Road.TravelRoad.Travel
    20 Activities

    ⚡ Exploring the Flysch of the Basque Coast

    ⚡ Exploring the Flysch of the Basque Coast
    Starts from

    Bilbao

    Transportation

    Electric Car

    CO2 Savings

    35 lb

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    20

    Duration

    12 hrs 5 min

    Length

    71 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Bilbao

    Transportation

    Electric Car

    CO2 Savings

    35 lb

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    12 hrs 5 min

    Length

    71 mi

    • Natural Attractions
    • Adventure
    • ⚡ Electric Routes
    Map preview
    Aldana Chiodi

    Aldana Chiodi

    Travel Expert

    • Marvel at the stunning landscapes offered by the flysch.
    • Take a stroll through the historic centres of Zumaia and Deba.
    • Capture the beauty by taking lots of pictures.
    On this day trip, you will discover a unique landscape that will surprise you, a geological formation known as flysch that you will enjoy photographing from all perspectives.
    The flysch is located in the Basque Coast Geopark, which in 2015 UNESCO included in its network of protected geoparks around the world. In the geopark, it is possible to see the evolution of the Earth over millions of years.
    You can walk along the beaches, see the cliffs, harbours, and beautiful old towns from Zumaia to Deba. It will be a wonderful day! Although this route includes charging stations, make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
    Travel itineraries are designed for self-drive experience – available from your phone to car navigation. You decide when and where to go. Car rental can be booked with priceless.com
    offers.

    Categories

    • Natural Attractions
    • Adventure
    • ⚡ Electric Routes
    On this day trip, you will discover a unique landscape that will surprise you, a geological formation known as flysch that you will enjoy photographing from all perspectives.
    The flysch is located in the Basque Coast Geopark, which in 2015 UNESCO included in its network of protected geoparks around the world. In the geopark, it is possible to see the evolution of the Earth over millions of years.
    You can walk along the beaches, see the cliffs, harbours, and beautiful old towns from Zumaia to Deba. It will be a wonderful day! Although this route includes charging stations, make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
    Travel itineraries are designed for self-drive experience – available from your phone to car navigation. You decide when and where to go. Car rental can be booked with priceless.com
    offers.
    Aldana Chiodi

    Aldana Chiodi

    Travel Expert

    • Marvel at the stunning landscapes offered by the flysch.
    • Take a stroll through the historic centres of Zumaia and Deba.
    • Capture the beauty by taking lots of pictures.

    Day Itinerary

    20 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    67 mi4 mi

    Discovering the Coast: From Zumaia to Deba and Mutriku

    Today you will be able to discover the Basque Geopark, where a geological formation known as flysch stands out, a unique landscape that can be seen in few places in the world. The best time to see them is at low tide, so the itinerary will be conditioned by that time.
    You can go on foot or by car; this itinerary suggests a mix. Doing it all on foot is not difficult, but you need to be in good condition and ready for several hours of walking. In this proposal, you will drive to a few sites and from there you can embark on shorter hikes.
    Remember to bring water and some snacks, as well as trekking shoes in case you decide to walk on the beach at low tide. For a better experience, you can also check the tide schedule beforehand.
    07:455 min

    Charging Station: Iberdrola

    The area you're about to drive through to reach the flysch is not rich in EV charging stations, so it's better to charge your car before leaving the city. While your car is charging, head to the nearby tavern for a freshly brewed coffee to recharge your own batteries, and grab some snacks for a picnic on the beach in the afternoon. Type: CCS/SAE 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    08:0045 min

    Artekari

    Located just a few metres from the charging station, this tavern serves various pintxos (small snacks) and sandwiches, as well as good coffee. If you haven't eaten at home, try their tortilla (Spanish omelette) for breakfast – it's a must-try here. And don't forget to take some sandwiches to go; you'll be having lunch quite late today, so you might want to have a picnic on the beach while enjoying the views of the flysch.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    08:505 min

    Charging Station: Iberdrola

    Now that your car is fully charged, and you've been suitably revitalised with coffee and snacks, it's time to return to your car and head for the town of Zumaia.
    45.6 mi
    1 hr
    09:555 min

    Car Park

    Finding a car park in the centre of Zumaia can be challenging, so it's advisable to leave your car in one of the car parks near the harbour, where some have ample space. From there, you will need to walk to the coast.
    0.7 mi
    15 min
    10:1530 min

