20 km | 5-8 hours | +849m / -800m
A moderate stage through the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the most important wetland in the Basque Country, formed by the Oka River estuary. The route passes through dense forest and small Basque hamlets, crossing Monte Bilikario and passing the hermitages of Santa Lucia (in the Zallo neighbourhood) and San Esteban de Gerekiz.
The walking is predominantly through forest, with the Urdaibai Reserve providing rich birdlife and a lush green canopy. The route is well-waymarked and the terrain is rolling without extreme climbs.
Lezama is a small town with architecture reflecting its medieval seignorial past: the Casa Consistorial, the Ermita de San Antolin, and the Torre de Lezama are notable. The Humilladero del Santo Cristo is also worth visiting. Services are limited but adequate for an overnight stop. Tomorrow's short stage brings you into Bilbao.
Terrain: Forested hills, rural paths, some paved roads, village streets
The symbolic heart of Basque identity, tragically bombed in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War and immortalised by Picasso's famous painting. Home to the ancient Oak of Gernika and the Basque assembly house.
0 places to stay between Gernika Lumo and Lezama
Accommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
No accommodation options available
Accommodation at the end of this stage
No accommodation options available
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