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Pyrenees to the Atlantic with San Sebastián

Rugged peaks and pretty villages
 
Experience a real sense of journey as you walk self-guided between the welcoming mountain hotels of the Atlantic Pyrenees, while your luggage is transferred ahead. Traverse verdant hills and traditional villages before ending by the coast in San Sebastián, one of Spain’s loveliest seaside cities.
Pyrenees to the Atlantic with San Sebastián. 9 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Pyrenees to the Atlantic with San Sebastián. 9 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in the French Pyrenees

Journey from the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees to the Spanish coast along inviting footpaths close to the border, and you will enjoy rewarding ascents and satisfyingly full days while discovering the region’s unique landscape, culture and cuisine.

The traditional Basque villages are unlike any other in France, characterised by sturdy, whitewashed houses and courts for pelote (an outdoor game similar to squash), with friendly auberges serving specialities such as mountain cheese with black cherry conserve or the delicious spicy-chicken-and-pepper dish, ‘poulet à la basquaise’.
As you make your way across the high, green hills and verdant valleys, you may well hear the locals conversing in Basque – despite the struggles of the Franco years, Europe’s oldest language is still alive and well – and it’s not uncommon to glimpse beautiful birds of prey in the skies. This part of the Pyrenees is an important migration route for a wide variety of birds: from black kites and honey buzzards in mid-August to marsh harriers and ospreys in September and sparrow hawks, red kites and buzzards in October.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    This holiday takes you to altitudes of over 1,000 metres, where temperatures will be cooler than those stated above, which relate to the coast.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 12 13 14 16 19 22 24 24 23 20 15 12
    mm 135 115 113 126 114 85 62 97 115 128 162 142
  • Arrival in St Etienne-de-Baïgorry
    Night 1: at Hotel Manexenea (where you stay one night).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Choice of walks from St Etienne to Bidarray: 12.5km or 13.5km

    St Etienne to Bidarray: 13.5km, 6hrs; ascent/descent 1000m
    The walk starts with a strenuous ascent first through woodland then through open grazing land to the Harietta Pass on the border with Spain, where you are rewarded with superb views of the Pyrenean chain, and possibly the sighting of a griffon vulture. You then follow the ridge, descending gradually through more pastureland to Bidarray and the Hotel Barberaenea.

    Low-level option: 12.5km, 5hrs; ascent/descent 640m
    If the weather is poor, a low-level alternative traverses the foothills to the east of the Iparla ridge, connecting hamlets, farms and shepherds’ huts on open moorland and ridges with good views over green valleys.
    En route to Bidarray
    St Etienne to Bidarray: 13.5km
    Low-level option: 12.5km
  • Bidarray to Itxassou: 19.5km, 7.5hrs; ascent 1105m/descent 1160m; shorter option: 14km, 5.5hrs; ascent 685m/descent 740m
    You ascend towards the Spanish border once more and on to the summit of Mount Artzamendi (926 metres), from where, on a clear day, you have views of the High Pyrenees behind you and the Atlantic ahead of you. You then descend through grazing land and expanses of bracken to the River Nive, which you follow to Itxassou, passing the Pas de Roland, a hole in the rock which, according to legend, was cut by Roland to let Charlemagne's army pass through. Your hotel is the Hotel du Fronton. The shorter option bypasses the climb to Artzamendi, and joins the main route as it crosses the Plateau Vert.
    Bidarray to Itxassou
    Bidarray to Itxassou: 19.5km
    Shorter option: 14km
  • Itxassou to Ainhoa: 14.5km, 5.5hrs; ascent 715m, descent 695m
    The route leads uphill through pasture land, passing under the Pic de Mondarrain (749 metres). As you descend, there are good views of the whitewashed villages on the plain below, with the Atlantic beyond. Your destination is the Hotel Argi Eder in Ainhoa, arguably the prettiest of Basque villages.
    Enjoy far-reaching views as you make your way to Ainhoa
    Itxassou to Ainhoa: 14.5km
  • Ainhoa to Sare: 13km, 4.5hrs; ascent 330m/descent 405m
    This is a gentler walk, with fewer ascents and descents than previous days. You follow tracks and country lanes alongside a series of streams, ascending gently to a low ridge which you follow along the Franco-Spanish border, passing a couple of tiny hamlets, before descending into Sare, where you find your next hotel, the Hotel Arraya.
    Ainhoa to Sare
    Ainhoa to Sare: 13km
  • Sare to Biriatou: 18km, 6hrs; ascent 460m/descent 1250m
    You walk to the station and from here take the cog railway (pay locally) to the summit of La Rhune (900 metres), which affords views of the Bay of Biscay, the forests of Les Landes, and the Pyrenean chain. From the summit, you walk into Spain, crossing the Ibardin Pass back into France for a series of ascents and descents as you walk from pass to pass and on to Biriatou, just a couple of miles from the coast. Here, your hotel is Les Jardins de Bakea.

