Irún on the Camino del Norte
Camino de Santiago · albergues, accommodation, baggage transport & pilgrim guide
Everything you need for Irún on the Camino del Norte (Camino de Santiago): albergues and pilgrim hostels, hotels and private rooms, where to eat, baggage transport between stages, what to see, weather and practical tips for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela.
About this town
Irún is the traditional eastern starting point of the Camino del Norte in Spain and an important border town adjacent to France. Pilgrims begin here after crossing the Bidasoa river, and the town offers Roman archaeological exhibits and practical services for walkers. Irún's mix of border-town commerce and historical sites makes it a logical first stop for provisioning and paperwork.
Where it's located
Located in Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country at the Bidasoa estuary on the border with France, the town sits on low-lying river terrain with nearby coastal and hilly landscapes.
Points of interest
Recommended restaurants
- • La Libélula — Traditional Basque and Spanish dishes in the town center, popular with locals.
- • Bar Txondorra — Casual bar serving pintxos and hearty breakfasts convenient for pilgrims.
Albergues in Irún — prices, beds and how to book
Traditional pilgrim hostels — not bookable on Booking.com. Call or email to reserve, or arrive early (first-come, first-served).
Albergue Juvenil Martindozenea
€20
per night
60 beds
A modern public youth hostel housed in a beautifully renovated old manor house within a park. It serves as a reliable year-round alternative for pilgrims, particularly during the winter months when the main association-run albergue is closed.
Avenida de Elizatxo, 18, 20303 Irún, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Check-in from 14:00
All year
Reservations accepted
Albergue de Peregrinos de Irún (Jakobi)
Donativo
per night
60 beds
Managed by the Jakobi Association, this is the official starting point for the Camino del Norte and the Camino Vasco del Interior. It is located in a refurbished school building and is run by dedicated volunteer hospitaleros who provide a communal breakfast and essential pilgrim services.
Calle Lesaka, 1, 20301 Irún, Gipuzkoa, Spain
16:00 – 22:00
Feb 1 – Nov 30
First-come, first-served
💼 Baggage Transport
Use our global baggage transport integration service or the one below →Correos (El Camino con Correos)
Caminofácil
Jacotrans
Continue along the route
Quick answers about this town
How do I get to Irún to start the Camino del Norte?
You can reach Irún — the starting point of the Camino del Norte — by plane, train, bus or car. The guide below details the nearest airports, train and bus connections, driving directions, and the exact point where the walking Camino route begins. The nearest airport is San Sebastián Airport (EAS), located 20 minutes away by local E27 or E21 bus. Alternatively, fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) and take a direct PESA bus to Irun. Irun train station is the main hub, well-connected to Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastián via Ren
Is Irun the official start of the Camino del Norte?
Yes, Irun is the traditional eastern starting point for the Camino del Norte in Spain. Most pilgrims begin their journey here after crossing the Bidasoa river from France.
Where can I stay in Irun before starting the Camino?
Irun offers several options for pilgrims, including two dedicated albergues to help you settle in before your first stage. Since it is a larger border town, you will also find plenty of hotels and practical services to stock up on supplies.
What is there to see in Irun?
Irun is rich in history, featuring the impressive Oiasso Roman Museum and the historic International Bridge over the Bidasoa river. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa María del Juncal or grab some local pintxos at a spot like Bar Txondorra before you head out on the trail.
Where can pilgrims sleep in Irún?
Irún offers 2 albergues and pilgrim hostels (municipal, parochial, private and donativo), plus hotels and private rooms. Use the availability search on this page to reserve your stay on the Camino del Norte.
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