Biotopo Babestua. Deba - Zumaia. The Flysch coast.

During this hike we visit the protected coast between Deba and Zumaia that consists of 8 kilometers and 4,299 hectares. Among the coastal ecosystems of the Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco, this biotope is combines several elements of important landscape, geological and cultural interest.
We take a relatively easy hike through this area in which we visit some of the most interesting points of interest with grandiose views of the Flysch coast.
Basically we follow the route PR-Gi 5001 with a short additional trajectory to complete the circle.

The route starts from a parking lot right next to the restaurant Errota Berri.
Just behind the restaurant there is a piece of grassland where we can find several picnic tables. We walk past the restaurant and cross a bridge over a stream and then follow the valley of this stream towards the sea. After just more than a kilometer we reach the coast and we arrive at our first panoramic point, the Mirador de Portutxiki. From here we have our first beautiful view over the suggestive rock formations of the Flysch coast. We then follow the coastline in a westerly direction. Our route never passes really close to steep cliffs and therefore it will never get dangerous.

After a short walk we reach the Sakoneta tidal flat.
Here we find a big cliff and an adjacent tidal plateau. The waves hit the base of the cliff directly, undermining it and causing large blocks of rock to fall. These blocks gradually turn into boulders, which accumulate and hit their base again, increasing the eroding power of the sea. The retreat of the cliffs is here more evident than in any other place, at its feet we see what is considered the most spectacular tidal flat of the entire biotope.

The next point of interest we reach is the Cascada where we have a possibility to go down to sea level and stroll along the sea (make sure to check the tides).

From here we go up quite a bit, after which we arrive at Alto de Mendatagaina. This is on the top of a hill so from here we can enjoy a spectaculare panorama (Point of Interest S04).
Mendatagaina is located between the two large domains of the biotope. On one side, the black flysch layers are arranged subparallel to the coastline, so their erosion occurs evenly. On the other side, the calcareous and sandy flysch is arranged perpendicular to the line of cliffs, causing differential erosion. This creates large plaques with deep grooves in between.
After this viewpoint we follow a path through some forest. We follow the sea from a little further away and the walking is very easy at a certain point because the road is more or less at a constant altitude.
We than arrive at the Paredón de Aitzuri (Point of Interest S02) from where we have our last view over the Flysch coast and then turn inland.
We continue for a strech of forest and pass the campsite of Itxaspe and from where we continue on a narrow asphalt road. The road goes up considerably. After a while we pass just behind the coast where we have walked along the cliffs before. This guarantees beautiful views. Eventually we pass a small parking lot, after which we turn right and continue our way on a path through the forest. This takes us back to the restaurant, where we end up at a picnic area. We cross it and walk past the restaurant back to our starting point.

Some additional information:
The route is designed in a counter clockwise direction.
Time spent: total = 3 hours and 10 minutes of which moving = 2 hours and 41 minutes.
There are picnic tables right at the starting point and after 1,5 kilometers from the beginning.
There is no drinking water along the trail.
The track is moderate from a technical point of view.
The route is easy to find and never runs close to deep abyss. Therefore no tour guide is required to walk this route safely. It is advisable to bring walking sticks and wear sturdy shoes.

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