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Basque Pyrenees to San Sebastian
The true heart of Basque culture
Back to Routes
A little morning mist
Approaching San Sebastian
Mary admiring pretty Pasaia
Jaizkibel ridge
Colourful Hondarribia
Meadows and hills
A quiet day in Pasaia
The sheltered bay of San Sebastian
Basque architecture in Elizondo
At a glance
The Basque Pyrenees and San Sebastian 8 night version - the full walk, with easier and harder options (see 'When to Go' for information on availability.) See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Catalonia - El Priorat
How much walking?
Full days: 13-24 km per day, 4½-6½ hrs walking
Using shortening options: 12-17 km per day, 3½-4½ hrs walking
To the Atlantic and San Sebastian
In the heart of the Basque region of northern Spain, this is the true centre of Basque culture – the well-kept villages of the western Pyrenees, for centuries protected by the mountains from incursion.
Furthermore it is a border zone, with French influences strong, particularly between Bera and Hondarribia. Be prepared for an incomprehensible language (though Spanish, French and even English are widely spoken), and an outgoing friendliness resulting from the pride of being born Basque.
You will experience some extraordinary village architecture, unspoilt farming country and wild ridges, great views into both France and Spain, and the satisfaction of arriving at the sea, and taking a small boat across the water to Hondarribia, a town with an incomparable old walled centre. Then, for the hardy, a triumphant long ridge walk to San Sebastian, a city you have to visit, and best approached from our cliff-top walk.
Important note: Our routes assume one night only in San Sebastian, but there is more room/hotel availability if you are able to spend two or three nights in this popular destination, so try and build in extra nights here if you have the flexibility.
Walked by On Foot staff: Simon, Mary and Harriet
Consider pairing this route with Catalonia – El Priorat (6½ hrs transfer by train) – for more details click here.
REVIEWS: For independent walker reviews of this route submitted to the Association of Independent Tour Operators visit AITO.com.
TRAVEL ADVICE: To find the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for UK citizens travelling to Spain, click here. Citizens of other nations will also find it useful, but should always check their appropriate local agency.
Route Highlights
- Authentic Basque culture in gentle countryside
- Beautiful ridge walks with views for miles around
- A generous-hearted people
- Traditional unspoilt village architecture
- Impenetrable language interpreted with laughter, but a good mix of French, Spanish and English spoken
- San Sebastian – City of Culture, and La Concha beach (Europe’s best beach according to TripAdvisor)
This route features the following characteristics and interests: Coast, Mountains, Villages and farms, Birdwatching, Drive to route
Things you should know
- The food can be simple; vegans and vegetarians may find there is little choice. Ask us for advice.
- This is a fairly serious walk with some long walking days and big climbs.
We Recommend
Extra nights en route in Bera, extraordinary Hondarribia and of course the City of Culture (and "Pintxos") San Sebastian
Practise your Basque
“Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the bakers’? I need a loaf of bread and a pint of milk” translates as “Barkatu, ezin esan olerkarientzako bidea? Ogi polita eta esne-pintxo bat behar dut.”
But don’t worry – the son or daughter will oblige with some perfect English (or at least French) and invite you for a coffee if you have time?
How much Walking?
Using shortening options: 12-17 km per day, 3½-4½ hrs walking
The first three days walking are largely unsigned so care needs to be taken to follow the route notes and maps carefully. After this the route is mainly on GRs and well signed. Highest point on route: 1,075m (Mt. Alba).
Medium-hard/hard: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 820m (430m-1035m) per day.
Medium: CUSs 490m (430m-585m) per day using shortening options where available, including some taxi transfers (local supplement).
Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: Jaizkibel Ridge on the final day is not suitable for the severely acrophobic (ask the On Foot team for photos), but avoidable on an easier path.
On Foot Holidays Companion app available from 2025, for GPS navigation/mapping and all other documentation and advice. Separate GPX files for your own device also available.
Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.
When to go?
The best months to walk: May, early June, mid-September to mid-October
Other possible months: April, late June, early September, late October
The best days to start: The 8 night option can only be started on a Wednesday or Thursday due to single-night stay restrictions in Ziga and Etxalar. Please be in touch for more advice.
The Basque Pyrenees are at their best in the spring (late April-June) or September. The second half of October can be misty, restricting the views. Summer can be hot and busy, particularly in San Sebastian – July and August are not possible for this reason. NB: Avoid San Sebastian and Hondarribia from 20 to 28 September 2024 – it’s the Film Festival and hotels are incredibly expensive and demand at least a three night stay.