     
    Peaceful paths lead to Biriatou
    La Rhune summit to Biriatou: 15km (total walk distance: 18km)
  • Biriatou to Hondarribia: 17.5km, 6hrs; ascent 395m/descent 830m
    Today you are taken by taxi across the border to meet a panoramic path overlooking the Spanish port of Hondarribia; follow this coastal path all the way down to the port to reach your next accommodation, the Hotel Obispo.

    Your arrival at the sea brings a real sense of achievement and to make this extra special, we recommend upgrading to a more spacious superior room, with views across the bay. Charming Hondarribia sits on the mouth of the River Bidasoa, its modern waterfront hiding the atmospheric Old Town. Wander along the streets of the Barrio de la Marina district to find traditional, wood-beamed Basque houses with flower-bedecked balconies alternating with bars that offer excellent seafood and tasty pintxos (Basque-style tapas).
    Walking to the coast
    Biriatou to Hondarribia: 17.5km
  • Hondarribia to San Sebastián: 21km, 7.5hrs; ascent 865m/descent 995m
    Beginning with a taxi transfer, today’s route is a challenging but highly scenic ridge walk that eventually drops down to the coast at beautiful San Sebastián. Here you stay at the ideally located Hotel Niza, just inches from the sweeping sands of Playa de la Concha.

    San Sebastián is one of Europe’s most gastronomic cities, with more Michelin stars per capita than just about anywhere else on the planet. You’ll need to book ahead for these outstanding eateries, or make like the locals and embark on a txititeo (‘pintxo crawl’). Each bar has its own speciality and style – ranging from the rustic to the experimental – and we include a self-guided trail to help you navigate between them.
    Your destination - the seaside city of San Sebastián
    Hondarribia to San Sebastián: 21km
  • Explore San Sebastián
    On your full day here, you’ll no doubt want to try more of the famous pintxos bars, though we also provide notes for a city walk that takes in the absorbing San Telmo museum (closed Monday), where different aspects of Basque life are showcased via a number of dynamic temporary exhibitions. It’s also well worth riding the city’s century-old funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo for fabulous views over the handsome Belle Epoque architecture, manicured gardens and three golden beaches.
    San Sebastián's Belle Epoque architecture
    Explore the city's famous pintxos bars
 

Accommodation

You stay in a different hotel on each of your first seven nights – all are warm, welcoming and comfortable and provide tasty regional cuisine – before finishing with two nights on San Sebastián’s elegant seafront.
 

