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The coasts of the Basque Country are shaped by the last foothills of the Pyrenees, revealing stunning beaches framed by cliffs. The sea here is clear, sometimes stirred by beautiful waves. While swimming and sunbathing are popular, hiking along the Atlantic Ocean is the true highlight.
Here, there's no rivalry, the sea and mountains blend together beautifully. To experience this magnificent fusion of elements, we offer a north-to-south journey, with each evening spent by the seaside, allowing for plenty of swimming opportunities. With the ocean as your backdrop, you'll wander from hills to coves, from cliffs to beaches, from grassy meadows to forests. A stop in San Sebastián, the gem of the Basque coast, will let you discover a city brimming with life and cultural treasures!
Gastronomy is also an essential part of this journey, as the region boasts an exceptional culinary and cultural heritage. Every evening, you'll savor Basque specialties : tapas, Txakoli wine, fresh seafood, and more.
Finally, for a touch of culture, you'll visit the Basque Maritime Heritage Museum, an unexpected and fascinating surprise awaits!
Departures :
Guaranteed departure from 5 participants.
Price per person :
- Price low season : 1035€
- Price July-August-September : 1115€
Supplements:
- Single Room Supplement: 275€ per person
- Extra Night in Hendaye and/or Bilbao: Please contact us
- Full-board accommodation from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7 (except for Bilbao extension: dinner on Day 6 and breakfast on Day 7 not included)
- All transfers during the trip
- Guidance by a certified mountain leader (BE AMM) specializing in the Basque Country
- Visit to Albaola Museum
- Insurance
- Meals not specified in "Price Includes"
- Transfers not included in the program
- Visits not specified in "Price Includes"
- Drinks
- Booking fees: €15
Day 1: Start of the Trip in Hendaye
Meeting at 6:30 PM at Hendaye train station. Accommodation in a hotel or guesthouse in Hendaye or Hondarribia. Welcome drink and briefing about the trip.
Day 2: Loop Hike on the Coastal Trail
A short transfer (20 min) to
Cabo Higuer, the westernmost tip of the Pyrenees! From there, the
trail alternates between cliffside paths and lush green valleys,
offering a perfect blend of ocean and mountains, true
Basque Country scenery! The hike ends in the
charming village of Hondarribia, whose
fortified old town is classified as a historical and
artistic monument. A must-stop at the beach in Hendaye
follows, after crossing the Bidasoa River on a picturesque maritime
shuttle. Night in Hendaye.
Distance: 15 km, duration: 5h00, ascent: +400m, descent: -400m.
Transfer: 20 min.
Day 3: From Jaizkibel to San Sebastián
A short transfer from your
accommodation to the Jaizkibel massif. The balcony trail offers
breathtaking views of the ocean 400m below on one side and stunning
views of the first Basque mountains on the other. A scenic descent
along the cliffs leads to Pasaia, where a small boat shuttle
crosses the Pasaia fjord.
A cultural break awaits at Albaola, a fascinating maritime
heritage museum and traditional shipbuilding workshop,
telling the story of the Basque people's deep connection with the
sea.
The hike continues through coves and lush coastal paths towards
San Sebastián, a city rich in maritime tradition.
You might even witness trainera rowing teams competing, these
traditional boats have their origins in sardine and anchovy
fishing, specialties of the Gipuzkoa region. A
refreshing swim at the famous La Concha Beach is possible, followed
by a lively evening of pintxos (Basque tapas) in San Sebastián.
Night in San Sebastián.
Distance: 16 km, duration: 5h45, ascent: +400m, descent: -750m.
Transfer: 20 min.
Day 4: From San Sebastián to Orio
The day starts with a gradual climb
above San Sebastián, leading to a scenic coastal
balcony trail. The route ends in Orio, known for its
picturesque beach and charming old town. In the late
afternoon, a short (10 min) train transfer takes us to
Zumaia. Night in Zumaia.
Distance: 17 km, duration: 6h00, ascent: +600m, descent: -600m.
Transfer: 10 min.
