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The coastal route
The Coastal Route crosses Mount Jaizkibel and passes through Pasaia and Lezo in this region.
We start our journey in the International Bridge of Santiago in Irun. After having crossed the Natural Park of Bidasoa and the church of Guadalupe and once we have contemplated the Bay of Txingudi, we reach the route which goes from Donibane (San Juan) to Jaizkibel and Hondarribia.
We ascend the mentioned road having at a certain point the option to choose between two paths: Towards Lezo or towards Pasaia:
Towards Lezo: We follow the aforementioned road GI-3440 until we get to the Carlist turret. Here we leave behind the road and take the path which starts close to the farm Olatzar. This path will bring us to the historic centre of Lezo, to the street Auñamendi, and from there to Saldise Square. Crossing the avenue Jaizkibel we take the street Zubitxo which leads us to the Square of Santo Cristo. Climbing Mayor Street we get to the avenue Jaizkibel again (end of the town, close to the cultural house and library Andreone), heading towards Pasai Donibane (San Juan) in the road GI-3440. Once in the historic quarter of Pasai Donibane (San Juan) we go along its 'only street' until we arrive at the Calvary of Pity. There we find the small quay where we take the boat to get to Pasai San Pedro.
Towards Pasaia: Following the road GI-3440 for about 400 metres, we reach a sharp curve. Here we leave behind the road and turning left we take a narrow and steep path which descends. After a stretch of stairs we arrive in Pasai Donibane (San Juan). We continue until we get to the Calvary of pity. There we find the small quay where we take the boat to get to Pasai San Pedro.
Once we have crossed the Bay there are two options:
- We can walk across San Pedro and Trintxerpe and get to Donostia-San Sebastián from Alto de Miracruz along a totally urban route. This is the shortest way.
- After having left the quay behind, we turn left and continue along the narrow street to our right until we get to the stairs in front of the church, these stairs lead us to the cemetery (we reach a sealed Romanic door). We turn left bordering the cemetery's left and back side and ascend to the road. After having passed by an observation place which offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the Bay of Pasaia and its surroundings, the road leads us to the lighthouse of La Plata.
When we get to the esplanade of the lighthouse of La Plata, we find, to our left a path which crosses Mount Mendiola with continuous ups and downs. On our journey we see some of the arcs of an aqueduct in ruins and a stony path, which is quite popular. Afterwards we get to a paved road and to the left we find a school. We turn right, climb a small hill and when the road bifurcates we turn left, continuing towards Mount Ulia and Donostia-San Sebastián. While walking we will see the hostel Ulia. We arrive in Donostia-San Sebastián, at the beach Zurriola to be precise.
Way of St James
Paths, particularly those with as much history as the Way of St. James, do not only guide us through different places, but, with a bit of curiosity and imagination, also take us on a journey back through time to a distant and mysterious past.
Since ancient times there was in Gipuzkoa an important route coming from Aquitaine. This route was part of one of the main European routes leading towards the peninsula, and it was the one which from Oiasso - today's Irun-continued to the Meseta. From here, making its way alongside the River Bidasoa, there was another traditional route which ran along the coast, though it was somewhat more difficult to distinguish. These ways evolved with the passage of time, becoming at a point part of two different roads to Santiago, the desirable destination of hordes of pilgrims since the 9th century.
In the Late Middle Ages, the prevailing manorial structure based on self-sufficient economy led its way to new ranks formed by middle class tradesmen. Thus, thanks to the return of trade, a commercial and monetary economy took over. This gradually strengthened the routes of communication and commercial exchange between towns, particularly the Way of St. James.
Both routes have been recently retraced, so they can be easily followed now. Today they link countless places which are important because of their religious, cultural or natural interest. Each itinerary is clearly signposted and normally stands back from the road. The route is also accessible by mountain bike, with occasional recommended detours for stretches less suitable for pedalling.
Lastly, we should mention that other paths, such as the Arditurri cycle lane in Oiartzun, link the two itineraries, allowing us to take the route of our choice.
Along the St. James´ way in Gipuzkoa
The inland route
Starting our journey in the International Bridge of Santiago in Irun and following the road GI-3452 we get to a crossing in the km 7,5. We continue straight and begin the descent, which after another short climbing brings us to the GI-2134 in the km 8,5 close to the Hotel Gurutze Berri, in the neighbourhood of Gurutze in Oiartzun.
We follow this road for about a kilometre until we get to a paved path to our right, which leads us to the historic centre of Oiartzun by climbing a little bit at first and descending for 500 metres then along the steep San Juan street. While descending we can observe to the left the image of our Lady of Lourdes. We cross the GI-2134 and arrive at the Square of San Esteban, where the town hall of Oiartzun is located.
We leave behind the historic centre of Oiartzun and pass by the ancient washing place. Some metres ahead we find a local path – the Green way of Arditurri (lane for pedestrians and cyclists)- and we cross the road to Artikutza to get to the Iturriotz neighbourhood. We climb the Ozentzio Street and just after having passed by a farm with ducks and pheasants we find a path which descends and leads us to a stream. At this point we cross the bridge.
We climb a narrow and stony route which afterwards descends to a lane. After some ups and downs we reach the top, from where we descend to a cattle farm, first along a grassy path and then through a wooded area. Rapidly we get to a road that we need to cross. Afterwards, we cross a fence and climb quite a steep path which ends with another fence. After having crossed this one too, we continue climbing along a paved route passing by the rural tourism Añarre Zarra until we get to a path which goes through a forest of oaks and beeches for a kilometre. Close to a high voltage tower, a path (very slippery when it rains) descends steeply towards a stream.
From here to the hermitage of Santiagomendi the route is always ascending. When we arrive in the picnic area Frantxilla Berri, close to the road which leads to Landarbaso, we turn right to take the first path going left. The hostel Belabaratz in the neighbourhood Zamalbide in Errenteria is 2km far from this point.
We continue alternating road and paths of grass and soil until we get to a fountain of drinkable water, close to the chapel of Santiagomendi. We have arrived in Astigarraga.
