At Bikefriendly we are very clear that specialization and differentiation are the most effective weapons that the tourism sector has to cope as best as possible with the crisis situation generated by the coronavirus pandemic.
And in this process of seeking differentiation and innovation, we have had the joy of adding to the Bikefriendly accommodation network a very special hostel located in the province of Gipuzkoa , the Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel.
A Bike-friendly accommodation that promotes a pioneering educational project
But what makes this hostel in Azkoitia, which specializes in cycle touring, so special ? Well, to begin with, its meaning. The Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel is linked to an educational project promoted by a local family association (Bizilore) committed to fostering a free and more humane model of education for both their children and their neighbors at all stages of life.
Thus, the hostel and the Abaraxka restaurant were created to guarantee the economic viability of this comprehensive and pioneering educational project that prioritizes contact with nature, the promotion of creativity and emotional development.
Rural face and cyclist hostel
This new Bikefriendly accommodation in the Basque Country consists of two facilities: on the one hand, an independent rural house for eight people and, on the other hand, a hostel with twelve rooms (all of them private) and with capacity for between two and 10 people each.
With its incorporation into Bikefriendly, the Quality Seal of reference for accommodations and destinations specializing in cycle tourism in Spain, the Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel becomes one of only two accommodations that have obtained the Bikefriendly certificate so far in the province of Gipuzkoa.
Bikefriendly facilities and services
To achieve this, the Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel has set up an exclusive space for cyclists with secure individual bike hangers , a workshop area with basic tools and spare parts , a pump, a washing area and power outlets to recharge the e-bikes of its guests.
Furthermore, they have designed a comprehensive network of circular cycling routes starting from the accommodation, which they make available to their guests, allowing them to explore the Azkoitia area by both road and mountain bike . Finally, they have partnered with the Aitzaki Kirolak bike shop to offer their guests bike rentals directly during their stay.
Cyclists at the Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel
Cycling routes from Azkoitia
Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel enjoys a prime location for cycle touring : in the Urola River valley , surrounded by mountains yet just a short bike ride from the spectacular cliffs of Zumaia . For this reason, this hostel in Azkoitia has quickly become a popular meeting point for cyclists who start their routes from the hostel and finish with lunch on its terraces or in its restaurant.
“It is located in the center of the Urola River greenway, which follows the route of the old railway line for 44,3 kilometers between Legazpi and Zumaia; and also very close to the mountain passes most frequented in the area by road cyclists.”
“We have a slight advantage,” emphasizes Urrategi Alberdi, manager of Abaraxka Azkoitia Hostel, “and that is that we already have a strong network of cycling enthusiasts and regular users , both locals and guests, who are part of the Abaraxka family and who are allowing us to improve our services with suggestions, new routes, etc. The second advantage is our surroundings: it is not uncommon for guests who arrive with their bicycles to extend their stay to enjoy the cycling routes that the area offers, both road and mountain, for a few more days.”
A sustainable tourism model to promote
“Furthermore, all of this stems from a conviction shared by the entire Abaraxka team: to do our bit to live on a cleaner, more sustainable planet, and in this endeavor we believe it is very important that the bicycle plays an increasingly important role in planning both our trips and our daily commutes,” concludes Urrategi Alberdi.
As a sign of their commitment to cycle tourism , this accommodation frequently offers special deals for cyclists , and this summer, for example, they were giving away breakfast to visiting cycle tourists. “We are committed to a cleaner, greener future, which is why cycling tourism is a natural option for us, an alternative we always try to promote,” the accommodation staff explained, hoping to continue welcoming cyclists for a long time to come.