    Algorri Visitor Centre

    Flysch is like layers or sheets of parallel rocks that formed on the cliff face and continue into the sea. These layers are the result of the accumulation of sediments and marine organisms over many years. The harder, overhanging layers are interspersed with softer ones, creating a distinctive landscape.
    These layers, running parallel to each other, can be seen on the cliffs, but observing them at low tide is the most fascinating part. Therefore, be mindful of the tides, as they are best viewed at low tide. You can check the tide timetable online.
    Based on that timetable, you can first visit the coast and then the interpretation centre, or vice versa.
    If you prefer to see the flysch on a guided tour (for example, on foot or by boat, to view them from the shore), you can explore the options on the park's official website.
    0.4 mi
    10 min
    11:0015 min

    Itzurun Beach

    If you prefer to see the flysch up close (even during high tide), you can head to Itzurun Beach and start to be amazed.
    0.6 mi
    15 min
    11:3015 min

    Flysch of Zumaia Lookout

    You can also go as far as the San Telmo Chapel (visible from Itzurun Beach) and walk a few metres to one of the viewpoints.
    This is also the starting point of the hiking trail between Zumaia and Deba. To complete the route on foot, you must follow the red and white signs of the GR-121, which starts behind the hermitage of San Telmo. The distance is approximately 12-13 km one way, but you can return by public transport.
    In this itinerary, it is suggested that you return to the car park to collect your car and then continue the route to another viewpoint.
    10.4 mi
    40 min
    12:305 min

    Car Park

    This is one of the locations where you can park your car and enjoy a walk towards the Portutxiki viewpoint and Sakoneta Beach.
    0.9 mi
    20 min
    13:0015 min

    Portutxiki Lookout

    Located at the top of the Sakoneta cliffs, this lookout offers magnificent views of the flysch and the Atlantic coast. Have your camera ready to capture the scenery!
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    13:3030 min

    Sakoneta Beach

    Sakoneta is one of the places offering some of the best views of these thousand sheets of rock.
    For those who are up for it, and if the tide is out, you can descend a rope with staples and walk along Sakoneta Beach. At the beach's end, there is another rope for climbing. Note that walking along the beach is not advisable if the tide is not sufficiently low.
    0.8 mi
    20 min
    14:305 min

    Car Park

    Collect your car and head to the restaurant for lunch.
    1.9 mi
    10 min
    14:4545 min

    Itxaspe Snack-Bar

    It's time for lunch! If you have brought food and drinks with you, you can choose a natural spot for a picnic. Otherwise, you can stop at this bar for a hamburger, salad, sandwiches, or mixed dishes.
    From this location, you can also embark on short hikes.
    3.5 mi
    10 min
    15:4510 min

    Virgin of Itziar Lookout

    After lunch, on your way to Deba, you can stop at the Itziar viewpoint. There is a car park available, and from there you can admire the beautiful views of the coast.
    1.2 mi
    5 min
    16:005 min

    Car Park

    You can make a short stop in Deba, where there is a public car park in front of the beach. From there, you can stroll along the coast or wander through some streets of the old town, where the town hall is located.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    16:1530 min

    Deba Old Town

    The proposal is to take a short walk around the town hall area, visit the Church of Santa Maria, and see the Ermita de la Cruz.
    Then, you can return to your car via Hondartza Street to drive to the third destination of the day.
    2.3 mi
    10 min
    17:0015 min

    Motrico Lookout

    The third stop of the day is Mutriku (Motrico), but before reaching the village, consider stopping at its viewpoint. At the viewpoint, there are two parking spaces, although they are not very large.
    1.8 mi
    10 min
    17:3030 min

    Flixgain

    If you wish to stop for a coffee, a beer, or a snack, there's a bar in front of the sea where you can pop into. A car park is available nearby.
    Afterwards, you can visit the natural pools that are formed in the area.
    0.9 mi
    5 min
    18:1545 min

    Nautilus Museum

    Mutriku (Motrico) is the last of the villages that forms part of the Geopark. While it may not be the best-known, it is certainly worth a visit. The village boasts a thriving port and a colourful old town and is located in the western part of the Geopark, known for its black flysch, which are darker in colour.
    If you're interested in visiting the Nautilus Interpretation Centre, you can email the museum to arrange a visit. Be aware that visiting hours can vary, and outside the high season (July and August), it is only open on weekends. However, visits outside these times can be organised through the official website.
    Whether you choose to visit the centre or not, you can park your car in the area and walk to the old town.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    19:1515 min

    Motrico Old Town

    As you stroll through the old town, you can see the town hall building, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Galdona Palace, among other notable landmarks.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    19:451 hr 30 min

    Taberna Ametza

    Before heading back home, you can enjoy dinner in the old town. One option could be Taberna Ametza, where you can order meat, fish, salads, mixed dishes, or sandwiches.
    After a satisfying dinner and a day filled with walking and enjoying beautiful landscapes, it's time to return to collect your car and drive straight back home.
    Map preview
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