From Deba to Markina

During this stage we will leave the company of the Cantabrian Sea as we leave Deba to enter the Basque mountains and reach Markina. A hard but rewarding stage in terms of landscape, nature and culture.

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