Options to extend or shorten your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 9 nights: 01 May 2023 - 31 July 2023, 03 September 2023 - 30 September 2023, 01 May 2024 - 31 July 2024 & 03 September 2024 - 30 September 2024

    Start varies according to season* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 22 May 2023 £1605 £410
    23 May - 22 Jun 2023 £1655 £425
    23 - 25 Jun 2023 £1745 £435
    26 Jun - 8 Jul 2023 £1755 £440
    9 - 22 Jul 2023 £1820 £450
    3 - 14 Sep 2023 £1820 £450
    15 - 21 Sep 2023 £1755 £440
    1 - 22 May 2024 £1770 £455
    23 May - 22 Jun 2024 £1825 £470
    23 - 25 Jun 2024 £1920 £480
    26 Jun - 8 Jul 2024 £1935 £485
    9 - 22 Jul 2024 £2005 £495
    3 - 14 Sep 2024 £2005 £495
    15 - 21 Sep 2024 £1935 £485
    3rd & 4th person discount -£90 to -£99
    Single traveller supplement £145 to £160

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    *In July 2023, you can start any day except Friday. For all other 2023 dates, and throughout 2024, you can start any day except Friday or Saturday.

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    9 nights: 01 May 2023 - 31 July 2023, 03 September 2023 - 30 September 2023, 01 May 2024 - 31 July 2024 & 03 September 2024 - 30 September 2024

    Start varies according to season* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 22 May 2023 £2035 £410
    23 May - 22 Jun 2023 £2085 £425
    23 - 25 Jun 2023 £2170 £435
    26 Jun - 8 Jul 2023 £2200 £440
    9 - 22 Jul 2023 £2250 £450
    3 - 14 Sep 2023 £2250 £450
    15 - 21 Sep 2023 £2200 £440
    1 - 22 May 2024 £2240 £455
    23 May - 22 Jun 2024 £2295 £470
    23 - 25 Jun 2024 £2390 £480
    26 Jun - 8 Jul 2024 £2420 £485
    9 - 22 Jul 2024 £2475 £495
    3 - 14 Sep 2024 £2475 £495
    15 - 21 Sep 2024 £2420 £485
    3rd & 4th person discount -£200 to -£220
    Single traveller supplement £255 to £285

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille or Paris, with onward travel as described below.

    *In July 2023, you can start any day except Friday. For all other 2023 dates, and throughout 2024, you can start any day except Friday or Saturday.

    Included travel from the UK: UK–Paris (Eurostar), Paris–Bayonne (TGV), approx. duration 8h plus 0h50 taxi transfer. Home, Hendaye–Paris (TGV), Paris–UK (Eurostar), approx. duration 8h10 plus 1h taxi transfer.
    > More about 'by rail' prices
    > The 'rail experience': what to expect

    If you book your holiday less than 10 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

    9 nights: 01 May 2023 - 31 July 2023, 03 September 2023 - 30 September 2023, 01 May 2024 - 31 July 2024 & 03 September 2024 - 30 September 2024

    Start varies according to season* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 22 May 2023 £1825 £410
    23 May - 22 Jun 2023 £1875 £425
    23 - 25 Jun 2023 £1955 £435
    26 Jun - 8 Jul 2023 £2005 £440
    9 - 22 Jul 2023 £2040 £450
    3 - 14 Sep 2023 £2040 £450
    15 - 21 Sep 2023 £2005 £440
    1 - 22 May 2024 £2010 £455
    23 May - 22 Jun 2024 £2065 £470
    23 - 25 Jun 2024 £2155 £480
    26 Jun - 8 Jul 2024 £2210 £485
    9 - 22 Jul 2024 £2245 £495
    3 - 14 Sep 2024 £2245 £495
    15 - 21 Sep 2024 £2210 £485
    3rd & 4th person discount -£245 to -£265
    Single traveller supplement £300 to £330

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus a return Channel crossing between Folkestone and Calais with LeShuttle for your party and one car.

    *In July 2023, you can start any day except Friday. For all other 2023 dates, and throughout 2024, you can start any day except Friday or Saturday.

