Become a ‘Camino de Santiago’ pilgrim on this memorable full-day trekking along the wild cliffs of Basque coastline where the craggy mountain landscapes cut into rough waters of the Bay of Biscay.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will pick you up in the morning and take you on this rich with culture and history hike along Basque Coast. On the way to the starting point, your guide will give you an introduction on the history of the area, and what to expect throughout the day.
Our trail begins at border village of Hondarribia that is also the starting point of the coastal version of one of the most recognized worldwide pilgrimage called by Spaniards ‘camino de Santiago’ or St. James Wayin English.
We will kick the things off in the fishing port of Hondarribia where you will learn about the significant role of ocean in the life of Basques and understand our strong connection to it. Did you know that we don’t use nets to catch ‘bonito’ – white tuna? We fish them one by one using traditional methods!
From the port we will follow the way up to constructed in 1881 lighthouse and continue along the coast passing spectacular coves, rugged cliffs and artistically shaped sandstone rock formations. The 457 m high Jaizkibel mountain is considered one of the major areas of biodiversity in the Cantabrian Coast. The higher you ascend, the more peaceful it gets and finally we will be left with nothing but the sound of the waves and the sight of the horses living among nature.
Picnic time! There is no better pace to stop for a lunch than a local cheese farm of our friend – Aitz who produces Idiazabal cheese! We are lucky to try because it is impossible to buy it in any store. We will not only sample some of his delicious Basque cheese but also learn how it is made. We will also try other specialities like tuna fish from Hondarribia and cured ham & chorizo.
The coastal path will finally take us to San Juan where you will immerse yourself in a sleepy atmosphere of this medieval fishing village which streets still remember colorful stories of Basque sailors, pirates andwhalers.
But this isn’t it! In San Juan we will embark on a tiny boat which will take to the twin village – San Pedrolocated on the other side of the channel. It’s time to visit Albaola – the sea factory of the Basques. Museum and a shipyard where the local engineers and carpenters are building from scratch a replica of 16th century whaling ship using exclusively traditional techniques!
At the end of the trekk your private transport will take you back to the hotel.
Unos amigos y yo pasamos una semana en el País Vasco y sin lugar a duda, nuestra mejor experiencia de todo el viaje fue nuestro día con Ernes. Hicimos una caminata desde Donosti hasta Hondarribia por la costa, parando en Pasajes para comer y terminando con una visita a un productor de queso artesanal antes de llegar al pueblo mas bonito de toda esta ruta, Hondarribia. Una auténtica maravilla. Ernes como guía es una pasada y el tour que nos organizó es muy completo, paisajes, comida, caminata y muy buena compañía. Lo tiene todo! Muy recomendable, nosotros repetiremos seguro! Unos amigos y yo pasamos una semana en el País Vasco y sin lugar a duda, nuestra mejor experiencia de...