Day 5: Loop from Zumaia to Getaria
Today's stage takes us through
rolling green hills and the vineyards of Txakoli,
the Basque white wine grown on ocean-facing slopes.
Getaria, home to famous figures like explorer
Elcano and fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, is the perfect
spot for a beach break. You'll also get to taste Txakoli wine.
Night in Zumaia, with dinner in town to enjoy the
lively Spanish atmosphere.
Distance: 12 km, duration: 4h30, ascent: +360m, descent: -360m
Day 6: From Zumaia to Deba
This stage takes us through one of
the most breathtaking and geologically significant parts of the
Basque Coast, the "Geopark of the Basque Coast."
This area, recently declared a protected biotope, showcases
uninterrupted layers of rock formations spanning over 50 million
years of Earth's history. It is one of the world's most important
geological sanctuaries.
At the end of the day, a train transfer takes you back to
Hendaye (or to Bilbao for those opting for the Bilbao Extension,
details below).
Distance: 14 km, Duration: 4h45, Ascent: +600m, Descent: -600m.
Transfer: 10 min.
Day 7 : End of the trip
The trip ends after breakfast. For those who arrived by train, a transfer to Hendaye train station is scheduled at 9:00 AM, arriving at 9:15 AM.
OPTIONAL BILBAO EXTENSION
Additional cost: €185 per person (based on two people)
Single room supplement: €90 per person (to be added to the
extension cost)
This option offers an extra night in
the Basque capital and a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an
internationally acclaimed museum that has placed Bilbao among the
world’s top cultural cities.
How does it work?
On Day 6, after the hike, you’ll take a train to Bilbao while the
rest of the group returns to Hendaye. You’ll stay overnight in
Bilbao (dinner and breakfast not included).
The next morning, you’ll have free time to explore the Guggenheim
Museum. At 3:30 PM, a private transfer will take you back to
Hendaye.
Included in the
extension:
- Train transfer from Zumaia to Bilbao
- One night in Bilbao (replacing the night in Hendaye included in
the standard itinerary)
- Entry ticket to the Guggenheim Museum
- Private taxi transfer from Bilbao to Hendaye
Not included in the
extension:
- Dinner on Day 6 and breakfast on Day 7 in Bilbao
This itinerary has been designed based on the latest available information. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, and changes beyond our control may be necessary. Our local guides are experienced and may adjust the itinerary if needed for safety reasons or due to weather conditions.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 6:30 PM at Hendaye train station or 6:45 PM at your accommodation in Hendaye or Hondarribia (exact details will be provided in the trip confirmation).
IMPORTANT: Please notify RESPYRENEES at least one week in advance by SMS at +33 6 10 97 16 54, informing us of your mode of transport and estimated arrival time.
For those arriving by car: Paid parking is available at Hendaye train station:
Effia Long-Term Parking – Hendaye Train Station
Dispersion
The trip ends after breakfast on day 7. For those who arrived by train, a transfer to Hendaye train station is scheduled at 9:00 AM, arriving at 9:15 AM.
Level
Terrain type
Hikes are fairly easy, on good trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky.
Level 2
These trips are designed for people looking for active holidays. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Hikes of 5-6 hours per day on average, with altitude gains of 400m-700m, on easy trails and paths.
*Be advised : The walking times mentioned are for informational purposes and are average times that account only for the actual walking duration, without including breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the walking pace may also vary.
Accommodation
6 nights in a ** or *** hotel or bed and breakfast of equivalent standard, in a double room.
Single room on request, with supplement and subject to availability.
Meals :
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam)
- Dinner often based on Basque specialties, include a starter, main course and dessert
- Picnics included
- Drinks not included
Luggage porterage
During the hike, you will only carry your personal belongings for the day, your picnic, and enough water.
Group
From 5 to 14 participants.
Supervision
Hiking is supervised by a certified guide specializing in the Basque Country.
The RESPYRENEES guide team is 100% local. Based in the Basque Country or the Pyrenees, the landscapes, culture, and history of these regions hold no secrets for us!