Walking the Basque Coast to the Bay of Bilbao

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Day 1: Arrive in Lekeitio

Lekeitio is one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country. Visit its harbour, church, mansions and enjoy its bars by the sea.

• Overnight at Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarri by the beach, Palacio Oxangoiti, or Zubieta

Day 2: Lekeitio Walks | 14km

Today you can choose between two routes: Walk along the River Lea to Aulestia (15km), or take a short bus ride to climb Illuntzar peak (726m uphill and 14km) with stunning 360º views. Return to Lekeitio using the excellent local bus service.

• Walking for the day: 14km ↑↓700m or 15km ↑↓100m (can be made shorter by taking the bus)
• Overnight at Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarri by the beach, Palacio Oxangoiti, or Zubieta

Day 3: Lekeitio to Ea | 14km

Start with the ascent of Otoio, rewarded by incredible views of cliffs and remote beaches. Descend to visit a couple of lonely coves and walk along the coast to Ea’s charming little coastal town.

• Walking for the day: 13.7km ↑↓600m or 8km ↑↓300m if you start in Ispaster (optional bus transfer)
• Overnight at Pension Bekale (modern, comfortable rooms)

Day 4: Ea to Mundaka | 18km

Start this stage along a nice coastal path and climb up to pretty Natxitua, the perfect place to take a short rest before walking into the unique town of Elantxobe, an authentic little fishing harbour. You can also take a short walk to Ogoño cliff offering impressive views. The first 8km can be skipped by taking a bus or a taxi (paid locally). Head to Laga beach and from there climb up to pretty Akorda and to San Pedro de Atxarre hermitage, a magic place with probably the best views in the Basque Country. Descend to Laida beach, take off your shoes and enjoy a walk on the sand. Have a coffee (or a beer and tapas) at Atxerre bar, definitely a moment you will remember.

A taxi will pick you up at the beach to take you to Mundaka (or drop you in Guernica to explore this interesting town, later head to Mundaka by train). Still, if you prefer a boat ride, you can take the small ferry to cross to the other side of the estuary during June and September.

• Walking for the day: 17.5km ↑↓630m or 13km ↑↓600m or 10km ↑↓600m
• Overnight at Eco Hotel Mundaka (well located, friendly staff) or you can upgrade at a small extra charge to Atalaya Hotel (not possible in the high season months of June and September)
  

Day 5: Mundaka – Bermeo – San Juan – Bakio | 14 – 18km

Take the train or walk to Bermeo, a lively and interesting fishing town, from where you hike to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, one of the most famous and iconic places in the Basque Country. After that, head to Bakio along a quiet lane with great views and enjoy the beach and the surf of this coastal town.

• Walking for the day: 13.5km ↑↓630m or 17.5km ↑↓800m (shorter option with bus transfer)
• Overnight at Arimune (small hotel by the beach), Villa Isabela (lovely room in a villa; shared bathroom!), or Joshemari (friendly hotel with a nice bar and terrace)
  

Day 6: Bakio to Plencia | 23km

Hardcore walkers can take the challenge of the full stage, and even climb up to Jata, a hill with amazing views. Most mortals will travel with luggage to the small harbour of Armintza and walk the beautiful cliffs for the last 12km to Plencia, a lovely town with a great beach, an estuary and an interesting Gothic town centre.

• Walking for the day: 23km ↑↓980m or 12km ↑↓ 500m) (shorter option with transfer)
• Overnight at Hotel Kaian (nice hotel in the harbour), Bahia Plencia (nice hotel close to the river) or Casa de Marinos (small hotel close to the river, with nice restaurant and bar)
  

Day 7: Plencia to Bilbao | 11 – 22km

Walk the cliffs from beach to beach, with views of the whole coast and even of faraway Cantabria, and then, all of a sudden, after the Punta Galea cape – the Bay of Bilbao! Enjoy this last part with magnificent views and head to the pretty old fishing harbour of Algorta. You can keep walking along the promenade for one more hour to the end of the Bay and admire the fantastic hanging bridge, built in 1890, or you can take the metro in Algorta and stop to visit the bridge and later head to Bilbao’s town centre, where you will stay. The length of this stage is variable: you can walk the full length or take a bus at the start and stop at different places of interest.

• Walking for the day:  Choice of 22, 18, 15 or 11km ↑↓450m
• Overnight at Hotel Cosmov (nicely decorated hotel located close to the Guggenheim), Caravan Cinema (highly rated boutique pension in the old town), Lô, or Basque Boutique Hotel (nicely decorated pension in the heart of the old town)
  

Day 8: Departure

Departure, or stay for a few more days in Bilbao.

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Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.

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