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Stage of the Camino

Saint-Jean-de-Luz to San Sebastián

From Saint-Jean-de-Luz To Irún

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Destination

Irún

Distance

15.40 km

Duration

4.00 h

Difficulty

Baja

Ascent

230 m

Stage of the Camino

Stage Description

The first stage of the Madrid Way is a long urban and peri-urban journey that takes the pilgrim out of the great capital. The route, mostly on asphalt, crosses the north of the city and enters El Pardo Mountain. It's a transition stage that requires patience to leave behind the bustle.
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: 12/08/2025

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