The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina

Spain
Walking
Self-Guided
The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina

The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina

Prices

From $825USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Discover the beauty of the coast and the inland Basque territory on this magical pilgrimage

Explore the wondrous landscapes of Spain’s Asturias region and stop off in delightful Basque villages along the way.

Take in the fascinating flysch rock formations that line the coast as you explore the coastal Flysch Geopark.

Savour the catch of the day as you kickback to unwind each evening over mouth-watering local seafood and wine.

The 8-Day Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour invites you to discover the natural beauty, culture, and incredible food of Northern Spain. Walking from San Sebastián to Marquina, you’ll discover the wondrous beauty of Green Spain for yourself as you make your way along coastal paths and through the inland Basque territory. Each stop along the way will delight you, from ancient ports to historical sights, and endless vineyards to sandy beaches—there is so much to discover on this dynamic section of the Camino de Santiago. Balance out active days on foot with relaxing evenings at charming accommodations where the mouth-watering flavours of Asturias are never far out of reach.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime kind of holiday, book your spot on The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina today!

The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in San Sebastian

What makes San Sebastian so special? This refined city focusses on enjoying life to the fullest, with all five senses. Let 'Donostia' entice you with its excellent cuisine, summer beaches, Basque culture and grand film festival. The city’s ‘Old Port’ district is a must-see, along with the requisite paddle in the sea and stroll through the 19th-century shopping district.

Enjoy your first evening of the tour soaking up you first impressions of

Overnight Location
Hotel in San Sebastian
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Fuenterrabia, Jaizkibel Peak and Pasaia

Make your way out of the city this morning walking directly from your hotel or opt to skip the urban section and get dropped off at Ermita Guadalupe just above Fuenterrabia (Hondarribia in Basque).

Hiking up toward Jazkibel Peak, the Bay of Biscay spreads out below you as San Sebastian shrinks off into the distance. A military fort dating to the year 1900, one of at least five built here, requires no explanation from its perch on the border with France. Pause at the Jaizkibel cantina – your last chance for coffee or beer - then veer down off the ridge through open meadows and heaths to the fjord-like port of Pasaia. Jump on the ferry and, once across, return to the city by bus or walk another 9km to reach your hotel. The final section on foot explores a surprisingly rugged coastline, ending abruptly above Zurriola Beach and the Urumea Estuary, and ends with a short stretch past the beach and Kursaal modern art centre to the harbour, the city’s oldest sector.

Overnight Location
Hotel in San Sebastian
Distance
19 km, 200m ascent, 600m descent
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Coastal Walk from San Sebastian to Orio

Today you can enjoy the full 16km walk or opt to shorten the distance by taking a bus from the city to Monte Ezquiel (elevation 150m) to pick up the Camino del Norte pilgrimage path.

The route follows surfaced sections and unsurfaced tracks, maintaining height while the coast path surges constantly up and down below you. Both routes come together in the village of Orio. This typical fishing village, situated just where the sea, mountains and mouth of the Oria River meet, has witnessed the passing of pilgrims throughout the centuries. Take time to amble through the old quarter and ‘get lost’ on its narrow, cobbled lanes.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Orio
Distance
16 km, 5.5 - 6 hrs, 585m ascent/descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Charming Villages on the Road to Zumaia

The Camino ‘lies low’ today, following mainly paved roads from village to village passing the port of Guetaria. Stop off in Zarautz, a real city, and stroll along the seafront, pause at a café or select a restaurant such as the one owned by Arguiñano, Spain's most famous television chef.

Your final stop is a town which gained instant stardom following the release of box-office hit 8 Apellidos Vascos and some local spots have suddenly become popular selfie decors. Make sure to snap a few pics at the port of Zumaia and San Telmo chapel, both of which appear in the film. When your stomach starts to rumble, head to the welcoming town centre, a proper Basque port with its own beach, where several top-tier seafood restaurants await!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Zumaia
Distance
16 km, 6 - 6.5 hrs, 585m ascent/descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Camino del Norte and the Flysh Geopark

Take the Camino out of town this morning then hop over to the GR-121 to enjoy the unique and bizarre rock formations along the coastal Flysch Geopark. Here you can inspect intriguing sequences of sedimentary rock layers of marine origin created 60 million years ago--veritable works of art sculpted by Mother Nature.

The Camino del Norte leads the way at both the beginning and end of today’s hike, and the last section stops at the station in Deba, where you can catch a slow train back to Zumaia (hourly departures, travel time 15 minutes). Once there, it’s a 20-minute walk back to your hotel to wrap up today.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Zumaia
Distance
12 km, 5.5 hrs, 740m ascent/descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Walk the Inland Basque Territory

Set off today with a morning transfer, then gradually leave the sea behind as you embark on an inland exploration of Basque territory, known for its dense woodlands, rounded hills and sparse population.

