Strictly speaking, this is not Basque Spain, but it is authentically Basque in all but name! Our route weaves through the foothills of the Pyrenees and presents a varied banquet of scenery and terrain, while also introducing the areaās ancient villages.
Youāll take in panoramic views as you traverse the border of France and Spain, and experience the regionās unique identity through cuisine, stories and language. If you wish, you can also supplement your walking adventure in Navarre by spending a day or two exploring the vibrant Basque city of San SebastiĆ”n ā offering world-famous food, a beach-front promenade, and a charming cobble stoned old town.
Our village-to-village holidays are designed to give you a sense of adventure, whilst ensuring you enjoy all the creature comforts of great accommodation in beautiful village locations. Our walk notes make self-guiding a breeze, and we take care of ensuring your luggage is transported from location to location.
Take a look through this page for everything you need to know about our Basque country walking holiday, and when youāre ready, click the āEnquireā or āBook Nowā buttons, complete the information and let our skilled enquiry team help you make this holiday a reality.
Gallery
At a glance
01 April – 31 October 2024
(You can start any day)
1 July – 30 September – Ā£1395
All other dates – Ā£1350
Single Supplement – from Ā£250
Moderate
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours each day (with some options to shorten), with between 275m to 950mĀ ascent and 450m to 950mĀ descent each day.
7 nights B&B accommodation in handpicked hotels and rural guest houses
Transfers
– on Day 1 from San Sebastian to your first hotel; and
– on Day 7 from Elizondo back to San Sebastian
Welcome Briefing on arrival
Dinner on 4 of 7 nights on nights 1, 2, 5 and 6
Packed lunches on walk days
Luggage transfers each day from hotel to hotel
Holiday Pack with comprehensive route notes, maps & more
24/7 telephone support throughout your holiday
This holiday begins and ends in San Sebastian. Ideally you will fly direct to San Sebastian where you will be met on arrival, but if this is not possible the next best options are to fly into either Bilbao (Spain) or Biarritz (France).Ā
Bilbao Arrivals
Bilbao airport is served by regular buses to San SebastiĆ”n. Buses leave the airport every 45 minutes and take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (ā¬17pp) – check times at www.pesa.net. In San Sebastian, you will be met and transferred (35 mins, included) to your first hotel in Bera. For parties of 2-4 people, a private transfer from Bilbao airport to your hotel in Bera is also available, at a supplement.Ā Ā
Biarritz Arrivals
From Biarritz airport, the journey to San SebastiƔn is only 35 minutes, but there are fewer available buses. Please contact us for more information. For parties of 2-4 people, a private transfer from Biarritz airport to your hotel in Bera is also available, at a supplement.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive
After arriving at either Bilbao or Biarritz airport, you will take a bus to San SebastiĆ”n (not included) where you will be met by Javier and transferred to your hotel in Bera de Bidasoa, 35 minutes away. Bera offers a charming opportunity for an evening stroll, with historic manor houses and a baroque town hall. Once at your hotel, youāll enjoy Javierās welcome briefing, which will give a preview of the adventure to come!
Overnight in Bera (Dinner included)
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Day 2 - Bera to Etxalar
Distance: 18km, 6 Ā½ hours walking time, 795m ascent/descent (with option to shorten)
As you leave Bera, your path takes you away from the bustle of the valley and up into the mountains. Surrounded by expansive views of the Pyrenean foothills, youāll descend to the medieval village centre of Lesaka before continuing to the lively village of Etxalar. The village church, Iglesia de San Esteban, has stunning interiors and offers sweeping views out over the village.Ā
Overnight in Etxalar (Dinner included)
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Day 3 - Etxalar to Urdax
Distance: 16km (+ optional 2km), 6 hours (+ optional 1hr) walking time, 540m ascent (+ optional 200m)
This is a beautiful stage that runs along the mountains separating France and Spain. Youāll be walking with one foot in each country, as you traverse the border on old smugglersā routes. The views are exceptional on both sides, especially from the optional Arxuria summit (758m). Youāll descend through meadows to reach your next stop, a cosy country house in Urdax, in a beautiful natural setting.