Due to hotel availability, the 8-night route is unavailable until the end of September but shorter routes may be possible.
Start Dates
Weather Chart
Rainfall and temperature chart for Elizondo
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Ziga
Arrive in pretty Ziga, a small village with great views of the Baztán valley. Your comfortable hotel will welcome you with a good (if late by non-Spanish standards!) dinner to prepare you for tomorrow's first walk.
Day 2 - Ziga to Elizondo
Today begins with a gentle uphill walk out of Ziga. Enjoy mountain views and the Baztán valley before descending to Irurita, the perfect place for a lunch stop. If time allows, don’t miss the chance to have a coffee and taste one of the chocolate specialities at the pastry shop on the square. After lunch, the route continues through the traditional villages of Gartzain and Aristegui, and the day’s walk ends in bustling Elizondo, the capital town of Baztán valley. (Easy-Medium: 4 hrs walking (allow 5¼ hrs), 13½ km (8½ miles), CUSs 430m)
Alternatives: None – except to ride with the luggage.
Day 3 - Elizondo circuit
Your adventure starts in earnest today with a fabulous circular walk. There are three options – easy, medium and the main route for hardy walkers who want to reach Alba’s top (1075m), with superb views. All start by following the GR11 so navigation is quite straightforward and birdwatchers are in for a treat too (kites and griffon vultures aplenty). Return to Elizondo by following shady woodland paths and visiting the little villages of Gartzain and Ariztegi on the way. (Hard: 5¾hrs walking (allow 7¾hrs), 21¾km (13½miles), CUSs 1035m).
Alternatives: Without Alba (medium option): 4¾hrs walking (allow 6¼hrs), 15km (9½miles), CUSs 485m. Easier option: 2¾hrs walking (allow 3¾hrs), 11km (7miles), CUSs 450m.
Day 4 - Elizondo to Erratzu or Arizkun
Leaving Elizondo behind, this morning you will climb the hills above the Baztán valley before descending to the remote valley of Iñarbegui, with views across to impressive Mt. Auza. Then follows a pretty gorge (you can take a detour to visit the Xorrokin waterfalls) before the walk takes you into Erratzu or Arizkun, where you will stay. On arrival in Erratzu, you can either walk the next 2 km to your accommodation, or your host will come and collect you. (Main route: 5¼ hrs walking (allow 7 hrs), 18½ km (11½ miles), CUSs 725m; Short route: 4¾ hrs walking (allow 5¾ hrs), 14 km (9 miles), CUSs 585m)
Alternative: None, except to ride with the luggage the whole way. Organise this the night before with Aznar.
Day 5 - Erratzu or Arizkun to Etxalar
Following a lift back to the village by your host (if required), today’s walk is lovely and full of contrasts. Climb up to the ridges, visiting pretty Urrasun and Zuaztoi along the way before joining the GR11. Then cross meadows, farms and oak and beech woods, with views to truly savour. Leave the GR to descend gently to Etxalar, probably the most beautiful village of the whole trip! (6¼ hrs walking (allow 7¾ hrs), 24½km (15½ miles), CUSs 820m).
Alternatives: If you prefer a more gentle day, take a taxi lift (paid locally – €10) to Otsondoko pass and join the GR11 after a gentle climb (4¼ hrs (allow 5¾ hrs), 16¾ km (10½ miles), CUSs 550m), or just miss the first 2½ km, to the main road at Arribiltoa (5 hrs (allow 6¾ hrs), 19 km (12 miles), CUSs 820m).
