Camino de Santiago
7 night self guided walking holiday
Walk one week of the Camino de Santiago coastal route - Superb rural and coastal accommodation
- Luggage moved each day
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims through the ages on the Camino de Santiago. The Northern or Coastal Way follows the Basque coastline with it’s beaches, cliffs and fishing villages.
There’s no walk quite like the Camino. Pilgrims have walked these paths for a thousand years on their way to Santiago –
The Northern Route was an early route used by pilgrims when the French way still passed through Muslim occupied lands and is a beautiful alternative that is less walked than the traditional route from Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Our route takes in a manageable one week section of the Camino starting at the French border and passing surf beaches, cliffs and fishing villages before heading inland to finish in Gernika –
Day 1
Arrive in Hondarribia an historic walled medieval town. You’ll stay at Hotel San Nikolas right on the Plaza de Armas overlooked by the castle of Charles V. Evening briefing at the hotel to talk through your week ahead and answer any questions.
Day 2 –
Leaving Hondarribia you climb to the ridge of Jaizkibel (525m) where you pass a series of old watchtowers that were used to signal whale sightings to ships at sea. Descending to the fishing village of Pasai San Pedro you cross the estuary on a water taxi and continue on to San Sebastian, famous for it’s food and beaches. Option to shorten the day by taking a taxi or bus from San Pedro
to San Sebastian. Night at Hotel Alemana.
Full distance: 22 km, 750 metres ascent
Distance with bus/taxi: 15.3 km, 550 metres ascent
Day 3 –
The day starts with a climb to the peak of Igeldo for fantastic views back over San Sebastian’s La Concha beach. Passing through fields and woods you get wonderful views of the coast. Orio was an old whalers town and has a lovely medieval old quarter with ermitas and carvings dedicated to the pilgrims of the Camino. Night at Casa Rural Mailan (in July and August Hostal Xaloa).
Distance: 14.2 km, 550 metres ascent
Day 4 –
A shorter but beautiful day walking through vineyards that make Txakolí –
Distance: 11.4km, 500 metres ascent
Day 5 –
Leaving Getaria on an ancient paved way you climb the first of the days two hills. You leave the coast for a short while to visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of Itziar –
Distance: 17.3km, 610 metres ascent
Day 6 –
Today the route leaves the coast behind and heads inland through the rural heart of the Basque Country. Forests, tiny farms, green hills and solitude characterise this day’s hiking. You spend the night in Intxauspe (Markina) –
Distance: 21.8km, 1100 metres ascent
Day 7 –
Today as pilgrims have for centuries you pass the tenth century monastery of Ziortza then the forests of Gorontzugarai before entering the green valleys dotted with hamlets as you approach Gernika. After the horrendous bombing immortalised by Picasso, Gernika symbolises the traditions and freedom of the Basque Country and is an appropriate place to end your journey through this region. Transfer either back to San Sebastian for the final night in Hotel Alemana or alternatively onto Bilbao for a night in Bilbao.
Distance: 24.8km, 690 metres ascent
Day 8 –
Onward travel from either San Sebastian or Bilbao. Read more about getting to and from Basque Country.
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Camino de Santiago signal
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Getaria port
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La Concha beach in San Sebastián
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Hiking along the Basque coastline
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Zarautz beach
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Orio - fishing village
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Shell and Santiago cross
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Ermita de San Martín
Camino de Santiago
2018 Dates
The Camino de santiago holiday is available all summer and autumn. You can arrive and depart on any day you wish.
Prices
8 April – 30 June: 999 €
1 July – 15 Sep: 1099 €
16 Sep – 30 Nov: 999 €
Prices are per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room)
215 € single supplement in low season
245 € single supplement in high season
Included
7 nights accommodation: 1x Hotel San Nikolas (Hondarribia), Hostal Alemana (San Sebastián), Casa Rural Mailan (Orio), Hotel Saiaz (Getaria), Hotel Arbe (Deba) and Casa Rural Intxauspe (Markina).
