Irun → San Sebastián (Donostia)

The opening stage of the Camino del Norte is one of the most dramatic on any Camino route. The path crosses the French-Spanish border at Irun and immediately climbs steeply over the coastal hills of the Basque Country, with over 2,500 metres of accumulated ascent making this comparable in difficulty to the Pyrenees crossing on the Frances.

The route follows the Jaizkibel coastal ridge with stunning views over the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea. The terrain alternates between steep forest climbs, exposed ridgeline walking, and descents to sheltered coves. The scenery is exceptional, with the rugged Basque coastline stretching in both directions.

San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) is widely considered one of Europe's finest coastal cities. The shell-shaped Playa de la Concha, the pintxos bars of the Parte Vieja (old town), and the city's Michelin-starred restaurant scene make it a world-class destination. Full services at every level are available.