The Basque country located in the North of Spain awaits with unique distinctive nature and numerous historic highlights. Accompanied by the rushing Atlantic Ocean you will always walk along the green and impressively rugged coast. You will pass through innumerable small villages gently nestled between the hills and the sea, whose colourful harbours and alleys have retained their original charm over the years. In Guernica you get to know more about the rich history of the Basque country, before the incredible view of the hermitage of Gaztelugatxe situated high up on the cliffs comes into view. At the end of your holiday lively Bilbao welcomes you in all its facets, a visit to the renowned Guggenheim Museum is for sure the crowning glory as a finale!
An absolute highlight awaits you right at the beginning of your hiking tour: rocks that drop steeply into the sea, covered with lush greenery and always offering magnificent views. On the beaches you can marvel at the jagged rock slabs that reach far into the sea. Again and again you will pass small farms scattered in the otherwise lonely and wild landscape.
Today you initially walk for a bit along the Camino Norte until you reach the colourful harbour of Mutriku. Then via a beautiful viewpoint onwards to Ondarroa, where the ascent starts to the hermitage of San Lourenzo situated in the high-lying hamlet of Azterrika. The glistening sea always within sight you finally arrive at the charming fishing harbour of Leikeitio and the island of San Nikolas.
From Lekeitio you ascend the Otoio peak. From the peak the path leads through dense oak forests down to the coast again and then descends to the little, enchanting harbour of today’s Day Finish Ea. Enjoy a stroll along the beach and through the picturesque alleyways of this very special village.
Gently hilly through the Basque landscape all the way to the harbour of Elantxobe, with its spectacular location perched on a mountainside. During a circular tour you ascend Mount Ogoño, once you reach the top you can enjoy an incredible view onto the rugged cliffs and the sea below. After this you walk back via green slopes to Elantxobe for your overnight stay at the sea.
Through lush oak forests, you climb up to the hermitage of San Pedro de Atxarre, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the coastal town of Mundaka, Urdabai Bay and the breathtaking cliffs of the Ogoño. Afterwards you will descend to Guernica, a town of historical and cultural importance.
In the morning a short train ride to Mundaka and walk to Bermeo. From there you ascend to Burgoa, where a gorgeous panoramic view over the bay and the sea awaits. At the end of your hike your path will lead you to the hermitage of Gaztelugatxe, which is boldly situated on an island in the middle of the sea. After an extensive visit you reach the bustling harbour town Bilbao.
approx. 4 hours
11 km
660 m
490 m
Day
8
Departure or extension
Characteristics of the route
Stunning hiking tours along the Basque coastline. Along the cliff coasts in parts we urge you to tread cautiously, a good basic fitness level and surefootedness are enough for the daily tours with maximum walking times of up to 6,5 hours. The slightly longer tours on Day 3 and Day 6 can optionally be cut short by bus or taxi.