GR121 Talaia Ibilbidea

The GR121 Talaia Ibilbidea is a segment of the extensive 300-kilometer GR network through Gipuzkoa, Spain’s smallest province on the Basque coast. This trail occasionally intersects with the Camino del Norte, offering a unique perspective when traversed in the opposite direction.

The trail starts in Ondarroa, a small village an hour’s drive from Bilbao. Lodging is often found in hotels in the towns. The weather in this part of Spain is notoriously unpredictable, with frequent rain and strong winds, even during summer.

The first stretch of the trail is on top of cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean as it continues towards the next bay. The trail leads to Deba, a coastal village with white houses and orange tiles, cozied in the green hills of the Basque Country.

Zarautz is the next destination. Known for its popularity among surfers, Zarautz offers a two-kilometer-long beach with ideal surfing conditions. The trail narrows along the coastline towards Flysch, an area characterized by its layered rock formations and towering cliffs, showcasing the geological history where the Iberian and European plates once collided.

The GR121 Talalaia Ibilbidea continues to San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque), the provincial capital renowned for its culinary scene. Here, hikers can indulge in the famous pintxos at bars like Txepetxa, known for its anchovy delicacies, or for one of the other delicious restaurants.

The final leg leads to Hondarribia where the trail ends in this town near the French border, leaving hikers with lasting impressions of the Basque Country’s rugged coastline, rough seas, and green hills. The region’s trails, though not technically challenging, demand endurance due to the constant ascents and descents into the bays during every stage.

The best time to hike the GR121 Talaia Ibilbidea is from the end of spring in May to the end of September. These periods are recommended due to the mild weather conditions, which make this hike along the rugged coastline more enjoyable. Note that the weather in Basque country can change rapidly and that it’s a rainy area. Even in the summer, there’s a high chance of heavy rainfall, and therefore the trail is not suggested around the winter season.

You’ll want to grab some sturdy hiking shoes for the uneven paths and sometimes sandy trails on the coastal cliffs. Also, be sure to note that the weather in the region is changeable, making it important to have layered clothing to adapt to sudden shifts from rain to sunshine. A good hardshell waterproof jacket is essential. We recommend bringing at least 1.5 liters of water with you and enough food for the day.