PR-GI-138. Azpeitia-Zestoa

The PR-GI-138 route, known as Azpeitia-Zestoa, extends over 13.3 kilometers along the beautiful Basque Coast, offering a challenging route with a difficulty rated as extremely hard. Along this path, hikers will face a total elevation gain of 703 meters, ensuring an active and stimulating experience amidst an impressive natural environment. The start of the route is located in Azpeitia, a municipality with a rich cultural and architectural heritage, famous for being the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. As you progress, the landscape changes, revealing panoramic views of the region and the opportunity to observe native flora and fauna.

One of the highlights of the route is its proximity to Cestona, a municipality in the province of Guipúzcoa known for its natural surroundings and historical heritage. This place is ideal for taking a break and enjoying the tranquility that Basque nature offers. Moreover, the route passes near the archaeological site of Irikaitz, a site of great historical relevance that houses an archaeological sequence spanning from the Lower Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic. This location is not only of interest to history enthusiasts but also adds a significant cultural component to the hiking experience.

Throughout the journey, walkers can enjoy the diversity of the landscape, which includes lush forests, rolling hills, and views of the Cantabrian Sea. The combination of nature and culture makes the Azpeitia-Zestoa route a unique experience for those looking to explore the beauty and history of the Basque Coast.