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Eclipse Special Basque Country Signature Drive
8 Aug - 16 Aug 2026
Day 3 | Mon 10th August
Rioja Alavesa
Leave the coast to travel south to the famous vineyards of La Rioja, choosing your route to see the best landscapes.
Walking along the Camino del Norte between Zumaia and Deba
Flysh cliffs along the Basque Coast
Your travels take you into the heart of the Rioja wine-growing region today.

Today you leave the coast behind to travel into the green hills of the Basque part of the La Rioja winegrowing region. The drive is only about 90 minutes so you have lots of time to explore today. 

Depending on your mood, you might like to walk along the coast, or in the hills. The famous Flysch coast lies just to the east of where are staying so is an option for a detour as you head south. Deriving from the German word for 'glide', thin vertical sheets of rock create spectacular rocky stripes down the cliffs and into the Cantabrian sea.

As well as being fascinating to look at, these rock formations are a geological goldmine. This stretch of coast, from Zumaia to Mutriku, is part of a Geopark and the things you can see as you walk today, are truly amazing.

If you time your walk for low tide, you can follow the beaches around headlands all the way to the village of Deba. If the tide is high, or you simply prefer, walk on the 13km clifftop path which forms part of the northern branch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Either way, you will be treated to beautiful views.

Another idea would be for you to set off south into the highlands, a very different aspect of the Basque Country

 

Your next hotel is a spectacularly modern structure in a traditional village in the Basque part of Rioja.

Drive 1hr 45min, 115km.
Samaniego village at sunset
Lovely sea swimming off Zumaia
Today's activity
Travel from Mutriku on the Basque coast to the vineyards of La Rioja
Overnight
La Molinera Etxea
1 x Suite
Meals
Breakfast included
Day 4 | Rioja Alavesa

La Molinera Etxea

Housed in a converted grain mill in a 16th century stone building near the middle of the pretty village of Samaniego, La Molinera Etxea is a modest looking place from the outside. Stone wall, small windows and a heavy wooden door. Being a 'Casa Rural' (bed & breakfast) you won't find a reception desk, or uniformed staff. You will be met by the owner and possibly her small children. You will be shown into the old living area of what was her family home, and a meeting place for villagers. Up the stairs you will be shown to one of the six bedrooms - and here's the surprise, they are beautifully modern, very comfortable and stylish. Where you think you would find flickering old standard lamps, you'll find concealed LED strips. It's the perfect combination of personality and modernity. The welcome and hosting could not be more friendly. Breakfasts are served (often in two shifts) along the old dining table, family style. What they serve is mostly harvested, baked and made from the immediate surrounds. The hospitality is just wonderful. There's a little outdoor patio area with gorgeous views out over the vineyards of La Rioja Alavesa. 
Day 4 | Rioja Alavesa