- Journey with time for presence & experiences

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"The real funny one" / Get started well in Camino del Norte

The first part of the Camino del Norte is both one of the most challenging and most beautiful stretches along the entire Camino de Santiago. Most guidebooks describe the first day as one long day 26 km. until San Sebastian. However, it can be a good idea to divide the stage into two and take your time along the way. The stretch to Markina and Guernica is close to four stars in terms of hardness, but due to my recommendation to choose a mix of shorter and longer hiking days, it will be a total of three big stars.

For most people, the Camino del Norte is with the courage to hike for several days in a row. The route is quite hilly, and it can be overwhelming with the many hills. We find our rhythm, and if the terrain becomes too much of a challenge, it is rarely far to the bus, train or the local taxi.

If you arrive in San Sebastian/Irún by plane, you can easily arrive at Irún and the start of the Camino del Norte by bus, taxi or on foot (30 min.) directly from the airport. Otherwise, you can take the bus from Bilbao (1h50), from San Sebastian city (30 min) or from Pamplona (1h45). Alternatively, there is a train from Bayonnne-Biarritz (45 min).

Caminowalk from Irún to Zarautz, Deba, Markina or Guernica

* Stay in albergue or pension/hotel as you prefer

Day 1 / Morning in Irún at the French-Spanish border and hiking 16 km. to Pasai Donibane with a small boat trip awaiting. We walk at a calm steady pace and enjoy the day in the beautiful and hilly terrain. There are limited accommodation options in the small port town of Pasai, and it is obvious to stay overnight in San Sebastian. Easy by bus and taxi, round trip. A fantastic nature experience from the start.

2nd day / With 10 km. hiking up and down the spectacular north coast to San Sebastian. Explore the old town with direct access to beautiful beaches. Half a day of rest with time on your own as a recharge for the coming days with lots of hiking in sight. Every day with optional yoga & relaxation (30-60 min).

Day 3 / 21 km. to the surfing town of Zarautz. Another beautiful day in the lush Basque Country with varied landscapes and both primeval forest and vineyards. Obvious with a stay and lunch in the village of Orio after 16 km, where there is also the possibility of accommodation if you prefer a shorter day.

Day 4 / 22 km. to Deba. First, the route continues along the coast to the small port town of Getaria, after which it goes inland until Zumaia (possibly with an overnight stay), where there is access to Playa Itzurun, which is known for its peculiar archaeology and rock formations that have been the scene in "Game of Thrones". Detour 3 km. (Photo at the bottom). Then the walk continues through the beautiful and varied landscapes to Deba with atmosphere in the town square. Time for relaxation and recovery.

Day 5 / 24 km. to Markina. Possibly a shorter day with driving 9 km. to Olatz. Another beautiful day with old forests, spectacular landscapes and lots of altitude meters along the way. From Markina we take a bus (1h 4 min) to Bilbao for a visit to the Guggenheim and relaxation in the old town. Or maybe you continue the next day to the monastery at Ziortza (7 km.) or in total 25 km. to Guernica, known for Picasso.

3-6 days of hiking / 47-122 km. including detour