Camino Norte Day 2: Getaria to Ibiri Auz

Walked: 26.4kms
Hours: 8:46
Steps: 40,528
Tortillas to date: 6
Blisters to date: 0

A perfect day along the Flysch Route, one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Basque coast! The cliffs and rock formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and waves, created a dramatic backdrop as we walked along the winding coastal path. 🌊 ☀️

Before starting the coastal section, we met Lorenzo (Italy) and Josef (Germany) and began walking together. But at the very first hill, Isra and Itzi took off, leaving me to spend the rest of the day with new friends. The 3 of us stuck together through the heat and countless uphills, pausing often to admire the views and the most playful horses along the way (one in particular who just wanted his nose scratched, so cute!). 🐴

By the time we reached Deva, the town festival was in full swing and we were desperate to find food although almost everything was closed! The streets were packed with people, music and laughter, and we were secretly happy not to be staying there! But the day wasn’t over yet because after a quick bite, there was still another 6 km climb to our destination. 🎉

Our albergue at Ibiri Auzoa was a hidden gem. The first communal dinner, hosted by Antonio the hospitalero, felt warm and welcoming, and the outdoor area was simply stunning, a perfect place to rest after a very long and hot day. On the way up, we met Tim and Cesare, two more German pilgrims, and over dinner we met Ines from France. 🍽️ 🚿

We also had a curious and unforgettable encounter with a girl hiking in a dress. She was curious about the French Way but seemed mostly intent on hearing me critique it to reassure her choice not to walk it but it’s because of the French Way that I wanted to come back (you meet all sorts of people in life) 🤷🏻‍♀️

It was a day full of heat, hills, laughter and connection. The Flysch Route was everything I hoped for: stunning, challenging and unforgettable, a true highlight of this Camino and it’s only day 2❣️Read more