Stage from Zarautz to Deba

Itinerary Zarautz - Deba

The stage of today is a route of 22 kilometres, which are characterized by the presence of continuous climbs.

Zarautz (Km. 0). Beginning of stage

Practical tips for this section: The morning begins making us think, should you follow the path that runs by the sea to Getaria or follow the old road, surrounded by the txakoli vineyards. Have breakfast and think about it. Buen Camino!

This first section of the third stage of the Camino del Norte can be done following two different routes to Getaria. The official route runs along an old road and the alternative follows the pedestrian promenade, by the sea, and much easier.

To follow the official route, we must take the road that goes to Meagas, next to the Church of Santa Maria. A few metres later we take a road (the old carriageway), which runs in ascent, surrounded by txakolí vineyards, and that goes to the Chapel of of Santa Barbara and Getaria.

In the chapel, we will be able to say goodbye to Zarautz and its beach, with excellent views. From there, following the official road, we descend, taking a detour, until reaching Getaria.

To take the alternative route, take the pedestrian promenade, along the coast, which runs parallel to the N-634 road, for a nice, flat walk, on numerous occasions, encountering fishermen. At the entrance of Getaria, we can deviate from the road to visit the port of the seafaring village, accessing through the passage of the Church of San Salvador.

Getaria (km. 4,1)

Practical tips for this stretch: it is worth detouring and visiting the port of this seafaring village. Buen Camino!

We leave Getaria by a roadway that begins in Calle Herrerieta and leads us to the neighbourhood of San Prudencio, to lead onto the GI-3392 road. Follow it for 550 metres and turn left to the hamlet of Aziategi, between vineyards and cornfields.

On the ascent, we arrive next to the church of San Martín de Tours and to a fountain, in the district of Askizu (km. 6.1). We leave the neighbourhood with magnificent views of the Cantabrian Sea and Zumaia, our next urban centre.

We descend the slope of the mountain to the N-634 road, our faithful companion in these early stages of the Camino de Santiago. The House Museum of the painter Ignacio de Zuloaga and the Chapel of Santiago cross our path.

Crossing the River Urola, we finally arrive in Zumaia. We descend stairs that lead us to cross the Paseo de Los Angeles, already in the city centre.

Zumaia (km. 9,1)

Practical tips for this section: To the district of Elorriaga you can access it both on the left, following a track, and on the right, by road. It is in these places where the phrase applies: "All roads lead to Rome." Buen Camino!

We leave the village on the ascent, towards the Convent of San José de las Carmelitas Descalzas and the Chapel of Arritokieta. In this section, if you look back we will get a nice panoramic image of the village that we just left behind and the mouth of the River Urola.

The rural road opens out to a path that leads to the rest area of Elorriaga (Km 12.4), with fountain and several tables. In Elorriaga (km. 13), we find two itineraries, the Camino de Santiago and the GR-121 that runs along the coast.

Elorriaga (km. 13)

Practical tips for this section: Itziar is a stone's throw from Deba, the end of today's stage. In this locality, you will find the Sanctuary of Santa Maria that is a must visit on the Camino del Norte. Also the visit will be the perfect excuse to recover from the hard ascent. Buen Camino!

Following the pilgrim path we descend to the national road, cross it and begin a pronounced ascent along a wooded path. We go over several gates and return to descend to the N-634 road, in the district of Mardari.

We cross the A-8 (Km 16.3) and continue with caution the track of the national road. We leave it on a path that begins on the right and leads us to tackle a stretch of asphalt, which eventually leads us back to the road, to face a tough final climb. Finally, we arrive at Itziar (km. 18.5), where the Sanctuary of Santa María, a must see, is waiting for us.

Following a track, hidden by the old façade, we climb a few metres to the cemetery and then descend to Deba. At our pace, we will find the Chapel of San Roque (km. 21). Immediately, we enter the location, pass by the Mendata Secondary school, and followed Calle Mogel to take an elevator that leaves us in the centre of Deba.

Deba (km. 22). End of stage

Practical tips for this section: Take the afternoon to replenish your strength in one of the two beaches in the town. See you tomorrow!

It should offer you everything you need to enjoy a pleasant and relaxed afternoon. The locality has two beaches, that of Santiago and the one of La Pari, with some small coves and with the promenades of Cárdenas and Pablo Laura.

You will also find places of cultural and religious interest, such as the Church of Santa María or the Chapel of Nicolás de Lastur, and examples of civil architecture, such as the Casa Aldazabal-Murguia, the Town Hall, Casa de Aguirre or Puente de Deba.

If you are encouraged and you want to walk, in the vicinity of the town you will find some caves, Praileaitz, Urteaga, Aixa or Ekain, which you could visit.

Comments Zarautz - Deba

Here are some tips for today's route and to enjoy the wonders that this stage has to offer.

