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Stage of the Camino

Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Irún

From Saint-Jean-de-Luz To Irún

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Destination

Irún

Distance

15.40 km

Duration

4.00 h

Difficulty

Easy

Ascent

230 m

Stage of the Camino

Stage Description

Border stage crossing from the French Basque Country to the Spanish Basque Country. From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the road momentarily moves away from the coast to pass through Ciboure and Urrugne, and begins the ascent to the Ibardin pass, a historic mountain pass between France and Spain. After the border it descends to Bera/Vera de Bidasoa and links up with the Bidasoa valley to Irún. There is also a variant along the coast passing through Hondarribia. The stage, about 16-18 km long, combines Atlantic scenery, oak forests and a barely perceptible border crossing. It ends in Irún, the first Spanish town on the Camino del Norte.
The Madrid Way starts in the heart of the capital, at Santiago Church. The first stage is a challenge, not because of the incline, but due to the need to cross the great city. The route seeks out the greenest and quietest possible areas, such as the Park of Dehesa de la Villa. The most important milestone of the day is passing through El Pardo Mountain, an extensive Mediterranean forest on the outskirts of Madrid, with great ecological value. The path crosses a dirt track, offering an unexpected breath of nature. After leaving the mountain, the route approaches Tres Cantos, a modern and planned city. The trail continues to ascend gently towards the Sierra de Guadarrama, through a landscape of dehesas. The arrival in Colmenar Viejo, a locality with great livestock tradition, is the end of the stage. Its Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption and its rural village atmosphere make it a very pleasant stop.

Last updated: 15/05/2026

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