Basque Coast Walking Tour

Basque Coast Walking Tour

Day 1 Arrive

Your walking tour of the beautiful Basque coast begins in the refined city of San Sebastian. The city is known for its excellent gastronomy, lively summer beach, and unique display of fascinating culture!

If your arrival time permits, check out the Old Port neighbourhood or the 19th-century shopping district. A rejuvenating dip at the beach is the perfect way to cool down following an afternoon spent on foot, acquainting yourself with this unique city. Enjoy a good night’s rest in preparation for your first day of walking tomorrow!
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Sebastian
Distance: Flexible
Meals: None

Day 2 Jaizkibel Peak and the Port of Pasaia

Make your way out of the city trekking directly from the hotel. Or skip the urban section and get dropped off at Ermita Guadalupe just above Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía in Spanish). Hiking up toward Jazkibel Peak, the Bay of Biscay spreads out below you and San Sebastian shrinks off into the distance. A 1900 military fort, one of at least five built here, requires no explanation from its perch on the border with France. Pause at the Jaizkibel cantina – last chance for coffee or beer - then veer down off the ridge through open meadows and heaths to the fjord-like port of Pasaia. Jump on the ferry and, once across, return to the city by bus or walk another 9 km back to your hotel. The final section on foot explores a surprisingly rugged coastline, ending abruptly above Zurriola beach and the Urumea estuary, and ends with a short stretch past the beach and Kursaal modern art centre to the harbour, the city’s oldest sector.

Overnight Location: Hotel in San Sebastian
Distance: Option 1: 7.5 hours, 21km, 735m of ascent, 925m of descent
Option 2: 4.5 hours, 12km, 425m of ascent, 620m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Walk the Camino del Norte or the GR-121 Coastal Path

This morning, setting out from San Sebastian, you’ll make your way to Monte Ezequiel where you’ll have two route options for today’s walk.

Option 1:
Walk the Camino del Norte, an ancient pilgrim’s path.

Option 2:
Walk the GR-121 coastal path, an undulating road that boasts impressive coastal views.

Both routes will lead you to the small fishing village of Orio, where the sea, the mountains and the river all meet, painting a beautiful backdrop for your evening here. Be sure to visit Orio’s old quarter, the perfect place to get lost in a charming labyrinth of cobbled streets!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orio
Distance: Option 1: 5 hours, 12.5km, 425 of ascent
Option 2: 6-7 hours, 16km, 865m of ascent, 865m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 The Bay of Biscay, Zarautz, and Zumaia

Today’s route has you following the scenic GR-121 coastal trail which first takes you over a ridge, and then on a beautiful stretch of path where you’ll enjoy striking views of the inland Basque Country and the Bay of Biscay.

Further on, you’ll encounter the only “real” city visited during this tour, with a stop at the modern town of Zarautz, known for its lively summer vibes and excellent surf. Enjoy the many seafront cafes and restaurants here, getting your city fix before continuing to the next (much smaller) town of Zumaia.

Enjoy your stay in Zumaia this evening, having dinner at one of its many outstanding seafood restaurants and perhaps catching a sunset at the beach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zumaia
Distance: 6 hours, 16.9km, 575m of ascent, 545m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Visit the Flysch Geopark and Walk Spectacular Coastline

Today's route unfolds along the spectacular coast, introducing you to the area's flysch cliffs and the extraordinary karst stone rock formations that line this stretch of coast. The geopark contains remarkable examples of tectonic deformation structures and invites you to observe over 60 million years of geological history!

The beginning and end of today's route unfold on the Camino del Norte. The route ends at the train station network in Deba, where you can catch an hourly train back to your accommodations in Zumaia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zumaia
Distance: 6 hours, 12.5km, 745m of ascent, 745m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Walk Pine and Eucalyptus Forests from Ondarroa to Lekeitio

This morning a private transfer will take you to Ondarroa where you’ll enjoy a spectacular walk through pine and eucalyptus forests as you trace the coast.

Then, following the river mouth of the Lea, you’ll reach the picturesque town of Lekeitio. Lekeitio is perhaps the best example of a typical Basque port and seaside resort that you’ll encounter on the tour. Here the economy is based mostly on fishing and tourism, but also some small industries.

A visit to the gothic cathedral is a must, as well as a stroll in the cities well-preserved historic center!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lekeitio
Distance: 5 hours, 13km, 625m of ascent, 625m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Explore Beautiful Lekeitio

Today is all about immersing yourself in Basque culture as you explore beautiful Lekeitio!

Whether your idea of the perfect final day of the tour is a relaxing beach day or exploring the city’s historic sites on foot, Lekeitio has something for everyone. Some ideas for today’s adventures are visiting the Txatxo port to see the cities fishing industry at work, a trip to San Nicolás (accessible by foot), or the spectacular Isuntza bridge.

For those interested in hiking today, there are also a few options available with flexible distances.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lekeitio
Distance: 5 hours, 13.2km, 585m of ascent, 675m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

This morning your walking tour of the Basque coast comes to an end after breakfast. Check out of your accommodations and say good-bye to Lekeitio, as you head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast