The stage, step by step
Leaving San Sebastián
Make the most of the morning in San Sebastián to have breakfast and buy anything you need. Iglesia de Santa María del Puerto is near the starting area; afterwards, the route leaves the city and begins climbing towards Monte Igueldo, with La Concha Bay as a reference point.
Monte Igueldo and the farmsteads
Between km 6 and km 8.8 there is a 70 m climb. The terrain alternates between dirt tracks and paved sections, passing Basque farmsteads, meadows and coastal hills. Keep your pace conservative: the hardest part of the stage is still ahead.
Descent towards Orio
The climb between km 9.5 and km 11.8 leads into a steep descent towards Orio: over 2.8 km, the route loses 234 m at an average gradient of 8.5%. Descend carefully, particularly if the ground is wet, and use Orio as an opportunity to take a break.
From Orio to Zarautz
After Orio, the profile becomes undulating again. There is another descent between km 15 and km 16.5 and a climb to km 19.5, before the final descent towards Zarautz between km 19.5 and km 20.8. Save some energy for those last short climbs.
What to see on stage 2
Iglesia de Santa María del Puerto
This parish church stands in San Sebastián, close to the historic area where the stage begins. It is an easy visit before setting off and lets you start the day with the city centre still close by.
Monte Igueldo
The route climbs towards Monte Igueldo and offers views over La Concha Bay. The landscape soon changes from city streets to the meadows and farmsteads of the Gipuzkoan coast.
Orio
Orio appears halfway through the day as a coastal town and a good place to rest. Together with Zarautz, it preserves the memory of the Basque Country’s former whaling ports.
Zarautz
Arriving in Zarautz brings an end to a stage of constant ups and downs. The town is also linked to seafaring traditions and is the right place to recover after the final descent.
Where to sleep in Zarautz
Most of the accommodation for this stage is at the starting point. Donostia has around a dozen small hostels — Roger's House, Koxka, La Marinera and San Fermin, to name four — and they are all useful for the night before, not the end of the day. Once you climb towards Igueldo, do not count on finding somewhere to sleep en route: there is nothing aimed at pilgrims who stop halfway between the city, Orio and Zarautz. Zarautz has its own accommodation, but it is a popular seaside resort and beds disappear quickly in high season; call in the morning rather than arriving at seven in the evening to see what is left.
Where to eat and refuel
San Sebastián allows you to set off well fed and carrying food for the trail: cafés include Vincent's Cafe, Maiatza and Coffee Break, while restaurants include Kokotxa, Herria Taberna and El Caserío. For supplies, you can use Lidl, Carrefour Express or Eroski. Zarautz also has plenty of options on arrival, but I would not rely on a continuous line of services between the city, Monte Igueldo and Orio.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off early
The average walking time is 4.9 hours, but the constant climbs and descents make it feel more like a long day. Leave early so you can walk without rushing and reach Zarautz with time to spare.
Save energy for Orio
The descent towards Orio loses 234 m at an average gradient of 8.5%. Do not rush it: there is still a climb to km 19.5 and the final descent afterwards.
Have breakfast and shop in San Sebastián
The start has cafés, restaurants, pharmacies and supermarkets close together. Take advantage of this convenience and leave with water and some food, especially if you are unsure where you will stop during the farmstead section.
Look after your feet
The route alternates between dirt and paved surfaces. Stable footwear and dry socks are well worth having on a stage with several steep descents.
Frequently asked questions about stage 2
Is it an easy stage because it is only 22.1 km?
Not entirely. It has 426 m of ascent and 419 m of descent, with a continuous succession of short climbs and descents. The average walking time is 4.9 hours.
Where is the steepest descent?
Between km 11.8 and km 14.5, the route loses 234 m at an average gradient of 8.5%. It is the main descent of the day, so take it easy on your knees.
Can I find services during the stage?
The safest options are in San Sebastián and Zarautz. Leave Donostia with water and food; Orio lies on the route and is a logical stopping point, but do not assume there will be services every few kilometres.