Half-Day Way of St. James Hiking Tour from San Sebastián
5
About
Spend a half-day away from the crowds of San Sebastián and immerse yourself in nature on a hiking tour of Mount Ulia. Follow the “Camino de Santiago” and learn more about the ridge’s history from your local guide. Admire the striking Basque landscape, visit local villages, and gain insight into local life, with a sightseeing boat tour across Pasaia San Pedro’s bay. A complimentary glass of txakoli (sparkling white wine) is included.
Ages 12-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 5h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Gain insight into the history of Mount Ulia from your local guide
- Sample a complimentary glass of txakoli as you relax on a terrace mid-hike
- Enjoy an active sightseeing experience
- Admire striking Basque vistas and visit local villages along the way
- Local English-speaking guide
- Local drink
- Boat crossing of the estuary
- Bus ride back to San Sebastian
- Entry/Admission - Monte Ulia
- Entry/Admission - Faro de la Plata
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Begin your tour at a central location in San Sebastián, where you'll meet your guide and group. Then, begin your journey to Mount Ulia. As you hike the former pilgrimage route, listen to your guide share insights into the path’s age-old legacy and admire striking views along the coastal trail. Pause in Pasaia San Pedro and discover more about village life and culture. Hear about the town’s traditional rowing competitions and games of “pelota” and then enjoy an illuminating cruise of the bay toward Santiago Square. Here, alight and visit a nearby terrace bar and relax with a refreshing glass of txakoli (sparkling white wine). When replenished, continue by foot to Pasaia. Explore the village’s charming streets and then catch a public bus back to San Sebastián. Enjoy the ride back to the city, before the tour concludes back at the original point of departure.
- Start:
- Mariaren Bihotza, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, SpainMariaren Bihotza Church. Meet under the clock tower (it can be seen from Zurriola beach). Avenida de Navarra 3 (“Hiribidea” in Basque). There is an AVIA petrol station next to it. GPS coordinates: 43.326230, -1.971086
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6172STJAMES- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Please wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes
- Not recommended for participants with heart problems or high blood pressure and should be avoided by those with hip or knee replacements or anyone who is afraid of heights. Please contact us if you have any concerns regarding the physical requirements of the tour; private tours are available for those looking for a slower pace.
- This is a 8.5 km hike, designed to take three hours with an extra two hours at the end to enjoy the town of Pasaia and come back to San Sabestian by public bus.You'll be walking up a steep hill at the beginning that lasts for 1.5 km. The terrain isn't rocky but there will be lots of steps to climb! The rest of the hike lasts for 7 km and while it is more moderate, you will need to navigate your way across a few rocks, which can be challenging for some. During each section, the total gain of altitude is about 180 m (360 m in total). .
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6172STJAMES
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Itinerary
- You'll start atMariaren Bihotza20013 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, SpainMariaren Bihotza Church. Meet under the clock tower (it can be seen from Zurriola beach). Avenida de Navarra 3 (“Hiribidea” in Basque). There is an AVIA petrol station next to it. GPS coordinates: 43.326230, -1.971086See address & details
- 1Monte UliaStop: 2 hours - Admission includedSee details
- 2PasaiaStop: 2 hoursSee details
- You'll return to the starting point
More to explore in San Sebastian - Donostia
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5.0
73 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
2
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Graham B
Perth, Australia10 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
We took this tour in July 2018. Our tour guide was Angel. Without doubt this was one of the best small group walks we have ever been on. Angel is a very knowledgeable and personable guide.
I don't want to give away too much of the detail of the tour because I do not want to spoil the surprises.
My memories of this tour put a smile on my face … highly recommended.
I don't want to give away too much of the detail of the tour because I do not want to spoil the surprises.
My memories of this tour put a smile on my face … highly recommended.
Written 24 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Graham,
We are so pleased to know that you enjoyed the tour and the company of Angel. It also makes us very happy to know that we are part of your memories :) Thanks for your review.
Greetings from our city!
Urban Adventure San Sebastian
Written 31 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren C
20 contributions
Fantastic day’s hiking in the beautiful countryside around San Sebastián. Marina was a brilliant guide - gave an authentic local perspective on the country, culture, history and food of the region. Really well organised and planned, loved the boat crossing and drink at the end. This walk only made us more enthusiastic to one day hike the entire Camino Santiago. We’d definitely recommend this hike and Marina as a wonderful knowledgable guide
Written 13 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lauren! Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review, we really appreciate it!
