CAMINO del NORTE - 1. Irun to San Sebastián - Walking with Tania скачать в хорошем качестве

CAMINO del NORTE - 1. Irun to San Sebastián - Walking with Tania

#CaminoDelNorte #CaminoDeSantiago #IrunToSanSebastian #BasqueCountry #PaisVasco #CoastalWalk #PilgrimageJourney #WalkingSpain #CaminoLife #CaminoVibes #HikingSpain #spaintravel Tania Veitch Photography https://www.taniaveitchphotography.com/ https://mymeseta.com/ Here’s a vivid, engaging description of the walk from Irun to San Sebastián—the celebrated opening stage of the Camino del Norte. It’s one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Spain, and it unfolds like a slow‑motion film of Basque landscapes, fishing villages, and Atlantic cliffs. 🌊 Walking from Irun to San Sebastián A coastal journey through Basque beauty 1. Irun → Hondarribia (easy, warm-up section) You begin in Irun, a border town with a gentle urban start. The path quickly leads you toward the Bidasoa estuary, with France just across the water. Soon you reach Hondarribia, one of the most charming towns in the Basque Country—cobbled streets, colourful fishermen’s houses, and a fortified old town perched above the harbour. Highlights • Riverside walking along the Bidasoa • The medieval walls and plazas of Hondarribia • A perfect coffee stop before the climb ahead 2. Hondarribia → Guadalupe → Jaizkibel Ridge (the climb) Leaving Hondarribia, the route rises steadily through forest and quiet lanes toward the Sanctuary of Guadalupe, a whitewashed hilltop church with sweeping views over the estuary and the French coastline. From here, the trail becomes wilder as you climb onto the Jaizkibel ridge—a long, undulating spine of land that feels remote despite being so close to the sea. What it feels like • A mix of forest shade and open ridge walking • Atlantic winds, heather, and rocky outcrops • Views that stretch from Hendaye to the cliffs of Pasaia This is the most physically demanding part of the day, but also the most rewarding. 3. Jaizkibel → Pasaia (dramatic descent to the harbour) The descent into Pasaia is steep but spectacular. You drop from wild headlands into a narrow fjord-like inlet where colourful houses cling to the water’s edge. To cross the harbour, you take a small boat ferry—a beloved Camino moment. It’s only a minute or two, but it feels like stepping into a postcard. Pasaia is unforgettable • Tall, narrow houses in Basque colours • Fishing boats and shipyards • A perfect spot for pintxos before the final stretch 4. Pasaia → Mount Ulia → San Sebastián (clifftop finale) From Pasaia, the trail climbs again onto Mount Ulia, a rugged coastal park with some of the best views on the entire Camino del Norte. The path winds through forest, cliffside ledges, and old military lookouts. Eventually, the trail opens to a breathtaking sight: La Concha Bay, San Sebastián’s iconic crescent of golden sand. You descend gently into the city, arriving right at the shoreline. 🥾 Distance, Difficulty & Timing Total: ~25 km Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Time: 6–8 hours depending on pace and stops 🌊 What Makes San Sebastián Special • La Concha Bay, often cited as one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches, curves gracefully between green headlands. • The city is a culinary powerhouse, boasting one of the highest concentrations of Michelin‑starred restaurants in the world. Pintxos bars in the Old Town are legendary. • Its Old Town (Parte Vieja) blends lively plazas, narrow lanes, and centuries of Basque heritage. 🏖 Top Experiences Here are a few highlights drawn from trusted travel sources: 1. Stroll La Concha Promenade A classic seaside walk with views of Santa Clara Island and the surrounding hills. 2. Explore the Old Town Packed with pintxo bars, historic churches, and the iconic Plaza de la Constitución. 3. Pintxos Crawl Hop from bar to bar sampling small, inventive bites — a must‑do for any foodie. 4. Monte Igueldo Viewpoint Ride the vintage funicular for panoramic views over the bay. 5. Relax on Ondarreta or Zurriola Beach La Concha is the star, but these two offer quieter vibes or great surf depending on your mood. 🧭 A Quick Sense of Place • Region: Basque Country, Spain • Founded: 1180 • Population: ~188,000 (2024) • Character: Elegant, coastal, deeply Basque, and famously delicious. If you’d like, I can help you build: • A 1–3 day itinerary • A pintxos route through the Old Town • A heritage‑focused walk