Breakfast each morning
Picnic lunches each walking day
3 x evening meals (Hondarribia, Deba and Markina), 4 nights you can choose your own restaurant or tapas bar.
Detailed directions for each day’s walk
Baggage transfer each day.
Not included
Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal and lunches on the arrival and departure days.
We’ve searched out the best accommodation throughout the trip. You stay in charming guest houses in beautiful rural locations surrounded by vineyards and countryside as well as beach front hotels. All rooms have en-
Evening meals are included at 3 of the hotels and on the other 4 nights you eat out at local restaurants or pintxo bars trying out the delicious cuisine the Basque Country is famous for. We provide a street plan and recommendations for the best places to eat –
All breakfasts and picnic lunches are included and provided by the hotels each day.
Hotel San Nikolas – Hondarribia
Wonderfully position on the Plaza de Armas in the centre of this beautiful medieval walled town. Ideal for taking an evening stroll through the cobbled streets or to the port or beach just 5 minutes away. Friendly hotel has 16 en suite bedrooms all well decorated with free wi-
Hostal Alemana – San Sebastián
An establishment of great tradition in Donostia-San Sebastián, located alongside the Bay of La Concha, one of the main shopping and business district of the city more active. In Pensión alemana all details are expected to make your stay very pleasant. Donostia-San Sebastian is known internationally for its legendary bay of La Concha, one of the most reproduced snapshots of the old Continent. The dinner meal is not included here giving you the chance to try out San Sebastian’s excellent cuisine.
Casa Rural Mailan – Orio
Small friendly hotel with just six rooms all beautifully decorated with original artwork and lovely furniture. The hotel has a lounge, breakfast area and garden to relax in. Orio is a pretty fishing village and the historic buildings have scallop shell and cross carvings reminding you of the Camino’s long history. Situated five minutes walk from the centre of town where you’ll eat in the evening (meal not included).
Hotel Saiaz – Getaria
The gothic tower that rises between Gaztetape beach and the old town of Getaria since XVth Century, is now the Saiaz Getaria Hotel. Among its thick stone walls you will find fireplaces, carefully collected antiques, with the comfort of a contemporary hotel. Its privileged location offers unique sea views from its living room, the cafeteria, the terrace, and its sea side rooms. You will be able to relax with the sound of the waves and will have breakfast watching the horizon of the Bay of Biscay. A quiet spot in the historic center of one of the oldest towns of the Basque coast.
Hotel Arbe – near Deba
Hotel Arbe is in a lovely location overlooking the Cantabrian coast. The hotel has a swimming pool and a spa (additional charge locally for spa use). The hotel has not got a restaurant so evening meals are at a local restaurant – we’ll arrange a taxi to take you to and from the restaurant (included in price). The hotel serves buffet style breakfasts.
Casa Rural Intxauspe – Markina
Intxauspe Landetxea is a traditional farmhouse dated in the 17th century. The “Casa Rural” has 6 cousy ensuite double rooms. The evening meal will be served at the hotel.
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Hotel San Nikolas
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Hotel San Nikolas bedroom
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Hotel San Nikolas room
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Hostal Alemana
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Hostal Alemana - San Sebastian
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Breakfast room
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Casa Mailan
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Casa Mailan room
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Casa Mailan room
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Hotel Arbe - Deba
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Hotel Arbe room
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Homemade and organic breakfast
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Hotel Saiaz
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Hotel Saiaz room in the tower
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Hotel Saiaz room with sea views
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Casa Rural Intxauspe
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Casa Rural Intxauspe - Double room
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Casa Rural Intxauspe - breakfast area
Frequently asked questions
Which meals are included in the price?
Do you move our luggage?
Do we need a car?
What is the best way to get to Basque Country?
Camino de Santiago
Self guided walking holiday
2018 Dates:
The Camino de Santiago holiday is available all summer and autumn.