7th Stage - Deba-Markina Xemein

Distance in Km: 21,8 km

The coastal and inland paths meet on the Aparain pass, between the towns of Deba and Mutriku.

Deba, from where many travellers start their pilgrimage, has significant archaeological heritage as demonstrated by the Ekain cave replica, Ekainberri, displaying important remains from Palaeolithic occupation and cave paintings with great historical value. Additionally, the Church of Santa María la Real (15th and 17th century), in Gothic Renaissance style, conserves a splendid colourful facade with images of the twelve apostles. After leaving Deba and before continuing along the way, it is worth taking a look at the coastal town of Mutriku. Its fishing port is one of the oldest in Gipuzkoa and its historical centre includes the 18th century Montalibet Palace. After this visit, we can take a path that temporarily leaves the coast and moves inland towards the border between Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, separated by Mount Arno.

MAP

PHOTOS

PROFILE

General view of Deba

Gallery of the replica of the Ekainberri caves

Now we have to choose between two possible paths: one that goes through Astigarribia, more traditional, and another that goes through the Calvario de Mutriku, which is shorter and not so steep and therefore chosen by most pilgrims. The second option will take us across a plain and a small wood to a cement path to then climb up to the Calvario de Maia hermitage. We continue towards Olatz taking the Arnope sports court as a reference point and we drop down to the Aparain pass, where the two paths meet. We continue along a track and after a sharp bend, we take a path surrounded by Holm oaks (5.5 km) that takes us to the district of Olatz.

This area is hidden between the mountains very close to Bizkaia, divided into widely spread homesteads. It is best represented by the hermitage of San Isidro de Olatz. Once we have the hermitage behind us, we take an asphalt track that runs parallel to the stream and we climb up among the pine trees to the Gorostolamendi pass that marks the boundary between Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia. Turning to the left, we walk around Jangoikomendi and drop down along another cement track that leads to the Arnoate homestead, the perfect place to take a break. Less than 100 metres away, we divert off to the right passing the Sakoneta and Amulategi homesteads and then heading steeply downwards. At a pass we leave the path and divert off to the right to meet the valley where the town of Markina-Xemein lies.