    We also include a transfer back to the first hotel at the end of your holiday to collect your car.
    > More information about travelling self-drive

    A supplement of approximately £65 per car per single journey applies for travel at key dates over Easter, while from May onwards a supplement of approximately £42 per car per single journey applies for travel over public holidays and at weekends during school holidays. See the self-drive page or contact us for more details.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel Arraya, Sare
    'Privilège' with garden view: 01 May - 31 Jul 2023 £20
    'Privilège' with garden view: 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £20
    'Privilège' with garden view: 01 May - 31 Jul 2024 £22
    'Privilège' with garden view: 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £22
    'Privilège' with village view: 01 May - 31 Jul 2023 £10
    'Privilège' with village view: 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £10
    'Privilège' with village view: 01 May - 31 Jul 2024 £11
    'Privilège' with village view: 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £11
    Les Jardins de Bakea, Biriatou
    'Jardin/Prestige Vallée': 01 May - 31 Jul 2023 £18
    'Jardin/Prestige Vallée': 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £18
    'Jardin/Prestige Vallée': 01 May - 31 Jul 2024 £20
    'Jardin/Prestige Vallée': 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £20
    Hotel Obispo, Hondarribia
    Superior: 01 May - 10 Jul 2023 £30
    Superior: 11 Jul - 31 Jul 2023 £26
    Superior: 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £26
    Superior: 01 May - 10 Jul 2024 £33
    Superior: 11 Jul - 31 Jul 2024 £29
    Superior: 03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £29

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hotel du Fronton, Itxassou (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 May - 30 Jun 2023 £100 £118
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2023 £106 £124
    03 Sep - 15 Sep 2023 £106 £124
    16 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £100 £118
    01 May - 30 Jun 2024 £110 £130
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2024 £117 £137
    03 Sep - 15 Sep 2024 £117 £137
    16 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £110 £130
    Hotel Argi Eder, Ainhoa (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 May - 30 Jun 2023 £122 £176
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2023 £140 £194
    03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £140 £194
    01 May - 30 Jun 2024 £135 £194
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2024 £155 £214
    03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £155 £214
    Les Jardins de Bakea, Biriatou (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 May - 12 Jul 2023 £130 £156
    13 Jul - 31 Jul 2023 £140 £168
    03 Sep - 15 Sep 2023 £140 £168
    16 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £130 £156
    01 May - 12 Jul 2024 £145 £174
    13 Jul - 31 Jul 2024 £155 £186
    03 Sep - 15 Sep 2024 £155 £186
    16 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £145 £174
    Hotel Obispo, Hondarribia (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 30 Jun 2023 £110 £164
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2023 £128 £188
    03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £128 £188
    01 May - 30 Jun 2024 £121 £180
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2024 £145 £211
    03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £145 £211
    Hotel Niza, San Sebastián (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 30 Jun 2023 £132 £202
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2023 £168 £250
    03 Sep - 30 Sep 2023 £168 £250
    01 May - 30 Jun 2024 £150 £227
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2024 £185 £275
    03 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 £185 £275
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Biarritz, Bordeaux or Bilbao
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly to an airport not listed here. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Bordeaux (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Aberdeen - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Bordeaux easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Biarritz easyJet 
    Bristol - Bilbao easyJet 
    Bristol - Bordeaux easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Bilbao (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Edinburgh - Bilbao (via Barcelona) Vueling 
    Edinburgh - Bordeaux Ryanair 
    Edinburgh - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Bilbao (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Glasgow - Bordeaux easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Bordeaux easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Biarritz easyJet 
    Gatwick - Bilbao British Airways,  easyJet,  Vueling 
    Gatwick - Bordeaux British Airways,  easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Bilbao British Airways,  Iberia,  Vueling 
    Heathrow - Bilbao (via Madrid) Iberia 
    Heathrow - Bordeaux British Airways 
    Heathrow - Bordeaux (via Brussels) Brussels Airlines 
    Heathrow - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Bordeaux easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Biarritz Ryanair 
    Stansted - Bordeaux Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Bilbao easyJet 
    Manchester - Bilbao (via Barcelona) Iberia 
    Manchester - Bilbao (via Heathrow) Iberia 
    Manchester - Bordeaux easyJet,  Ryanair 
    Manchester - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Biarritz (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Newcastle - Bilbao (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Bordeaux (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Southampton - Bordeaux (via Paris) Air France 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly to an airport not listed here. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.
     

