Holidays in Spain: hiking from Cape Figuier to the port of Pasaia

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From the Cap du Figuier lighthouse, it's a 21-kilometer walk—a good day's walk—and a 780-meter elevation gain. Trail shoes, poles to help me on the slopes of Jaizkibel, a picnic, water bottle, and sunscreen: I take care not to forget anything. The first few kilometers are invigorating, once I pass the unpleasant smell of the wastewater treatment plant. The ocean breeze accompanies the first climbs, making them largely bearable. Maritime pines, flowering gorse, and brambles punctuate this coastal route.

The landscape quickly opens up: a stream winds between vast pastures where a few pottoks graze on the edge of the cliffs, offering superb shots. After several coves, you reach, about 7 kilometers away, Biosnar Point, a rocky arm jutting out into the Atlantic.

At the heights of Jaizkibel (547 meters), the atmosphere changes. The forest thickens, providing shade and freshness. The well-maintained path allows you to cross the streams without difficulty. Further on, the porous rocks sculpted by erosion and sea spray evoke a mineral Gruyère cheese. This unique landscape accompanies the steep descent to Pasaia. From the path, the view overlooks the sapphire-blue fjord and, soon, the port. The multiple viewpoints are striking.

After arriving, follow the river mouth to the historic quarter. To reach the Euskotren – Topo station, a maritime shuttle crosses the Oiartzun River estuary. This is one last little adventure before embarking for Irún, which takes about thirty minutes. However, you'll still need to arrange another means of transport to get back to the Cap du Figuier car park.

Where to eat?

On the slopes of Jaizkibel, near the Sanctuary of Guadalupe, the Casa Justiz, an authentic inn, offers a welcome refreshment or, for the hungriest, a typical Hegoalde meal based on txistorras (Basque cold cuts), croquetas and other pintxos.

Where to sleep?

Donibanea Hotel