Don’t miss Hondarribia

[Nikandtony]

If starting your Camino from Irun, be sure to allow time to explore Hondarribia. It’s gorgeous. Hotel San Nikolas within the walls of the old town is wonderful & the host could not be more helpful. We are ending our current Camino here but really don’t want to leave.

 

[trecile]

Due to a rushed start because of a flight cancellation I did miss it last time I walked the Norte. But this time I will start walking from Bayonne, and have reserved a night in Hondarribia.

 

[Former member 104756]

That’s great @trecile . Hondarribia is a gem.

@Nikandtony We’ve also stayed at hôtel San Nikolas a few times. Lovely place and people in a great location

 

[David with new Kit!]

Quite agree, great place to stay, we had a mini holiday there several years ago and used it as a base for touring by bus and car.

What a lot of people might not realise is that San Sebastian Airport, despite the name, is actually in Hondaribbia and we landed their last year to start the Norte from Irun.

 

[lt56ny]

Due to a rushed start because of a flight cancellation I did miss it last time I walked the Norte. But this time I will start walking from Bayonne, and have reserved a night in Hondarribia.

Hope you post about walking from Bayonne to Irun. I will also start in Bayonne but go on the Camino Vasco from Irun. I will send you a PM.

 

[snale]

Beautiful place. We started there rather than Irun, right on the water and the same distance.

 

[RossIreland]

If starting your Camino from Irun, be sure to allow time to explore Hondarribia. It’s gorgeous. Hotel San Nikolas within the walls of the old town is wonderful & the host could not be more helpful. We are ending our current Camino here but really don’t want to leave.

Completely agree. The San Nikolas is lovely, opposite an amazing Parador and a short walk downhill to some great tapas bars in the main street. You can also take a small passenger "ferry" to France! Hendaye is nowhere near as beautiful as Hondarribia but interesting (and the boat is a very cool way to cross a border). Buen Camino

 

[Youren2010]

I arrive at Bilbao, then bus or train to Donostia, Will be too late to enjoy Hondarrabia and found a reasonable priced accommodation, so I will stay near Donostia, check out Decathlon store to get last minute supplies and start very early next Monday heading to Irun. Will a few hours in the morning at Hondarrabia worth it?

If I can guaranteed a bed at Pasaje I will stay longer, but no reservation allowed for Santa Ana, such a long day ahead to San Sebastián, I am not sure i will be so relaxed afterwards.

One note, the main reason for Decathlon is for cheap hiking poles. I do not want to take the risk of checking them in at airports. Will be ok to leave them at Santiago.

My April trip at one airport at Chile had to go through security again to check my folding poles.

Any advice?

 

[Former member 104756]

Will a few hours in the morning at Hondarrabia worth it?

Hondarribia is not a large town. If you have a few hours to spare, it’s an enjoyable place to walk around.

 

[Youren2010]

Great, then start early that it is! Thank you!

 

[debalr57]

Beautiful place. We started there rather than Irun, right on the water and the same distance.

Did you find it well marked to SS?
I’ll begin there in a few days.

 

[snale]

Yes very well marked all the way. It's the same route as from Irun except for the first 2K. It's in all the GPS apps like Wise Pilgrim. We stayed in the Hotel Palacete for great value and wanted comfort after the trip from Melbourne. It's right on the route. But signage is not a problem.

 

[debalr57]

Thanks for your positivity and support!