Jaizkibel mountain range

Here is a lovely route forming a 17 kilometer loop in the Spanish Basque Country. Located a few steps from the French border, it offers an affordable elevation gain given its length.
The departure is at the parking lot of the Guadalupe sanctuary on the heights of Hondarribia, “Hondarribia” in Spanish. This seaside resort is separated from Hendaye by the bay of Chingoudy.

The route begins directly with an uphill climb, towards Mount Erramutz. Along the way, take the time to turn around to admire the superb view of the bay. The trail continues to climb to Jaizkibel, the highest point of the hike. Identifiable by its large antenna, it offers a 360-degree view. The landscape is shared between the Atlantic coast and the Spanish coast on the one hand and several peaks of the Basque Country, including the emblematic Rhune, on the other.

The first part of the descent takes place on a rocky portion before joining a wider track which runs towards the seaside. This winding portion is really pleasant. A succession of short climbs and descents regularly lead to pretty little coves. It is at one of them, the Artzuko portu, that you leave the coastal path. The route goes up through the vegetation towards an unusual site: the fort of Notre-Dame de Guadeloupe. This ancient fortress concludes this wonderful loop between land and sea.