CN04 - Deba - Markina-Xemein - 21,8 Km

Stage of the Camino de Santiago: From Deba to Markina-Xemein

Departure from Deba: Walk along the river
The stage begins by leaving the town of Deba along the promenade that runs alongside the river, following the course of the Deba River until reaching the Mutriku bridge. We continue along the N-634 road, heading towards Bilbao. After passing the last buildings, we take a left detour that leads us, after about 3 km, to the road leading to the Sasiola Hospital. We cross the N-634 again and descend to the Sasiola convent, taking a path that follows the river until we reach the bridge of the N-634.

Path to the Church of San Andrés de Astigarribia
Next, we take the GI-3230 road and walk until we reach the Church of San Andrés de Astigarribia. We continue along the same road and, a few meters further, turn left to take the old road that ascends along various tracks through pine forests until we reach the Aparain pass (7.9 km).

Descent towards Olatz
From the Aparain pass, we begin descending along a wide track until we reach an intersection near the Abeletxe barn. We take the descending path to the left and, after passing the Arrikurutz stele, we arrive at Olatz. We cross the GI-3562 road coming from Mutriku.

Ascent towards Gorostolamendi
After leaving the San Isidro chapel behind, we reach an intersection where we take a path to the right that runs parallel to a stream. We ascend through pine forests until we reach the Gorostolamendi pass, which marks the boundary between Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa. We turn left and continue along a track that passes through plantations of conifers and eucalyptus, surrounding Jangoikomendi before descending to a cemented track. We pass the Damukorta farmhouse and continue until the Arnoate farmhouse.

Rest at Arnoate and continuation of the route
Arnoate is an excellent place to rest. Less than 100 meters from the farmhouse, we take a detour to the right that will lead us along forest tracks between pine forests to the Sakoneta farmhouse. From there, we continue along a track heading towards the Alto de Urkaregi, cross a gravel road, and reach the Amulategi farmhouse, where we continue ascending through the pine forests.

Descent towards Markina-Xemein
From the Amulategi farmhouse, we descend along a track until we reach another path that, after passing near a farmhouse, leads to a cement track. We continue the descent until we reach a pass where we take a detour to the right, descending sharply until we reach the bottom of the valley. From there, we take the left path that leads us directly to the square of Markina, passing by historic buildings such as the Barroeta tower and the San Miguel de Arretxinaga chapel.

Markina-Xemein: History and Heritage
Markina-Xemein is the first town in Bizkaia on the Camino de Santiago. Founded in 1355 by Don Tello, Lord of Bizkaia, it retains a medieval atmosphere in its historic center. In the 11th century, the town had a hospital for pilgrims located in Erdotza. Among its most notable buildings are the Barroeta tower, in Renaissance style, and the Mugartegi tower, in Baroque style. The Church of Santa María, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, is one of the largest in the Basque Country, with three naves and an impressive 15th-century portal.

The Carmelite Fathers convent, located on the outskirts of the town, stands out for its beautiful ashlar façade. Also important is the gothic chapel of Nuestra Señora de Erdotza, from the 15th century, located near the Kareaga tower, a significant point on this stage of the Camino de Santiago.