In the heart of northern Spain, among landscapes that alternate valleys, mountains and charming villages, lies one of the most attractive cycle touring routes in the country: the Basque-Navarre Greenway. This old railway line converted into a nature trail is an invitation to travel slowly, enjoying the surroundings, the history and the peace and quiet of the pedals.
From Vitoria to Estella, the Basque-Navarre greenway offers more than 80 kilometres of route full of contrasts, ideal for both experienced cyclists and families looking for a getaway in the heart of nature. If you are thinking of a different adventure, in this article we tell you everything you need to know about this route and how you can ride it with Mendi E-bike electric bicycles.
What is the Basque-Navarre Greenway?
The basque-Navarre greenway follows the old railway line that linked the cities of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Estella-Lizarra., passing through towns such as Antoñana, Maeztu and Murieta. This train, known as the ‘trenico’, ran from the beginning of the 20th century until its closure in 1967. Today, its legacy lives on in the form of a greenway perfectly adapted for cycle touring and hiking.
The route crosses three provinces: Alava, Gipuzkoa and Navarre. Although its railway origins date back to 1927, today the route has become an ideal itinerary for lovers of cycling, nature and history. Sections with illuminated tunnels, restored old railway halts, iron bridges and panoramic views make this route a unique experience.
Stages of the Basque-Navarre greenway
One of the great attractions of this route is that it can be divided into different sections or stages, thus adapting to all levels and types of travellers. These are some of the main stages of the Basque-Navarre greenway:
1. Vitoria – Antoñana (32 km)
A gentle section, well signposted, that crosses the Izki Natural Park. Ideal for a quiet day's cycling with stops in villages such as Maeztu or Korres.
2. Antoñana – Acedo (25 km)
During this stage you will cross the spectacular Arquijas tunnel (1.4 km), one of the jewels of the route. You can also admire old stations, rest areas and viewpoints.
3. Acedo – Estella (25 km)
The Estella greenway, the last section of the route, offers a combination of railway history and natural beauty. The section runs close to the river Ega, between fields, forests and villages such as Murieta and Aberin, until it reaches the historic town of Estella-Lizarra.
Why walk the Vasco Navarro Greenway?
This greenway is not just a path: it is a window to the region's industrial and rural past. It is also a form of tourism that is sustainable, healthy and accessible to all.
Reasons to visit it:
- ✅ Varied landscapes: from the plains of Alava to the forests of Navarre, the route is a festival of colours and shapes.
- 🚲 Suitable for all levels: with gentle gradients (the train could not climb very steep slopes), it is perfect for electric bicycles.
- 🧒 Ideal for families: safe, without motorised traffic and with rest areas.
- 🕰️ Rich in heritage: the original stations, tunnels, bridges and signposting have been restored.
Estella greenway: a charming end point
The arrival in Estella-Lizarra puts the finishing touch to the route. This Navarrese town, known as the ‘Toledo of the north’, has a historic quarter full of life, medieval architecture, quality gastronomy and a pilgrim atmosphere thanks to the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela.
Estella is also the perfect starting point to continue discovering the region of Tierra Estella, with its natural parks, rural villages, wineries and cultural sites.
Do the Vasco Navarro greenway with Mendi E-bike
If you are thinking of cycling the greenway but don't know where to start, at Mendi E-bike we make it easy for you. We are a local company based in Tierra Estella, specialised in renting electric bicycles and organising guided cycling routes in Tierra Estella.
¿Qué te ofrecemos?
- Bicicletas eléctricas de última generación: cómodas, fiables y con autonomía suficiente para todo el recorrido.
- Personalised advice: te ayudamos a planificar la ruta según tu nivel y el tiempo disponible.
- Transporte opcional: si quieres hacer solo un tramo, podemos ayudarte con la logística.
- Guided routes: si prefieres no preocuparte de nada, únete a una de nuestras salidas con guía local.
¿Por qué elegir una bici eléctrica?
La bicicleta eléctrica permite que cualquiera pueda hacer los 80 km de la vía verde sin grandes esfuerzos, disfrutando del entorno y las paradas culturales o gastronómicas. Es la opción perfecta para quienes quieren vivir la experiencia sin preocuparse por la forma física o el desnivel.
The perfect plan: nature, history and cycling
Riding the Vasco Navarro greenway with Mendi E-bike is much more than just riding a bike. It is discovering a piece of history on wheels, experiencing nature at your own pace and enjoying the landscapes of Tierra Estella in an active, sustainable and fun way.
Whether you come as a couple, with friends, in a group or with your family, it is an ideal plan for a weekend or a getaway from Pamplona, Logroño or Vitoria.
Conclusion
The Basque-Navarre greenway is one of the most special cycle touring routes in Navarre and the Basque Country. Throughout its stages, it combines natural landscapes, industrial heritage and charming villages. And thanks to Mendi E-bike, you can cycle along it comfortably on electric bicycles adapted for everyone.
If you are looking for a different plan, healthy and full of experiences, this is the route for you.
Book your electric bike now at mendiebike.com/contacto and start your adventure along the Vasco Navarro greenway.
History, nature and sport await you on two wheels.
