Markina to Gernika
A long, mountainous stage up to the Zenarruza Monastery, with a final descent into historic Gernika.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Markina
- Gernika
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Markina to Gernika is 25.4 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 5, with 679 m of ascent and 762 m of descent, completed in about 6 h 45 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
A long stage into the cradle of Basque liberties
From Markina-Xemein, the Camino winds through countless trails, tracks, paths and local roads on a mountainous route with constant elevation change. The main climb comes after Bolibar, up to the Zenarruza Monastery (Ziortza), where a small community of Cistercian monks still lives.
After the monastery, the Camino descends towards the great neoclassical church of Ajangiz and finally into Gernika-Lumo, home to the Casa de Juntas and its famous tree, sadly also known for the 1937 bombing immortalised by Picasso in his painting "Guernica".
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A long, mountainous stage with constant elevation change, its main climb coming after Bolibar towards the Zenarruza Monastery.
Scenery
Inland Basque mountains, with the monastic setting of Zenarruza and the Ajangiz valley before Gernika.
Path type
A mix of trails, forest tracks, paths and short stretches of local road.
Villages
Bolibar, the Zenarruza Monastery area and Ajangiz before reaching Gernika-Lumo.
Water points
Available in Bolibar and Ajangiz; stock up before the climb to the monastery.
Shade
Much of the mountain section runs through woodland, with more open stretches near Ajangiz.
Traffic
Generally low, with a few short stretches of quiet local road.
Key tip
This is a long, demanding stage: pace yourself on the climb to Zenarruza and don't save all your energy reserve for the end.
Accommodation in Gernika
Gernika-Lumo has a municipal albergue exclusively for pilgrims.
Albergue de peregrinos de Gernika
A 35-bed municipal albergue, exclusively for pilgrims with a credential, at the Colegio Allende Salazar (C/ Zeharreta, 11). No reservations accepted: it's best to arrive with plenty of time, as check-in usually opens from 15:00.
Refuelling on this stage
Bolibar and Ajangiz offer some options midway through the stage; the best choice comes in Gernika, at the end of the day.
Inland Basque cooking
The town, with a good range of bars and restaurants, is an ideal place to refuel after a long, mountainous stage.
Historic stops on this stage
Zenarruza Monastery
Also known as Ziortza, it is still home to a small community of Cistercian monks, in a setting of great serenity.
Ajangiz's neoclassical church
A grand neoclassical church marking the last stop before the final descent into Gernika.
Casa de Juntas and the Gernika Tree
The historic seat of the General Assembly of Biscay, next to the famous oak that symbolises Basque liberties.
Memory of the 1937 bombing
The town was marked by the bombing Picasso immortalised in his painting "Guernica"; the Peace Museum tells this story.
If time allows, visiting the Casa de Juntas and the Gernika Tree is one of the most meaningful stops on the entire Camino del Norte.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Markina-Xemein has a bus connection to Bilbao and other towns in Biscay.
If you need to head back from Gernika: the town has good train (Euskotren) and bus connections to Bilbao.
What to know before this stage
Pace the climb to Zenarruza
It's the main demand of the day, on a long stage with constant elevation change.
Stock up in Bolibar and Ajangiz
These are the intermediate refuelling points before reaching Gernika.
Arrive early at the Gernika albergue
It doesn't take reservations and check-in usually opens from 15:00.
Save time for the Casa de Juntas
It's one of the most meaningful visits on the whole Camino del Norte; worth not rushing.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the stage's length
It's 25.4 km with constant elevation change; start early from Markina-Xemein.
Not stocking up before the climb to Zenarruza
Services are limited between Bolibar and Ajangiz.
Arriving late at the Gernika albergue without a backup plan
It doesn't take reservations and beds are limited: have a private alternative in mind.
Walking past the Casa de Juntas
It's one of the most historically significant stops on the whole Camino del Norte.
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're wondering before this stage
How many kilometres from Markina to Gernika?
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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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