Basque Country Hillwalking Holiday

Day 2 - Bera to Etxalar

Distance: 18km, 6 ½ 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, you’ll 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. 

Overnight in Etxalar (Dinner included)

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. You’ll be walking with one foot in each country, as you traverse the border on old smugglers’ routes. The views are exceptional on both sides, especially from the optional Arxuria summit (758m). You’ll 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)

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)

Day 5 - Urdax to Ordoki or Arizkun

Distance: 16km, 6-7 hours walking time, 525m ascent – with option to shorten the day

Don’t be put off by the statistics of today’s walk – 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, you’ll 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 ½  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 evening’s rest in a cosy rural house in Beartzun, nestled on the French border. 

Overnight in Beartzun (Dinner included)

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 Sebastián (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 Sebastián.

Overnight in San Sebastián (Dinner not included).

Day 8 - Depart

Independent onward travel, or the possibility to extend your stay.  Your hotel is a ten minute taxi ride (€9 approx.) from the bus station in San Sebastián, where you can catch a bus to Bilbao or Biarritz.