Northern Way from Irún to Bilbao

Stages

• day 1

  Arrival at Irún

  Ribadeo is the capital of the eastern Mariña lucense. It is a place to start the North Way, very popular with pilgrims who do not have enough days to complete a longer section of this itinerary (Irún – Santiago). Ribadeo is right on the natural and political border with Asturias, so you can discover the cultural relations and influences on both sides of the estuary. In addition to visiting the old town, what you should not miss under any circumstances, is to visit the beach of As Catedrais. However, to gain access, you must apply for a ticket on the website in advance, otherwise you will have to be content to see it from the top of the cliff. Remember, too, that the beach is only accessible at low tide.
• day 2

  Stage 1. Irún - San Sebastián (24.8 km)

  We begin our journey on the Northern Way, leaving Irún to head towards one of the most beautiful cities in the Cantabrian region: San Sebastián (Donostia).

  There is no better way to start than by crossing the Santiago Bridge, a natural border over the Bidasoa River. After walking along the promenade and wandering through the city, we find our next landmark at the church of Our Lady of Juncal. We continue by crossing the train tracks to enter a paved path among the Marismas de Txingudi, considered one of the richest wetlands in northern Spain.

  From here, we continue towards the neighborhood of Arkolla, where the hermitage of Santiagotxo is located. Our next point of reference is the sanctuary of Guadalupe, which offers spectacular views of the mouth of the Bidasoa, with Hondarribia and Hendaye in the background. We advance along a path of nearly 10 km that skirts mount Jaizkibel among oaks and chestnuts typical of the Atlantic vegetation.

  Subsequently, the GI-3440 road leads us to Pasajes de San Juan. From here, we cross by boat to Pasajes de San Pedro and head towards the lighthouse of La Plata. We then enter a coastal path with stunning panoramas of the Cantabrian Sea.

  After skirting mount Ulía, we begin our descent with unique views of La Concha bay. We will enter the Gipuzkoan capital via the Zurriola promenade, concluding the day in the heart of the historic old town.

  Things to consider

  Given the physical demands of the elevation changes, some pilgrims choose to split the stage into two sections, staying overnight at the shelter in Pasajes de San Juan (17 km from Irún) before completing the journey to San Sebastián the following day.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of Santa Elena and Church of Juncal (Irún)
  • Shrine and Fortress of Our Lady of Guadalupe
  • Mount Urgull and Castle of the Mota (San Sebastián)
  • Seafront promenade and La Concha beach
  • Palace and gardens of Miramar
  • Comb of the Wind

  Typical dishes

  • Chicken a la irunense
  • Pintxos in the Old Town (an essential gastronomic experience)
  • Txangurro a la donostiarra
  • Marmitako with bonito
  • Bacalao al pil-pil and cod tortilla
  • Guipuzcoan cider
• day 3

  Stage 2. San Sebastián - Zarautz (22.2 km)

  Today we leave San Sebastian heading west, along the beaches that lead us to Zarautz. We will leave the city along the Satrústegi promenade in the direction of Mount Igueldo. We will have to cross this mountain starting a steep, but not very long, zigzagging ascent.

  Once we have passed Monte Igueldo, we continue in the direction of the old road to Orio. During this stretch, the route is dotted with wooded areas with meadow clearings, small hamlets and new houses. The views of the Cantabrian Sea will always be our companions.

  Continuing down towards Orio, our next point of reference will be the small chapel of San Martín de Tours. Shortly after passing the hermitage we will arrive at the seaside town of Orio. From Orio, the road will offer us impressive views of Zarautz and Getaria and its "mouse", until we reach the end of the stage in the centre of Zarautz.

  To consider

  In front of the hostel at the end of the stage, and at the foot of the beach is the luxury restaurant of the famous chef Karlos Arguiñano. It has normal prices and is highly recommended for the beautiful views of the beach and Getaria. That is why we recommend leaving San Sebastian early in order to arrive in time to get to this magnificent restaurant, an icon of the town of Zarautz.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of San Martín de Tours - Orio
  • Church of San Nicolás de Bari - Orio
  • Interpretation Centre of the Way of St. James - Orio
  • Church of Santa María la Real - Zarautz
  • Narros Palace - Zarautz
  • Makatza House
  • Pagoeta Natural Park

  Typical dishes

  • Zurrukutuna of codfish
  • Mamia
  • kokotxas of codfish
  • Hake stuffed with seafood
  • Porrusalda
  • Lamb and game meat
• day 4

  Stage 3. Zarautz - Deba (21.8 km)

  There are two options for the first part of the route: the first is to abandon the Zarautz along the promenade heading to Deba, starting with a strategic stop in Deba. Getaria; the second one follows the official route through the interior that takes us through the mountains, and that offers us the possibility to visit Getaria as well, making a small detour. If we choose the first option, to continue along the official route once in Getaria, we must take the GI-3292 road until we reach the village of Askizu, which belongs to the municipality of Zumaia.

