Hi, Thornley,
I can only answer one of those questions. Hondarribia is quite the touristy prettified town, there is no shortage of lovely accommodations, from a parador on down. Just take a quick look on booking and I'm sure you'll see a ton of options. I'm a sucker for those old stone buildings lovingly restored and decorated with flowerpots in every window, and Hondarribia has about a million of those.
I was using a Spanish Guide, Editorial Buen Camino. Loved it because it was published just a month before I walked. The hamlet is called Elorriaga, and I need to clarify, while it is mentioned in the guide there is no mention of its bar. And this guide also does not mention the alternative route. Cicerone does mention the "tabarna" and the alternate route : " 7.6km, very scenic, following the GR121 red route signs. "
I always use Eroski, but for albergues, distances and elevations. Not for directions. And not because I do not find it unrealiable but because I have gotten into the habit of buying a guide, taking pics of the pages I will walk, and then make notes in it.
Another recommendation is using the albergue in Olatz, 8km or so after Deba, to break up that difficult day's hike due to elevation and terrain.
Anemone & Thornley,
Okay, thanks for info. I'm doing the Norte for the 2nd time this summer (I hope) so I'll take the "normal" (non-flysch) way this time. Your guide didn't mention the hamlet = which guide did you have? I'm going to take the Eroski guide from the net, which is said to be updated frequently as times go by. But actually, this guide, that should be the most recent one, doesen't even mention the flysch alternative and it isn't inidicated on the maps.
The name "flysch" itself is really strange: spelling is not spanish nor basque (euskera). Perhaps some other pilgrim can shed some light upon this.
/BP
To all who have assisted my friends on their return to the Norte they have over a long Christmas lunch [and a bit more] organised the following and wish to thank you all the advice given.
After a few long flights night in Biarritz @ La Maison du Lierre
Next day bus to Bidart and then onto Littoral [ Coastal Path]
1/ Stoping after 12 km @ St Jean de Luz/Ciboure
2/ Stopping after 13 km @ Hondarribia in Hotel Sercotel Jauregui. The manager was very helpful in reply letter to their request on information on accommodation in San Pedro [Pasajes].There was none but the reply was beautifully written by Unai and wished them all the best.
3/ Bags go ahead and the long walk of 25km to San Sebastian.They intend and it was agreed over a Rose' to use the Funicular to Hotel Leku Eger after a good lunch .
4/ Walk 19km to Zarautz and then the reason why i believe they are doing this section slowly..
they will get the bus to Getaria for lunch. They know there are a few Michelin star restr's.in this village and the Turbot is world famous .
Then a 10minute bus ride [ they will be over the limit now if driving or walking ] to Zumaia and the Convent.
5/ The next day a hard/lovely 15km on the GR121 to Deba staying in Pension Zamardi
Its been 15 years since the Norte with their husbands [ they are now widows ] and they have loved the planning all around their "fish" lunches . The Sole and Turbot in this section is regarded as the best in the world.
I don't think they will reach Santander ......lol.
Thanks everyone.