Precautions stage Zarautz - Deba

The continuous climbs on this stage will test our fitness, but we will be trained for later stages, with even more pronounced levels. However, neither cyclists nor people with reduced mobility will find additional difficulties to complete the day.

Food stage Zarautz - Deba

Next, we recommend some dishes for you to enjoy the regional gastronomy.

• Beans and peppers
• Anchovies in oil
• Tuna, fresh or tinned, fillets or belly
• White Tuna, in olive oil or in pickle sauce
• Elver eels.

What to do Zarautz - Deba

Throughout today's stage, you will pass through various places of historical and cultural interest. Below we provide you with information about each one of them so you enjoy your visit to the maximum.

Convento de San José

The Convent of San José is located in the centre of the town of Zumaia. The building dates from the 17th century, being one of the oldest conventual ensembles in the Basque Country.

The convent was from its origins, the residence of the order of the Barefoot Carmelites. There are currently guided tours inside and, in high season, it functions as a Pilgrim's hostel.

Ermita de Arritokieta

The Chapel of Arritokieta is located in the heart of the town of Zumaia. The temple was built in 1292, although it has undergone many repairs throughout history, which have allowed it to reach our days in good condition. Later, a hospital for contagious patients was built next to the Chapel.

The temple houses in its interior an image of the 16th century of the Virgen Arritokieta, patron of the town, located in the central part of the main altarpiece. The altarpiece has, in its lower part, a Spanish flamenco triptych dating from the 16th century.

Ayuntamiento de Getaria

The Getaria Town Hall was built in 1919. Its structure follows the pattern of the country houses of the region, characterized by a large-sized arched archway on its main façade resting on Doric columns.

Inside the building, you can visit a drawing of Elcano signed by Zuloaga, as well as a famous painting depicting the landing of Elcano and his seventeen expedition companions.

Iglesia de San Martín de Tours

The Church of San Martín de Tours is located in the parish of Askizu. It is recognized as one of the first temples built in Gothic style in the province of Guipúzcoa. Its structure consists of a single nave, divided into several sections covered by vaults.  The ensemble is made of sandstone ashlars and hardly has any ornamentation elements.

Iglesia de San Salvador

The Church of San Salvador is located in the town of Getaria. The temple began to be built in 1525, by Pedro Alzaga but did not end until 1755. However, the temple has been reformed on several occasions throughout history, especially during the Carlist Wars, in which it suffered considerable damage.

The architectural importance of the church has made it listed as a National Monument. The temple has a scaled disposition, which allows it to cross the unlevel terrain, and is divided into three naves separated by three sections each.

Under the chancel of the church extends the Katrapona walkway, which connects the old town of Getaria with the fishing port.

Palacio de Aldamar

The Palace of Aldamar is located in the upper part of the town of Getaria. The building dates back to the late 19th century. The building served as a residence for the Torres family, grandparents of Queen Fabiola of Belgium.

The construction is notable for its large dimensions and its red and blue polychrome bricks. At present, the palace houses the headquarters of the Museum of Cristóbal Balenciaga, where you can visit the work of the designer.

Practical information:

Opening hours: Open daily (from 10:00 to 19:00).

Guided tour schedule: daily (12:30).

Información práctica:

Horario: Abre todos los días (de 10:00 a 19:00).

Horario de visitas guiadas: Todos los días (12:30).

Playa de Malkorbe

The Malkorbe beach in Getaria is located next to the marina of the locality. It is a beach of 420 metres in length, surrounded by hotels and equipped with various services, such as toilets, fountains, playground, etc.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Itziar

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Itziar dates from the 8th century, although it has been refurbished on numerous occasions, the most outstanding being the one that took place in the 16th century. Today the church consists of a single nave divided into three regular sections, with no intermediate columns.

Inside the sanctuary, you can visit an image in honour of the Virgin, considered one of the best preserved Basque iconographies, and a 16th-century altarpiece, Plateresque style.

Geoparque

The Geopark is an area formed by Zumaia, Deba and Mutriku, which stands out for its pastures and forests, as well as for its geology. The area has 13 kilometres of cliffs formed by the Flysch Rocks, geological formations formed by the impact with the sea.

Capilla de San Sebastián de Elorriaga

The Geopark is an area formed by Zumaia, Deba and Mutriku, which stands out for its pastures and forests, as well as for its geology. The area has 13 kilometres of cliffs formed by the Flysch Rocks, geological formations formed by the impact with the sea.

Deba

Deba is a municipality of nearly 5,500 inhabitants. In the past, the port of the small town was of great commercial importance, although it is currently used exclusively as a sports pier.

The locality has two beaches, Santiago and La Pari, with some small coves and with the promenades of Cárdenas and Pablo Laura, from where you can enjoy the coastal profile and the Cantabrian.

In addition, the visitor will find religious architecture, such as the Church of Santa Maria or the Chapel of Nicolás de Lastur, and civil architecture, such as the Casa Aldazabal-Murguia, the Town Hall, the house of Aguirre or the Deba Bridge. In the vicinity of Deba you can visit some caves, such as La Praileaitz, Urteaga, Aixa or Ekain.

