The stage, step by step
Historic departure from Gernika
Before walking, you can visit Casa de Juntas and Iglesia de Santa María de Gernika. The starting point has every service you need: Cafetería Omago, Omago Txiki, Eroski, Dia, Lidl and BM are all useful for breakfast and supplies.
The first kilometres inland
The route leaves Gernika through a section of gentle undulations. Between km 5.1 and km 6.2 there is a 38 m descent, followed by another between km 6.3 and km 7.5; manage your legs carefully because the main climb begins soon afterwards.
The climb from km 8.9 to km 11.7
This is the clearest effort of the day: the route gains 165 m over 2.8 km at an average gradient of 5.8%. Ermita de San Esteban de Gerekiz lies on the route to Lezama and provides a cultural landmark in the higher section.
Descent towards Larrabetzu and Lezama
From km 11.7 to km 16.7, the route loses 285 m at an average gradient of 5.8%. Larrabetzu appears in the final part of the route; afterwards there is one last gentle descent before arriving in Lezama, where you can visit the church and find accommodation.
What to see on stage 6
Casa de Juntas
Casa de Juntas de Gernika is the Neoclassical building where Bizkaia’s assembly meets. It stands on the site of the former chapel of Santa María la Antigua, beside the Árbol de Gernika.
Iglesia de Santa María de Gernika
The Gothic church of Santa María marks one of the historic entrances to the town. It is a particularly logical visit before beginning a stage that leaves from the centre of Gernika.
Ermita de San Esteban de Gerekiz
The chapel lies on the route to Lezama and serves as a landmark during the climb. Its setting is a good place for a break before starting the long descent.
Iglesia de Santa María de Lezama
Lezama’s church is a sixteenth-century Gothic temple with three vaulted naves, five altars and an elevated choir. It is one of the places worth seeing at the end of the stage.
Torre de Lezama
Torre de Lezama is a medieval building in the town. Together with Humilladero del Santo Cristo, it completes the heritage you can visit on arrival.
Where to sleep in Lezama
In Gernika, you can set off from Albergue Gernika. Along the stage there are Albergue Caserío Pozueta and Albergue Gerekiz; further on, in Larrabetzu, you will find Larrabetzuko erromesen aterpetxea. Near the finish is Albergue de Peregrinos. The stage is short, but if you want to sleep in Gerekiz, Larrabetzu or Lezama, book ahead because the stopping points are quite far apart.
Where to eat and refuel
Gernika has everything, and it is worth making the most of it because there is very little afterwards. Have breakfast at Cafetería Omago or Zallo, eat early at Boliña el Viejo or Batzoki de Gernika, and fill your pack at any of the supermarkets in the centre. After that comes a gap of around fourteen kilometres: you will not find anything open again until near Larrabetzu, where Estanco Elisa Bilbao offers coffee and Aliprox sells a few basic provisions. In Lezama, at the end, there are Josune and Denda, although they are more shop than restaurant. This is a stage for leaving Gernika with food and water in your pack, not for searching for a bar along the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Use Gernika’s services
The start has supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and pharmacies close together. Shop there, fill your bottle and sort out anything you need before beginning the second-section climb.
Pace yourself on the central climb
Between km 8.9 and km 11.7, the route gains 165 m at an average gradient of 5.8%. It is not the most extreme climb on the Camino, but it comes after several undulations and is best tackled without rushing.
Look after your knees on the descent
The descent between km 11.7 and km 16.7 loses 285 m. Keep a comfortable pace and do not accelerate too much: there is still a distance to cover before Lezama.
Book at the intermediate stops
Accommodation is spread between Gernika, Pozueta, Gerekiz, Larrabetzu and the finish. If you have a specific destination in mind, confirm your bed before setting off.
Frequently asked questions about stage 6
How long does the stage from Gernika to Lezama take?
It is 19.8 km and takes an average of 4.4 hours. The terrain alternates between climbs and descents, with 495 m of ascent and 443 m of descent.
Where is the main climb?
The clearest climb runs from km 8.9 to km 11.7. This section gains 165 m at an average gradient of 5.8%.
Is the final descent long?
Yes. Between km 11.7 and km 16.7, the route loses 285 m at an average gradient of 5.8%. It is a prolonged descent that is best taken steadily.