Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Email: [email protected]

Basque Pyrenees to San Sebastian The true heart of Basque culture

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/basque-pyrenees-to-san-sebastian/

Route Summary

At a glance

The Basque Pyrenees and San Sebastian 8 night version - the full walk, with easier and harder options. (No Fri/Sat starts unless staying 2 nights in Ziga.)

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

Max. Grade:

page 1/10 Of our two walks in 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 from incursion by the mountains.

Route Highlights

● Authentic Basque culture in gentle countryside ● A generous-hearted people ● Traditional unspoilt village architecture ● Impenetrable language interpreted with laughter, but a good mix of French, Spanish and English spoken ● Beautiful ridge walks with views for miles around ● San Sebastian – City of Culture, and La Concha beach (Europe’s best beach according to TripAdvisor)

We Recommend

Extra nights en route in Bera, extraordinary Hondarribia and of course the City of Culture (and "Pintxos") San Sebastian

Grading

Full days: 13-24 km per day, 4½-6½ hrs 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). Some narrow paths with drops may worry the acrophobic (avoidable by choosing shorter options).

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)

GPX file available for handheld GPS or smartphone App for complete route.

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.

page 2/10 When to go

The best months to walk: May, June, mid-September to mid-October

Other possible months: April, early September, late October

The Basque Pyrenees are at their best in the spring (late April-June) or September. The second half 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. Single night stays in San Sebastian at weekends can be problematic so avoid landing there on weekends and holidays if you don't want an extended stay there. N.B. Avoid San Sebastian from 18 until 26 September 2020 - it's the Film Festival and hotels are incredibly expensive.

Please note: date ranges shown are for a 'normal' year. While Covid-19 restrictions remain, please contact us to discuss your plans and availability.

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. (4 hrs, 13½km, 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. (5¾hrs, 21¾km, CUSs 1035m).

Alternatives: Without Alba: (4¾hrs, 15km, CUSs 485m). Easier option: (2¼hrs, 11km, CUSs 450m)

Day 4 - Elizondo to Erratzu

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, where you will stay. A shorter, easier version follows the longer for 4km then winds northwards, gently descending through bucolic farmland to pretty Erratxu. (Main route: 4¾hrs, 16½km, CUSs 725m, short route: 4¼hrs, 12km, CUSs 585m)

Alternative: None, except to ride with the luggage the whole way. Organise this the night before with Aznar.

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Day 5 - Erratzu to Etxalar

A lovely day 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! (5¾ hrs, 22½ km, 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, 16¾km, CUSs 550m), or just miss the first 2½km, to the main road at Arribiltoa (5hrs, 19km, 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. (4½hrs, 15½km, CUSs 800m, or without Ibantelli just 3½ hrs, 13¼km, 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, 20km, 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. (4 hrs, 16½ km, 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! (as designed 6½ hrs actual walking, 24km, CUSs 1030m, or easier off-ridge option 24 km, CUSs 790m)

Alternatives: Shorten the walk by travelling with the luggage as far as Pasaia - leaving 8km, 2¼ hrs actual walking, CUSs 415m).

page 5/10 Travel Information

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) c. 1¼ hrs. Bilbao – 13:30 for local buses (2) via San Sebastian, or 17:00 for pre-booked taxi transfer (supplement) c. 2¼ hrs. Also possible to take bus to San Sebastian and then taxi transfer from there to start.

Return flight earliest: Bilbao – 9:00 am (after regular shuttle from San Sebastian) Biarritz – 13:00 (ditto)

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.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

Nearest railway station: Start: Pamplona or Hendaye/Irun – pre-bookable taxi to first hotel included in price 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 Charmartin: Direct train (c. 2 per day) to Hendaye. ~7 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

page 6/10 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 (small supplement after netting off saving on initial taxi).

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. Transfer times and methods are suggested for Pamplona, Biarritz and Bilbao airports below. For train arrival transfers see 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 bus to Elizondo (plus short taxi ride if staying at Ziga, pre-booked (small supplement), or pre-booked taxi transfer the whole way (supplement) c. 2¼ hrs) Return: Hourly shuttle from San Sebastian (1¼ hrs), or pre-booked taxi (supplement)

If coming by train – a pre-booked taxi from Irun/Hendaye is included in the price (supplement for weekend/holiday starts). We can also pre-book a taxi to meet you at Pamplona station (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 and San Sebastian you have a real choice between good value rooms and some substantial upgrades (a Parador in Hondaribbia and the august Hotel Londres in San Sebastian, directly overlooking the main beach.

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.

page 7/10 Night 1 Ziga – Zigako Etxezuria (Dinner, B&B)

Excellent rural hotel with lovely rooms and a pretty garden.

Night 2 & 3 Elizondo – Hostal Trinkete Antxitonea (Dinner, B&B)

Simple but spacious accommodation in a restored 19th century house.

Night 4 Erratzu – Etxebeltzea (B&B)

A pretty village house filled with antique furniture and charm.

Night 5 Etxalar – Mikelestonea or Tompalenea (Dinner, B&B)

Simple but comfortable village houses. Meals in bar/restaurant close by.

page 8/10 Night 6 Bera – Hotel Churrut (Dinner, B&B)

Elegant hotel with a great restaurant.

Night 7 Hondarribia – Hotel San Nikolas (B&B)

A great location, with views over the town.

Night 7(Upgrade) Hondarribia – Parador de Hondarribia (B&B)

A touch of luxury in this medieval castle.

Night 8 San Sebastian – pensions (accommodation only)

A selection of simple, centrally located pensions, all with modern and well-maintained rooms.

Night 8(Upgrade) San Sebastian – Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (B&B)

A gracious sea-front hotel to finish your holiday.

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Prices

Price: £980

Total 8 nights in double/twin room, 7 breakfasts (room only in San Sebastian) and 5 evening meals, taxi from Irun/Hendaye station 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.

*Mon – Fri starts, supplement for weekends and holidays

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 £250 Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £205 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 £35 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: £10-£40 (per pack, location dependent)

Arrange locally: Local train/bus/taxi as required

On Foot Holidays Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Griffin House, Malthouse Lane, Email: [email protected] Salisbury, SP2 7RF, United Kingdom

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