sites. You can find several medieval hermitages scattered across its quarters and the parish church of San Juan Bautista. The Ibañez de Aulesti Tower-house is another notable historical building. Along the Lea Walking Path, between Zetokiz and the park, you can also discover Aisureta gunea, an area where nature and art converge with sculptures by Basque artist Mikel Lertxundi.

Aulesti Park, located on Gernika Street beside the Lea River, is an ideal spot for relaxation after a ride. It offers amenities for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Beyond the Santa Eufemia climb, the region features several other significant mountain passes and peaks. Cyclists can explore routes leading to San Migel / Urkaregi and the Ascent to Gontzegaraigane. For those seeking summits, routes can take you towards Kalamua Summit, Kalamendi Summit, and Otoio Summit, offering rewarding views.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the View of Ondarroa Harbor – Lekeitio Old Town and Basilica loop from Munitibar-Arbatzegi Gerrikaitz is a moderate 60.1 km circular route. The Mendata Village – Artzubi Bridge loop from Aulesti is another excellent circular option, starting directly from Aulesti.