Overnight in Urdax (Dinner not included)
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Day 4 - Urdax Circular
There are two options today :
Shorter Option : 12km, 4-5 hours walking time, 375m ascent
Longer Option : 17km, 5-7 hours walking time, 350m ascent
Today you can choose between two different circuits, each offering a unique experience. Explore the enchanting Cave of Witches in Zugarramurdi and its accompanying museum and immerse yourself in the astounding natural rock formations at the Urdax caves, or ramble over the border and relax with a croissant in the picturesque village of Ainhoa – voted one of the prettiest villages in France.
Overnight in Urdax (Dinner not included)
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Day 5 - Urdax to Ordoki or Arizkun
Distance: 16km, 6-7 hours walking time, 525m ascent ā with option to shorten the day
Donāt be put off by the statistics of todayās walk ā you can also choose to shorten it considerably by traveling by taxi (together with your luggage) some of the way! A well-graded forest path ascends the northern slopes of Alkarruntz from the peaceful village of Urdax, affording views of Arxuria to the north. From the Otsondo pass you can extend your walk to include the summit of Alkurruntz at 934m (additional 1hr, 5km, 360m ascent/descent), which yields expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you descend through the meadows into the valley below, youāll pass megalithic remains, the historic village of Bozate, and the castle ruins of Amaiur-Maya before reaching Ordoki or Arizkun, your base for the night.
Overnight in Arizkun (Dinner included)
Day 6 - Arizkun to Beartzun
Distance: 16km, 4 Ā½Ā hours walking time, 695m ascent
This is a short but utterly charming stage. The initial route winds through agricultural land and meadows, passing through the colourful hamlet of Gorostapolo before descending to the river. A rewarding diversion to the Xorroxin waterfalls will offer an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the plunge pool, before you continue along ancient cobbled paths. An easy ascent to the Basagar pass will reveal many megalithic remains, then a short walk will take you to an eveningās rest in a cosy rural house in Beartzun, nestled on the French border.Ā
Overnight in Beartzun (Dinner included)
![day7-Basque-country-hillwalking](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day7-Basque-country-hillwalking-scaled.jpg)
Day 7 - Beartzun to Elizondo
Distance: 15km, 5-6 hours walking time, 190m ascent
The final day presents the perfect way to say goodbye to the beautiful Baztan Valley. An easy walk to the scenic Soalar summit affords a breathtaking overview of the terrain you navigated this week. Descend on wide tracks to return to the pretty village of Arizkun, where you can finish your day early and arrange for a taxi to take you back to San SebastiƔn (not included, pay locally). Alternatively, you can continue through hillside hamlets and stunning valley views, all the way to exquisite Elizondo, where a taxi will take you to San SebastiƔn.
Overnight in San SebastiƔn (Dinner not included).
![day8-basquecountry-hillwalking](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day8-basquecountry-hillwalking.jpg)
Day 8 - Depart
Independent onward travel, or the possibility to extend your stay.Ā Your hotel is a ten minute taxi ride (ā¬9 approx.) from the bus station in San SebastiĆ”n, where you can catch a bus to Bilbao or Biarritz.Ā
Need to Knows
Terrain – Most of the walking on this route is along clear footpaths and tracks, with some road walking where necessary. Ascents and descents are generally well-graded and will pose no difficulty to a moderately fit walker. Some days appear long – but there are plenty of opportunities to shorten days with the taxi that carries your luggage.
Group Size – this holiday requires a minimum of two people.Ā
Booking ConditionsĀ āĀ be sure to read our full terms and conditionsĀ here before booking.
At Your Own RiskĀ āĀ please read the important notesĀ here.
Travel AdviceĀ āĀ check your governmentās travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office adviceĀ here.
Passport & Visa āĀ Ā any questions should be directed to the relevant embassy of your destination country; find out moreĀ here. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a full passport, valid for your chosen destination.
Travel InsuranceĀ ā having adequate and valid travel insurance isĀ a condition of booking with us. Details of our insurance partner, Campbell Irvine,Ā are here.
Health InformationĀ āĀ You should carry either anĀ European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)Ā or aĀ Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)Ā Neither is an alternative to adequate travel insurance.Ā For more information visitĀ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-adviceĀ andĀ https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
ABTAĀ ā Independent travel advice and help is always available from ABTA by calling 020 3117 0599 or visitingĀ www.abta.com.