  Once in Askizu, we will continue descending towards Zumaia. We will enter the city crossing the river Urola. From Zumaia, we will continue uphill along a local road. Our next point of reference will be the Santa Klara farmhouse on the top of the hill, which serves as accommodation for pilgrims.

  The next point of reference before reaching Elorriaga, will be the recreational area of Galarreta.

  From Elorriaga, we will alternate the N-634 road with dirt tracks and paths, some of them steep. The reference point of this section is the Venta de Santuaran. From there, continue along the national road, crossing a crossing over the A-8. Afterwards we start the last great ascent of the stage to Itziar.

  Fortunately or unfortunately, the last stretch to the centre of Deba is made up of a steep downhill slope. You won't have to work as hard to move forward, but you will have to be extremely careful to avoid your legs suffering when you are holding on to the descent.

  

  To consider

  On your journey today you will pass through towns with a great seafaring tradition, where the fish is of great quality and traditional recipes abound. We highlight the Zurrukutuna of cod from Zarautz and the local products menus of the Tripontziak of local products at kilometre 0 in Deba.

  Places of interest

  • Church of San Salvador - Getaria
  • Getaria Town Council
  • Aldamar Palace - Getaria
  • Flysch of Zumaia
  • Hermitage of Arritokieta - Zumaia
  • Urtiaga Cave - Deba

  Typical dishes

  • Pintxos
  • Txakoli
  • White tuna
  • Assorted fish
  • Beans and peppers
  • Anchovies
• day 5

  Stage 4. Deba - Markina (24 km)

  On today's stage, we leave Deba by crossing the river of the same name. We will leave the riverbed behind to venture inland. The first landmark of the day will be the hermitage of Calvario, located at the collado de Galbaixogain. We will reach it by traversing a wooded path with an ascending slope that starts from the road after crossing the Deba river.

  From the hermitage, we will descend along the access road and then cross the GI-3230. We then take a dirt path to the left towards Olatz. The journey to this locality immerses us in one of the purest and most authentic scenes of the Basque rural landscape.

  Once we have passed Olatz, we will officially enter the province of Biscay. Our path will now run through forest trails that cross Mount Arno. In the final stretch to reach Markina, there are two options: the old route, consisting of a steep rocky descent, or the new official route, which is in better condition for the walker.

  Things to consider

  Today you say goodbye to the sea in the town of Deba to enter a more mountainous environment. The topography will be dominated by constant elevation changes until reaching Markina. We recommend being especially careful not to slip if the ground is wet from the usual rains in the area.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of Calvario
  • Hermitage of San Miguel (Arretxinaga)
  • Tower of Barroeta (Arretxinaga)
  • Hermitages of San Joaquín and Santa Ana (Arretxinaga)
  • Church and convent of La Merced (Markina)
  • Monumental complex of Carmen (Markina)

  Typical dishes

  • Bacalao a la bilbaína
  • Kokotxas de bacalao
  • Merluza a la vasca
  • Marmitako
  • Pastel de cabracho
• day 6

  Stage 5. Markina - Gernika-Lumo (24.6 km)

  Today we leave Markina heading towards the historic town of Gernika. Gernika is world-renowned due to the bombings suffered during the Spanish Civil War, a tragic episode immortalized by Picasso in his most famous work: "Guernica".

  We depart from Markina crossing the Artibai river to continue along a wooded path beside its banks, crossing it again at the height of Iruzubieta. After another forest section and a final crossing over the river, we head towards the town of Bolibar, the birthplace of the ancestors of the "Liberator" Simón Bolívar.

  The next highlight of the stage is the Zenarruza monastery, a gem of Basque Gothic architecture. After the visit, we begin an ascent on the northern slope of Mount Oiz through trails and forest tracks. Once we reach the pass of Gauntzegarai, we follow the local road on the left in a prolonged descent to Munitibar.

  In Munitibar, we find ourselves halfway through the day. We leave the town alternating between road and wooded sections until we reach Olabe and, subsequently, the core of Marmiz. Rural landscapes will dominate the surroundings until we approach the destination.

  To enter Gernika, we have two options: the first goes through Mendieta, being the most direct and downhill route; the second option, recently marked, offers a more scenic path but is somewhat tougher and longer.

