Arrival at San Sebastian Airport Mid-April: Norte Walk

[SDN]

I will arrive at the San Sebastian airport mid-April and begin the Norte the next day. Please let me know if any of you reading this can answer two questions:
1. Can I walk from the airport to Irun? (It looks like it is next door)
2. I sent an email to Pension Europa and Hotel Aitana to reserve a room for the night but no response. Where else can I stay near the Norte starting point?

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, @SDN,
From the San Sebastián airport it is a very easy and safe walk into town. You won’t have any problems.

I see that the Pensión Europa has a website with a reservations option. I plugged in some dates and saw availability and could have reserved right then. I’m sure you can find a place to stay, I’ve stayed in a couple of the cheap places that get lots of bad reviews on Gronze, but they were perfectly adequate imho.

 

[Former member 104756]

@SDN, I would just add that, if you have time on your arrival day the nearby town of Hondarribia is well worth a visit, even if just for a few hours. It's about 5 kms between the two or a quick bus ride - about 15 mins from memory.

Some people begin the Norte from Hondarribia. The walk from SS Donostia airport is even shorter to Hondarribia than to Irun. I've started from both Irun and Hondarribia - and much prefer an afternoon and evening in Hondarribia than Irun. The path from Hondarribia is well signposted and connects with the path from Irun within 10 minutes. The only downside - accommodation options in Hondarribia are usually more expensive, but there are some good value places - and mid-April is before the main 'tourist' season begins.

Wherever you begin, all the best.

 

[peregrina2000]

Totally agree with @Pelerina’s opinion. If you like little towns with lots of old stone houses with lots of beautiful flower boxes at every window, you will like Hondarribia. I have never stayed there, but I have gone to visit it several times and enjoyed it very much.

Wikiloc has a lot of GPS tracks showing how to get back on the main Norte route. I have friends who have done this and said it’s very straightforward.

 

[Former member 104756]

Totally agree with @Pelerina’s opinion. If you like little towns with lots of old stone houses with lots of beautiful flower boxes at every window, you will like Hondarribia. I have never stayed there, but I have gone to visit it several times and enjoyed it very much.

Wikiloc has a lot of GPS tracks showing how to get back on the main Norte route. I have friends who have done this and said it’s very straightforward.

And fabulous views from the high town, walks along the waterfront as the sun goes down and excellent food at one of the many tapas bars or gastro bars.

It really is straightforward to join the main route, even without tracks.

PS. Sorry, I sound like a Hondarribia evangelist/travel agent - I've been there many times and never tire of the place.