San Sebastián to Zarautz
The Basque coast at its finest: Mount Igeldo, the fishing village of Orio, and the endless beach of Zarautz.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- San Sebastián
- Zarautz
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 San Sebastián to Zarautz is 22.1 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 2, with 546 m of ascent and 543 m of descent, completed in about 6 h. Difficulty: Moderate.
Basque coastline with sea views around every bend
After walking alongside La Concha beach on the way out of San Sebastián, the stage tackles a steep 2 km climb up to Mount Igeldo, with sea views throughout and a mix of paved and cobbled stretches. After the descent, you reach Orio, a picturesque fishing village at the mouth of the river Oria, with the only pilgrims' hostel of the entire stage at its entrance.
From Orio, the Camino continues towards Zarautz, whose arrival is announced by a panoramic view of its immense beach, over two kilometres long, a surfing paradise with up to five surf schools and one of the largest beaches in Guipúzcoa.
What the terrain looks like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A steep 2 km climb up Mount Igeldo right after leaving San Sebastián, a steep descent to Orio, and moderate elevation changes on to Zarautz.
Scenery
Sea views throughout, with the fishing village of Orio and the great beach of Zarautz as highlights.
Trail type
A mix of paved and cobbled stretches on the climb up Igeldo, then a coastal path for the rest of the stage.
Villages
Orio, halfway through the stage, with the only hostel on the route.
Water points
Services in Orio halfway through the stage; Zarautz has full amenities at the end.
Shade
Scarce; most of the stage runs through open areas with sea views.
Traffic
Generally light, with some urban stretches in Orio and Zarautz.
Key tip
The Orio hostel (20 beds) only opens from Easter to October; outside those dates, plan your accommodation ahead.
Accommodation in Zarautz
Zarautz has a couple of hostel options, though it is worth booking ahead in high season.
Albergue Gran Camping Zarautz
Facility opened in 2024, on a hill overlooking the beach, within the largest campsite in the Basque Country.
Zarautz Surf House
A hostel with a surf vibe, perfect for combining the Camino with the Zarautz wave scene.
Refuelling on this stage
Orio is the reference intermediate stop; Zarautz offers a great range of Basque cuisine.
Seafood cuisine
Bars and restaurants by the mouth of the river Oria, specialising in fish and seafood.
Notable Basque cuisine
The town has a strong culinary tradition, with several prestigious restaurants.
Stops with history on this stage
Panoramic views over the bay
The highest point of the stage, with views over the Cantabrian Sea in every direction.
Fishing village at the mouth of the Oria
A picturesque fishing village, a must-stop halfway through the stage.
The great surf beach
Over two kilometres of sand, one of the best surf beaches in Spain.
Photomuseum Argazki & Zinema Museoa
A journey through the history of photographic art and technique from its origins.
If you have time, the walk up to Mount Talaimendi from Zarautz offers an impressive view of the coast and passes old txakoli wineries.
Getting there and back
If you are starting here: San Sebastián has a train station and an airport with very good connections.
If you need to head back from Zarautz: there are regular buses to San Sebastián and Bilbao.
Good to know before this stage
Get ready for the climb up Igeldo
It is a steep 2 km climb right after leaving San Sebastián; a good warm-up beforehand helps.
Check the Orio hostel opening dates
It only opens from Easter to October; outside those dates, plan another option.
Enjoy the surf atmosphere in Zarautz
If you have spare time, it is a great place to watch surfers or even try it yourself.
Try the fish in Orio
It is a reference food stop by the river Oria.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the climb up Mount Igeldo
Although the stage overall is moderate, this first stretch is demanding.
Not planning accommodation in Orio outside high season
The stage's only hostel closes from November to March.
Walking past Orio without trying its seafood
It is one of the best food stops on the whole Basque coast.
Not booking accommodation in Zarautz in summer
It is a very popular tourist and surf destination; 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 San Sebastián to Zarautz?
Is the climb up Mount Igeldo hard?
Where can I sleep halfway through the stage?
Why is Zarautz famous?
What can you eat in Orio?
Where can I sleep in Zarautz?
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.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, Guía del Camino de Santiago may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy