Discover the beauty of the coast and the inland Basque territory on this magical pilgrimage
The 8-Day Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour invites you to discover the natural beauty, culture, and incredible food of Northern Spain. Walking from San Sebastián to Marquina, you’ll discover the wondrous beauty of Green Spain for yourself as you make your way along coastal paths and through the inland Basque territory. Each stop along the way will delight you, from ancient ports to historical sights, and endless vineyards to sandy beaches—there is so much to discover on this dynamic section of the Camino de Santiago. Balance out active days on foot with relaxing evenings at charming accommodations where the mouth-watering flavours of Asturias are never far out of reach.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime kind of holiday, book your spot on The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina today!
Highlights of the The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina
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The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in San Sebastian
What makes San Sebastian so special? This refined city focusses on enjoying life to the fullest, with all five senses. Let 'Donostia' entice you with its excellent cuisine, summer beaches, Basque culture and grand film festival. The city’s ‘Old Port’ district is a must-see, along with the requisite paddle in the sea and stroll through the 19th-century shopping district.
Enjoy your first evening of the tour soaking up you first impressions of
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Sebastian
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Fuenterrabia, Jaizkibel Peak and Pasaia
Make your way out of the city this morning walking directly from your hotel or opt to skip the urban section and get dropped off at Ermita Guadalupe just above Fuenterrabia (Hondarribia in Basque).
Hiking up toward Jazkibel Peak, the Bay of Biscay spreads out below you as San Sebastian shrinks off into the distance. A military fort dating to the year 1900, one of at least five built here, requires no explanation from its perch on the border with France. Pause at the Jaizkibel cantina – your 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 9km to reach 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: 19 km, 200m ascent, 600m descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Coastal Walk from San Sebastian to Orio
Today you can enjoy the full 16km walk or opt to shorten the distance by taking a bus from the city to Monte Ezquiel (elevation 150m) to pick up the Camino del Norte pilgrimage path.
The route follows surfaced sections and unsurfaced tracks, maintaining height while the coast path surges constantly up and down below you. Both routes come together in the village of Orio. This typical fishing village, situated just where the sea, mountains and mouth of the Oria River meet, has witnessed the passing of pilgrims throughout the centuries. Take time to amble through the old quarter and ‘get lost’ on its narrow, cobbled lanes.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orio
Distance: 16 km, 5.5 - 6 hrs, 585m ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Charming Villages on the Road to Zumaia
The Camino ‘lies low’ today, following mainly paved roads from village to village passing the port of Guetaria. Stop off in Zarautz, a real city, and stroll along the seafront, pause at a café or select a restaurant such as the one owned by Arguiñano, Spain's most famous television chef.
Your final stop is a town which gained instant stardom following the release of box-office hit 8 Apellidos Vascos and some local spots have suddenly become popular selfie decors. Make sure to snap a few pics at the port of Zumaia and San Telmo chapel, both of which appear in the film. When your stomach starts to rumble, head to the welcoming town centre, a proper Basque port with its own beach, where several top-tier seafood restaurants await!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zumaia
Distance: 16 km, 6 - 6.5 hrs, 585m ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Camino del Norte and the Flysh Geopark
Take the Camino out of town this morning then hop over to the GR-121 to enjoy the unique and bizarre rock formations along the coastal Flysch Geopark. Here you can inspect intriguing sequences of sedimentary rock layers of marine origin created 60 million years ago--veritable works of art sculpted by Mother Nature.
The Camino del Norte leads the way at both the beginning and end of today’s hike, and the last section stops at the station in Deba, where you can catch a slow train back to Zumaia (hourly departures, travel time 15 minutes). Once there, it’s a 20-minute walk back to your hotel to wrap up today.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zumaia
Distance: 12 km, 5.5 hrs, 740m ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk the Inland Basque Territory
Set off today with a morning transfer, then gradually leave the sea behind as you embark on an inland exploration of Basque territory, known for its dense woodlands, rounded hills and sparse population.
Venture along wide forest paths and gravel tracks passing remote farms and, perhaps, the occasional pilgrim. Revel in the tranquillity and soothing sounds of the forest then look around the lively town of Marquina-Jeméin and San Mikel chapel, a strange cult place beneath a huge menhir, packaged up in an 18th-century hexagonal building with a clock tower. Take a break at a 'taberna' in the town centre then take a footpath along the river to Bizkaia’s oldest standing water-powered forge, complete with its water wheel still intact. In the early 90’s the 500-square-metre forge was converted into a pleasant, comfortable hotel with a spacious lounge and open fire, as well as a large terrace for warm evenings.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Etxebarria
Distance: 18 km, 7 hrs, 500m ascent, 600m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Circular routes from Marquina to Jeméin
You may feel reluctant to leave the Camino del Norte, but the lure of a peak just might make up for it! Choose your ascent and hike up to Pico Kalamua or Alto de Urregarai. Both summits are splendid vista points, looking out over high pastures and immense forests across the perfect Basque countryside to the Cantabrian Sea beyond.
A morning transfer takes you to the start of your route in either Barrinaga or Marquina-Jeméin today, and you return to your hotel on foot in the afternoon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Etxebarria
Distance: 12.3 km or 12.9 km, 5.5 - 6 hrs, 700m-725m ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Depart
Your walking adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. A one-hour direct bus connects Marquina-Jeméin to Bilbao city centre, where you catch the 30-minute shuttle to the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
The departures are available daily, from April 1st to October 27th, 2024.
- Single room: from $1,150 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $850 USD*
- Sharing a triple room: from $795 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour
Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Niza in San Sebastian ★★★
This charming villa that dates to 1908 grants its guests the best views in town with its desirable location opposite La Concha Bay. Enjoy beach access and spellbinding views during this delightful stay.
Taberna - Hostal Xaloa in Orio
Enjoy the low-key vibes of this pleasant hotel featuring cozy rooms and a fantastic tapas bar.
Hotel Flysch in Zumaia ★★
Guests can stroll for just 5-minutes to reach the beautiful Zumaia Beach from this hotel, featuring stunning artwork and modern amenities.
Hotel Antsotegui in Etxebarria ★★
Find yourself surrounded by rolling green pastures at this cozy rural hotel set in a charming medieval ironworks building.
What’s Included in The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour?
Meals
7 hearty breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
During this tour, you will be moving from one location to another by your and your luggage transfers are included for days 3, 4 and 6 and personal transfers according to programme on days 2, 6 and 7.
Also Included
- Detailed route description and maps
- 24-hour telephone assistance
- Routes in digital format (.gpx) for GPS or mobile devices
Not included
- Any personal transfers
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Tourist Tax
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, tips, extra transfers, etc.
Optional Extras
- Extra nights at any of the accommodation of the programme or Bilbao
- Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station
- Transfer from last hotel back to the start or the program
- Bus or train tickets
Frequently Asked Questions about The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina
Explore the hidden corners of Europe by bike or on foot with S-Cape. Their self-guided trips have been hand-crafted by local experts to highlight every detail of your destination. S-Cape designs tours that allow you to explore without restrictive timetables and immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural beauty of Europe at your own pace.
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