Day 6 - Etxalar to Bera
Start the day with a lung expanding climb out of Etxalar. At first in oak woodland, you will soon be enjoying views across to two valleys before reaching the Lizaieta pass, on the border between Spain and France. Those seeking more of a challenge will choose to bag Ibantelli for its 360 degree views but if you prefer a gentler walk just keep walking along the GR11. The walk ends in Bera, where you will enjoy a very comfortable hotel. (4¾ hrs walking (allow 6¼ hrs), 15 ¾km (10 miles), CUSs 890m, or without Ibantelli just 3½ hrs walking (allow 4¾ hrs), 13¼ km (8½ miles), CUSs 500m)
Day 7 - Bera to Hondarribia
A day of many parts! A long climb up at the start of the day is richly rewarded by some fabulous ridge top walking – don’t shirk the peaks either as, on a clear day, you can see for miles around. For a while you straddle the Spanish/French border – literally having a foot in each country. Then you very definitely enter France for the afternoon and only re-enter Spain when you take a little boat from Hendaye to Hondarribia (one of Spain’s most historic towns) where you will spend the night, having first sampled its restaurants and cafés. (5½ hrs walking (allow 7¼ hrs), 20 km (12½ miles), CUSs 900m)
Alternatives: If you would like to shorten the walk and lose all of the early climbing organise with Aznar the evening before, a taxi to the Ibardin Pass. Pay locally, ~€15. (4hrs walking (allow 5¼hrs), 16½km (10½miles), CUSs 410m)
Day 8 - Hondarribia to San Sebastian
The walk starts with quite a pilgrimage up to the Guadalupe sanctuary (worth a quick visit) before ascending further to the impressive Jaizkibel coastal ridge, with views for miles. Then descend dramatically into Pasaia, an authentic sailing and fishing village from the Middle Ages and the ideal place for a coffee or beer stop. A short boat trip takes you to the other side of the harbour where you will then continue with a gentle coastal walk into beautiful San Sebastian. Congratulations! (6½ hrs walking (allow 8¾ hrs), 24 km (15 miles), CUSs 1030m, or easier off-ridge option 6½ hrs walking (allow 8¾ hrs), 24 km (15 miles), CUS 790m)
Alternatives: Shorten the walk by travelling with the luggage as far as Pasaia – leaving 2¼ hrs walking (allow 3 hrs), 8 km (5 miles), CUSs 415m).
Depart from San Sebastian
…or, better, stay a day or two longer to enjoy this former City of Culture, masquerading as a seaside resort with two great sandy beaches, and self-proclaimed “pintxo capital”.
Travel Information
A taxi is included from San Sebastian to the first night’s accommodation but alternative options are available, as below.
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
Nearest railway station:
Start: Pamplona or Hendaye/Irun – pre-bookable taxi to first hotel available from Hendaye/Irun, supplement from Pamplona
Finish: San Sebastian
Sample journey by rail:
Via Paris: TGV Paris Gare Montparnasse to Hendaye (~5 hrs). Or travel via Lille and Bordeaux to avoid Paris.
Via Madrid: Direct train to Pamplona (~3 hrs).
From San Sebastian to Paris: Take the 37 min Euskotren from Sebastian Amara to Hendaye (every 30 mins), in time for the 9:19 TGV (not Saturdays) to Paris Gare Montparnasse (~5½ hrs).
From San Sebastian to Madrid Chamartin: Some direct trains, most require one change (~6 hrs).
We suggest thetrainline.com for times, ticket booking and other information.
ARRIVING BY CAR
You can park in a quiet side street at any of the three potential start points, then return to your car at the end by taxi.
ARRIVING BY AIR
The best airports with European flights are Biarritz (France) and Bilbao (Spain). Intercontinental flights use Madrid, followed by an internal flight to Pamplona (nearest to the start) or San Sebastian (Hondarribia).
Land by:
Pamplona – 17:00 for local bus (not Sundays) to Elizondo, 19:00 for pre-booked taxi (supplement) the whole way.
Biarritz – 19:00 for pre-booked taxi transfer (supplement) ~1¼ hrs.
Bilbao – 15:00 for bus to San Sebastian and then pre-booked taxi transfer from there to first night’s accommodation. A taxi directly from Bilbao is also possible, although expensive ~2¼ hrs.
Return flight earliest:
Bilbao – 9:00 am (after regular shuttle from San Sebastian)
Biarritz – 13:00 (after regular shuttle from San Sebastian)
Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.
For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.
Getting to the start of the walk
The first hotel is in the village of Ziga (or Elizondo or Erratzu), and the last in San Sebastian.
If coming by train – a pre-booked taxi from Irun/Hendaye can be arranged (supplement for weekend/holiday starts). We can also pre-book a taxi to meet you at Pamplona station (supplement).
Transfer times and methods are suggested for Pamplona, Biarritz and Bilbao airports below.
