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The ground behind you: what the walk into Deba crosses, and where it could have been broken.
Tomorrow from Deba
Nothing says you have to stop here, or there. These are simply the towns within a comfortable day's walk, so you can decide tonight.
| Town | km from here | Shared | Private | The walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibiri Auzoa | 4.9 | ✓ Yes | — No | |
| Markina-Xemein | 23.9 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Deba to Markina-Xemein |
| Bolibar | 30.1 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Deba to Bolibar |
| Monasterio de Zenarruza | 31.4 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Deba to Monasterio de Zenarruza |
Deba marks the end of the coastal walking. Wave goodbye to the sea — it won't return for 80 km, until the approach to Bilbao. Worth knowing as you take one last look at the beach.
The town is built on steep terrain, steep enough that public elevators have been installed to connect the upper and lower levels. The Ermita de San Roque, on the hillside above town, is the first thing you see on the descent in — historically, it marked Deba as a boarding point for pilgrims arriving by sea to begin the overland walk to Santiago.
The Iglesia de Santa María la Real, down in town, has a remarkable Gothic portal with detailed stone carvings that have survived the centuries better than you'd expect in a coastal climate. The cloister is worth a look. Several municipal buildings and even the bridge out of town show unexpectedly fine stonework for a place this size.
Bars and restaurants line the compact center. The beach is broad and popular in summer. The train station provides connections along the Basque coast.
Wave goodbye to the sea. It will be exactly 80km before it returns into view in Bilbao. Between here and there are several mountainous stretches.
San Roque is celebrated from the 14th to the 18th of August.
Deba was once a significant port, busy enough to receive pilgrims arriving by sea who began their overland journey to Santiago from the Ermita de San Roque. The town's medieval wealth shows in its architecture — particularly the elaborate portal of Santa María, which speaks to a community with means and ambitions beyond its modest size.
The camino and the GR-121 alternate route meet in Deba near the ermita. The camino crosses the river along a footbridge near the train station and on the opposite bank turns right. A short distance later it crosses the road and just beyond that it turns left, going upwards once again along a combination of well marked roads and paths.Keep to the marked camino at this point, ignoring all other trails until you reach the Galbario Ermita.
27. September 2026 - 20:01
.... and buy a ticket for the hostel. That's the process, there's no point going directly to the hostel. The hostel is okay, it's just a public hostel.
Only, without earplugs you can hardly sleep here. There's a main road in front of the house and railway traffic behind the house...
19. September 2026 - 10:37
shouted at us for not walking from the previous stop since we arrived so early. we are sick and recovering and trying our best to do an honest camino but her behavior is totally wrong for the camino spirit. pilgrims do the camino in different ways to the best of their ability at the moment!
3. June 2026 - 22:53
There is a minor detour due to a rock slide as of yesterday. If you are doing the reverse, follow the sign that was tacked on top of the original one pointing left, down the hill and past the drive.
22. April 2026 - 15:57
The albergue does not open at 12 o'clock but only at 15:30. However, you must register beforehand at the Tourist Office and pay €8 for the bed. There are only two showers and two toilets in total.
16. June 2025 - 20:35
Our experience in Deba was very positive. The people were very kind and very helpful. Adorable little beach and nice little markets to be able to pick up some fresh fruit and snacks.
30. April 2025 - 15:25
For 8€, the bed/bathroom were ample. The volunteer was especially helpful and made no attempt to sugar-coat the fact that this is a spartan facility. Be sure to purchase bed ticket at the tourism office next to the church of Santa Maria downtown before showing up at the albergue.
21. March 2025 - 21:17
The lovely Izkia (?) made us very welcome. She was helpful and informative. I turned up without a sleeping bag so it was a bit cold in mid-March.
The volunteer hosts make the best of the space they have. There is no kitchen but the Hostel is well located so easy to get food in the town just 2-3 mis away. Great location for the long trek into Markina.
11. August 2024 - 23:05
Maybe before start for camino of santiago some kind of people should remain at their home. The hostels for pellegrine have simple rules' and for respect of the other pilgrims' at specific hour every one must stay in the bed for sleep. It's not an hotel. Respect the other, not make noise, speak. Sleep and respect the other..
18. July 2024 - 8:08
Pilgrims are not welcome in Deba. You must be out of the alberga at 8 and they get upset with you from 7:30 if you are not hurrying. This is not helpful when you are a pilgrim and not an athlete.
14. July 2024 - 18:57
The volunteers at albergue are friendly and try their best but facilities are limited and the town is not that welcoming to pilgrims even if the beach is lovely. Would recommend avoiding Deba if possible
26. May 2024 - 14:04
albergue here is fine- not the best and big rooms so a little noisy. still great if you can get a room- there are a lot of beds but i think it’s usually pretty full
2. May 2024 - 15:21
All supermarkets are closed on Sundays (restaurants and some bazaar are open), and all cafe/restaurants on the way to Markina are closed on Mondays, so make sure to bring a lot of snacks or groceries from town before if you’re arriving on a Sunday.
22. April 2024 - 7:48
Contrary to google and guides lots of cafes and markets open Sunday morning. I arrived around 9:30 am. and had no trouble finding food and supplies.
Monday one cafe and one market open by 7:30 am
26. October 2023 - 21:41
There are no blankets or sheats in the albergue
9. September 2022 - 12:25
Most restaurants are closed in Deba on Thursdays per our pension owner
3. June 2022 - 21:48
Albergue seems to be operating normally. To get a bed for 5€, you have to go to the tourist office between 12-2, 4-6, or checkin at the albergue from 6 onward. No way to get a bed between 2-4. The streets are well marked to get to the tourist office. Once you pay, they will give you a code to get in the albergue. Hospitalero arrived later in the afternoon/evening. Not good places to dry clothes. A little noisy at night so ear plugs are a good idea.
16. May 2022 - 13:53
Foot bridge near train station is closed as of May 16, 2022, 1:45PM. Take a 2km detour via alternate bridge south of Deba. There’s an elevator that takes you to the lower level of town which or knees really appreciated. Just head left on Mogel Kalea street right after you reached the bottom of the cobble road that passes the school instead of going down the stairs. The elevator is about 50 meters on your right.
11. May 2022 - 13:30
There is a lovely casa rural outside of Deba on the way that I booked on Airbnb, I believe it’s called casa Pikua. A bit pricey but gorgeous views and relaxed atmosphere.
1. May 2022 - 16:41
Albergue in the station is opened since 25 april at 50% capacity. Stayed there at 30 April
1. May 2022 - 16:41
Albergue in the station is opened since 25 april at 50% capacity. Stayed there at 30 April
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.
