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Arrive at Bilbao airport, and transfer to our centrally located hotel.
Our first hike starts from the beaches near Getxo, but has an urban character, it goes along the river Nervion to the pretty old town of Bilbao. Until then, we browse and walk along the banks of the Nervion, which have changed rapidly in recent years. Where once the waterfront was dominated by heavy industry, today an alternative scene beckons with friendly eateries in old docks and warehouses from the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Here we can stop and enjoy delicious pintxos with fruity Basque Xacoli wines. We will also cross the famous suspension bridge at Portugalete on foot (5hrs walking).
A particularly beautiful stretch of coast between Getxo and Plentzia awaits us today. Steep cliffs alternate with extensive beaches where surfers frolic in the waves of the Cantabrian Sea on this hike along the steep cliffs, allowing us to enjoy great views across the sea. It’s a wonderful spectacle of the waves rolling in, to get a sense of the legendary relationship between the Basques and their adventurous maritime history around the ocean; corsairs, fishermen, adventurers, emigrants and whalers. Later we return by train from Plentzia to our hotel (5hrs walking).
Today we travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Our walk starts above the green coast between Zumaia and Zarautz via Getaria. We will learn more about the very impressive geological formations of the so-called flysch near Zumaia. Later, there are opportunities to learn about the anchovy tradition in a factory in Getaria and to taste the txakoli wine of the area (3 1/2 hrs walking).
We leave San Sebastian on foot and start on the lesser known and very natural section of the GR 121 along the rocky coast, which allows again for wonderful views of the city and the Atlantic. Under dense, fairytale-like deciduous forest, we meet isolated hikers who are walking their pilgrimage route to Santiago from here. On the way, you can admire the rocks of Ulia before reach the quaint, medival fishing village Pasaia Donibane. Later we return by train or local bus and enjoy San Sebastian’s legendary culinary gastronomy with pintxos in the cosy bars of the old town (3 hrs walking).
Our last hike takes us into the hinterland, to Artikutza, one of the best-preserved, original forests in the Basque Country with very lush vegetation. A circular walk takes us to the Artikutza reservoir. In the afternoon we return to San Sebastian.
Today is a free day, to explore more of San Sebastián with its famous La Concha beach. Not to be missed out either – the museum of Eduardo Chillida, the region’s most famous sculptor.
Transfer to Bilbao airport and flight home.