Marina will love to read this!
We take good care of every step of the way to deliver a perfect tour for you guys, glad to see you loved it!
Written 12 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NYCtoAustin
Portland, ME18 contributions
Marina guided my husband and I on our hike. She was very knowledgeable and really helped us learn about the area from a local. The views were absolutely beautiful and we got some awesome pictures. I would definitely recommend this for visitors to San Sebastián to both enjoy the views and learn about the area.
Written 27 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi NYCtoAustin,
we are glad to hear that you enjoyed the hike and the views. And thank you for taking some time to recommend the tour. This way many peolple will be able to know what to expect when doing the St. James Way.
Best regards,
The team of Urban Adventures San Sebastian.
Written 28 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jydgmstewart62
Dunedin, New Zealand17 contributions
Having travelled around a few of the starting points of the El Camino and having watched the film ‘The Way’ we were very keen to try a day walk on part of the trail. We booked the half day tour to get a taste of what it’s like.
Beautiful walk. Great views. Very peaceful away from the business of San Sebastián.
Our guide, Angel, was fabulous. Such a nice guy. Gave us all the history of the trail. The history of the surroundings, the Basque culture and language. He taught us how to play Basque pelota while we waited for the bus back to town.
We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend
Beautiful walk. Great views. Very peaceful away from the business of San Sebastián.
Our guide, Angel, was fabulous. Such a nice guy. Gave us all the history of the trail. The history of the surroundings, the Basque culture and language. He taught us how to play Basque pelota while we waited for the bus back to town.
We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend
Written 23 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi judymstewart62,
Thank you for your review, we are very happy about your experience with our guide Angel. Good to hear after watching the movie, doing a part of the camino yourself. It is a special experience with amazing views!
Written 24 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BillMonas
Melbourne, Australia108 contributions
I did really . Not very many people can say that they have walked 1% on the Camino Trail- most have done a lot further .
But this half day tour was just as daunting for me .
Nevertheless it was the most rewarding walk I have ever done , thanks to our excellent guide -Angel - who was not only extremely informative and amusing but also kept our welfare in mind .....stops for viewing, stops for water intake, etc
Don’t let the initial 15 min steep step climb put you off .
The reward is the views up above , the vino at the end and that sense of achievement.
A highly recommended tour !!!!
And thanks again Angel
But this half day tour was just as daunting for me .
Nevertheless it was the most rewarding walk I have ever done , thanks to our excellent guide -Angel - who was not only extremely informative and amusing but also kept our welfare in mind .....stops for viewing, stops for water intake, etc
Don’t let the initial 15 min steep step climb put you off .
The reward is the views up above , the vino at the end and that sense of achievement.
A highly recommended tour !!!!
And thanks again Angel
Written 22 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this wonderful review Bill!
Welcome to the 1% club haha. Angel is great and he takes really good care of all of our guests, he is an expert on el camino and we are so happy to see your day was awesome thanks to him.
Hopefully we will see you again very soon :)
Written 12 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clickbeetle
San Francisco, CA11 contributions
Our guide Marina met us at the foot of the stairs near the church on Avenida Navarro. She provided a thorough historical background on the Camino. The trail begins on stairs, which last for about one km. From there the trail rises gently and as one proceeds further, views of the ocean open up. Along the way, Marina provided historical information as well as insights into Basque culture and language. At the end of the trail, we had a short but fun boat ride and then had a wonderful codfish tortilla.
Written 23 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Clickbeetle,
thank you for the comment! We are glad to hear thank you enjoyed the tour with Marina. Yes, in the beginning it can be a little bit hard but I think it is worth it once you arrive next to the ocean and you get to see the entire city. We are happy to know that you learnt about the city and that you enjoyed the food in the end!
Kind regards,
San Sebastian Urban Adventures.
Written 28 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
michaelG6658JK
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
This is a great way to get off the beaten track with a vigorous hike taking in good views and enjoying informed commentary and good conversation from our excellent guide Tomasz. The final stop at Pasai for coffee and a snack is a chance to see how the locals live.Highly recommended.
Written 17 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear michaelG6658JK,
Thank you for this great commentary. We love to hear that you enjoyed the Hike the Saint James Way tour with Tomasz. This will help us to reach many other travelers around the world. Tomasz himself created the tour and he loves guiding the travelers around.
