Pyrenees Sea to Sea 2028 — Mediterranean to Atlantic

Arrival in Barcelona, check-in and group introduction at HP Motorrad. BMW handover at the end of the day. Free evening to explore the city — dinner in Born or Barceloneta to settle into the Catalan rhythm before both sides of the range.

From urban sprawl to spectacle. We leave Barcelona on the C-16 to clear the metropolitan area, quickly shifting to the technical asphalt of the C-14. The riding builds toward the mythical N-260 — the Eje Pirenaico — where the asphalt is flawless and medium-radius curves invite progressive lean angles. Lunch in La Seu d’Urgell, overlooking the Sierra del Cadí. The final stretch between Sort and El Pont de Suert is the day’s prime cut, with curve sequences made for big trails. Arrival in Val d’Aran via the Vielha Tunnel: you emerge into a lush green valley, ringed by snow-capped peaks, with stone-and-slate architecture typical of the high mountains.

The day you’ll never forget. We leave Vielha heading north to take on the Col de Portillon, a technical climb that puts us into France via Bagnères-de-Luchon. The riding becomes an epic sequence: the flowing Col de Peyresourde, the panoramic Col d’Aspin and, finally, the majestic Col du Tourmalet (2,115 m) — the mountain that defines European altitude motorcycling. At the top: a photo with the “Giant” statue and a 360° view of the range. Lunch in Arreau, a postcard French village. Overnight in Lourdes, on the banks of the Gave River.

From France’s rocky “balconies” to Aragón’s deep gorges. Climb to the Col d’Aubisque (D918), where the road is carved into a vertical rock wall known as the Cirque du Litor. Return to Spain via the Col du Pourtalet and a brisk pace on the N-260 to Broto. The climax: the HU-631 through the Añisclo Canyon, a narrow one-way road that winds beneath ancient rock walls in Ordesa National Park, with reddish limestone cliffs and a turquoise river. Lunch in Biescas, a classic stop for motorcyclists. Overnight in medieval Aínsa — the first of two nights in the walled village overlooking the Mediano reservoir.

No luggage, just you and the bike. Leaving Aínsa, we climb the Cinca River valley to Plan and detour to the Gistaín Valley — one of the range’s best-kept secrets, with alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. The technical stretch between Gistaín and the return via Tella offers hairpin sequences with dramatic aerial views. The high point: Tella’s “balcony,” where three small Romanesque churches seem to balance over the abyss, with a 360° view of the massif of Monte Perdido (3,355 m). Rustic lunch in Plan, known for its hospitality and artisanal cured meats. Second night in Aínsa.

From Aragón’s arid mountains to the Atlantic’s humid forests. Departure via the N-260 and N-240, skirting the Yesa reservoir to Jaca. The technical highlight: climbing through Aoiz and Agoitz on secondary roads that wind through Navarra’s dense forests. Lunch in Pamplona, a world-famous city, for a taste of Basque pintxos. The final approach is cinematic: as the route nears San Sebastián, the dry mountain air gives way to the humid Atlantic breeze, and the Bay of La Concha appears on the horizon. First of two nights in the “pearl of the Cantabrian coast.”

Alarm optional. After six days of intense crossing through the Pyrenees, San Sebastián offers the perfect refuge. The group explores on foot the famous Playa de la Concha, considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. Climb up to Monte Igueldo by funicular for the tour’s definitive panoramic photo — the entire shell-shaped bay, Santa Clara Island and the Atlantic horizon. The high point of the day: the ritual of pintxos — miniature gastronomic works of art, bar-hopping through the Parte Vieja, paired with Txakoli or Basque cider. The city with the most Michelin stars per square meter in the world, all yours to explore.

A total change of scenery. Departure from San Sebastián, descending to Pamplona and crossing Navarra’s interior via the Olite route — passing the Royal Castle and plains reminiscent of European westerns. The major highlight: the final stretch climbing into the Sierra de Guara, where Aragón’s rock formations gradually reveal themselves. Lunch in Olite, known for its asparagus and Navarra meats. Evening arrival in Alquézar — a medieval jewel suspended over the Río Vero Canyon, its Collegiate Church lit by the low sun. The last rustic night before the return to Barcelona.

The final chapter. Departure from Alquézar heading east on the A-22 and A-2, cruising through the plains of Lleida. The technical climax comes in the final 60 km: we leave the highway to climb the Massif of Montserrat via the BP-1103 — a maze of perfect curves on racetrack-quality asphalt. From the abbey above, the group sees the Mediterranean — the same sea we left 9 days ago, now seen from a perspective of total conquest. Light lunch in the Catalan interior. The final toast is saved for the farewell dinner in Barcelona. Afternoon arrival for the motorcycle return at HP Motorrad.

Free morning in Barcelona. Hotel check-out and time to explore the city before your flight. Farewells with that clear feeling: mission accomplished. Coast to coast, Mediterranean to Atlantic — across the Pyrenees.

Flight day. Official close of Pyrenees Sea to Sea 2028. See you on the next road.