CN05 - Markina-Xemein - Gernika - 24,8 Km

Stage of the Camino de Santiago: From Markina to Gernika

Beginning of the Route from Markina
The Camino de Santiago stage from Markina to Gernika begins by leaving the town along the promenade that runs alongside the Deba River. This part of the route offers a peaceful walk while enjoying the natural landscape, following the signs that guide us to the Mutriku Bridge.

Path to the Sasiola Hospital
Upon reaching the Mutriku Bridge, we continue along the N-634 road, heading towards Bilbao. After passing the last buildings, we take a left detour, following a path that leads us to a road that gives access to the Sasiola Hospital, where the path crosses with the N-634. From here, we descend to the convent of the same name and continue along a path beside the Deba River until we reach the bridge of the N-634 again.

Route to the Church of San Andrés
After crossing the bridge, we take the GI-3230 road, which we follow until we reach the Church of San Andrés de Astigarribia. We continue along the same road, turn left, and ascend along various tracks that take us to the Aparain Pass. This part of the route, which totals 7.9 km, is characterized by the tranquility of its landscapes and the beauty of the surrounding pine forests.

Descent towards Olatz and Munitibar
From the Aparain Pass, we follow a wide track that loses altitude until we reach an intersection near the Abeletxe barn. From here, we take a descending path that leads us to Olatz. After crossing the GI-3562 road, we reach Munitibar, where the Church of San Isidro marks the end of the stage in this small village.

The Camino towards Gernika
From Munitibar, we continue on the path towards the Gernika neighborhood, crossing a series of forest tracks and paths through pine forests. Along this stage, we enjoy spectacular views of the region's mountains. In the Zarra neighborhood, we will turn right and ascend to the Montalbán Tower, where beautiful landscapes of the area can be admired.

Arrival in Gernika
The Markina to Gernika stage ends when we arrive in Gernika-Lumo, a town famous for its history, particularly for the bombing it suffered during the Spanish Civil War, which inspired Picasso's famous painting. In Gernika, several historic monuments can be visited, such as the Casa de Juntas, the Church of Santa María, and the Tree of Gernika, a symbol of the Basque people's freedom.