
Markina-Xemein to Gernika Lumo
Stage 5 · Camino del Norte
Markina-Xemein → Gernika Lumo
About this stage
Markina-Xemein to Gernika Lumo · 25.5 km · up 750 m, down 830 m
A demanding stage through the Basque interior to Gernika, passing through the ancestral village of one of history's most famous figures. The route follows the rivers Lea and Artibai through Iruzubieta to Bolibar, the birthplace of Simon Bolivar's family. A museum in his ancestral house and a monument document the Liberator's Basque roots.
From Bolibar, a cobbled path climbs to the Monastery of Zenarruza (Ziortza), an 11th-century foundation still inhabited by a community of Cistercian monks who continue to welcome pilgrims. Beyond the monastery, the route passes through a robledal vetusto (ancient oak forest) shared between the municipalities of Mendata and Arratzu, described as one of the 'intact jewels of the Urdaibai Reserve.' The medieval bridge of Artzubi and the pentagonal Tower of Montalban are notable waypoints.
Gernika-Lumo is forever associated with the 1937 bombing, but the town's significance to Basque identity runs far deeper. The historic Oak Tree (Gernikako Arbola) and the Casa de Juntas represent centuries of Basque self-governance. The Parque de los Pueblos de Europa houses sculptures by Chillida and Henry Moore. The Monday market has run since the town's founding in 1366.
Terrain: Hilly Basque countryside, forest paths, rural lanes, valley approach
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Markina-Xemein
villageA historic Basque market town inland from the coast, known for its pelota (jai alai) tradition and the hexagonal Church of San Miguel de Arretxinaga built around three natural boulders.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusClinicPost Office
- 3.8km
- 6.2km
Ziortza-Bolibar
villageA tiny Basque hamlet near the Monastery of Zenarruza, ancestral home of Simon Bolivar's family. A small museum tells the story of the Bolivar family's connection to the village.
View town guideRestaurantCafeWater
- 7.6km
Zenarruza Monastery
hamletA Collegiate Monastery in the Basque hills between Markina-Xemein and Gernika. Pilgrims can stay in the monastery albergue and attend services with the canons.
View town guideRestaurantCafeWater
- 11.6km

- 17.3km
Olabe
hamletA small rural hamlet in the Basque municipality of Mendata, set in the green hills of inland Biscay along the pilgrimage routes of the Basque Country.
View town guideRestaurantCafe - 23.2km
Mendieta
hamletA small rural hamlet in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve of Biscay, Ajangiz municipality, sitting amid the green hills and farmland typical of the Basque interior.
View town guideRestaurantCafe - 25.4km
Gernika Lumo
townThe 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.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusTrainClinicPost Office
Places to stay along this stage
Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.
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Planning the Camino del Norte?
Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Markina-Xemein. Choosing is never booking.
