Considered the most known biker route in Spain, the Transpirenaica expands throughout 800 km from the Mediterranean sea until the Cantabric sea whilst crossing the Pyrenees. You will feel the adrenaline of riding its most meandering roads and crossing some of the most beautiful reserves of the country. Its amazing landscapes are responsible for the popularity of the area.
The Transpirenaica motorbike route is one of the most famous and it is a must for any reputable bike rider and it needs to be done at least once. We’ll tell you all the tips you need to know, from its itinerary, length and stages to the places you cannot absolutely miss.
What is the Transpirenaica route?
Are you asking yourself what the Transpirenaica route is like? It is, essentially, a biker route that passes in between the Pyrenees and it expands along 500 km from Cap de Creus until the mountain chain of the Cantabric. The length of the route can oscillate between 500 km and 930 km depending on where you start it and where you end it.
How many days do I need to do the transpirenaica?
The length of time you need to do the route depends on each biker. Some do it from top to bottom in 2 days although most people do it in 3 or 4 days. However, you can even stretch it into a week of riding along the Pyrenees if you’d like.
It all depends on if you like to stop more on the way or if you like to squeeze everything in as little time as possible. The Pyrenees allow for taking longer and checking all the amazing landscapes they offer.
In the end, the main goal is to enjoy yourself and the road and everyone does it differently. It will change depending on if you are doing it alone, with a group of other bikers or with a partner.
When is the best time to do the transpirenaica on a motorcycle?
This is one of the most important issues when organizing a motorbike journey. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to ride given that it is too cold in winter, there will be areas with snow, and too hot in summer.
Stages of the route
It is good to think ahead and plan the kilometers of each day so you can also plan your stay in lodgings. In this route, as a general rule, each stage has 250 kilometers.
Day1: From Hondarribia to Jaca
The first night is in Hondarribia, which is the starting point of the adventure. Within the first few kilometers you will cross the french border through the city of Behobia. You will follow the D810 until Urrugne. There you will have to take the D4 to get to Ainhoa and when you get to San Juan Pie de Puerto you will cross the border crossing point of Pekotxeta and enter Spain again.
Once in Rocesvalles, after a technical stop to eat, you can start to make your way over to Jaca through the NA-140. It is time to rest a bit so you can visit the most famous spots of the city like the Ciudadela, Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Museum of Military Miniatures.
Day 2: From Jaca to Vielha
On the second day, you’ll set your course towards France again until you reach Lourdes, where you have to stop to visit the sanctuary. You will get there after riding through Biescas and Formigal.
This stage is special because it ascends through the Tourmalet port, one of the most popular passages of the Tour de France, located at 2225 meters above sea level. Once you have crossed the city of Arreau, you will enter Spain again through the Col du Portillon until you reach Vielha.
Day 3: From Vielha to Roses
Brace yourself! The roads of this last stage of the route are filled with turns. You will have to take the C-28 until you reach Baqueira Beret. Follow the course to la Seu d’Urgell and then to Andorra la Vella until you have crossed the Principat so you can enter Spain again.
When you get to Puigcerdà you need to take the N-260 until you get to the Collada de Toses, one of the most popular ports among bikers of the area. Keep driving until you reach Ripoll, once there keep on the same track until you cross Figueres until you end up in Roses, with its amazing viewpoints that stay right at sea level.
The Transpirenaica on a motorcycle is an experience that will leave its mark on you. Crossing the Pyrenees and discovering its amazing landscapes is something that cannot be forgotten. Its natural corners filled with forests, rivers and mountains seem too good to be true.
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