Ulia Coastal Path
Hike dramatic cliffs and lush forests along the Bay of Biscay, culminating in charming historic fishing towns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Ulia Coastal Path
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike dramatic cliffs and lush forests along the Bay of Biscay, culminating in charming historic fishing towns.
"Spectacular views of rocky coves, open waters and steep cliffs in the Bay of Biscay."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has steep sections and can be slippery after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🗺️ Use Google Maps for Trailhead
Finding the exact start can be tricky. 'Mount Ulia trailhead' is your best bet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Coastal Views
Along the Ulia Coastal Path
Marvel at dramatic cliffs, rocky coves, and the vast Bay of Biscay. The panoramic ocean views are breathtaking.
Pasai San Juan & San Pedro
End of the trail
Explore charming historic fishing towns separated by a scenic inlet. Enjoy lunch with waterfront views.
Forest and Mountain Scenery
Sections of the trail
Experience lush forests and fern-covered mountainsides interspersed with coastal vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Hike
Getting to the Trailhead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has steep sections and can be slippery after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🗺️ Use Google Maps for Trailhead
Finding the exact start can be tricky. 'Mount Ulia trailhead' is your best bet.
💰 Cash for Local Transport
Buses in Pasai don't take cards. Have cash ready for the boat and bus back to Donostia.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the path.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has steep sections and can be slippery after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🗺️ Use Google Maps for Trailhead
Finding the exact start can be tricky. 'Mount Ulia trailhead' is your best bet.
💰 Cash for Local Transport
Buses in Pasai don't take cards. Have cash ready for the boat and bus back to Donostia.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the path.
🚩 Follow Basque Flag Markers
Look for trees marked with white, green, and red lines for trail guidance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ulia Coastal Path for its spectacular coastal views, challenging yet rewarding hike, and the charming historic towns at its end. The natural beauty and panoramic vistas are consistently praised, making it a memorable experience for those who enjoy an active outdoor adventure.
"What a pleasant trail! Along the cliffs through the woods and enough of a climb to work up a sweat. Some great views of the cliffs and coast. Finished it off with at a bar near the start / finish down by the beach."
Ollie Wood
"This hiking trail zig zags along the cost and features spectacular views of rocky coves, open waters and steep cliffs in the Bay of Biscay. My niece, wife and I did the 5.8-mile trek on a recent August day, accessing the trail in the hills above Donostia’s Gros neighborhood and making our way to the long inlet that separates the twin historic fishing and port towns of Pasai San Juan and Pasai San Pedro. It can be tricky finding Arbola Pasealekua, the narrow and steep street that takes you to the trailhead on the side of Mount Ulia. The best way is to put “Mount Ulia trailhead” in Google Maps—about a 20 minute walk from the Kursaal building on Zurriola Beach. As you climb up the street you will see old stone stairs. This long flight of stairs is the steepest section to climb if you are starting from Donostia. Follow the stairs to the trail, where you will see a sign post. Head toward Pasai San Pedro. This is near a fork in the trail. Stay to the left on the side closer to the coast. As we worked our way along the trail, we continuously marveled at the natural beauty: quiet rocky coastline, isolated coves and panoramic ocean views. We started around 11 a.m. and hiked at a casual pace, finishing in just under three hours. At times, the trail took us along a few steep stretches amid thick forests and fern-covered mountain sides. A portion of the trail comprises the Camino de Santiago, and we saw lots of hikers headed in the opposite direction of the famed pilgrimage route, speaking all kinds of languages. There are sign posts along the way as well as trees, their trunks marked with small white, green and red lines—the colors of the Basque flag. Follow these and you’ll be OK. Eventually you will end up on a bluff overlooking the large inlet that separates the two historic port towns. Then you’ll climb down a long flight of stairs that hug the mountainside and feature sweeping views of the water. We paid 1.20 E to have a small boat take us across the inlet to Pasai San Juan, which has more restaurants, and we enjoyed a great lunch on a plaza overlooking the water. Afterward, we rode the boat back to Pasai San Pedro, where we took advantage of the region’s good public transit network. We caught a Lurralde Bus back to Donostia. The fair was about 1.80 E. Make sure you have cash because this bus system, unlike the one in Donostia, does not take credit cards. We were back in our apartment in less than 45 minutes—totally stoked from this amazing adventure!"
