Coordinates
43.3451°N, 1.8003°W
Elevation
10m
Irun is the starting point of the Camino del Norte, a border town on the Bidasoa River where Spain meets France. The town itself is functional rather than picturesque, but it has a full range of services and excellent transport connections.
Pilgrims will find albergues, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies, and a major train station. The Pilgrim Office at the Church of Nuestra Senora del Juncal issues credencials.
From Irun, the first day's walk climbs steeply over Monte Jaizkibel (545m), one of the most physically demanding openings on any Camino route, before descending to the fishing village of Pasaia and continuing to San Sebastian.
Everything you need to know for your time in Irun.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Juncal (Irún Cathedral), Colón Ibilbidea. Credentials available from the local priest, free of charge (donations welcome). Also available at the municipal albergue (Jakobi) on Calle Lucas de Berroa.
ATMs are available throughout the town centre near the main square and on the main shopping street (Calle Larretxipi). Stock up on cash as services on the first stage are very limited.
How to reach your starting point from major cities and airports.
San Sebastián Airport is just 3 km from Irún, located in neighbouring Hondarribia. It has limited connections from Madrid and Barcelona. Bilbao Airport is the main international airport for the region, with regular flights from across Europe. From Bilbao, take the Lurraldebus bus to San Sebastián then a local Euskotren train to Irún (total around 2 hours). Biarritz Airport in France is approximately 45 minutes away by local train via Hendaye.
From Paris, take the TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Hendaye (around 4 hours), then a quick 10-minute local train across the border to Irún. From Madrid, Renfe trains run to San Sebastián (around 5 hours), with a short connecting Euskotren train to Irún. From Bilbao, Euskotren runs regular services to Irún (around 2.5 hours). Irún train station is centrally located and a short walk from the old town and the cathedral.
Alsa and FlixBus run services to Irún and San Sebastián from Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and other Spanish cities. From France, buses connect from Bayonne and Biarritz to Hendaye, with a short train hop to Irún.
Irún sits right on the French border on the AP-8 motorway. From Madrid, the drive is around 4.5 hours via Burgos. From Bilbao, around 1.5 hours. From Paris, around 8 hours via the A63. Parking is available in town but you will not need a car once you begin walking.
Your checklist for arrival day in Irun.
Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Juncal (Irún Cathedral), the official starting point of the Camino del Norte. The local priest will provide your credential free of charge (donations welcome). The cathedral is a short walk from the train station, along the main avenue Colón Ibilbidea. You can also get a credential from the Jakobi Pilgrim Hostel (municipal albergue) on Calle Lucas de Berroa.
The traditional starting marker of the Camino del Norte. This bridge over the Río Bidasoa connects Spain and France and is where your journey officially begins. Worth visiting the evening before to stand at the symbolic starting point.
Irún is a compact town with a few notable sights. The Ermita de Santa Elena is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Juncal holds the oldest statue of the Virgin in the region. Cross the river to visit Hondarribia, a beautifully preserved medieval walled town with colourful fisherman's houses and excellent pintxos bars.
Irún has supermarkets, pharmacies, and outdoor shops for any last-minute supplies. Stock up on water and snacks for tomorrow, as services are limited on the exposed ridge of Mount Jaizkibel during Stage 1.
Tomorrow is Stage 1: Irún to San Sebastián, approximately 25 km with over 740 metres of climbing. It is one of the most dramatic opening stages on any Camino, crossing the ridge of Mount Jaizkibel with sweeping coastal views and a short boat crossing at the fishing village of Pasaia. An early start is recommended to give yourself plenty of time.
Everything you need to know for your time in Irun.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Juncal (Irún Cathedral), Colón Ibilbidea. Credentials available from the local priest, free of charge (donations welcome). Also available at the municipal albergue (Jakobi) on Calle Lucas de Berroa.
ATMs are available throughout the town centre near the main square and on the main shopping street (Calle Larretxipi). Stock up on cash as services on the first stage are very limited.
