San Sebastian or Bilbao?

[Deleted account Cooperman]

I'm looking at a route for next year.

The ferry would drop us off at 5pm in Santander and I'm heading towards the Pyrenees.

In 1 hour I could be in Bilbao.

2 hours would get me to San Sebastian.

Which is the best place for an overnight or any other suggestions?

 

[MarkShelley]

We are over there now and kind of on the home run. We stayed in Hondarribia first night which is just East of San Sebastián. When we come again I will probably head more inland for the first night as the roads get quieter. We are staying in Olite tonight which is a short ride South of Pamplona. The hotel is Merindad de Olite and the poshest we have been to so far and the town is small but very nice. Try and stay In Spain overnight as France is a lot more expensive (for beer anyway)

 

[MarkShelley]

By the way. The last week has been the best biking of my life. We will probably return next year.

 

[Yellow Peril]

Think I would opt for Bilbao especially if ferry is later than expected

 

[smirky]

I'll be reading this one with great interest, this year we done the Alps which was an amazing trip, 3,400 miles of Fantastic memory's

Next year we fancy the picos and Pyrenees

 

[Andy63]

I'm looking at a route for next year.

The ferry would drop us off at 5pm in Santander and I'm heading towards the Pyrenees.

In 1 hour I could be in Bilbao.

2 hours would get me to San Sebastian.

Which is the best place for an overnight or any other suggestions?

I have not been to Bilbao so can't compare, I have been to San Sebastian a few times, which is a must, beautiful old town, fantastic beach front with street entertainment, great if you want somewhere to sit and watch the world go by.

Lots of bars and cafes and restaurant's. It is very lively but more an older age group.

It is also fairly pricey for accommodation but if you search hard enough you can get reasonably priced rooms. I would definitely go back again.

 

[llotse]

San Sebastian is a beautiful town and Bilbao much more industrial. I think it is worth the extra hours ride if you are going to explore, if not and you just want a place to stay before riding on I can recommend the Ibis at Bilbao, very comfortable. There are lots of choices out in the sticks not too far from the port though, well worth the few more miles ride.

 

[harry the cat]

San Sebastián is much nicer. A few years ago I spent an evening In both. No contest and you should have plenty of time to find food and drink. They're not in the habit of going to bed early

 

[Simmo]

Stayed here in June. http://hotelsansebastian.net Really nice hotel with underground parking, not far from the front (5 mins walk). It was around 90 euros for a twin room.

 

[gspod]

I was in Bilbao 3 years ago and it's been developed nicely and is a lovely city theses days - compared to 21 years ago Excellent tapas bars etc... Large student population so a good atmostphere and prices.

San Sab is and has always been an exclusive resort - most Michilin starred resturants %wise than any other city in the world. It is obviously beautiful and a must see at some stage but as previous poster said an older and richer population with prices to match.

Enjoy your choice

 

[MarkShelley]

Tonight we are in a lovely small place about 80 mins fEast of Bilbao Port called Ea. we are staying in a comfy room with en suite and wifi and breakfast for 66 euros in a premises called Bekale booked via booking.com. Although a small village ir has several bars. Just spotted loads of huge grey mullet in the tidal bit and wild brownies in the non tidal bit. Wish I had some of my tackle!

 

[ebbo]

By the way. The last week has been the best biking of my life. We will probably return next year.

You'll have to expand on that a bit, which were to best bits

 

[MarkShelley]

You'll have to expand on that a bit, which were to best bits

I followed a route that is in this part of the forum somewhere on the website of a member who does tours. Having said that we did deviate occasionally and simply followed roads that are highlighted green on the Michelin maps, all of which were ace. I reckon if you just plan a route linking these up you couldn't go wrong. I suppose if I had to choose it would be the legendary N260 east of Sort, but it was pretty much all stunning. As I said earlier though, try and overnight on the Spanish side. Loads cheaper.

 

[ebbo]

I followed a route that is in this part of the forum somewhere on the website of a member who does tours. Having said that we did deviate occasionally and simply followed roads that are highlighted green on the Michelin maps, all of which were ace. I reckon if you just plan a route linking these up you couldn't go wrong. I suppose if I had to choose it would be the legendary N260 east of Sort, but it was pretty much all stunning. As I said earlier though, try and overnight on the Spanish side. Loads cheaper.

Thanks Mark, we rode the N260 a few years ago, looping back through the French side picking up the Colls like Tourmalet, Aspin, Menté etc. It's a teriffic area to explore, you never know whats round the next turn

Found your guest house 'Bekale' in Ea on Tripadvisor, looks good except for access and parking

 

[MarkShelley]

Thanks Mark, we rode the N260 a few years ago, looping back through the French side picking up the Colls like Tourmalet, Aspin, Menté etc. It's a teriffic area to explore, you never know whats round the next turn

Found your guest house 'Bekale' in Ea on Tripadvisor, looks good except for access and parking

Access and parking would be awkward in a car. I parked right opposite the front door, literally 4 metres away.

 

[Fanum]

I can recommend the Hotel Muskiz, 15 mins outside Bilbao and just a minute or two off the E70 motorway heading West out of Bilbao.
I stayed there a lot on the way back from Moroccan trips.....free wifi, secure parking and not expensive.

There's no restaurant, but there is one just across the road

 

[oie]

Today's Bilbao it has nothing to do with the "old industrial Bilbao". After building the Guggenheim the whole city became a more friendly, welcoming and beautiful.
No doubt San Sebastián is stunning but there is less to do than in Bilbao.
If you arrive at 1700, you could be in Pamplona around 2000, dinner time and be on the 240 first thing in the morning.

 

[LEEGS]

Not sure what route or timescales you are on but we have on a number of occasions got the Portsmouth - Santander Ferry on a Friday that gets in to Santander at 5.00pm ish, we head to our favourite little hide away called La Tahona de Besnes, in a small village called Alles.

We have already booked for next May, stunning little rustic hotel. It's only about 50mins from the ferry and the last 20 miles is a real peach, makes me laugh every time I go just because it's so fab and gets you in the holiday mood after 24 hours on the ferry.

Also very good value at €50 and food is superb.

This is also a great spot if you want to get the Panes to Riano route in which is a well recommended route.

 

[JulesDive]

Yes, N260 east of Sort, and the road from Sort over to France, via Vielha to Bagneres de Luchon.

The N260 west of Sort is pretty impressive too !

 

[JulesDive]

We stayed in Santander last year ... nice and cheap, and lots of restaurants to chose from. Agree that San Sebastian is much nicer town, more pricey though.
Have not tried to stay in Bilbao.

My recommendation would be to head inland a bit for an hour or so ride.
And find a cheaper hotel, off the beaten track.

Somewhere like this ...

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zT_9sk0OTQfw.kXk0LGAzkzn0&usp=sharing

The roads south of Santander are very nice, just pick some that have green borders on the Michelin maps...