Iglesia de Santa María de Deba

The Church of Santa María de Deba dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Its dimensions and its valuable decoration make it considered one of the most impressive works in the province of Guipúzcoa, comparable to any cathedral. The temple is listed as a National Monument.

The interior of the temple has a high-rise nave, resting on cylindrical columns, which look like 13th-century bas-reliefs.

In the temple, the polychrome doorway and an altarpiece that represents the life of the Virgin Mary stand out, both pieces originating in the temple that was erected in the place before the construction of the present church. Its gothic-style cloister is considered one of the oldest.

Practical information:

Timetable: Closes Saturdays and Sundays. Monday (from 9:00 to 13:00), Tuesday (from 9:00 to 12:00), from Wednesday to Friday (from 9:00 to 13:00).

Casa Aldazabal-Murguia de Deba

The Aldazabal-Murguia de Deba house is formed by a single plant divided into three streets. The highlight of the building is its façade, which has balconies made with ornamented ashlar and enclosed by wrought iron handrails.  The property is listed as an Artistic Historical Monument.

Casa Consistorial

The Deba Town Hall was built in 1747 and is of Baroque style. The building was made of limestone ashlars and consists of three floors. On the ground floor are arched porticoes and in the first and second, balconies decorated with grilles, where you can see the shields of the Royal Crown, Guipúzcoa and Deba.

Casa de Aguirre

The House of Aguirre is considered one of the most important houses in the civil architecture of the 15th century of Deba. Its structure consists of two floors. The most noteworthy of the exterior is its main façade, with windows on both sides of the cover.  

In the interior stands the ornamentation of the main staircase and the living room, with wood carvings and decoration on both floors and ceilings.

Cueva de Praileaitz

The Praileaitz Cave is located in the vicinity of Deba. It is an excavation from 2006, in which were found Paleolithic cave paintings. The paintings are drawn with red dots and stripes, isolated or forming small series.

Cueva de Urteaga

The Urteaga Cave is located in the vicinity of Deba. It is one of the most important excavations in the region, given the wide variety of extracts found in the place.

Among the findings are two skulls of the Azilian period and a third, considered one of the most important due to its longevity and being the main link to study the evolution of Cromagnon to the Basque man.

Puente de Deba

The Deba Bridge was inaugurated in 1866. Nowadays it is considered the most representative bridge of the architecture of the province of Guipúzcoa, so in 2006, it was closed to the traffic, to guarantee its conservation. The structure is lined with light grey limestone ashlar and has piers, batteries and vaults.

Ermita de San Nicolás de Lastur

The Chapel of San Nicolás de Lastur is located in the town of Deba and dates from 1625. In the past, the temple had an enormous wooden altarpiece that sheltered the images of the Virgin Mary, Christ crucified, San Isidro, San Nicolás and San Antonio de Padua.

The altarpiece was removed and at present, the figures are placed on stone pedestals.

Legend has it that the chapel formerly had an image of St. Nicholas that was very deteriorated, so the neighbours decided to replace it with a new one. To get rid of the old image, they decided to incinerate it, but the carving did not fit in the bonfire.

In front of this, a neighbour decided to split it in half using an axe, which was broken by hitting the image. Then they tried to split it with a baton, but it also broke. Faced with the inability to break the image of the saint to incinerate, they decided to throw it to the river that passes behind the chapel.

Shortly thereafter, a storm started that lasted three days and three nights. The neighbours stunned by it attributed the phenomenon to the saint and decided to remove the image from the stream. Then the storm ceased.

Given the situation, the neighbours decided to keep the image in the sacristy of the chapel, where it remained until a few years ago when it was transferred to the parish of Itziar.

Cueva de Aixa

The Aixa Cave is the spring of the waters that descend down the hill to reach the River Deba. The cavity is considered one of the largest in the Basque Country, with an extension of more than 12 kilometres.

Paseo Cubierto y el Mercado

The covered promenade and the Deba Market are located in a building from the early 20th century, the work of Manuel Echave and declared a building of Cultural Interest in 1995. The ensemble stands out for the ornamentation of its columns and on the shield is engraved on the date of its construction.

Cueva Ekain

The Ekain Cave is located in the vicinity of Deba. The space was declared, in 2008, as a World Heritage Site for the set of equestrian paintings, of the parietal Franco-Cantabrian art, that it houses in its interior. In addition to these paintings, the interior of the cave has a total of 70 rock figures, with representations of deer, bison, goats, etc., distributed in a length of 150 metres.

Practical information:

Timetable: Closes on Mondays. In summer, from Tuesday to Sunday (from 10:00 to 19:00). In winter, from Mars to Sunday (from 10:00 to 18:00).

Entrance: General (€6), Reduced (€3).

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