PAMPLONA AIRPORT (or train station):
Outward: Short taxi to centre then bus (not Sundays, best 13:15 or 19:30, 45 mins), plus taxi to Ziga if required (small supplement), or pre-booked taxi the whole way (supplement)
Return: Best via Bilbao if returning to Madrid
BIARRITZ AIRPORT:
Outward: Taxi only, pre-booked (1¼ hrs)
Return: Airport bus from central San Sebastian 4 times daily, or pre-booked taxi (supplement)
BILBAO AIRPORT:
Outward: Hourly shuttle to San Sebastian, then pre-booked taxi transfer to first night’s accommodation or pre-booked taxi transfer the whole way (supplement) ~2¼ hrs)
Return: Hourly shuttle from San Sebastian (1¼ hrs), or pre-booked taxi (supplement)
Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information. For taxi prices see “Prices”.
Where You'll Stay
The accommodation here is charming – family run, well-kept and often very historic. As you reach the coast the hotels become more sophisticated, and in Hondaribbia you have a real choice between good value rooms and a substantial upgrade to a Parador. See below for our advice on San Sebastian.
Important: as this is a very rural area, we need advance warning of any special dietary requests so that we can advise you appropriately. Special diets may be difficult to cater for.
Night 1
Ziga – Zigako Etxezuria (Dinner, B&B)
Excellent rural hotel with lovely rooms and a pretty garden. No arrivals on Fri/Sat/Sun.
Night 2 & 3
Elizondo – Hostal Trinkete Antxitonea (B&B)
Simple but spacious accommodation in a restored 19th century house.
Night 4
Erratzu or Arizkun – village accommodation
A selection of B&Bs divided between two neighboring villages. Each offers plentiful charm and character with varying options for dinner.
Night 5
Lovely small, rural B&B, with excellent home cooking. One of local contact, Aznar's, favourites. Dinner will be taken in a restaurant in the nearby village.
Night 7 (Upgrade)
Hondarribia – Parador de Hondarribia (B&B)
A touch of luxury in this medieval castle.
Night 8
San Sebastian – Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (B&B)
A gracious sea-front hotel to finish your holiday.
Ziga – Zigako Etxezuria (Dinner, B&B)
Excellent rural hotel with lovely rooms and a pretty garden.
Website
Elizondo – Hostal Trinkete Antxitonea (B&B)
Simple but spacious accommodation in a restored 19th century house.
Website
Erratzu or Arizkun – village accommodation
A selection of B&Bs divided between two neighboring villages. Each offers plentiful charm and character with varying options for dinner. All the accommodations are ensuite.
Hondarribia – Hotel San Nikolas (Accommodation only)
A great location, with views over the town.
Website
San Sebastian – Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (B&B)
A gracious sea-front hotel to finish your holiday.
Website
San Sebastian – pensions (accommodation only)
A selection of simple, centrally located pensions, all with modern and well-maintained rooms.
San Sebastian
For those who can only spare a single night or for those looking for a bit of post-walk luxury the Hotel de Londres ticks all of the boxes. We use ‘Petite City View’ rooms but upgrades are available to ‘Classic Sea View’ rooms and on to junior suites etc. Be aware: the Londres is one of the most lavish hotels in the On Foot collection.
For those who can spare two or more nights (or perhaps those wishing for something less grandiose), we highly recommend our selection of charming pensions, all well situated and well-equipped. We will advise you on the best option available to fit in with your dates.
Prices
Total 8 nights in double/twin room, 7 breakfasts (room only in Hondarribia) and 2 evening meals, taxi from San Sebastian to first hotel, luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.
Also included: On Foot Holidays Companion app (from 2025), providing navigation/mapping and digital version of the Walkers’ Pack as above. Separate GPX files for your own device also available. If choosing to walk with app only (no printed materials): Discount of £40 per pack (based on one pack per room) from 2025.
All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.
Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £405
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £245
Large Party Saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) – discount of at least £45 per person
Maximum party size: 12 (some accommodation variation needed for groups of 6+)
Add Ons
Extra nights possible throughout the route: Contact On Foot for ideas and prices
Further nights at end of holiday in San Sebastian: Prices vary with season, hotel/B&B/Pension, room type and length of stay. Contact us
Taxis from/to airports/train stations: Possible (Biarritz, San Sebastian, Pamplona only). Contact On Foot Holidays for prices
Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: £20-£60 (per pack, location dependent)
Arrange locally: Local train/bus/taxi as required
Our local team
Aznar Fernandez de Pinedo
Aznar was born and grew up in Bilbao, where he soon developed his love for nature (he is a keen naturalist), hiking and the rural environment in general. He studied Business and has worked for many years in multinational corporations in the IT sector, living in both Barcelona and Madrid. But in 2014 he decided to change his career to work on what he loves most.
