The peaks of the Basque Pyrenees 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 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 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.

On Foot Holidays’ route in the wild hills of the Basque Pyrenees is one of our most popular, and gets some great feedback:

“We loved the peace and quiet. I loved having conversations with the locals and hearing their stories. One of my favorite experiences was our encounter with the horses. We were able to get quite close to some. I also truly enjoyed the day we hiked the French side of the Pyrenees. The vistas were out of this world. And hiking the ridge to San Sebastian was awesome.”

“The options to vary walks were great. Aznar was outstanding! He communicated with us regularly, his advice and suggestions on things to see, do and experience, and places to eat was fantastic. Undoubtedly the best we have ever had – and we’ve done several self-guided holidays.”

Andrew Morris sent us some video clips, and you can also read an account of his walk on the Silver Travel Advisor website.

See more about the Basque Pyrenees here, or call us to speak to Simon or Mary who have both walked the route.