Stage 322 km · up 820 mModerate

Zarautz to Deba

Distance
22 km
Walking time
5-7 hours
Ascent
820 m
Descent
790 m
High point
314 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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About this stage

Zarautz to Deba · 22 km · up 820 m, down 790 m

Another relentlessly hilly coastal stage continuing along the Basque clifftops. The route climbs over a series of headlands with steep ascents and descents, passing through the historic town of Getaria and along dramatic cliff paths with vertigo-inducing views.

Getaria is the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first person to circumnavigate the globe (completing Magellan's expedition). The town's Gothic church of San Salvador, fish restaurants, and Txakoli wine producers make it worth a stop. The coastal walking between Getaria and Zumaia is among the finest on the entire Norte.

Deba is a modest beach town at the mouth of the Deba River with adequate services including accommodation, restaurants, and shops. The Gothic church of Santa Maria la Real has a notable painted portal.

Terrain: Steep coastal climbs, cliff-edge paths, forest trails, vineyard paths, beach approaches

Along the route7 towns and 0 highlights on 22 km

The day, stop by stop

  1. 0km

    A lively Basque surf town with the longest beach in the Basque Country, excellent pintxos bars, and a charming old quarter. A popular overnight stop on the coastal stretch.

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

    Koala notes · Zarautz

    1 note
    • Worth eating

      The pintxos scene here rivals San Sebastian's at lower prices.

  2. 4.3km

    Getaria

    village

    A tiny Basque fishing village famous as the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first person to circumnavigate the globe. Known for its grilled turbot (rodaballo) and txakoli white wine.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery

    Koala notes · Getaria

    1 note
    • Fish and wine

      Stop for fresh grilled fish and Txakoli wine.

  3. Coastal views

    The coastal section between Getaria and Zumaia is exceptional.

  4. 6.5km

    Askizu

    village
    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Water
  5. 9.7km

    Zumaia

    town

    A Basque coastal town at the mouth of the Urola River, known for its dramatic flysch geological formations along the coastline and the Zuloaga Museum in a former hermitage.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Train
    Clinic
    Post Office
  6. 13.4km
  7. 18.6km

    Itziar

    village

    A tiny Basque village perched on a hillside between Deba and Markina-Xemein with a sanctuary church and panoramic views. Has a basic albergue.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Water
  8. Route turns inland

    This marks the end of the most dramatic coastal walking section; the route turns inland from here.

  9. 21.8km

    Deba

    village

    A Basque coastal town at the mouth of the Deba River with a fine Gothic church, a beach, and full services. Marks the start of the more remote coastal stretch towards Markina.

    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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