NEW – walk the Basque Pyrenees to the Atlantic Back to News

The well-kept villages of Spain’s western Pyrenees are the true centre of Basque culture, protected by the mountains from incursion. This is a border zone where French influences are also strong, but foremost is an outgoing friendliness resulting from the pride of being born Basque.

Our new self-guided walk begins inland, exploring unspoilt farming country and some extraordinary village architecture, as well as climbing Mount Alba. Walking northwest, you’ll pop over the border into France briefly, before reaching the sea and taking a small boat across the water to Hondarribia, a town with an incomparable old walled centre. Then, for the hardy, a spectacular ridge walk along the coast to San Sebastian, laid out around two sandy bays below our cliff-top approach. This European City of Culture (2016) is well worth a visit, and makes a triumphant climax to the holiday.

The full 8-night version of this new walk is a challenge, with great rewards. There are plenty of options, however, to either take an easier route or to ride with the luggage part of the way. Or look at the 7, 6 and 5-night versions if you are pressed for time. All include stays in some beautifully restored Basque village houses, and there are grander upgrade options for a little luxury.

Find out more and reserve your holiday here.