Deba to Markina stage: How to Split in Two Days

[Caro1964]

Hello! I've have searched hours for a way to split the much dreaded stage between Deba and Markina-Xemein into two days, to lessen its impact on my already-not-great-knees, but to no avail. I also really want to have a night in the Monasteria de Zenarruza. Has anyone been able to walk this stage and include a night in the Monasterio, without having to walk more than 16 km per day? Thanks in advance!

 

[trecile]

You can shorten the walk to Markina by staying at Albergue Izarbide which is about 5 km past Deba.

INICIO | izarbide

izarbideaterpetxea.wixsite.com

There aren't many options in this area for shorter stages.

 

[WalkingLester]

You could walk as far as you want on that stage then call a taxi to take you to a place to sleep. Arrange with taxi to come get you in the morning to take you back to the place you stopped the day before. You could walk to and sleep in Izarbide but it only cuts a short distance off the next day’s walk to Markina. You could sleep in Mutriku but you have to walk down and then up a big hill to get there. On one camino I walked to Olatz, then took a taxi to Mutriku to sleep, then taxi took me back to Olatz in the morning.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You can shorten the walk to Markina by staying at Albergue Izarbide which is about 5 km past Deba.

This is exactly what I had done.

 

[Caro1964]

Perhaps I’ll walk to izarbide the day before and at least shorten the next day by those 5 km. How readily accessible would it be to call a taxi if I find myself unable to get to Markina from the middle of nowhere on my way to Markina?

 

[trecile]

Perhaps I’ll walk to izarbide the day before and at least shorten the next day by those 5 km. How readily accessible would it be to call a taxi if I find myself unable to get to Markina from the middle of nowhere on my way to Markina?

I would ask the hospitaleros at Albergue Izarbide for the number of a taxi before you leave in the morning.

You will already have completed the first climb from Deba when you reach Izarbide, then there's another big climb and a steep descent to Markina. Just take it slowly and you will be fine.

Make sure that you make a reservation at Albergue Izarbide - it does fill up. I reserved via WhatsApp.

 

[WalkingLester]

You can use google maps,type Markina in the search bar, then search for taxis on the map. Most all will be on WhatsApp. A text can be easier than speaking Spanish. I usually try to get to some kind of landmark such as a church, bar, or crossroads, and then the taxi can find you easily.

 

[Caro1964]

I would ask the hospitaleros at Albergue Izarbide for the number of a taxi before you leave in the morning.

You will already have completed the first climb from Deba when you reach Izarbide, then there's another big climb and a steep descent to Markina. Just take it slowly and you will be fine.

Make sure that you make a reservation at Albergue Izarbide - it does fill up. I reserved via WhatsApp.

Many thanks, so helpful!

You can use google maps,type Markina in the search bar, then search for taxis on the map. Most all will be on WhatsApp. A text can be easier than speaking Spanish. I usually try to get to some kind of landmark such as a church, bar, or crossroads, and then the taxi can find you easily.

Thank you! I never knew this is something that could be done with Google map, so helpful!

 

[WalkingLester]

Many thanks, so helpful!

Thank you! I never knew this is something that could be done with Google map, so helpful!

Once you have Markina displayed in Google maps you can type taxis near me in the search bar.

 

[CTLawGal]

I remember that stage! I'm glad I didn't know to dread it before I started! That first week on the Norte was hard. But, so beautiful and so worth it! I went back to look at my pictures - the area was just stunningly beautiful.

I am wondering if it might help the knees to consider having your pack transferred through those first difficult stages? Maybe that was already part of your plan, but if not maybe that might make it a little easier?

 

[dcalonder12]

You can shorten the walk to Markina by staying at Albergue Izarbide which is about 5 km past Deba.

INICIO | izarbide

izarbideaterpetxea.wixsite.com

There aren't many options in this area for shorter stages.

My wife and I stayed at Izarbide two years ago…and loved it! Highly recommend.

 

[Caro1964]

Here is a follow up question regarding the Albergue Izarbide: do they supply sheets and blankets or would I need to bring my sleeping bag?

 

[trecile]

Here is a follow up question regarding the Albergue Izarbide: do they supply sheets and blankets or would I need to bring my sleeping bag?

I think that they did supply sheets and blankets, but if you are planning to stay at albergues along the way you will need a light sleeping bag or liner.

 

[Caro1964]

I think that they did supply sheets and blankets, but if you are planning to stay at albergues along the way you will need a light sleeping bag or liner.

I'm planning to stay mostly in private albergues, casa rural or pension, and therefore would prefer not to have to include a sleeping bag in my luggage. But I have a silk liner that is super light and could easily be included in my pack. Thank you again!

 

[trecile]

I'm planning to stay mostly in private albergues, casa rural or pension, and therefore would prefer not to have to include a sleeping bag in my luggage. But I have a silk liner that is super light and could easily be included in my pack. Thank you again!

I just read some reviews on Wise Pilgrim, and my memory is correct that the beds have sheets and blankets. But you are wise to bring your silk liner in case you are in a situation where bedding is not provided. BTW, not all private albergues provide bedding.

 

[Caro1964]

I just read some reviews on Wise Pilgrim, and my memory is correct that the beds have sheets and blankets. But you are wise to bring your silk liner in case you are in a situation where bedding is not provided. BTW, not all private albergues provide bedding.

So good to know and helpful, thank you!!

 

[dcalonder12]

So good to know and helpful, thank you!!

I recall when we stayed there (kind of a cold, rainy night), they provided the basic papery bed linings and a decent blanket. You should definitely pack your silk sleeping bag liner…that’s what we had, and it always worked out well. BTW, their pilgrim meal was fantastic (and you can request they pack a lunch for you for the following day). Buen Camino!

 

[Caro1964]

I recall when we stayed there (kind of a cold, rainy night), they provided the basic papery bed linings and a decent blanket. You should definitely pack your silk sleeping bag liner…that’s what we had, and it always worked out well. BTW, their pilgrim meal was fantastic (and you can request they pack a lunch for you for the following day). Buen Camino!

Thank you! I read a LOT of comments on line about how fantastic their meals were... I am getting so excited to this stop!

 

[trecile]

Where do you plan to stop the night before you walk to Albergue Izarbide? It's a pretty challenging day so if you can walk to Zumaia the day before you will only have about 18 km to Izarbide.

 

[Caro1964]

That is precisely the option I am considering as we chat! Thanks again!

 

[WayWalker]

Hello! I've have searched hours for a way to split the much dreaded stage between Deba and Markina-Xemein into two days, to lessen its impact on my already-not-great-knees, but to no avail. I also really want to have a night in the Monasteria de Zenarruza. Has anyone been able to walk this stage and include a night in the Monasterio, without having to walk more than 16 km per day? Thanks in advance!

There's an albergue at the top before you go down again but you must make reservations. We didn't and it was full.

 

[Texas Walker]

You can use google maps,type Markina in the search bar, then search for taxis on the map. Most all will be on WhatsApp. A text can be easier than speaking Spanish. I usually try to get to some kind of landmark such as a church, bar, or crossroads, and then the taxi can find you easily.

Good thought. I will say that my memory of that stretch, from 2018, is that there are precious few crossroads, bars, and churches to use as a landmark. There is that little farm 10K or so before the end that has a fountain (not potable) and some grass to sit down on while you picnic. They had at that time a little table with some sugary drinks to purchase, too. After a rest there you might be able to handle criss crossing your way down that long cement downslope.
BC