Hiking trail from Zumaia to Deba in north of Spain is part of long distance trail GR 121 “Talaia route”. It follows the entire section 5. Enjoy varied terrain by coastline, through farms and forrest. You will encounter several grazing animals along the route. The trail will become very muddy and slippery after rain.
More about the long distance trail and more about section 5 HERE
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 540km (6h 45min)
Madrid – 430km (4h 30min)
Bilbao – 80km (1h)
By car: Park close to Zumaia train station where is large free parking lots for campers and truck.
By public transport: Go to Zumaia or Deba by train from larger cities such as Bilbao or Donostia.
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at Camping Zumaia. It is expensive, but if you travel in low season with ASCI card, you will pay 25 EUR. More information HERE
Alternatively park at free parking lot between the camping Zumaia and train station, although without any facilities and at your own risk.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
You could follow the trail without additional navigation. The trail is marked by white/red marking on trees, stones, signs and other landmarks. The trail is marked in both directions and it is frequented in both directions. There is a map available at the trail start and at important points along the trail. It is possible to get an App or download gspx HERE
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail is mostly easy but after rain, it is extremely muddy and slippery. The recommended time for this trail is about 5hours and if the trail is muddy, I suggest to indeed leave sufficient time to complete the trail unless you are able to walk fast and safely on such trails.
The trail passes many farms with dogs and they are either leashed or fenced. However at the last farm I passed before reaching Deba, a dog charged at me, barking aggresively, luckily I was able to pass safely.
You can take train easily between Deba and Zumaia for less than 3 EUR. Check the schedule in advance as the train goes only 1x hour.
Zumaia to Elorriaga
Start your hike from Zumaia to San Telmo chapel, you will find a map with further trail details. If you have time, you can also first visit the beautiful Itzurun beach just below the chapel. The trail then continues slightly down before rising steeply along the cliff side.
Once reached the peak, the trail will start turning inland along farm fields until a road. The terrain is dirt path with some steeper uphills and downhills. This part can be muddy. Once you reach road, continue. The terrain is easy although again some steeper uphills and downhills. This was the easiest part of the trail. You will reach Elorriaga parking lot. From here you continue straight or head down 500m to a viewing point before joining the trail again after 1,5 km. If you have a lot of time and feel like it you could also make it all the way down to the beach, note that this will add couple kms and elevation gain to your hike.
Elorriaga to Mendatagaina
You will only pass by the edge of the small village Elorriaga before heading into fields again. This time you will walk through the fields, meaning cattle or other animals might be grazing on the trail or alongside of it. You then descent down through small forrest until Sakoneta beach. It is very small rocky beach with great views on the cliffs. From the beach there is steep uphill and downhill. Both sides can be very muddy and here is the biggest risk of slipping and falling. After that you will climb next big hill on slightly easier and less muddy terrain. Here you can make side trip 300m to viewing point Mendatagaina
Mendatagaina to Deba
Descent through forrest and then enjoy short easy flat trail along the coast, passing nice tunnel. Then further uphills and downhills on forrest trails, passing busy road on over-bridge. From here is mostly steep uphill through fields with some barriers you need to walk over or around. Some parts can be muddy. It will take you to chapel Andre Katalina Basaeliza. Enjoy last view on the cliffs and some information boards, also in English. After the chapel you start descent to Deba village, still about 2km away. Pass by several farms before last walk on farm roads. Mostly easy but here I encountered the deepest mud puddles. They were ankle deep, slippery and sometimes deeper than you thought. Once you reach the road, the road is very slippery and steep downhill. Final part is on steep cobble path. You can enjoy some elevators to enjoy the final descent before reaching train station or continue on GR121.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: Majority of the trail is in open area with occasional small forrests.
Geocaching: There are no geocaches or Adventure labs along the trail.
Dogs: It is possible to do the trail with dog, but I would not encourage as you pass many farms with protective farm dogs. You also pass fields with grazing cows. Dogs must be leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in trail runners with very good profile or hiking boots. Walking sticks recommended.
Trail running: Ideal for experienced trail runner. Not recommended after rain
FACILITIES
Facilities are only available at the start and at the end so plan accordingly.
Restrooms: At Zumaia or Deba village, at Elorriaga
Restaurants: At Zumaia or Deba village
Shops: At Zumaia or Deba village
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in October 2024 on Monday. I had mild weather, around 15 degrees. Occasional sun and one light shower. I met several people on the trail despite being Monday and the trail conditions. Expect crowds on weekends, especially in summer.
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