Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday – Way of St James

Arrive in Hondarribia, an historic walled medieval town on the coast near the French border. You’ll stay in the heart of the city, near an atmospheric pedestrian street filled with bustling bars and restaurants. Today you’ll have a sit-down briefing with our local partner Javier at the hotel, to talk through your Information pack and the week ahead. During your trip Javier will provide 24hr phone support to your party, as required.

Accommodation : 3* Hotel Jaúregui

Distance: 23.1 km, 6 – 8 hours walking, 830m ascent/descent
Distance with bus/taxi: 15.3 km, 4 -6 hours walking, 550m ascent

Leaving Hondarribia, you’ll climb to the ridge of Jaizkibel (525m) which boasts a number of old watchtowers that were used to signal whale sightings to ships at sea. Descending to the fishing village of Pasai San Pedro, a water taxi will take you to San Sebastian – a remarkable place to explore, with its world-famous food, beachfront promenade, and cobblestoned old town. 

Accommodation: 2* Hotel Parma

Distance: 16 km, 4 – 5 hours walking, 450m ascent/descent

The day starts with a climb to the peak of Igeldo for fantastic views back over San Sebastian’s La Concha beach. Passing through fields and woods, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the coast before descending to Orio, an old whaling town. Orio has a lovely medieval old quarter, with the ancient chapel of Saint Martin, and carvings dedicated to the pilgrims of the Camino.

Accommodation: The Mirotza Rooms

Distance: 12 km, 3 – 4 hours walking, 345m ascent/descent

On this shorter day, you’ll walk through the stunning vineyards that make Txakolí – the light, acidic white wine that is typical of the Basque Country. The town of Zarautz has a long beachfront, often full of surfers. Today’s final destination is the fishing village of Getaria, with its cobbled streets and fantastic fish restaurants. You’ll stay in the heart of the old town, in an impressive 15th century building.

Accommodation: Hotel Saiaz 

Distance: 18.4 km, 5 – 6 hours walking, 945m ascent, 715m descent

Leaving Getaria on an ancient paved way, you’ll climb the first hill of the day, following a path that hugs a spectacular section of rocky coastline and passes through a geological reserve. You’ll end the day in Deba – a medieval shipping village – before staying the night at a hotel perched on the coastline.

Accommodation: Hotel Arbe, Pikua Rural House or Hotel Kanala

Full Distance: 21 km, 6 – 8 hours walking, 625m ascent, 705m descent

Today the route leaves the coast behind, heading inland through the rural heart of the Basque country. Forests, tiny farms, and rolling green hills characterise this day’s hiking. You’ll spend the night near Markina, in a delightful and traditional ‘casa rural’.

Accommodation: Intxauspe or Ikestei Rural House

Distance: 28 km, 7 – 9 hours walking, 675m ascent, 775m descent

Today, as pilgrims have for centuries, you’ll pass the tenth-century monastery of Ziortza, one of the most significant stops on the Camino de Santiago. From there you’ll navigate the forests of Gorontzugarai, before entering the green valleys and hamlets surrounding Guernika. After the horrendous bombing immortalised by Picasso, Guernika symbolises the traditions and freedom of the Basque country – an apt place to reflect on your time in the region. 

You’ll then transfer to Bilbao for the final night. Bilbao is home to a Guggenheim museum, and Bilbao’s is one of the largest museums in Spain, boasting an enormous collection of modern and contemporary art. Regularly featured as one of the most-visited museums in the world, the Guggenheim offers a fantastic end to your holiday.  Alternatively you can choose to be transferred back to San Sebastian for a supplement of £80 (high season) or £50 (low season)

Accommodation: 4* Hotel Abando 

Independent onward travel, or option to extend your stay by adding extra nights