The stage, step by step
Leaving Markina-Xemein
Start in Markina-Xemein with services and accommodation close at hand. You can have breakfast near the start at Babel and fill your pack before leaving town; the first few kilometres alternate between small climbs and descents before entering the woodland.
Towards Ziortza-Bolibar
The first notable climb runs from km 5.4 to km 8.4, gaining 209 m at an average gradient of 7%. Ziortza-Bolibar appears during this section; there you will find the iturria water point and Alerbgue Usandi and Usandi.
Woodland and the middle section
After Ziortza-Bolibar, the route continues through deciduous woodland and along riverside paths. There is another fountain called iturria around km 10.8, followed shortly afterwards by Plazako iturria and Elizako iturria, around km 11.3 and km 11.4. Sindikatu and Ondamendi are also in this section.
Elexalde, Marmiz and Gernika
The final climb begins from Elexalde towards Marmiz and is the toughest of the stage: between km 19.2 and km 21, the route gains 160 m at an average gradient of 8.9%. The descent towards Gernika follows, losing 219 m between km 21 and km 24.2; at the end you will find La braseria Erretegia, several bars and Albergue Gernika.
What to see on stage 5
Ziortza-Bolibar
This town is one of the first landmarks on the route and provides a useful way to divide the stage. You reach it after the main climb in the first third, amid Bizkaia’s woodland and paths.
Deciduous woodland
The stage crosses dense deciduous woodland and lush Atlantic vegetation. After rain, the same landscape can become slippery and muddy underfoot.
Riverside paths
The sections alongside streams add variety to a day with four climbs. They are particularly pleasant when the ground is firm, but require care after rain.
Urdaibai biosphere reserve
One of the viewpoints along the route offers a view over the Urdaibai biosphere reserve. It is a fine visual reward before the descent towards Gernika.
Gernika
Arriving in Gernika brings a mountain and woodland stage to a close. The town has all the food, shopping and accommodation you need to recover.
Where to sleep in Gernika
Markina-Xemein offers Erromesen aterpetxea, Albergue Augusto & Daughter and Intxauspe. In Ziortza-Bolibar, you can choose between Alerbgue Usandi and Usandi, while Zenarruzako monasterioaren erromesen aterpetxea is a donation-based option on the route. Further on there is Andiketxe Aterpetxea; at the finish you will find Albergue Gernika. Accommodation is spread out and the final section is demanding, so book your chosen stopping point before you start.
Where to eat and refuel
This stage is better served than the map might suggest. Markina-Xemein has breakfast and shopping on the high street — Babel, Kintal and Restaurante Niko Jatexte, plus an Eroski — and around km 6, Ziortza-Bolibar appears with Kanpape and Barkupe, exactly where your body starts asking for a seat. The next useful stop is around km 11, with Sindikatu and Ondamendi, which also doubles as a shop. Then comes a long gap: between that stop and Gernika, you will only pass Zarabenta Taberna, beyond km 16, so save some food for this section. In Gernika there is no problem: Cafetería Omago, Zallo and La braseria Erretegia are in the old town, with plenty of supermarkets nearby.
Practical tips for this stage
Wear footwear suitable for mud
The natural tracks in the final section often become muddy after rain. Waterproof boots and walking poles can make a real difference on the climb towards Marmiz and the descent afterwards.
Make use of the fountains
Around Ziortza-Bolibar, iturria appears near km 6.1, with more fountains between km 10.8 and km 11.4. Even so, leave Markina-Xemein with water and use these points to refill rather than starting with an empty bottle.
Save energy for Marmiz
The climb between km 19.2 and km 21 has an average gradient of 8.9%. There are still more than four kilometres to Gernika afterwards, although most of them are downhill.
Do not judge it by distance alone
It is 25.4 km, but the stage gains 668 m and loses 735 m. If it rains or the ground is muddy, allow extra time and avoid setting yourself an overly tight arrival time.
Frequently asked questions about stage 5
How many climbs does the stage have?
The route has four climbs. The first few are more manageable, but the last one, from Elexalde towards Marmiz, is the most demanding.
Where is the toughest climb?
Between km 19.2 and km 21, the route gains 160 m at an average gradient of 8.9%. It is the section you feel most after several hours on the trail.
What should I do if it has been raining?
Use waterproof footwear and walk carefully: the natural tracks in the final section can become muddy and slippery. Allow extra time for the climb to Marmiz and the descent to Gernika.