recommended route
Donostia-San Sebastian to Orio
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View to San Sebastian from Sacred Heart Christ StatuePhoto: Josiah Skeats, Macs Adventure
Throughout today’s hike the Atlantic Ocean remains a constant companion, always on your right. Sometimes it’ll be just glimpses through the trees that you snatch, but more often its blue and glittering expanse stretches like a rug to the horizon and provides an inspiring backdrop to the routine scenes of farming and local life that unfold before you. This landscape is ancient and unchanged; documents record the sale of nearby farmland more than 800 years ago, and the cobbled footpath you walk on is a mediaeval road that has watched countless pilgrims and locals pass.
Orio is a traditional fishing village that sits at the junction between sea, river and mountains, making it an attractive place to spend an afternoon. The village is inextricably linked with the pilgrimage route; San Martin Chapel, which you will pass at the crest of the hill, was Orio’s first Parish Church and has been welcoming worshippers and pilgrims since the 13th century.
From Orio, a pleasant 25-minute train journey courses beside the river and returns you to Donostia-San Sebastian, where you can spend another night scratching the surface of everything the city offers. The trains generally run twice hourly, and costs a couple of euros; More information available here: https://www.euskotren.eus/en/tren
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
There are some exposed and unfenced edges throughout the walk; be careful and remain on the path.
There are several stretches where you must walk on the road as there is no pavement. Walk on the left side facing the oncoming traffic unless there is a sharp bend, in which case you should cross to the outside edge to allow drivers the maximum time to see you.
Much of the path is along rocky and wooden steps; be careful as these may be slippery, especially when wet.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Camino del Norte
The Camino del Norte (northern pilgrimage route) is one of the 8 main routes to Santiago de Compostela, and thought to be the oldest – necessitated by Muslim-occupied areas further south. It is also one of the more mountainous and tougher routes, meaning it was largely abandoned as flatter routes to the south became safe.
San Martin Chapel
The chapel on the hill above Orio is dedicated to San Martin, the patron saint of pilgrims. It is said to have been Orio’s first parish church, built in the 13th century and renovated in the 16th century. It is a listed monument along the Camino del Norte.
‘Sacred Heart’ – Christ Statue
Since 1950 Christ has stood on the peak of Mount Urgull, watching over Conch Bay and transforming San Sebastian into a miniature-Rio de Janeiro. From here you can enjoy wonderful views across the city, and to two coastal bays. The statue is built atop a castle, one of many defensive fortifications that have been constructed on the mountain since the 12th century. A small museum in the castle details the city’s history.
More information available here: https://www.sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/to-do/what-not-to-miss/mount-urgull#sagrado_corazon
Food and Drink
After leaving San Sebastian there are few opportunities to buy food or drink before arriving in Orio, so be sure to bring sufficient provisions with you.
You will pass a restaurant after 7.5 kilometres, though if you are relying on this for your lunch, be sure to check it is open - https://www.asadornikolas.es/
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00km – Start on the promenade beside the large pillars – one with a clockface and the other a pressure barometer – and then CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to walk with the sea and beach on your right, headed away from the Jesus statue.
1.60km – Roughly 100 metres before the end of the beach, and with steps down to the beach on your right, TURN LEFT to walk through the park. There are plenty of yellow arrows to guide you here, on the streetlight, the bin, the wall and the floor. After 50 metres, TURN RIGHT towards the bus stop and wooded hill. Ignore the sharp right turn that passes car parking and returns to the beach.
1.70km – TURN LEFT as the road forks around a central triangle, following the sign to Igueldo. After 200 metres, TURN RIGHT onto the uphill road, ‘Marbil Bidea’. As the road bends left after 100 metres, BEAR RIGHT onto the uphill set of steps, and continue climbing them as they criss-cross the road.
2.30km – As the steps emerge onto a gravel road beside information boards, BEAR RIGHT to continue heading uphill. After 300 metres, you will enjoy a beautiful to San Sebastian through a clearing in the trees, and then immediately BEAR LEFT onto the footpath, following yellow arrows.
