Deba to Markina
The most solitary stage of the Camino del Norte, with the climb to Collado de Arno as the roof of the Basque stretch.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Deba
- Markina
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Deba to Markina is 23.3 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 4, with 817 m of ascent and 743 m of descent, completed in about 6 h 15 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
23.3 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 24.4 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
The most solitary stage of the Camino del Norte
Shortly after leaving Deba, the Camino runs 150 metres along the GI-638 road towards Mutriku, before heading inland towards Olatz. It is the stage with the fewest intermediate services on the entire Camino del Norte, so it is worth setting off well stocked up.
After Olatz comes the day's big climb: Collado de Arno, with 300 m of ascent in just 3 km. At 496 metres altitude, it is the highest point of the entire Camino del Norte on its Basque stretch. Past the pass, the descent leads to Markina-Xemein, where the 16th-century Church of Santa María de Xemein stands out, right at the entrance along the Camino.
What the terrain looks like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A short initial road stretch towards Mutriku, then inland terrain to Olatz and the steep climb to Collado de Arno (300 m over 3 km).
Scenery
Inland Basque mountains, with Collado de Arno as the roof of the route and wide views from its 496 m.
Trail type
A mix of a brief road stretch and inland mountain paths.
Villages
Mutriku (partially) and Olatz before the climb to Collado de Arno.
Water points
Very scarce: it is the stage with the fewest intermediate services on the entire Camino del Norte.
Shade
Variable, with wooded stretches in the mountain area.
Traffic
Very light, typical of a solitary inland stage.
Key tip
Set off from Deba well stocked with water and food: services are barely present until reaching Markina-Xemein.
Accommodation in Markina-Xemein
Markina-Xemein has a reference pilgrims' hostel, run by volunteers.
Convento del Carmen Pilgrims' Hostel
Open since 2007, with 45 beds, located behind the Carmelite Fathers' Convent, next to the Town Hall. It reopened in 2025, consolidating its key role on this stage.
Refuelling on this stage
Services are very scarce along the way; Markina-Xemein offers the best choice at the end of the day.
Inland Basque cuisine
The town has bars and restaurants to refuel after a demanding stage.
Stops with history on this stage
The roof of the Basque Camino del Norte
At 496 m altitude, it is the highest point of the entire Camino del Norte in the Basque Country.
Church of Santa María de Xemein
A large 16th-century church, right at the entrance to the town along the Camino.
Convent and Church of El Carmen
17th-18th century religious complex, founded in 1691, on the square of the same name.
Church of San Miguel de Aretxinaga
Famous for its three large natural rocks, a unique geological curiosity in the area.
The three rocks of Aretxinaga are one of Markina-Xemein's most singular sights: well worth a look if time allows.
Getting there and back
If you are starting here: Deba has a train connection (Topo/Euskotren line) and buses to San Sebastián and Bilbao.
If you need to head back from Markina-Xemein: there are bus connections to Bilbao and other towns in Biscay.
Good to know before this stage
Stock up well in Deba
It is the stage with the fewest intermediate services on the entire Camino del Norte.
Pace yourself on the climb to Collado de Arno
It's 300 m of ascent over just 3 km, the main challenge of the day.
Bring warm clothing for the pass
At 496 m altitude, inland, wind and temperature can catch you off guard.
Check the availability of the Markina hostel
It is the reference option on this stage; it reopened in 2025 after a temporary closure.
Don't ruin this stage
Leaving Deba without enough water or food
Services are practically non-existent until Markina-Xemein.
Underestimating Collado de Arno
It's the highest point of the Basque Camino del Norte; face it with some energy in reserve.
Not visiting the rocks of Aretxinaga
It is a unique geological curiosity that many tired pilgrims overlook on arrival.
Rushing because it is a solitary stage
Scarce services don't mean you should speed up; keep a comfortable, safe pace.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Deba to Markina?
Why is it the most solitary stage of the Camino del Norte?
What is Collado de Arno?
Where can I sleep in Markina-Xemein?
What can you see in Markina-Xemein?
Is this stage difficult?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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