HIKE FLYSCH ZUMAIA DEBA

Technical Route Details:

Distance: 9.4 miles on foot (it is not necessary to complete the entire route; it can be adjusted along the way).
Elevation gain: 553 meters.
Elevation loss: 546 meters.
Technical difficulty: Moderate, with some challenging sections but accessible for hikers with very basic experience.
Maximum altitude: 219 meters above sea level.
Estimated hiking time: Approximately 5 hours, depending on pace and breaks.

This is a moderately easy route with gentle elevation gain, suitable for hikers with basic experience.

Get ready to witness one of the most breathtaking landscapes of your life with this incredible route. This adventure includes an impressive 5-hour hike (approximately 14 kilometers, but can be shortened) through the stunning cliffs and beaches that form part of the Basque Geopark, followed by a delicious meal of typical Basque cuisine. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking a unique experience while admiring the landscapes that reveal the evolution of Earth’s history. 

We will explore the impressive Basque Geopark, which is also part of the Camino de Santiago Norte. This place has revealed to scientists important geological aspects of Earth’s evolution, such as the creation of the Pyrenees or the disappearance of the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago. 

One of the most beautiful environments in Guipúzcoa 

We will start our tour in Zumaia and head towards the Hermitage of San Telmo, located just a few meters from the cliff formed by the Flysch (this word comes from German and means “to flow” or “to slide”). The Flysch are rock layers, like layers of pastry, bathed by the sea, which began their formation under the sea by accumulation of sediments over several million years. All these sediments ended up folding, fracturing, and lifting to create these unique folds and elevations, as a result of the movement of the continental tectonic plates. 

After visiting the Ermita de San Telmo, we’ll follow the path along the cliff, where you can enjoy stunning views of Itzurun Beach and the Cantabrian coast (a great moment to snap some photos!). We’ll continue along the coast with gentle ups and downs, passing by landmarks such as Punta de Algorri, Portutxiki Beach, and Sakoneta before ascending Mendatagaina Hill. From here, we’ll have incredible views of the entire route we’ve traveled. We’ll cross some tunnels and a bridge over the road before arriving at the Ermita de Santa Catalina, a privileged spot for its beautiful surroundings. It’s a paradise by the sea, located in the heart of the Geoparke of the Basque Coast. 

As we descend towards Deba, a historic town and attractive summer destination that combines heritage, pristine valleys, and Flysch, we’ll have the pleasure of enjoying the delicious Basque cuisine with a mouth-watering menu at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect way to conclude this wonderful tour.