Spanish Basque coast: where Ocean and mountains become one

Check-in at your hotel in Hendaye. You can choose to visit the city or to do a walk to discover the famous Domain of Abbadia, remarkable 65ha natural site located on the seafront, within varied landscapes. In this amazing biological reserve, you will be able to visit the well-known Gothic Revival castle of Antoine d’Abbadie. according to the opening hours. Distance: 5.5km, duration: around 2h00, altitude gain: +80m, descent: -80m.

From Hendaye, you will reach the wharf to take the boat shuttle to cross the Txingudy Bay, which separates Hendaye from the Spanish harbour of Hondarribia. You will quickly reach the Cabo Higuer, the western end of the Pyrenees. From there, the track will offer you a condensed summary of the Basque Country, leading you sometimes above the cliffs, sometimes in the middle of a green valley: ocean and mountain merged! When you get to Hondarribia, after the hike, it is time for a Tapas stop! Return to Hendaye for a second night with the shuttle boat. Distance : 15km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +400m, descent : -400m.

Short transfer from your accommodation to the Jaizkibel Mountain. There, the track will reward you with magnificent views over the ocean, 400m down, from one side, and over the first French and Spanish Basque mountains, from the other side. Then you will walk down through a lovely pathway on the cliff’s edge to reach Pasaia, where you will take another boat shuttle to cross the Pasaia Bay. The remaining part of the track to reach San Sebastian will take place through creeks and green seaside. San Sebastian and its famous “Concha” are waiting for you, for an amazing evening wandering along the “Casco Viejo”, discovering the best “Pintxos” (tapas) bars of the whole country! Distance : 17,5km, duration: around 6h, altitude gain: +400m, descent : -850m.

At the beginning of the day, you will progressively walk higher and higher above San Sebastian to reach a pleasant track overlooking the Ocean. The end of this stage will be punctuated with the crossing of Txakoli green vineyards, this delicious Basque white wine you will surely have the opportunity to taste. Distance : 21,5km, duration: around 6h45, altitude gain: +600m, descent : -600m.

Because this section will be short, you will have the opportunity to take some rest and relax, enjoying the beach in Zarautz. Then, it will be time for you to put your hiking shoes on to start the stage of the day by a pedestrian trail that meanders along the Ocean until Getaria (you can also choose to reach it through the hills if you prefer). Getaria is a small fishing harbour dominated by the San Anton lighthouse. Then, you will reach Zumaia, on the shore of a wonderful bay where the rivers Urola and Narrondo meet. Distance : 10km, duration: 3h30, altitude gain: +250m, descent : -250m (costal path) OR Distance : 9km, duration: around 3h30, altitude gain: +300m, descent : -300m (hill path).

The stage of the day will allow you to discover one of the most amazing and interesting areas of the whole Basque coast, entering the zone of Deba-Zumaia, that was recently declared a coastal biotope. The itinerary allows you to roam in a few hours an unbroken succession of stratums that, layer after layer, represent more than 50 million years of the planet history. It is one of the most important geological sanctuary in the world. At the end of the day, transfer to Zumaia by train for comfort + version. Distance : 14km, duration: around 5h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent : -600m.

End of your stay in Deba after breakfast.

Or possibility to book a Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum extension (see supplements) including a transfer from Deba to Bilbao by taxi, entrance fees to the museum, and an overnight stay in a hotel** in Bilbao (overnight only)

Bilbao, a worldwide known city thanks to the Guggenheim museum, which was designed by the architect Franck O.Gerhy, is a must-see in Spain. The museum The Guggenheim has propelled the city to one of the most important cultural cities in the world.