The stage, step by step
Leaving Deba
Deba is the last convenient place to have breakfast, shop and check your pack. There is a short initial descent to around km 6, but do not mistake it for an easy day: the main climb starts afterwards.
Mutriku and the major climb
The route passes through Mutriku and moves into a landscape between the coast and the mountains. Between km 7.5 and km 11.3, you face a 288 m climb at an average gradient of 7.7%; walk slowly here and take short breaks.
The middle section
After the climb comes a 92 m descent to around km 13.3, followed by several kilometres over gentler terrain. Around km 13.4, you reach the Iturria fountain, a useful place to check your water before continuing into the final section.
Entering Markina-Xemein
The final block climbs again between km 17.5 and km 18.3 before plunging into a 305 m descent between km 19.5 and km 22.8. As you approach Markina-Xemein, you will find Uhagon, Toldope and Kintal, as well as accommodation at the finish.
What to see on stage 4
Mutriku
Mutriku’s old town has been a designated Historic Monument since 1995. The town retains its seafaring character and is the main urban landmark before the stage heads into the mountains.
Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción de Mutriku
This Neoclassical church forms part of Mutriku’s heritage. It is a possible stop in the town before tackling the most demanding inland section.
Palacio Galdona
Palacio Galdona is a seventeenth-century Baroque building in Mutriku. It fits naturally into the town’s historic centre, which is worth a pause if you have enough time.
Ermita de San Miguel de Arretxinaga
The eighteenth-century chapel, in the Markina-Xemein area, contains three large prehistoric stones arranged as an altar. It is one of the most unusual sights at the end of the stage.
Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción
The church in Markina-Xemein was founded in the sixteenth century and is considered the largest in Bizkaia. Visit it at the end of the stage, once you have completed the final descent.
Where to sleep in Markina-Xemein
In Deba, Erromesen aterpetxea gives you a comfortable starting point. Along the way there is Izarbide aterpetxea, near the Mutriku section; on reaching Markina-Xemein, you can choose between Intxauspe, Albergue Augusto & Daughter and Erromesen aterpetxea. Options are much more limited than on the coastal stages, so book ahead, especially if you do not want the demanding route to dictate where you sleep.
Where to eat and refuel
Have breakfast and shop in Deba, where everything is within five minutes: cafés in the centre, Oskarbi or Atozte, and an Eroski on the way out of town. Mutriku, around km 3, still offers a mid-morning stop at Azkenetxe or San Juan Jatetxea, with Olatz jatetxea and Zelaieta a little further on. And that is it. From around km 8 until the approach to Markina-Xemein, there is nothing: roughly fifteen kilometres through the hills, including the major climb and final descent, with no bar to refill your bottle or buy a sandwich. Carry food with you. On arrival, Babel, Uhagon and Kintal are almost on the same street, while Eroski in Markina is useful for restocking for the next day.
Practical tips for this stage
Leave Deba with enough water
The Iturria fountain is around the middle of the stage, near km 13. Do not set off with only just enough water: between Deba, Mutriku and that point, you will need to manage your supply carefully.
Save your legs for the central climb
The climb from km 7.5 to km 11.3 gains 288 m at an average gradient of 7.7%. It defines the day, so use a short stride and do not push yourself to keep to a timetable.
Take care on the final descent
The descent from km 19.5 to km 22.8 loses 305 m at an average gradient of 9.4%. It can feel very long on tired legs, so slow down and pay attention to the ground.
Shop before setting off
Deba is the most reliable place to buy food and check your gear. If you are sleeping in Markina-Xemein, book ahead: the stage is demanding and beds are limited.
Frequently asked questions about stage 4
Is this a particularly tough stage?
Yes. It is 24 km, with 711 m of ascent and 632 m of descent, and reaches a maximum altitude of 492 m. The central climb and final descent account for much of the effort.
Which is the most demanding climb?
Between km 7.5 and km 11.3, the route gains 288 m at an average gradient of 7.7%. This is the section to tackle most steadily.
Is there a clear place to refill water?
The Iturria fountain is around km 13.4, roughly halfway through the stage. Even so, leave Deba with enough water to reach it.