5th Stage - Zarautz-Getaria-Zumaia

Distance in Km: 9,5 km

The St James' Way takes us to one of the oldest ports in Gipuzkoa: Getaria, birthplace of the fisherman Juan Sebastián Elcano and the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Shortly after leaving behind the fabulous Talaimendi 'viewpoint', pilgrims come across the San Pelaio hermitage at the entrance to this town (founded in the 13th century). Continuing in the direction of the old town, the Narros Palace (at one end of the beach) dominates the view as it is a Renaissance building from 1536 right on the sea front.

MAP

PHOTOS

PROFILE

Zarautz Beach with canopies (Txema Fernandez - Fermin Etxeberria)

Narros palace, on the banks of Zarautz Beach (Txema Fernandez - Fermin Etxeberria)

Santa María la Real monuments in Zarautz

Sculpture by Juan Sebastián Elcano in Getaria

Carving from St Martin's hermitage in Askizu

They also built the parish church of Santa María la Real (16th century) at one end of the coastal town which conserves a magnificent Baroque altarpiece inside, along with a gothic image of its patron saint and the remains of an interesting archaeological site. Standing over the parish church is the Zarautz tower (14th century), a highly representative example of Basque defensive architecture. When looking for somewhere to spend the night, travellers should be aware that the pilgrim hostel, located on Zumalacárregui 16, is only open in July and August. However, the youth hostel at the other end of the town opens all year round but recommends reserving in advance.

To head off towards Getaria we leave the historical centre up a steep incline flanked by txakoli vines and join the medieval roadway that used to link Zarautz and Getaria. Our first destination, the Santa Bárbara hermitage, was rebuilt in 1707 and is located in the rural district of the same name which has a spectacular view of Zarautz. The path continues gently towards the headland where Getaria was built, birthplace to Juan Sebastián Elcano, Balenciaga and Txakoli. We can also get from Zarautz to Getaria along the new pedestrian walkway parallel to the sea that links the two towns. Two paths with the same destination: Getaria, one of the oldest ports in Gipuzkoa. We can admire the Gothic church of San Salvador in this town, marvelling at how they managed to build it on such steep terrain. We leave the town by climbing Calle Herrerieta, along an old road that leads to St Martin's church (in Askizu), patron saint of pilgrims, from where a 2.5 km path among vines and eucalyptus trees will guide us to Zumaia.