Spain · Pyrenees
Trans Pyrenees
Gravel
Ten nights from San Sebastián to Roses, across the full Pyrenean arc.
per guide
About this tour
Trans Pyrenees Gravel crosses the full length of the Pyrenean arc from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean — San Sebastián to Roses — in eight riding stages over ten nights. 780 kilometres, mostly unpaved, with 17,000 to 19,000 metres of cumulative elevation. This is one of the great point-to-point gravel journeys in Europe.
The first stages cross the Basque hills and Navarra — green, wet, technical — before the route climbs into the high Pyrenees proper via the Roncesvalles pass. From Jaca eastward, the character of the riding changes: longer climbs, drier air, fewer villages, more altitude. The central section through Ordesa and the Noguera Ribagorzana valley is among the most remote riding on the route.
The Catalan Pyrenees bring the final act — a series of cols through Cerdanya and the Garrotxa volcanic zone before the Mediterranean comes into view near Cap de Creus. The descent to Roses and the sight of the sea after ten days in the mountains is a proper arrival.
Each stage offers Adventure and Explorer route options. Danish guides lead daily; GPS tracks are available for independent riders. The support vehicle handles luggage and mechanics across the full traverse. Accommodation is in small hotels and mountain hostels chosen for location — several stages end in villages with no alternatives, and that is part of the appeal.
San Sebastián to Roses.
Atlantic to Mediterranean on gravel. Eight stages across the Pyrenees — Basque Country, Aragón, Catalunya — from the bay to the sea. The longest and most demanding route in the programme.
We handle the logistics so you can focus on the range. GPS routes, support vehicle and accommodation across eleven days — from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, everything is in place when you land in Bilbao.
Route overview
780 km · 17,000–20,000 m total elevation · San Sebastián to Roses
What you get
Atlantic to Mediterranean
Eight stages across the full Pyrenean arc. Basque hills, high cols, Catalan descents, and the sea.
Mountain hotels
Ten nights in hotels and refuges chosen for location — some in villages with little else around them.
Roses, Mediterranean
The last stage ends at the water in Roses. After 780 km in the mountains, the sea is a proper arrival.
Day by day
Stages
Eleven days from San Sebastián to Roses — 780 km and eight stages across the full breadth of the Pyrenees. A single-level Explorer tour: demanding every day, and deeply satisfying.
Arrive by the welcome meeting on Friday evening (time adjusted to flight arrivals). If you arrive early, the head guide offers a relaxed intro ride on the outskirts of San Sebastián — useful to check that legs and bike are ready.
Welcome meeting and dinner. The city and the mountains are waiting.
The day starts with a roll through the city and along the seafront promenade. Enjoy the flat kilometres — they'll be rare for the next eight days. Then quickly onto gravel, up into the Basque hills and into the terrain that makes this tour legendary.
You feel on the first stage why being well-prepared matters here.
Adventure
85 km · 2,500 m
Steep climbs, big ridge lines and long gravel passages. We cross above 1,000 m, briefly touch France and return to Spain.
A demanding day — but some of the tour's most memorable views and descents.
Adventure
90 km · 2,600 m
A long, varied day with more down than up — but still plenty of work. Rolling mountain roads, forest gravel and fun descents.
Save energy for the final hills into Jaca before the after-bike and evening meal.
Adventure
85 km · 2,095 m
A day full of variety: flow, gravel, technical passages and a classic three-stage climb before lunch at the support van.
Towards the end of the day we approach the Zona Zero area near Aínsa, where the terrain impresses even on a gravel bike.
Adventure
86 km · 1,750 m
Rest day with the option of a spa, sightseeing in Aínsa's medieval quarter and time for bike maintenance.
The head guide can offer a short voluntary bonus gravel ride depending on weather and the group's energy.
For many this is the tour's toughest stage. We leave Aínsa and hit one of the longest climbs of the whole route. The terrain changes, the views grow bigger and you ride close to the highest peaks in the Pyrenees.
A day that demands digging deep — but the reward is proportional.
Adventure
96 km · 2,900 m
The longest stage. Many metres of climbing — but also long descents and several easier road sections that keep the momentum.
A day where endurance and pacing are everything.
Adventure
118 km · 2,000 m
One of the most iconic up-and-down days on the tour. Longer climbs, long descents and routes where you feel the Mediterranean getting closer — even though you're still in the mountains.
Adventure
99 km · 2,100 m
The last stage is the most manageable — but still a big day. We roll down towards the Mediterranean on varied terrain and mark the finish in the water at Roses: tired, proud and full of memories.
Adventure
109 km · 1,200 m
Send the bike ahead (if you booked transport) and take the bus towards Girona or Barcelona.
Alternatively stay in Roses for a few days by the Mediterranean.
How We Ride
Ten stages from sea to sea
From San Sebastián to Roses through the full length of the Pyrenees. The longest tour we run — GPS routes loaded each evening for the following day.
Guided stage
Led every stage of the way
Big passes and long days demand experience on the road. The guide sets the rhythm and keeps the group moving through challenging Pyrenean terrain.
GPS self-guided
Ten stages at your own rhythm
The route is loaded, the crew is ahead. You set the pace across 780 km of the Pyrenees — one of the most rewarding ways to ride this range.
