Zarautz → Deba
Getaria, Zumaia and the spectacular Flysch: one of the most beautiful stages of the entire Basque coast, with three notable climbs.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, CaminoCompass may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy
Three notable climbs along the most spectacular Basque coastline
Leaving Zarautz, you need to choose: follow the pedestrian coastal path to Getaria, birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elkano (leader of the first circumnavigation of the Earth five centuries ago), or take the official inland route straight to Zumaia. From Zumaia begins a long but manageable climb, and near the end comes the third and hardest climb of the day, up to Itziar, linked to the final descent into Deba.
There is also an unofficial variant that, without leaving the coast, lets you take a close look at the spectacular Flysch: 13 km of sea cliffs showing over 60 million years of geological history, like a great encyclopaedia of rock layers. It is one of the jewels of the Basque Coast Geopark, shared between Zumaia, Deba and Mutriku.
What the terrain looks like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Three notable climbs: short and steep leaving Zarautz, long but manageable from Zumaia, and the hardest up to Itziar before the final descent into Deba.
Scenery
The Flysch of the Basque coast, with cliffs showing millions of years of geological strata, is the great visual highlight.
Trail type
A mix of coastal promenade, inland route and footpath, depending on the variant chosen.
Villages
Getaria, Zumaia, Askizu, Elorriaga and Itziar before reaching Deba.
Water points
Getaria and Zumaia have full services along the stage.
Shade
Variable, with open coastal stretches and other inland stretches with more vegetation.
Traffic
Generally light, with urban stretches in Getaria, Zumaia and Deba.
Key tip
Decide ahead which variant to follow: the coastal one via Getaria, the official inland one, or the one that gets close to the Flysch.
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.
Accommodation in Deba
Deba has accommodation for pilgrims, with options complemented by nearby Zumaia. Indicative prices per night.
Camping Itxaspe
Offers plots and bungalows, a practical option between Deba and Zumaia for pilgrims.
Zumaia Pilgrims' Hostel
Managed since 2016 by the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago of Gipuzkoa, due to the large number of pilgrims passing through.
Refuelling on this stage
Getaria and Zumaia offer good intermediate stops; Deba has a full range at the end of the day.
Grilled fish
Famous for its fish grills by the harbour, a deeply rooted culinary tradition.
Coastal Basque cuisine
Both towns offer a good range of bars and restaurants.
Stops with history on this stage
Birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elkano
Home town of the navigator who led the first circumnavigation of the Earth; also famous today for its txakoli wineries.
The Flysch, 60 million years of history
13 km of sea cliffs with visible geological strata, part of the Basque Coast Geopark.
Inland village before the final descent
A small village on the stage's hardest climb, right before the descent into Deba.
Weather permitting, a boat trip between Zumaia and Deba offers a unique view of the Flysch from the sea.
Getting there and back
If you are starting here: Zarautz has regular bus connections to San Sebastián and Bilbao.
If you need to head back from Deba: there are train (Topo/Euskotren line) and bus connections to San Sebastián and Bilbao.
Good to know before this stage
Choose your variant ahead of time
The coastal route via Getaria, the official inland route, or the Flysch variant offer different experiences; decide based on your pace and available time.
Save energy for the climb to Itziar
It is the third and hardest climb of the day, right before the final descent into Deba.
Don't miss the Flysch
It is one of the most spectacular geological formations on the entire Basque coast; well worth a photo stop.
Try the grilled fish in Getaria
It is one of the most renowned culinary traditions in the area.
Don't ruin this stage
Not deciding on a variant before setting off
The different options (coastal, inland, Flysch) have different profiles; it helps to know which one to follow beforehand.
Underestimating the third climb to Itziar
Being the last of three notable climbs, it feels harder than expected.
Walking through Getaria without trying its fish
It is one of the most recommendable food stops on the entire Camino del Norte.
Not checking the Zumaia hostel if Deba is full
It is a very commonly used accommodation alternative for pilgrims on this stage.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Zarautz to Deba?
What variants exist on this stage?
What is the Flysch?
Why is Getaria famous?
Is this a hard stage?
Where can I sleep on this stage?
Browse the stages
Activities and excursions in Santiago de Compostela
Old Town walking tour
A small-group walking tour of Santiago's old quarter with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
A guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional Galician flambéed drink, performed and explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Fisterra, Muxía and Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in one full day from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you'll have earned a great breakfast. At Bonsai Café we're waiting for you right in the centre with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee, and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.