    Connecting travel options - flying via Bilbao

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    coach Bilbao bus station to Irun bus station (2h25), taxi Irun to hotel (1h30) £122-£135 1200
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Bilbao airport (1h15) £110-£121 flexible
    coach San Sebastián bus station to Bilbao airport (1h15) £22-£24 0830

    Connecting travel options - flying via Biarritz

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Biarritz airport to hotel (1h) £70-£77 flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Biarritz airport (0h45) £70-£77 flexible

    Connecting travel options - flying via Bordeaux

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Bordeaux St Jean to Bayonne (1h50), taxi Bayonne to hotel (0h50) £100-£110 1400
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Hendaye station (0h30), rail Hendaye to Bordeaux St Jean (2h45) £70-£77 1500
    rail San Sebastián to Hendaye (0h45, pay locally), rail Hendaye to Bordeaux St Jean (2h45) £34-£37 1500
What is included
  • 9 nights
  • 5 dinners
    6 picnics
    9 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • transfers on days 6 & 7
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 26 reviews
  • Helen and Simon
    13 September 2023

    We thoroughly enjoyed the walking on this holiday - we took all the longer/higher routes and didn't find them to be difficult walking for us. They were always worth it even though it meant some long walking days. Poles were useful though especially on some of the descents. On a few days there were some quite long stretches on tracks but this didn't spoil the walks. From day 1, we saw lots of ponies and vultures and sweet chestnuts littered the ground. All the travel and transfers worked like clockwork and we enjoyed the choice of hotels. A 1st for us, was meeting other Inntravel walkers on the same walk, so we enjoyed good company most evenings too. 

  • Mr M Tremlett
    Axbridge
    11 September 2023

    One of the best walking holidays we have ever done. Walks challenging but manageable. Hotels in rural France often idyllic and felt beautifully off the beaten track at times

  • Anon
    10 September 2023

    This was an excellent holiday with spectacular scenery, challenging walking and great accommodation and food as a reward at the end of each day. Moving from of high ridge walking, with buzzards soaring overhead at the start of the week, through forests of sweet chestnuts and pine trees and ending with coastal views and lounging on the beach at San Sebastian gave a real feeling of the contrasts in this region.

  • Mrs CS Collins
    London
    10 September 2023

    really enjoyed the variety of scenery in this walk. Started off in the foothills of the Pyrenees feeling like a wooded Lake District and then when we came to the coast, it became similar to walking along the coast of Devon and Cornwall. Very verdant and not one's usual idea of Spanish terrain. It is called Green Spain and I can understand why.

    Highlights were learning a bit about the Basque history, seeeing the local churches, basque sport and peppers; Ascent to La Rhune; Ainhoa and Hondarribia and absolutely loved San Sebastian - what a gem.

    Pack your own snacks

  • Anon
    09 September 2023

    The Pyrenees to the Atlantic with San Sebastián was a challenging and spectacular walking holiday. We did not schedule a rest day, but wished we had. Less challenging hikes for inclement weather were a nice addition. I truly enjoyed using the maps downloaded to AllTrails.

  • neil
    16 July 2023

    Our first Inntravel walking holiday (Pyrenees to San Sebastian) was brilliant. Every aspect was well organised and executed perfectly. The walk starts short and steep, before becoming easier and longer as you near San Sebastian. The quality levels of the hotels and food rises as you progress through the hikes. We will be back to try another holiday as soon as we can. 