What's included
Riding & support
- check 9 riding stages + optional rest day ride
- check Experienced Danish guides
- check GPS routes for Garmin, Wahoo and Komoot
- check Daily evening briefing with maps and elevation profiles
- check Support vehicle with spare parts, spare bike and clothing bag
- check Mechanic help from guides and crew — spare parts only at cost
- check Luggage transfer hotel to hotel, every stage
- check Energy powder from PurePower — complimentary
Accommodation & food
- check 10 hotel nights in shared double room
- check 10 × breakfast, 4 × dinner
What makes it memorable
- check Closing dinner in Roses
- check Shared online photo album
- check Gravel-Adventure jersey
- check Lifetime membership of the Gravel-Adventure RIDERS network
Not included
- remove Flights to/from Spain or France
- remove Lunches
- remove Drinks
- remove Dinners on free evenings
- remove Personal travel and accident insurance
- remove Bike rental (available on request)
- remove Single room supplement (available on request)
Before you go
Practical information
Fly to Bilbao (BIO). Vueling operates direct flights on Fridays; Norwegian direct on Thursdays. From Bilbao, a taxi to the start hotel in San Sebastián takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Return flights can be booked from Girona (GRO, approx. 50 km from Roses) or Barcelona (BCN, approx. 150 km). We arrange shared airport transfers on the final day.
Most riders bring their own bikes as checked baggage — a hard case is recommended.
Tyres: 38–45mm gravel tyres recommended. The route includes sharp limestone gravel sections — tubeless is worth it.
Personal travel and accident insurance is not included. We strongly recommend valid cover for cycling and medical evacuation before arrival. Ask us if you need a recommendation.
Pack for warm days and cool evenings — October departures can see 10–12°C in the hills. A light packable layer earns its place. Towels and toiletries are provided at all accommodation.
Off-bike: one pair of comfortable walking shoes, smart-casual for dinner. Spanish and French restaurants are relaxed but you will want something other than bib shorts.
Common questions
Before you book
The Adventure route suits riders comfortable with 3–4 hours in the saddle over consecutive days. You don't need to be a racer — but you should be genuinely at home on a gravel bike in hilly terrain.
The Explorer route asks more: 5–6 hour days, significant elevation (up to 2,000m per stage), and the confidence to navigate loose gravel and forest tracks independently.
If you're unsure which suits you, a short call with us will settle it quickly.
A gravel bike — mechanical or e-assist — is required. A light MTB with appropriate tyres and gearing also works. Road bikes and hybrids are not suitable.
The bike must be freshly serviced before the tour: drivetrain, brakes, tyres and bearings all in working order. Minimum tyre width 38mm — wider is better, especially for the Explorer route. Tubeless setup is strongly recommended given the Pyrenees' loose gravel, mountain passes and occasional technical terrain.
Gearing: a maximum ratio of around 0.9 (smallest front chainring ÷ largest rear sprocket) is the practical minimum for the steeper climbs.
Gravel bike rental along the Pyrenean route is limited. We recommend bringing your own bike as checked baggage — a good hard case makes the whole trip more straightforward. Get in touch if you need any guidance.
Rental is an additional cost — see the optional extras in the booking section. Contact us if you'd like to discuss specifications before booking.
Both — depending on how you want to ride. A Danish guide leads a group each day on the standard route.
If you prefer to ride at your own pace, GPS routes are loaded before departure — Garmin, Wahoo and Komoot files all included. Most riders use a mix: some days with the group, others at their own speed.
The support vehicle follows the route and is available to all riders regardless of how they choose to navigate.
The support vehicle carries tools, spare parts and a spare bike. Guides provide mechanical assistance, and local bike shops are accessible for anything more specialised.
You pay only for spare parts if needed — mechanical labour from the crew is included.
Explorer route riders should be able to handle basic repairs independently (punctures, chain issues), as they may be further from the vehicle at any given time.
Most of our riders are in the 45–65 age range. The Adventure route is designed for experienced riders who are fit but not racing — sensible daily distances, a genuine rest day mid-tour, and the option to take the support vehicle if a stage isn't working.
The daily route choice means you can calibrate difficulty to how you feel each morning.
What matters more than age is cycling fitness and experience with multi-day riding.
Yes. The tour runs as a group of up to 10 riders per guide, and many participants come alone. The group typically includes riders from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and occasionally further afield.
Accommodation is in shared double rooms by default. A single room supplement is available if you prefer your own room.
Flights to/from Bilbao and Barcelona (Girona)
Dinners on free evenings, drinks and wine tastings, bike rental, single room supplement, and luggage transport from your home country to Italy can all be arranged separately.
Departures
When to go
| Dates | Availability | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| 4 – 14 Sep 2026 | Open | €3,595 |
Per person, shared room. Single supplement on request. €500 deposit secures your place. You choose your preferred date when booking.
Private & group tours
Travelling together? Six or more riders, we'll plan it around you.
If you have a group of six or more — a cycling club, a group of friends, colleagues — we can arrange a private departure on dates that suit you. Same route, same support, entirely your own group.
We also offer fully custom private tours for smaller groups who prefer to travel without other participants.
Prefer to write directly
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