From Markina to Gernika-Lumo

This is another stage marked by the unevenness that characterizes the mountainous environments. Today, we will alternate the landscape and the typical vegetation of the Atlantic mountain in Markina, with lush riverside paths that will give us strong shades of green, until the stage ends in Gernika, a town bombed on April 26, 1937 during the Spanish Civil War.

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