  • Mr J Rombulow-Pearse
    Saltburn-by-the-sea
    06 July 2023

    This was a lovely holiday, with great walking, lovely hotels and a good mix of mountains and coastal scenery. 

  • Mr P Jackson
    Stockport
    20 June 2023

    Despite our huge disappointment with the first hotel, this was a wonderful holiday with spectacular (& strenuous) walks. We had booked two "rest" days - one at Ainhoa & one at Biriatou which we found worked very well. It gave us the chance to enjoy the pool & explore the village at Ainhoa & to walk from Biriatou to Hendaye for the day. We loved ending up at San Sebastian & enjoying the luxury of a swim in the sea just one minute from our hotel.

  • Dean & Judith, Norwich
    19 June 2023

    Absolutely first rate. First time we have been on a walking holiday with Inntravel and we were very impressed. Will definitely use again and recommend to friends.

  • Anon
    30 May 2023

    We thoroughly recommend your company and will be using you in future. We liked the choice of hotels and their locations were all excellent and of a higher standard than expected. Evening meals without fail were delicious and many of the staff went out of their way to be helpful and provide extra help and support. I think that fitness of the walkers should be emphasised as it adds to the enjoyment.

  • wunjot
    16 May 2023

    My highlight was the walk from Itxassou to Ainhoa, the views were absolutely stupendous and the amount of wildlife we encountered, equally so. There were griffon vultures, eagles and kites, along with pottock ponies and the longest and biggest earthworm I've ever seen in my life! After descending to Ainhoa we stopped at a cafe bar and whilst we sat there drinking the local Irouleguy wine (which is extremely good) we saw up to fifty raptors of different kinds, all in the sky above us, riding the thermals. It was truly amazing! Do have a gateau basque from the shop in Bidarray, we did taste tests (just for the sake of this review you understand) and they were hands down the best. There are lots of varieties in the shop, but the cherry and almond was delicious!

  • JJ Sydney
    10 May 2023

    Another brilliant holiday with Inntravel, our fifteenth! We keep coming back due to the interesting walks and the variety (sometimes quirky) of accommodation. The food on our Pyrennes to Atlantic walk was top notch.

    For the first time we used the GPX map files on our mobile phones - wow, complete game changer. We used the Inntravel notes as recommended and had the old school tried and trusted maps and compass on hand just in case, but highly recommend trying the GPX option. We downloaded the GPX maps to use offline to just do the occasional check as to whether we were still on track. We'd recommend having a separate power bank just in case you drain your phone. There's lots of GPX Apps out there, we used AllTrails which cost USD36 for an annual subscription and it worked faultlessly.

  • Anon
    08 May 2023

    The hike was at times challenging but not scary even for somebody with vertigo.  (We did select Option B the first day due to weather conditions.)  Poles were very useful and used by everybody, young and old.

  • Judy, Lancashire
    16 September 2022

    This is an amazing holiday, with fantastic but challenging and varied walking, in spectacular scenery. The standard of the accommodation is very high and the food excellent. The warmth and hospitality provided by the Basque people was great.

  • Mr B Harris
    Skipton
    15 September 2022

    An excellent self-guided holiday in an attractive little-known area, with excellent accommodation and food.  The ascent of La Rhune (on foot in the absence of the train) was a definite highlight.  The nights in Spain at the end provided an interesting contrast.

  • Dr M McCarthy
    Belfast
    13 September 2022

    The walks were spectacular, with beautiful views of both hills and coastline. Hotels were excellent and quite a number had outstanding cuisine which we thoroughly enjoyed.

  • Anon
    30 August 2022

    Download the routes onto OS app. Tedone was a very good health food restaurant in San Sebastian that catered for vegetarians. There was actually a choice of veggie options! Tasty food for non veggies too. We had a very good Rioja wine tour with Thabuca (being collected and returned to our hotel in Bilbao). You were quite right to say that the holiday would not be easy for vegans - it was hard enough being a veggie. It was disappointing that the foodie capitals of San Sebastian and Bilbao did not seem interested in catering for veggies.