3.10km – As you reach a paved road, BEAR LEFT diagonally to cross through two sections of car parking, and then as you reach a more major paved road opposite a bus timetable, TURN RIGHT to head uphill, ignoring the downhill left turn to Donostia/San Sebastian. Remain on this road for 800 metres.
3.90km – TURN RIGHT from the main road and onto Amezti Kalea, passing large recycling bins. As this road forks after 100 metres, BEAR RIGHT to head downhill.
4.30km – Having passed a shrine/rest area for pilgrims marking 795km to Santiago de Compostela, TURN RIGHT then TURN LEFT at the junction. There are yellow arrows to guide you. Remain on this road for 1.7 kilometres, ignoring all side roads.
6.00km – BEAR LEFT as the road bends sharply uphill, and then after 20 metres, TURN RIGHT onto Arritxulo Bidea, following the sign to Orio.
7.10km – BEAR RIGHT onto Agiti Bidea to continue along the flat road and ignoring the sharp left turn which heads uphill. As the road forks after 100 metres, BEAR LEFT uphill onto Buztinzuri Bidea.
7.70km – Shortly after cresting a small hill, TURN LEFT onto the steeply uphill concrete road signposted to Buztinzuri Bidea for houses 19 - 31. Ignore the sharp left turn. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON along the muddy path through woodland after 600 metres.
9.40km – As the footpath emerges onto a gravel road beside a tree-trunk bench, TURN LEFT to head uphill. After 500 metres, TURN RIGHT onto the flat and narrow muddy path that passes between ferns. This path can be easy to miss, so check the map regularly as you approach it.
10.80km – TURN LEFT as you emerge onto a paved road to head away from the farm building/converted tourist apartment, on your right. As the road bends sharply left after 600 metres, BEAR RIGHT to pass a house on your right. After 20 metres, TURN LEFT onto the narrow mud path which walks with a wire fence and fields on either side.
11.60km – TURN LEFT onto the gravel road and then after 5 metres, TURN RIGHT onto the downhill paved road. As the road bends steeply left after 700 metres, and beside an information board, TURN RIGHT onto the downhill mud path. Remain on this downhill woodland path, ignoring all side paths.
13.70km – As the cobbled road emerges onto a paved road, BEAR RIGHT to continue downhill. You’ll have a glimpse to the red roofs of Orio on your right.
13.90km – As you reach a junction with a more major road, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to cross the zebra crossing (black-and-white markings) and head downhill on the gravel footpath. This will pass through a tunnel under the motorway.
14.30km – Once you have passed under the motorway, immediately TURN RIGHT onto the steep uphill road, signposted to San Martin Baseliza.
15.40km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON as the road becomes cobbled, passing through a No Entry sign and ignoring all side roads.
15.60km – The yellow arrows become a little confusing beside the church. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to head down towards the river. Upon reaching the river, TURN LEFT and then TURN RIGHT to cross the bridge.
16.10km – Once across the bridge, the train station is diagonally on your right. There is a set of steps and a lift on your right, to help you cross the road. Return to ‘Amara-Donostia’ by train.
Note
Public transport
From Orio, take a train back to San Sebastian where you will spend a second night at your hotel. From the Tourist Information Office in Orio, it is a 6-minute walk to the train station (called Aia-Orio). You will be taking the ‘Euskotren’ train in the direction of Amara Donostia (it is important to remember that San Sebastian is referred to as ‘Donostia’ locally). Timetables can be found here: https://www.euskotren.eus/en/tren/horarios (click on E1 Matiko-Amara). At the time of writing, trains depart every hour from Aia-Orio at 15 mins past the hour. Please always check for up to date timetables by clicking the above link. The journey takes about 20 mins and you should get off at Amara Donostia, as it is the most central stop and closest to hotels, the beaches and old town.
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof/wind-break layer are required. Walking poles will be a big advantage on some of the steep ascents and descents.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Make sure you bring enough water. It is recommended to drink 0.75 litres per 1 hour of hiking in hot weather.
Be sure to bring plenty of sun-cream and a healthy respect for the sun.
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