Overview
Basque Country is a world apart, with its own language, culture, cuisine, and some of the most gorgeous hiking trails in Europe. We’ll hike the coast, the mountains, and iconic stretches of the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela on this insider’s journey into Basque life. Eating well is the second religion of the Basques, and we’ll have classic lunches among farmers and fishermen, taste local mountain cheeses, go pintxo-hopping in the foodie capital of San Sebastián, and enjoy a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hondarribia, where our old friend Chef Gorka Txapartegi has a magic hand with the local gastronomy.
Great food, very nice hotels, the best guides, and a spectacular area to hike in. What more could we ask for?
— Ronald R., Essex Junction, VT
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Biarritz, France / Saint-Étienne-de-Baigorri
We stretch our legs on a pilgrim path to Villefranque in the inland Pyrenees. The next day’s hike brings us up sacred Mt. Larrun, which marks Basque Country’s French-Spanish border.
Days 3-4
Biarritz, France / Saint-étienne-de-Baigorri
At Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the French gate of the Camino de Santiago, we have our “pilgrim passports” stamped, then hike an evocative stretch of the Camino to Roncesvalles, where the Basques defeated Charlemagne’s army in 778 AD. Another classic hike brings us to Puente la Reina, where two main pilgrim trails meet: the Camino Frances and the Camino Aragones. Our historic hotel in Pamplona is the same one Hemingway stayed in!
Days 5-6
The Bandits Trail / San Sebastián / Hondarribia
An ancient trail brings us through central Basque Country, with lunch among farmers, hunters, and herders. In San Sebastián, the views are fabulous as we hike from Mt. Igueldo down to the magnificent bay of La Concha, then go pintxo-hopping—a foodie “pub crawl” to taste the best tapas. A local professor will give us a talk on Basque history while we sip Txakoli (Basque white wine) at our seaside parador in Hondarribia.
Days 7-8
Getaria / Bilbao
We hike a coastal stretch of the pilgrim trail, visit the charming harbor town of Getaria, then enjoy a guided visit to Bilbao’s celebrated Guggenheim Museum. Depart on Day 8.
From France to Spain: Hiking in the Basque Country
