Irun to San Sebastián: Camino Norte Guide (Day 1 / Part 1)

The first day of the “official” Camino Norte route starts in Irun on the border between France and Spain and weaves its way over and through the rolling hills on its way to the coast and beautiful San Sebastián.

We chose the higher elevation “Purgatorio Route” which usually promises wraparound views of the beaches and cities below. Our first day was filled with heavy fog, so no great views. However, the silence and solitude were stupendous. We only saw two other hikers all morning.

If you plan to hike to San Sebastian on the first day, make sure you have enough food and snacks to get you through the morning. There isn’t anything to buy along the first 16kms, so don’t skip breakfast like we did!

We left Irun at 9:30 am and arrived in San Sebastian at 5 pm, so again, make sure you’re prepared for a long day. It took us 7.5 hours to hike from Irun to San Sebastian with one quick lunch break. That said, the first day is full of long rolling hills, fields packed with sheep, horses, and cows, and great views (if you’re lucky!). We also loved the little river crossing on the village ferry. And yes, it’s still part of the Camino!

This is our first time walking the Camino Del Norte. We hiked the Camino del Norte during June, July, and August of 2019, finishing the route in 46 days (including Finisterre and Muxia). In 2017, we walked the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied du Port to Santiago de Compostela. We packed ultralight bags for both journeys.

Walk the Camino Norte in 20 Minutes: https://bit.ly/CaminoNorte20
Camino Norte Vlogs: https://bit.ly/CaminoNorteVlogs
Camino Tips and Advice: https://bit.ly/CaminoTips

Filmed on June 20, 2019.

🎒⛰ 🌊 Our All-Time Favorite Gear Featured in the Video 🌊 ⛰ 🎒
Osprey Sirrus 24 L Backpack – https://bit.ly/3cSOsbh
Deuter hiking backpack speedlite 24 – https://bit.ly/3hnRF67
Sun Hat by Sunday Afternoons – https://amzn.to/307oI9u
Tilak Wallowa Trail Hat – https://amzn.to/2OgbIYg
Darn Tough Socks – https://amzn.to/2LELkoU
Olivers All Over Shorts – https://amzn.to/314tNgl
Patagonia Fanny Pack – https://amzn.to/30d4fPO
All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – https://amzn.to/34IzRw3
Lamb’s Wool – https://amzn.to/32QID9A
Buff – https://amzn.to/2NnFjzc
Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants – https://bit.ly/2Y2Je8E

🎒🎒What’s in our bags? Check out our packing list videos
Lainey’s: https://youtu.be/cpKC5IcPRHg
Shawn’s: https://youtu.be/C4XN4JYVNYE

⚙️ Equipment Used ⚙️
🎥 Filmed on DJI Osmo Pocket – https://amzn.to/34BwhUN 🎥
DJI Freewell ND Filters – https://amzn.to/2RtQszj
Edited on Apple MacBook Pro Computer – https://amzn.to/2LrQFzP
Additional Video on iPhone Xs – https://amzn.to/34HP4Oc
and GoPro Hero 5 – https://amzn.to/2Fl84qg
New GoPro (we would love to have) – https://amzn.to/2FlClFu
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📷 INSTAGRAM 📷
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Shawn IG – https://www.instagram.com/myleftyscissors/

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✏️Shawn’s Travel Writing ✏️
https://medium.com/@shawnforno

🎶Lainey’s Swing Dancing Website 🎶
https://www.lindylainey.com
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🎵Music 🎵
The Whole Other: “Anything You Can Dream” https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary
Asher Fulero: “Eternal Structures” https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary
The Whole Other: “Must Be A Duck” https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary

Map: Lora Sutyagina, Creative # 607962096, Royalty-free license, iStock
Map edited by Shawn and Lainey