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Wise Pilgrim APPItziar occupies a hilltop above the coast, centered on the Santuario de Santa María de Itziar whose tower is visible long before you arrive. The sanctuary houses a venerated statue of the Virgin, patron of both sailors and pilgrims, with roots in an 8th-century temple built on this site.
The name Itziar — and its variants — is one of the most popular names given to Basque women, drawn from this hilltop and the devotion to its Virgin.
From here the camino turns north, descending through quiet countryside back to the coast at Deba. The highways below have been tunneled underground, so the walk is peaceful despite the hidden infrastructure beneath you.
The name Itziar, and a few derivations of it, is a popular name given to Basque women. Its origin goes back to the 8th century when a temple was built in reverence to Santa Maria de Itziar. Her statue remains here, and is venerated as much by sailors as by pilgrims.
From Itziar the camino turns north to return to the sea at Deba. Past the church turn right at the first fork and follow the country lane. You won’t notice any more highways as you wind your way towards Deba, but they are none-the-less tunneling beneath you.
