Stage 525.5 km · up 750 mHard

Markina-Xemein to Gernika Lumo

Distance
25.5 km
Walking time
6-8 hours
Ascent
750 m
Descent
830 m
High point
386 m
Difficulty
Hard
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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

Along the route8 towns and 0 highlights on 25.5 km

The day, stop by stop

  1. 0km

    A 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 guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Clinic
    Post Office
  2. 3.8km
    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
  3. 6.2km

    A 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 guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Water
  4. 7.6km

    A 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 guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Water
  5. 11.6km

    Munitibar

    village
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    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
  6. 17.3km

    Olabe

    hamlet

    A 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 guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
  7. 23.2km

    Mendieta

    hamlet

    A 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 guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
  8. 25.4km

    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.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Train
    Clinic
    Post Office
Where to stay

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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