Hikes in Orio

The second stage of the Camino de Santiago on the Basque Atlantic coast leads from the city center of Donostia/San Sebastián to Zarautz.

Coastal hiking with picturesque views, charming villages and the longest beach promenade in the Basque Country.

On the historic pilgrimage route along the Basque coastThe existence of the Way of St. James can be traced back to the 9th century. After the discovery of the remains of the Apostle James in Galicia, believers from all over the Christian world made their pilgrimage to the saint's tomb in today's Santiago de Compostela. Coming through France, the pilgrims undertook the arduous journey along the Atlantic coast. From about the 11th century, the focus shifted further south to the Way of St. James passing through Pamplona, Burgos, and León. Although the landscape along the "Camino del Norte" (Northern or coastal route) looks very different today and pilgrims can at least enjoy many conveniences (bridges, accommodations, etc.), a certain sense of understanding is still possible. The route from Donostia/San Sebastián to Orio leads from the vibrant provincial capital of Gipuzkoa through villages and farmland on the green coastal slopes west of Donostia.

Parish of the Holy Spirit - Ibaeta - Julio Caro Baroja Plaza - God our Father - Zubimusu park - Plymouth plaza - Bayonne plaza - San Martin Hermitage - Orio - Oria river - San Paulo Hermitage - Zarautz - San Pelaio river - Pilartxo Enea Park - Franciscan church - Torre Luzea - Makatza house - Santa Marina hermitage - Menosca, Zarautz Art and History Museum - Santa Maria la Real parish - Photomuseum - Orkolaga Plaza - ZEC Garate-Santa Bárbara KBE - Santa Barbara chapel - San Prudentzio - Askizu - San Martin Tour's church

​Today’s stage also includes some fairly mountainous and steep sections, but they’re nowhere near as bad as yesterday’s. Please note that water is only available in the larger towns.▶ We start today’s hike at the Donostia 01 Tourist Information Center, continue straight ahead to the bay, and follow the promenade along the beach for the next 2 km. After the pedestrian tunnel, we continue a bit further until the arrows—which are easy to miss—direct us left through the park and then right along the road. After rounding the curve to the left, we take the next side street to the right, heading uphill toward a large apartment building. The path remains steep as we pass the building on the right and turn into a park. Following the main path, we emerge into a pasture and shortly thereafter reach the main road. Passing the hotel on the right, we hike along the side street following the steep coastline. Here we reach the old Hotel Buena Vista 02 and turn right again onto a quieter path. Following the main path, the arrows guide us along the hillside for quite a long time.After about 3.5 km, we turn left and head uphill, passing the Bar Nikolas Erretegia. The path continues to wind its way up the slope, taking us through some rather unattractive areas, which are, however, interspersed with viewpoints overlooking the rugged coastline. As soon as the paved path ends, the Camino leads into a small forest consisting mainly of chestnut trees. The path to the next road is generally very rocky, uneven, and slippery when wet, but becomes much easier to walk on in the second half. Once we’ve left the grove behind, we see a farm on the opposite side, where we turn left and head uphill on a gravel road. At the next fork, we turn right and pass through another forest; at the end of it, we reach the road leading to the village of Lusarbe. We head up the switchback to the left and take a muddy dirt path to the right toward the main road. From there, we walk steadily downhill, past a few more houses, until we reach signpost 03 at another hairpin curve. For the next 1.2 km, we walk along an old cobblestone road that is very uneven and includes some steep sections. Every now and then, we catch glimpses of scenic views through the trees. The hike along the path is sometimes easier, sometimes more difficult. At the end of the path, we can enjoy the unobstructed view and then cross the road to pass under the highway. Just beyond that, we turn right toward the Ermita San Martin 04 and head down to Orio 05. Through the steep alleys, past the tourist information office and the church, we turn left toward the bridge and cross to the other side. Walking along the water’s edge, we pass under the highway again. We then turn left to climb a good 90 meters in elevation along steep roads that wind past picturesque vineyards. At the top, we reach a campground, and here the Camino begins its descent again. Shortly afterward, we catch a glimpse of Zarautz in all its splendor. Following the road, a side path branches off to the right shortly after the viewpoint, eventually leading us back to the main road. From there, we continue straight ahead. We end the stage at Padres Franciscanos 06, the gateway to the Old Town, in the back part of the city. It’s also possible to reach the city via the promenade.

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino del Norte: Stage 02: San Sebastian-Zarautz[ cami caminho cammino chemin compostela de itineraire jacob jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant Santiago st ste saint san saint-jacques st-jacques path pilgrim’s pilgrims route ruta via voie way of

Euskotren: Sections E1 & E2: Hendaye-Irun-San Sebastian-Bilbao (Matiko)