Robert Lopez
"This trail head is close to San Sebastian and there are several trails that can be taken from here. We took the white/red and found the trail to be well maintained and having some awesome views.
The trail has a far amount of elevation but nothing too much and well worth the time and effort."
Sal FromCal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ulia Coastal Path is accessible from San Sebastian. The most recommended way to find the trailhead is by using 'Mount Ulia trailhead' in Google Maps. This will guide you to a steep, narrow street with old stone stairs, which is the main ascent. It's about a 20-minute walk from the Kursaal building on Zurriola Beach.
While the path itself is a hike, you can use public transport to get to the general vicinity of San Sebastian. From Pasai San Pedro, you can catch a Lurralde Bus back to Donostia (San Sebastian) for about 1.80 EUR, but ensure you have cash as they don't accept credit cards.
Driving directly to the trailhead can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's generally advised to use public transport to San Sebastian and then walk or take a local bus towards the Mount Ulia area.
Many hikers start by ascending the steep stone stairs on the side of Mount Ulia, which can be found by following directions to the 'Mount Ulia trailhead'. This provides an immediate workout and leads you onto the main path.
Parking directly at the trailhead is very limited and can be difficult. It's advisable to park in San Sebastian and make your way to the trailhead on foot or via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ulia Coastal Path is a public hiking trail and does not require any admission tickets. You can access it freely.
As an outdoor natural trail, the Ulia Coastal Path is accessible at all hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee to hike the Ulia Coastal Path. It's a free public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
While there isn't a specific booking system for the path itself, local tour operators in San Sebastian may offer guided hikes that include the Ulia Coastal Path.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's important to respect the natural environment, stay on marked trails, and pack out everything you pack in.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A typical hike along the Ulia Coastal Path, such as the 5.8-mile trek mentioned, can take around three hours at a casual pace. This can vary depending on your fitness level and how often you stop for photos.
The trail has a fair amount of elevation and some steep stretches, making it a good workout. It's considered a moderate hike, not overly strenuous but requires some effort.
Facilities are scarce along the trail itself. It's advisable to use restrooms before you start and carry sufficient water and snacks.
Expect spectacular views of rocky coves, open waters, steep cliffs, and the Bay of Biscay. You'll also pass through thick forests and fern-covered mountainsides.
The trail's steep sections and uneven terrain might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, older children who enjoy hiking would likely find it rewarding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
After completing the hike, you can take a small boat (around 1.20 EUR) across the inlet to Pasai San Juan, which offers more restaurants with waterfront plazas. Pasai San Pedro also has dining options.
There are no restaurants directly on the Ulia Coastal Path itself. Dining options are primarily located in the towns of Pasai San Juan and Pasai San Pedro at either end of the hike.
Pasai San Juan is known for its historic fishing port, so you can expect fresh seafood and traditional Basque cuisine. Enjoying lunch on a plaza overlooking the water is a popular choice.
Yes, there are bars located near the start/finish of the trail down by the beach in San Sebastian, perfect for a post-hike refreshment.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots along the trail to enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all your trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for dramatic coastal shots. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer people.
The dramatic cliffs, secluded rocky coves, panoramic ocean vistas, and the charming towns of Pasai San Juan and San Pedro are all highly photogenic.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for capturing the beauty, but a camera with good zoom capabilities can be useful for distant coastal features.
The bluff overlooking the inlet separating Pasai San Juan and Pasai San Pedro offers sweeping views. Many points along the cliffside provide excellent photo opportunities.
Clear days offer the best visibility for ocean views. However, dramatic cloudy skies can also create stunning, moody photographs of the coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ulia Coastal Path
Accessing the trailhead requires some planning. While close to San Sebastian, the primary entry point on Mount Ulia involves a steep climb via old stone stairs. Using 'Mount Ulia trailhead' in Google Maps is the most reliable method.
The Charm of Pasai San Juan and Pasai San Pedro
Pasai San Juan is particularly noted for its abundance of restaurants and cafes, many situated on plazas overlooking the water. This makes it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a meal after your hike.
Best Times for Photography and Enjoyment
While sunny days provide clear views, don't discount overcast or partly cloudy weather. These conditions can add a sense of drama and moodiness to the coastal landscapes, as seen in some Instagram reels showcasing the interplay of sun and clouds.
The mix of lush green cliff tops and the deep blue of the Bay of Biscay creates a visually striking scene regardless of the weather, but clear skies will maximize visibility of distant horizons. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit