24’5 km

The bridge crossing the ria is the departure point from Deba, with an initial climb leading to a forest up to the shrine of El Calvario, on top of Mount Galbaixogain. Following the road, first unpaved and later paved you will reach the Caserío de Olatz.

In Olatz, you have to continue climbing for 2 and a half kilometres until the hillock of Arno. There, the walk becomes lighter as you follow along level forest footpaths. Once you reach a secluded fountain on that forest footpath, you will know that there are 9 kilometres left to Markina.

Markina - Xemein is the first village in the province of Bizkaia and you will find the church of Santa María de Xemein as soon as you enter. The village also houses the towers of Antxia and Barroeta, as well as the palace of Solartekua, currently the town hall.

Tips from our postmen and women

Wha to do and see in Markina / Xemein?

Lourdes Juaristi
Lourdes Juaristi Correos Markina

"This is the first village in Bizkaia on the Northern Way and here you can visit the church of Miguel de Arretxinaga, a peculiar hexagonal-shaped temple with three large rocks forming a sort of chapel. After such a surprising building, you can relax enjoying our local sweets, the Kokotes de Markina”.


Accommodations Deba -Markina/Xemein

Image gallery

Etapa del Camino del Norte entre Deba y Markina
Etapa del Camino del Norte entre Deba y Markina
Camino de Santiago entre Deba y Markina
Camino de Santiago entre Deba y Markina
Peregrinos en el Camino del Norte entre Deba y Markina
Peregrinos en el Camino del Norte entre Deba y Markina
Plaza del Carmen de Markina
Plaza del Carmen de Markina
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