  • Mr A Hickey
    Walton-on-thames
    16 July 2022

    A great holiday which lived up to our high expectations.

  • Mr R Baker
    Abergavenny
    18 June 2022

    As on previous holidays meticulously planned and ran like clockwork leaving us free to enjoy the walking without the worry of transfers, hotels, baggage etc.

  • Mr N Smart
    Brighton
    15 June 2022

    The quality of the food at Argi Eder and Bakea was exceptional. In general, this was a very well organised walk. The weather was extremely challenging but this clearly outwith your control. The final day's walk from Hondaribia to San Sebastián was outstanding. We had done this walk nearly 20 years ago but the additional days in Spain at the end really rewarded us for doing it again.

  • Dr A Noble
    Cheltenham
    13 June 2022

    We thought that this holiday is one on Inntravel's best. There is plenty of very challenging walking and some really superb hotels. We didn't book an extra night at Argi Elder but immediately regretted it. Our walk was dominated by the heat. With temperatures at times above 40c, it was important to start early and select routes with some shade. The hotels were generally good at providing chilled water and early breakfasts. San Sebastian is a lovely place to end the holiday and Inntravel's hotel, Niza, a great choice. 

  • Mr P Cook
    Wetherby
    31 May 2022

    A truly fabulous holiday with wonderful hotels and magical places to visit.  The walking is tough and should not be underestimated.  Need to be able to use a compass and know your limits especially if there is low cloud.  This holiday is a must for experienced walkers and lovers of new places to visit.  The finish in Northern Spain is magical experience as is the cuisine.

  • Dr R Whittington
    York
    28 May 2022

    A well assembled walk through Basque countryside, proving a real sense of journeying. A good mix of more strenuous and spectacular high-level days with more pastoral and more wild countryside. Food and accommodation ranged from breathtaking to more average, but all of it thoroughly enjoyable.

  • Dr G Morris
    Salisbury
    07 May 2022

    This is our third Inntravel holiday and it didn't dissappoint; the Basque country is beautiful. In May it is very green and lush and reminded us of a more wooded version of the English Lake District but with rivers rather than lakes. The quality and variety of the hotels was excellent; the food was delicious as anticipated with the wealth of local produce. We also enjoyed sampling the local Irouleguy wine and Basque beer with our meals.

  • Griffon
    06 May 2022

    Highlights included walking over the Plateau Vert on day 2 and witnessing a low level fly-past by 50 Griffon vultures, followed by the lowlight of the very steep and stony descent ! We very much liked the Hotel Bakea and will try to return separately for a weekend. The Almeida restaurant in Hondarrabia gave us a memorable dinner.

    Also to note that Madame at the Bakea suggested to us the 'shorter' walk to Hondarrabia, starting at Ermita Guadaloupe, due to the hot weather. We declined, but the option might usefully be mentioned and detailed in your travel notes. On the last day from Hondarrabia to San Sebastiá, we took the unofficial route, despite the lack of notes. As you mention its existence in the notes and the route is well advertised, it would have been useful to have been in possession of the walking instructions for it.

  • Mr A Lang
    Tarporley
    04 May 2022

    The Basque Country is green and beautiful with meadows and rolling hills and quaint villages. The walks explored the whole region with options depending on what you wanted to take on and the weather. We loved discovering our next accommodation and were greeted and treated with great kindness. The food was fantastic and menus carefully prepared so we could taste the local delicacies.  It beat our expectations and we loved the combination of a great journey through the hills to a rugged and beautiful coast line with good hospitality alone the way. Highly recommended 
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from A to B, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to France, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official language is French. The currency is the Euro. French time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Spain, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • (Castilian) Spanish is one of several official languages; Catalan, Basque and Gallego have equal status in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, respectively. The currency is the Euro. Spanish time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
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