Camino del Norte · Stage 1 of 36
Stage 1: Irún to San Sebastián
- From
- Irún
- To
- San Sebastián
- Distance
- 24.7 km
- Climb
- ↑ 630 m
- Descent
- ↓ 651 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
A tough first day over the Jaizkibel and Ulía hills, with a short boat crossing at Pasaia.
Practical tips
Steep climbs and knee-punishing descents. Fountain at the Guadalupe sanctuary, then no services until Pasai Donibane. The Jaizkibel ridge route is hard and solitary: only in good weather.
Along the way
Santuario de Guadalupe
A hilltop sanctuary above Hondarribia with views over the Bidasoa bay and France.
More photos of Santuario de Guadalupe →
Pasai Donibane
A one-street fishing village where Victor Hugo lived in 1843. A small motor launch ferries pilgrims across the bay.
More photos of Pasai Donibane →
San Sebastián
The city of La Concha bay, one of Europe's most famous urban beaches, and of the pintxo bars of the Parte Vieja.
More photos of San Sebastián →Where to sleep in San Sebastián
- Downtown River HostelPrivate
- A Room in the City HostelPrivate
- Koba HostelPrivate
Planning note: distances and climbs are approximate and stages are a suggestion. Albergues listed are long-established ones; opening dates, prices and beds change, so check before you go. Accommodation links may be affiliate links.