Irún to San Sebastián
A beautiful, demanding stage across Mount Jaizkibel, the boat crossing at Pasaia, and Mount Ulía, with the bay of La Concha as the final reward.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Irún
- San Sebastián
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 Irún to San Sebastián is 24.7 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 1, with 630 m of ascent and 651 m of descent, completed in about 7 h 15 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
24.7 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 26.2 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 stage that opens the Camino del Norte, between sea and mountain
The first stage of the Camino del Norte can be split into two distinct parts. The first is the climb to the Guadalupe Sanctuary (545 m, in the municipality of Hondarribia), with 155 m of ascent over just over a kilometre, followed by a long traverse of Mount Jaizkibel, an 8 km coastal range with cliffs over the Cantabrian Sea, down to Pasai Donibane (Pasajes de San Juan), a historic fishing port with houses lined up facing the sea.
There you cross the estuary on a traditional boat to Pasai San Pedro (barely €1, every 15 minutes), one of the most distinctive moments of the entire Camino del Norte. The second part of the stage climbs Mount Ulía (200 m), the day's last effort, with a panoramic view of the bay of La Concha before descending into the historic centre of San Sebastián-Donostia.
What the terrain looks like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Climb to the Guadalupe Sanctuary, traverse of Mount Jaizkibel, descent to Pasaia, boat crossing and final climb up Mount Ulía.
Scenery
Cliffs over the Cantabrian Sea on the Jaizkibel, a historic fishing port in Pasaia and the bay of La Concha from Mount Ulía.
Trail type
Mostly coastal mountain path, with an urban stretch in Pasaia and San Sebastián.
Boat crossing
The Pasaia estuary crossing is done on a traditional boat, every 15 minutes, for about €1.
Water points
Services in Pasai Donibane halfway through the stage; San Sebastián has full amenities at the end.
Shade
Variable; the Jaizkibel and Ulía have open stretches with plenty of sea wind.
Traffic
Light on the mountain stretches, heavier in the urban centres of Pasaia and San Sebastián.
Key tip
There is a higher, more spectacular GR-11 variant; the official Camino del Norte route is recommended for most pilgrims.
Accommodation in San Sebastián
San Sebastián has several hostel options for pilgrims.
La Sirena Youth Hostel
Youth hostel located next to Ondarreta beach, a popular option among pilgrims.
Albergue Mariaren Bihotza
Municipal hostel opened in 2016, on Avenida de Navarra number 1.
Refuelling on this stage
Pasai Donibane is the reference intermediate stop; San Sebastián is one of Spain's great food destinations.
Historic fishing port
Bars and restaurants by the harbour, ideal for a break halfway through the stage.
Pintxos in the Old Town
The city is world-famous for its pintxos culture; the old quarter has an enormous concentration of bars.
Stops with history on this stage
Guadalupe Sanctuary
At 545 m altitude on Mount Jaizkibel, with a church whose origins go back to the 16th century, and views over Txingudi bay.
Cliffs over the Cantabrian Sea
An 8 km coastal mountain range with spectacular sea views.
Traditional boat crossing
One of the most distinctive moments of the entire Camino del Norte, crossing the estuary between Pasai Donibane and Pasai San Pedro.
Bay of La Concha
One of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, visible from Mount Ulía at the end of the stage.
Don't miss the view from Mount Ulía: it's the first glimpse of the bay of La Concha, a memorable moment of the stage.
Getting there and back
If you are starting here: Irún has a train station with international connections to France and the rest of Spain.
If you need to head back from San Sebastián: the city has a train station and an airport, with very good domestic and international connections.
Good to know before this stage
Pace yourself on the climb to the Guadalupe Sanctuary
155 m of ascent over just over a kilometre, right at the start of the stage.
Bring coins for the Pasaia boat
The crossing costs about €1 and departs every 15 minutes; it's quick, but it helps to have change.
Get ready for the wind on the Jaizkibel
The open stretches over the cliffs can have quite a bit of sea wind.
Enjoy the view from Mount Ulía
It's the first panoramic view of the bay of La Concha, a good spot for a photo stop.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the difficulty because it is the first stage
With 630 m of ascent and coastal mountain terrain, it is a demanding way to start the Camino.
Not checking the Pasaia boat schedule
Although it runs every 15 minutes, it's worth confirming the schedule if travelling outside high season.
Rushing past the Guadalupe Sanctuary
The views over Txingudi bay deserve a pause before continuing along the Jaizkibel.
Not booking accommodation in San Sebastián in high season
It is a highly in-demand tourist city; it is worth securing a spot in advance.
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 Irún to San Sebastián?
How do you cross the Pasaia estuary?
Is this first stage very hard?
What is the Guadalupe Sanctuary?
Is there a more spectacular variant of this stage?
Where can I sleep in San Sebastián?
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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