Hondarribia-Irun >> Lezo >> Pasaia

From Hendaye there are two ways to cross the Bidasoa River and begin the route through Gipuzkoa: either over the Santiago Bridge towards Irun, or by boat on a pleasant trip to Hondarribia. Both beginnings link up to the same path a little later on at the Santiagotxo chapel.
Upon arriving at Irun, the church of Nuestra Señora del Juncal is worth a visit, with its replica of the Virgin of Juncal, an important 12th century Romanesque work, considered the oldest in Gipuzkoa. The trail from Irun to Santiagotxo is not marked. However, simply follow the path towards Hondarribia until reaching the stream in Amute, and after crossing the bridge, take the path on the left, which soon heads uphill until you reach the chapel.

Hondarribia's walled-in old quarter and the fort of Charles V, which prevails over the town, are worth a visit. From here, follow the signs leading to the chapel of Santa Engrazi, with steps on its right side that mark the start of the path to Santiagotxo. Through a rural landscape you'll climb up to the 16th century Guadalupe sanctuary, next to the fort of the same name. Nearby is a crossing that gives us two options: either follow the path to the top of Mount Jaizkibel, reaching 543 meters on a trail dotted with towers, or continue half-way up the hill on the southern side of the mountain along an easier path. Close to the end of the crest, the main path drops down to Lezo, a milestone on the coastal Way of St. James, as seen by the scallop shell on the wall to the left of the portico of the Santo Cristo basilica (17th century). Shortly from here, the trail takes you to Pasai Donibane.