Deba to Zarautz or Zarautz to Deba?

[perfectlyaloof]

Hello!

I am visiting Northern Spain for the first time this June and would am planning on hiking a small segment of the Camino. I've done a little research and decided to hike between Zarautz and Deba. I'm really interested in walking down the Ruta del Flysch and spending a little bit of time in Zumaia and Getaria along the way. I plan to spend all day (roughly 10 hours) out on the trail and exploring the towns.

Originally I was going to begin my day in Zarautz and hike to Deba, but I am curious whether it would be wise to start in Deba and end in Zarautz instead? My main considerations are (1) the trail seems to be most difficult near Deba, so it would be nice to get this out of the way first, and (2) I am a photographer so I'm thinking Getaria and Zumaia may be more photogenic in the evening light than late morning / mid day.

Not sure if this stuff matters, but I'm staying in San Sebastian and would have to take a bus/train back to my hostel at the end of the day.

Would love to hear some thoughts from pilgrims who have hiked this stretch.

 

[Mendizale]

Hi, I am a native from the province of Gipuzkoa. If you really want to do a walk in the Flysch you should be careful with the tides, think about doing it when the low tide is arriving at his maximum, can be a dangerous experience if you don't pay attention.
I'd do it from Zumaia, walking in the Flysch is not easy and will take you time. When arriving at Aitzuriko Punta where Mirador Mendatagaina is, is better to walk up and follow the Camino de Santiago trail until Deba.

 

[Maggie Y]

Hi I seem to remember that Getaria and Zumaia are stunning. Getaria I believe has escalators up the steep hillside and an impressive art gallery.

 

[trecile]

For just a day hike it doesn't matter that much, but if you would like the experience of walking with other people walk from Zumaia to Deba.

 

[Camineiro]

Transport to your hotel is no problem.
You‘ll find train stations of the Feve narrow gauge railway in Deba, Zumaia and Zarautz, which takes you back to San Sebastián.
As far as I remember they serve both directions hourly.