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Camino del Norte walking from Hondarribia to Bilbao
style :
Level :
Duration :
8 days
Comfort :
period:
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
ESSW125
Camino del Norte walking from Hondarribia to Bilbao
Camino del Norte walking from Hondarribia to Bilbao
The 1st stage of Camino del Norte walking
- Tremendously beautiful first section of the Camino del Norte along the green and wild Golf of Biscaya
- Beaches, hermitages, and forests inviting reflection and relaxation.
- Places of historical significance like Gernika and Hondarribia.
- Experience Basque gastronomic culture in San Sebastian, Bilbao, Zarautz and Zumaya
View map
ROUTE
Day 1: Arrival in San Sebastián
Day 2: Irun or Guadalupe – San Sebastián (19-23 km / 11.8-14 mi)
Day 3: San Sebastián – Zarautz (22 km / 13.5 mi)
Day 4: Zarautz – Deba (22 km / 13.5 mi)
Day 5: Deba – Markina (24 km / 15 mi)
Day 6: Markina – Gernika (25 km / 15.5 mi)
Day 7: Gernika – Bilbao (23 km / 15 mi)
Day 8: End of Program
Day 1: Arrival in San Sebastián
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a refined city focused on offering the enjoyment of all the senses: its gastronomy, the Concha beach, the Basque culture, a great film festival ... In the city there is no shortage of places to visit; the old port district, take a dip in the Concha beach or stroll through the 19th century Ensanche district which is now the fashionable district for shopping. Did you know that San Sebastian has the highest density of Michelin stars in the world? Make sure you book well in advance if you want to dine at one of these fancy restaurants.
San Sebastián is easy to reach from Bilbao airport, as there is a direct connection to San Sebastián.
Day 2: Irun or Guadalupe – San Sebastián (19-23 km / 11.8-14 mi)
After a transfer to either Irun, on the border to France where the Camino enters Spain, OR to the Chapel Guadalupe, above Hondarribia, you will start walking at the flanks of the Jaizbikel mountain to walk back to San Sebastián along an incredible scenic route. Close to the end a iny-tiny ferry takes you across the Oyarzun river mouth in Pasaia.
Challenge: min 19 - max 23km / 11.8 - 14mi, ascent & descent 415 / 610m
Day 3: San Sebastián – Zarautz (22 km / 13.5 mi)
Your journey continues as you head to Zarautz, a charming coastal town. The trail meanders through lush green hills, providing magnificent views of the ocean. Zarautz is renowned for its beautiful beach, and you'll have the chance to relax and rejuvenate by the water.
Challenge: 22km / 13.5mi, ascent 510m, descent 510m.
Day 4: Zarautz – Deba (22 km / 13.5 mi)
The path leads you to the quaint town of Deba, taking you through rolling hills and past charming rural landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass by the Hermitage of Itziar, a place of tranquility and reflection.
Challengue: 22km / 13.5mi, ascent 750m, descent 750m.
Day 5: Deba – Markina (24 km / 15 mi)
Today's journey includes a mix of landscapes, from quiet forests to small villages. You'll also cross the iconic Deba Bridge, an architectural gem. Markina-Xemein welcomes you with its Basque culture, and you can enjoy some delicious pintxos and local specialties.
Challenge: 24km / 15mi, ascent 710m, descent 790m.
Day 6: Markina – Gernika (25 km / 15.5 mi)
Your pilgrimage leads you to Gernika, a town with a rich history and cultural significance. It’s worth a visit to the Tree of Gernika, a symbol of Basque identity, and reflect on the region's past. The town's atmosphere and welcoming people make this a memorable stop on your journey.
Challenge: 25km / 15.5mi, ascent 730m, descent 810m.
Day 7: Gernika – Bilbao (23 km / 15 mi)
On your last walking day, you continue towards Bilbao, the largest city on the route. You will experience the landscape transitions from rural to urban approaching the city. To avoid an industrial section you will take a transport in the middle of your walk. In Bilbao, you can explore the Guggenheim Museum, savor more Basque cuisine, and reflect on the transformative journey you've undertaken.
Challenge: 23km / 15mi, ascent 510m, descent 460m.
Day 8: End of Program
After breakfast your journey comes to an end.
STANDARD HOTELS
Hotel Niza (San Sebastián)
Hotel Niza in San Sebastian is an emblematic family-run hotel in an idyllic location just a stone's throw from La Concha beach, offering you everything you could want. Rooms have sea views to Playa de La Concha.
Olatu Hotela (Zarautz)
Hotel Olatu in Zarautz offers rooms with fixed internet connection and Wi-Fi, complete bathrooms with a shower and hairdryer, plasma TVs with satellite channels.
Pensión Zumardi (Deba)
Pensión Zumardi offers cozy and bright rooms. In this pension, located in the center of Deba and next to the beach, you will find the tranquility offered by our house, where every detail has been carefully taken care of.
Hotel Antsotegi (Etxebarria)
The hotel-restaurant Antsotegi is located in a valley near the town of Etxebarria, in a spectacular spot on the Basque coast in the historic territory of Bizkaia.
Hotel Gernika (Gernika)
Located in the center of Gernika. It has a 24-hour reception desk, complete services and is well located close to Museo de la Paz de Gernika.
Hotel Iturrienea Ostatua (Bilbao)
Iturrienea Ostatua is located in the heart of the historic centre of the city, on the first floor of a historic building built in 1906 for the Countess of McMahon. With a typical Basque farmhouse atmosphere, this accommodation treasures unique pieces of furniture and decoration, some of them antiques or true rarities.
PRACTICAL INFO
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between Abril 1st and October 15th.
The nearest airport is Bilbao (BIO)
The nearest international train station is Hendaye, on the border with France. From there you can travel by bus (www.alsa.com) or local train (www.renfe.com) from Irun to San Sebastian, called Donostia in Basque
GPS tracks area available upon request.
INCLUDED
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation with rooms en suite
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Digital route notes in English
- Access to the trip on GUIBO
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Tourist Tax
- Transfers by public transportation
- Transfer to first/ from last accommodation
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, tips, extra transfers, etc.
- Any items that have not been specifically mentioned in the programme
Extras
- Extra nights at any of the accommodations of the programme or in Bilbao.
REVIEWS
Camino del Norte walking from Hondarribia to Bilbao
Contact
-
Edificio Sovega bajo, Crta General s/n
33554 Arenas de Cabrales
Asturias , Spaininfo@s-capetravel.eu
+34 (0) 985 846 455
UK call free 0800 707 44 35 -
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)