A different way to know Euskadi is walking, the network of trails signposted as PR (short-distance), GR (Grand Tour) and SL (Local path), making stops at those points of the path in which you want to know without rush, towns and lesser-known corners, a museum visit, learn the local cuisine, or just relax in an area of spectacular views.You can find proposals for all kinds of public and levels.
GR 121 Trail Gipuzkoa San Sebastián-Orio
The Great Route Trail, GR 121- Gipuzkoa, travels around the perimeter of Gipuzkoa in 21 stages. The stretch San Sebastián -Orio is one of the most interesting stages of this route. It is a well-preserved coastline and features many geological, natural, cultural and historical features of great interest.
From a geological point of view it is necessary to mention the importance of the coastal monoclinal, a formation that includes a part of the coast of Gipuzkoa and that can be observed in different points of the route. The difficult orography of the area and the absence of bays or river channels in this stretch, make this coast abrupt and wild, and constitute an environment of high natural value. In addition, the scenic beauty of the area is another of the exceptional features to mention.The historical aspect is no less relevant, since in this area, and even on the very edge of the sea, there were quarries from which quarry stone was extracted for the development and building projects of San Sebastian. Specifically, and according to local residents, from the vicinity of Gaztainarroka stone was extracted for the construction of the Hotel María Cristina de San Sebastian.
As in the case of the other Basque capitals, a few minutes from San Sebastián we have theoffer of hiking both the Basque Coast and Gipuzkoa in Green with an extensive network of trails in the Natural Parks.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is the starting point to enjoy the network of Green Itineraries of Alava. A network of access to nature. Currently the network consists of 978 km of roads recovered and enabled for hiking and cycling, in addition to another 189 km in project. This network allows direct contact with the natural and rural environment of Alava, as well as the enjoyment of its landscape richness, natural and cultural values.
Green Itineraries that run through the Biodiversity of Álava
The territory of Alava is home to a great biological biodiversity, and in this way numerous natural areas have been declared protected, by and to preserve all this rich heritage inherited. A total of 68% of our territory is part of the Natura 2000 Network, Natural Parks and Protected Biotopes, Ramsar Wetlands, Outstanding and Singular Landscapes, and the Ecological Corridors Network. And on this valuable territorial reality has woven a network of itineraries, which crosses and crosses, to show us as it is, to our delight and recognition.
More information here http://www.alavaturismo.eus/index.php/en/nature/green-routes
Talaia Hondarribia-Pasaia
Talaia becomes the witness of the latitudinal route that, without turning its back on the sea, reaches Hendaia. Thus, the journey begins in the neighboring Hondarribia, and after crossing the gipuzkoana coast, ends in Saturraran. The first stage is as follows: Hondarribia – Pasai Donibane.
It is an approximate route of 22 kilometers that unites both localities. In addition to the maritime flavor emanating the localities that mark the beginning and the end of the stage, the path allows to know the most outstanding characteristics of Mount Jaizkibel. Likewise, it is an ideal way to get closer to the remains, still alive, derived from the activities and historical events developed over the centuries.
Former trades, fratricidal wars, border establishment, naval evolution and other curiosities are intermingled with the streams, prairies and sharp capes that shelters the north route. After all, it is a route that shows in an attractive way the natural and cultural heritage that the coast of Gipuzkoa hides. Source Gipuzkoa mendizmendiz.
Itineraries Jaizkibel
It is a key component of the landscape. With a parallel layout to the coast, the falls towards the sea are very abrupt in the western part, with cliffs of up to 240 m of height. It offers different routes, from the easternmost part the relief is less abrupt and small coves are formed and Barranadasof the streams until the Cantabrian. In these areas also species of extremely rare flora in the rest of Europe, like some tropical ferns, take refuge. Some colonies of seagulls, both dark and yellow, own their nests on the cliffs of Jaizkibel. Other sea birds, some very rare as the common pandas, have also been mentioned in this environment, along with reptiles as interesting as the greenish lizard or the green-yellowsnake.
Peñas de Aia (AiakoHarria)
Between the rivers Urumea and Bidasoa stands out the imposing solid mass of the denominated Peñas de Aia (AiakoHarria). To the singular beauty, marked by its characteristic silhouette is united its great geological interest, because it constitutes the only granite massif of Euskadi and the oldest material of this territory. Within this natural space we also find, the area corresponding to the “Cordale de Urdaburu-Añarbe” with its impressive oak and beech forests, the interesting “Landarbaso caves” and the clear water plate by the “Añarbe reservoir”.
However, if for any reason it was necessary to make AiakoHarria stand out, it would be because of its fauna. In the Endara regatta the Atlantic salmon still exists, also reintroduced in the river Urumea, the desman of the Pyrenees and the European mink. Flying over the sky, the vulture. In the grasslands that surround the upper end of the Endara is the royal harrier and in the rockers the rocker aircraft, the alpine accentor and the red rocker. The forest of Urdaburu, counts withthe presence of wildcat and roe deer, both coming from the neighboring mountains of Navarre. In the presence of other typical birds is added the colorful picogordo that is only found in this area of the whole Basque Country.
Zarautz is surrounded by nature and in a few minutes you can pass from the town center to a nearby humanized mountain with hermitages, vineyards of txakoli, hamlets with orchards and labor lands that provide local produce to the village market.
There is a wide variety of routes such as Elkano, Santa Bárbara-Getaria, Talaimendi, Urteta and for the more demanding the return to Zarautz that leaves from the parish of the locality and counts witha route of 23.7 kms and a height of 500m.
Find out in the Tourist Office and choose the one that best suits your needs.
TalaiaZarautz – Zumaia
It is the fifth stage of this itinerary that runs along the coast of Gipuzkoa, with a distance of 9.6 km. The beach, and the route, begin at the Biotopo de Iñurritza, at one end of the village of Zarautz, which we cross to Munoa Square and Santa María la Real church, leaving them behind. The road goes up the Roman road, highway two thousand years ago. Going up, we will reach the watchtower of Santa Bárbara, which, like Orio, was a strategic point for whale watching. Whale watching is currently not seen, but the view of Zarautz is unbeatable. We retrace our path along the road to Getaria, the birthplace of Don O Getariako Txakolina.
After taking a refreshing drink in the foothills of the Mouse of San Antón, Zumaia is our next goal. It is at the mouth of the Urola River and in thousands of sheets of its cliffs are written 50 million years of history of our planet. It is the Flysch, the geological formation that brings together geologists from all over the world and leaves visitors astounded. Source Gipuzkoa mendiz mendiz.
PR-GI 202 Mendiko Txakolina and PR-GI 201 Sustraia (circular paths of UrolaKosta)
Ideal trails to travel through txakoli vineyards or to go around Urola Kosta.