Deba › Markina-Xemein

🗺 Stage Map

📖 Stage Description

The stage leaves the coast for the first time since the start. The path climbs above Deba and plunges into the Basque hinterland: a sea of green hills, isolated caseríos and pastoral landscapes dotted with stone crosses.

The pace changes. The sea and its breezes are far behind. Hermitages line the way, testament to the deeply rooted Catholicism of Basque culture. Olatz and its wooded hills reveal a wild and little-visited face of Euskadi.

Markina-Xemein is a classic Basque market town with its central pelota court, weekly market and peaceful atmosphere. The late Gothic church of Santa María de Xemein presides over the town.

🌄 Walking Conditions

Sun exposure and terrain type over 27,1 km

☀ Sun Exposure

🥾 Terrain

⏱ Estimated Time for You

Estimate your time based on your profile — calculation based on Naismith's rule.

📍 Villages and Waypoints

• 0km

  Deba · Start

  Coastal Basque village, 15th-century Gothic church, harbour.

  💧 Water🛒 Shops🏕 Accommodations
• 10km

  Olatz

  Basque mountain hamlet. Hermitage, fountain, absolute peace and quiet.

  💧 Water
• 23,7km

  Markina-Xemein · End

  Basque market town with pelota court, market, Gothic church. Good facilities.

  💧 Water🛒 Shops🏕 Accommodations🍽 Restaurant

⚠ Practical Information

• ⛰
  Climbs

  Significant elevation gain — the most demanding stage since San Sebastián

  Forest trails can be muddy in wet weather

  Few supplies between Deba and Markina — pack a picnic
• 💧
  Water points

  Deba (km 0)

  Olatz fontaine (km 10)

  Markina-Xemein (km 23,7)
• 🏡
  Accommodation

  Municipal albergue in Markina-Xemein

  Several private rooms in local homes (casa rural)

  Booking recommended in July–August