Venture along wide forest paths and gravel tracks passing remote farms and, perhaps, the occasional pilgrim. Revel in the tranquillity and soothing sounds of the forest then look around the lively town of Marquina-Jeméin and San Mikel chapel, a strange cult place beneath a huge menhir, packaged up in an 18th-century hexagonal building with a clock tower. Take a break at a 'taberna' in the town centre then take a footpath along the river to Bizkaia’s oldest standing water-powered forge, complete with its water wheel still intact. In the early 90’s the 500-square-metre forge was converted into a pleasant, comfortable hotel with a spacious lounge and open fire, as well as a large terrace for warm evenings.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Etxebarria
Distance
18 km, 7 hrs, 500m ascent, 600m descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Circular routes from Marquina to Jeméin

You may feel reluctant to leave the Camino del Norte, but the lure of a peak just might make up for it! Choose your ascent and hike up to Pico Kalamua or Alto de Urregarai. Both summits are splendid vista points, looking out over high pastures and immense forests across the perfect Basque countryside to the Cantabrian Sea beyond.

A morning transfer takes you to the start of your route in either Barrinaga or Marquina-Jeméin today, and you return to your hotel on foot in the afternoon.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Etxebarria
Distance
12.3 km or 12.9 km, 5.5 - 6 hrs, 700m-725m ascent/descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Depart

Your walking adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. A one-hour direct bus connects Marquina-Jeméin to Bilbao city centre, where you catch the 30-minute shuttle to the airport.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided walking tour in Spain is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the room type chosen.

Prices below are per person:

Departures from April 13th to 29th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,350USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,225USD
  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $850USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $825USD

Departures from April 30th to May 24th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,375USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,275USD
  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $950USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $925USD

Departures from May 25th to June 26th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,495USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,375USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $1,025USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $995USD

Departure from June 27th to August 29th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,675USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,575USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $1,175USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,075USD

Departures from August 30th to September 30th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,575USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,475USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $1,125USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,075USD

Departures from October 1st to 8th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,450USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,325USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $995USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $975USD

Departures from October 9th to 31th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,375USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,275USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $950USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $925USD
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Accommodation on The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour

Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Hotel Niza in San Sebastian

This charming villa that dates to 1908 grants its guests the best views in town with its desirable location opposite La Concha Bay. Enjoy beach access and spellbinding views during this delightful stay.

Taberna – Hostal Xaloa in Orio

Enjoy the low-key vibes of this pleasant hotel featuring cozy rooms and a fantastic tapas bar.

Hotel Flysch in Zumaia

Guests can stroll for just 5-minutes to reach the beautiful Zumaia Beach from this hotel, featuring stunning artwork and modern amenities.

Hotel Antsotegui in Etxebarria

Find yourself surrounded by rolling green pastures at this cozy rural hotel set in a charming medieval ironworks building.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour?

Meals

7 hearty breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

During this tour, you will be moving from one location to another by your and your luggage transfers are included for days 3, 4 and 6 and personal transfers according to programme on days 2, 6 and 7.

Also Included

  • Detailed route description and maps
  • 24-hour telephone assistance
  • Routes in digital format (.gpx) for GPS or mobile devices

Not included

  • Any personal transfers
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Guide services
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist Tax
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, tips, extra transfers, etc.

Optional Extras

  • Extra nights at any of the accommodation of the programme or Bilbao
  • Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station
  • Transfer from last hotel back to the start or the program
  • Bus or train tickets

Frequenty Asked Questions about The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina

How hard is The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You’ll be walking up to 19km daily. The terrain is mix of gravel and paved paths and there are some stairs as well.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour?

7 hearty breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover walking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to San Sebastian to start this tour?

It is easy to travel from Bilbao airport (Loiu) to San Sebastian, since there is a direct connection with San Sebastian. Check at Bilbao airport website: www.aena.es A bus leaves every hour from 6.45 hrs from the exit of the “Arrivals” hall. It has a possible stopover in Zarautz, on the way to San Sebastian, about 1,15h from Bilbao. In the summer months (July and August) the bus even leaves every half hour from 7.15 hrs. The bus (line DO50B) only stops in San Sebastian on Pius XII Square. From here, there are 1.7 km to the hotel; most convenient by taxi. Check bus time schedule at www.pesa.net. Buy tickets in advance via their internet website!

Where does The Northern Way from San Sebastián to Marquina Tour end?

The tour ends in Marquina-Jeméin. From Marquina-Jeméin to Bilbao centre there are direct buses (about 1 h approx. duration). Once you arrive in Bilbao, you can take a shuttle bus to the airport from the central bus station (30 min extra).

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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45 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Prices

From $825USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You’ll be walking up to 19km daily. The terrain is mix of gravel and paved paths and there are some stairs as well.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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