On this route youāll have insider access to the famed Camino de Santiago, an expansive and historic network of āpilgrimsā waysā. Established from the 9th century, these stunning trails are rich in culture and significance. Come and experience first hand what Pope Benedict XVI has called āa way sown with so many demonstrations of fervour, repentance, hospitality, art and culture, which speaks to us eloquently of the spiritual roots of the Old Continentā.Ā
Taking the quieter āNorthern Routeā, this 7 night self-guided holiday offers a magnificent blend of coastal hiking on the Costa Verde and Basque inland hillwalking. Starting at the old city gates of Hondarribia near San Sebastian, youāll discover traditional fishing ports, timeless hamlets, vast surf beaches, enchanting woodland and cliff-tops with panoramic views, before finishing at the historic Guernika, and a final night in Bilbao – near the astounding Guggenheim museum.Ā Ā
On a Collettās village-to-village holiday, you do the walking – and we take care of all the rest. Our comprehensive maps and route notes make for effortless navigation, while your baggage is transported daily to the next carefully-selected overnight stop. Each evening youāll be welcomed into the comfort of traditional Basque accommodation, in charmed surroundings. You decide your dates, and weāll ensure everything else is organised to perfection.
Gallery
At a glance
1 April – 30 November 2024
(You can start any day)
from Ā£1395 (1 June – 30 September)
from Ā£1295 (all other dates)
Single Supplement – Ā£295
Moderate
Expect to walk for 5 – 9 hours each day (with various options to shorten the longer days), with between 485m – 950m of ascent and 500-850m of descent each day.
Welcome briefing plus 24hr telephone support, as required
7 Nights B&B accommodation at handpicked hotels or guest houses
Dinner on 3 of 7 nights including house wine
Transfer from San Sebastian, to the first hotel in Hondarribia (Day 1)
Transfer from Guernika to Bilbao (Day 7)
Packed lunches on walk days
Holiday Pack, with comprehensive route notes, maps & more
Baggage Transfers each day from hotel to hotel
This holiday starts in Hondarribia and ends in Bilbao. Unless you can fly to San Sebastian (where you will be met on arrival), we recommend that you 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. Alternatively, you can book a private taxi transfer directly to your first nightās hotel in Hondarribia. Contact us for prices and details.Ā
Biarritz Arrivals
From Biarritz airport, the journey to San SebastiĆ”n is only 35 minutes, but there are fewer available buses. Please contact us for more information. Alternatively, you can book a private taxi transfer directly to your first nightās hotel in Hondarribia. Contact us for prices and details.Ā
Itinerary
![Central courtyard](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Day1-camino-de-santiago-scaled.jpg)
Day 1 - Arrive
Arrive in Hondarribia, an historic walled medieval town on the coast near the French border. Youāll stay in the heart of the city, near an atmospheric pedestrian street filled with bustling bars and restaurants. Today youāll 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 JaĆŗregui
![day2-camino-de-santiago](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day2-camino-de-santiago-scaled.jpg)
Day 2 - Hondarribia to San Sebastian
Distance: 23.1 km, 6 ā 8 hours walking, 830m ascent/descent
Distance with bus/taxi: 15.3 km, 4 -6 hours walking, 550m ascent
Leaving Hondarribia, youāll 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.Ā
Accommodation: 2* Hotel Parma
![day3-hike-the-camino-de-santiago-19](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day3-hike-the-camino-de-santiago-19.jpg)
Day 3 - San Sebastian to Orio
Distance: 16 km, 4 ā 5 hours walking, 450m ascent/descent
The day starts with a climb to the peak of Igeldo for fantastic views back over San Sebastianās La Concha beach. Passing through fields and woods, youāll 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
![Basque town Zarautz with beach, golf course and mountains](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day-4-zarautz-beach-and-ocean-scaled.jpg)
Day 4 - Orio to Getaria
Distance: 12 km, 3 ā 4 hours walking, 345m ascent/descent
On this shorter day, youāll walk through the stunning vineyards that make TxakolĆ ā the light, acidic white wine that is typical of the Basque Country. The town of Zarautz has a long beachfront, often full of surfers. Todayās final destination is the fishing village of Getaria, with its cobbled streets and fantastic fish restaurants. Youāll stay in the heart of the old town, in an impressive 15th century building.
Accommodation: Hotel SaiazĀ
![The vineyards of Getaria](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day-5-the-vineyards-of-getaria-scaled.jpg)
Day 5 - Getaria to Deba
Distance: 18.4 km, 5 ā 6 hours walking, 945m ascent, 715m descent
Leaving Getaria on an ancient paved way, youāll climb the first hill of the day, following a path that hugs a spectacular section of rocky coastline and passes through a geological reserve. Youāll 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
![View of the beautiful orange sunset on the flysch of the Sakoneta beach](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day-6-the-flysch-of-the-sakoneta-beach-deba-scaled.jpg)
Day 6 - Deba to Markina
Full Distance: 21 km, 6 ā 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 dayās hiking. Youāll spend the night near Markina, in a delightful and traditional ācasa ruralā.
Accommodation: Intxauspe or Ikestei Rural House
![day7-hike-the-camino-de-santiago-24](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day7-hike-the-camino-de-santiago-24.jpg)
Day 7 - Markina to Guernika
Distance: 28 km, 7 ā 9 hours walking, 675m ascent, 775m descent
Today, as pilgrims have for centuries, youāll pass the tenth-century monastery of Ziortza, one of the most significant stops on the Camino de Santiago. From there youāll 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.Ā
Youāll then transfer to Bilbao for the final night. Bilbao is home to a Guggenheim museum, and Bilbaoās 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. Ā Alternatively you can choose to be transferred back to San Sebastian for a supplement of Ā£80 (high season) or Ā£50 (low season)
Accommodation: 4* Hotel AbandoĀ
![Cityscape of Bilbao at sunset, Spain](https://www.colletts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/day-8-guggenheim-museum-in-bilbao-scaled.jpg)
Day 8 - Depart
Independent onward travel, or option to extend your stay by adding extra nights
Accommodation
This itinerary is based on bed and breakfast accommodation in handpicked 3* and 4* hotels and guest houses.
Need to Knows
Group Size – this holiday requires a minimum of two people.Ā
Luggage transfers – please note, each morning your luggage must be left at reception by 08:00 at the latest, and whilst there is no limit on the number of bags or suitcases, there is a 15kg (33lb) weight limit per item to be transferred from one hotel to the next.
Terrain –Ā Walks on this route only use waymarked and signposted routes. Trails vary from well-trodden woodland paths to steeper paths on looser, rocky terrain.Ā
Dinner – where included, expect traditional Spanish cuisine that showcases local flavour and produce.
Packed lunches – these are provided by your overnight accommodation for your walk days. Additionally, you can generally pick up supplies from local bakers or mini markets before you set off walking each day.
Extra nights ā you can add extra nights either at the start or the end, or indeed throughout the week in any village. Please contact us for more details.
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.