  Things to consider

  This stage follows the pattern of the previous one, without offering views of the sea in the nearly 25 kilometers that separate Markina from Gernika. It is important to exercise caution in case of rain, as the slopes are frequent and the terrain can become slippery.

  Places of interest

  • Monument and Museum of Simón Bolívar (Ziortza-Bolibar)
  • Zenarruza Monastery
  • Church of Santa María (Gernika-Lumo)
  • Tree of Gernika and Assembly House
  • Euskal Herria Museoa
  • Mural of Picasso's "Guernica"
  • Peace Museum of Gernika
  • Nearby: Oma Forest and Santimamiñe Cave

  Typical dishes

  • Gernika Beans
  • Gernika Peppers (famous for their mild flavor)
  • Red Tuna with Garum
  • Beef Sandwich with Peppers
  • Ibarra Chili Peppers
  • Txakoli from Urdaibai
• day 7

  Stage 6. Gernika-Lumo - Lezama (20.8 km)

  We leave from Gernika with the aim of reaching the hermitage of Santa Lucía. On our way to Lezama, we continue along an asphalted road until we find on our left a dirt track with an ascending slope.

  The Alto de Morga will be our next landmark; to reach it, we must skirt the mountains of Billakaio and Arteagagana. The route is perfectly marked. From the Alto de Morga, we will head towards the hermitage of San Esteban, from where we will continue ascending along the BI-4137 road.

  After spotting the sign indicating the detour to the shelter of Eskerika, we will arrive at the Alto de Aretxabalagana. From the summit, we will continue downhill, alternating between tracks, roads, and beautiful forest paths until we reach Goikolexea. Finally, we will pass through the village of Larrabezu, from where the path is straightforward and follows the road until we reach Lezama.

  Things to consider

  This stage skirts the Urdaibai reserve before arriving at Lezama, so the natural landscapes you will encounter right after leaving Gernika will be spectacular. Take the opportunity to enjoy the rural surroundings of Biscay in all its splendor.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of San Esteban – Gerekiz
  • Church of Santa María – Lezama
  • Tower of Lezama – Lezama
  • Humilladero del Santo Cristo – Lezama

  Typical dishes

  • Varied pintxos
  • Bacalao al pil-pil
  • Idiazábal cheese
  • Ibarra guindillas and choricero peppers
  • Rice with squid
• day 8

  Stage 7. Lezama - Bilbao (31.4 km)

  Today we set off towards Ribadesella, one of the most emblematic towns in eastern Asturias. To do this, we bid farewell to Llanes via the Avenida de la Paz, continuing to Poo through a dirt track. We proceed along the AS-263 road, alternating it with paths, until we reach the beach of Celorio. Before enjoying the sandy area, we can visit the Monastery of San Salvador de Celorio, originally founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 17th.

  We resume our journey leaving Celorio behind via its promenade in direction to Barro. Upon reaching Niembro, there is the possibility to detour to see the spectacular beach of Torimbia, considered one of the most beautiful in Asturias. The path continues afterwards through the towns of Naves, Villahormes, and Nueva, crossing charming wooded trails. Near Nueva lies the beach of Gulpiyuri, a unique natural monument inland that is well worth a visit.

  From Nueva, we advance along paved tracks until we reach Piñeres de Pría, a locality famous for its cheeses. We continue to the core of Cuerres, from where it is possible to make a detour to see the impressive Bufones de Pría, following the course of the river Aguadamía.

  Finally, we will reach Ribadesella using the lines of the FEVE and the AS-263 road as a reference, entering the town via its historic bridge over the Sella.

  Things to Consider

  Given the length of the stage, we recommend leaving early from Llanes. Upon arriving in Ribadesella, you cannot miss visiting its cider houses to taste the best of the local cuisine. If you are interested in prehistory, remember that here lies the Tito Bustillo Cave, one of the sanctuaries of world Paleolithic art (reservation required).

  Places of Interest

  • Beach of Torimbia
  • Beach of Gulpiyuri (Inland Beach)
  • Bufones de Pría
  • Tito Bustillo Cave – Ribadesella
  • Church of Santa María de Junco – Ribadesella
  • Shrine of San Mamés – Ribadesella
  • Tower of Atalaya – Ribadesella

  Typical Dishes

  • Fish stew and Hake with cider
  • Marmitas of mackerel and Noodles with bream
  • Baked sargo
  • Cachopo tarteru and Pitu de Caleya
  • Sea urchins, lobsters, and gooseneck barnacles
  • Pría cheese
  • Asturian fabada and Cider
  • Desserts: Fried milk and burnt rice pudding
• day 9

  End of the Camino

  After arriving... End of the Camino