St. James Way and Basque Whalers

Join us on this interactive half-day cultural hike along Camino de Santiago to the port of Pasajes and its picturesque fishing villages of San Pedro and San Juan during which you will breath the salty air and soak up the marine culture of Basques!

WHAT TO EXPECT

We will meet in the Center of San Sebastian and walk to Gros district. From Sagües you’ll start the hike of Mount Ulia that forms a part of the coastal version of pilgrimage called by Spaniards ‘camino de Santiago’ or St. James Way in English.

This path is locally known as ‘Ruta del Faro de la Plata’ because it pases next to the bulit in 1855 lighthouse (sp. faro) located at the entrance to the port of Pasajes. You will walk along the rocky coast passing spectacular coves, rugged cliffs and artistically shaped sandstone rock formations. Mount Ulia was an important migratory whales lookout in the 16th and 17th century and it’s a perfect place to learn about the significant role of the ocean in the life of Basques.

The coastal path will finally take us to the village of San Pedro. It’s time to visit Albaola – the sea factory of the Basques. Museum and a shipyard where the local engineers and carpenters are building from scratch a replica of a 16th century whaling ship using exclusively traditional techniques! This is optional but we think it’s mind blowing!

From San Pedro we will embark on a tiny boat which will take us to the twin village – San Juan located on the other side of the channel. You will immerse yourself in a sleepy atmosphere of this medieval fishing village which streets still remember colorful stories of Basque sailors, pirates and whalers. There is no way we are leaving before trying a local speciality. You will blend in with the locals in one of the bars and try a delicious seafood pintxo and Basque apple cider. We pour it from high. Give it a go, don’t be shy! Topa (cheers)!

This entertaining and interactive half-day hike is a great way to grasp the Basque culture and discover the secrets of San Pedro and San Juan villages.

At the end of the trip you will be chauffeured back to San Sebastian.