Best regards from the team of Urban Adventures San Sebastian,
Written 14 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate A
Sydney, Australia73 contributions
I booked this tour about 45mins before it started (seriously)... and it’s one of the best decisions I made all holiday! I would recommend having some level of fitness as a few of the inclines are quite challenging. But the spectacular views and wilderness, the peace and quiet, and the sense of accomplishment on this legendary path make it all completely worthwhile. Our guide Angel was warm, friendly, full of great info and a calming influence in what is already quite a “zen” experience, despite the physical output. You’ll have no regrets booking this adventure!
Written 7 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kate A,
thanks for recommending this tour! It is great to know that you liked the hike and Angel. I agree with you, it is a very peacefull experience, specially when you are on the cost hearing the seagulls!
Kind regards,
San Sebastian Urban Adventures.
Written 28 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan09
Sydney5 contributions
I had a great time and learnt so much about San Sebastián and the Camino de Santiago. Beautiful scenery along the way. Angel was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. He even took time and effort to take and send photos of the trip. That makes the trip more special. Thanks Angel!!!
Written 19 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jan09,
it makes us happy to read that you liked St. James Way hike with Angel. The scenery is beautiful during the hike so I am sure the pictures were amazing.
Thanks for the comment.
Kind regards,
San Sebastian Urban Adventures.
Written 28 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carmen G
New York3 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
I was nervous about taking this hike since I’m not in the greatest shape but Tomasz is a fabulous encouraging guide and I became comfortable quickly. He started out by giving us history of the area and then proceeded to point out the amazing sights. It is obvious that he loves what he does and shares his enthusiasm. Just a great day! Go for it!
Written 3 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Darmen, you are right, Tomasz and all of us love what we do and that's why it makes us so happy to see comments like this. I'm so happy that you had a great day and learned tons about the intriguing history of this wonderful corner of the planet.
Have a great day!
Written 10 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hmattick
1 contribution
Hi
I booked this trip for Sunday October thirteen under the name of Robert bishop for 2 people but have not received a confirmation email though my credit card had been charged. Can you please send the confirmation to this email. Our credit card had been charged.
Thanks
Medona M
Trosa, Sweden30 contributions
I Will be 62 years when I get to do this trip. I have problems with both my knees. After reading the review, I wonder if I will be able to dö this hike. What would you reformens?
craigodile
Perth, Australia274 contributions
Hi Medona. Based on what you’ve said, I think that, unfortunately, this hike is likely to be too tough. The start is a very steep climb and it then undulates for many kilometres. Lots of steep climbs and descents. Most on it seemed to be serious hikers/trail runners. It ends with a long and steep descent down many steps.
Karen d
22 contributions
I haven’t written a review on this tour but the tripadvisor app is telling me I can review it in 3 months only so I’m putting my review here !
This was an excellent tour. Angel is extremely knowledgeable about the Way (not only it’s history but also the natural environment and the history of the Basque region as a whole). He is very interesting to talk to and takes great care to preserve natural environment and the integrity of the route. I highly recommend this tour especially if you can get Angel as your guide.
NorthStar585808
1 contribution
How many people are typically in a tour group? Is there a maximum number that will be accepted for each group?
Discover88572
2 contributions
we were the only two hikers along with Angel - essentially a private tour, which was just wonderful. But, I agree - a few more folks wouldn't have been any problem. The views were fantastic, and Angel pointed out many features we would have missed by ourselves, such as the "laundry" where the Queen's clothes were washed.
ilovesun29
U.K8 contributions
How challenging is the hike? Can we wear trainers/sneakers?
Discover88572
2 contributions
We went in running shoes which were fine. Angel told us about one lady who showed up in flip flops, but he said that she did fine. I wouldn't recommend that.
stevekB3590BW
Brigg, UK27 contributions
I am not very good walking along cliff edges. Is the walk more inland?
Natalie C
5 contributions
Yes I would agree with Meg. Maybe just let your guide know about the cliff edges, but I felt very safe.
10chook
Wanaka, New Zealand4 contributions
We would be interested in doing this tomorrow,but I don’t want to book until I know where the meeting place is.
10chook
Wanaka, New Zealand4 contributions
Can you tell me where the meeting point is for this 1/2 day Way of St James Hiking Tour?Thanks .Christine
Discover88572
2 contributions
As the tour confirmation will say, the Church Clock Tower is readily seen from the beach. It's next to the Petrol station. We met Angel on the steps in front of the church.