Monte Ulia An Awesome Place for a Hike in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is nothing short of picturesque. Surrounded by rolling hills and blessed with a stunning coastline, San Sebastian instantly becomes a favorite place of travelers visiting the Basque Country in Spain.
San Sebastian is encompassed by three main coastal mountains, Monte Igueldo, Monte Urgull, and, in the far distance, Monte Ulia (Mount Ulia).
Monte Ulia may be the least visited mountain in San Sebastian. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to it, well, that and its enticing hiking trails with forest and sea views.
Monte Ulia is quite unforgettable, and a highlight includes the incredible views of San Sebastian and the rugged coastline. With a fascinating history, there are also many points of interest scattered on the hillside
If looking to hike around Monte Ulia, there are numerous trails. The hill has its own designated loop hiking trail and the spectacular multi-day GR 121 Talaia Ibilbidea. Mount Ulia even welcomes pilgrims into the city via the Camino del Norte.
Here’s a quick hiking guide to Monte Ulia, San Sebastian’s natural hillside escape.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Where is Monte Ulia?
- How to Get to the Monte Ulia Trailhead
- The Many Hiking Routes on Monte Ulia
- Things to See on the Monte Ulia Hike
- Returning to Gros Neighborhood in San Sebastian
- Conclusion | Monte Ulia A Spectacular Hike in San Sebastian
Where is Monte Ulia (Mount Ulia)?
Monte Ulia is located right next to the lovely Gros neighborhood in San Sebastian.
Leave San Sebastian’s delightful Old Town (Parte Vieja) and cross the Urumea River. It’s possible to enjoy the walkway alongside or on Zurriola Beach or save the beach visit for a dip after completing the hike.
To access the trailhead, you’ll have to head to the neighborhood and take the local road Zemoria Kalea.
How to Get to Monte Ulia Trailhead
The trailhead is accessible from Zemoria Street (Kalea). Look for house number 47.
From here, the road gets steep with a staircase on one side and a ramp on the other. Climbing up the hill is unique, as I saw goats in someone’s yard, even though you’re technically still in the city!
After a bit of a climb, the path turns into gravel and then dirt.
From Zemoria Kalea, it is easy to look for the red and white blazes (trail markers) that are part of the official GR 121 hiking route. You may also notice a green blaze associated with the red and white blazes. This is because there are multiple hiking routes on Monte Ulia.
The Many Monte Ulia Hiking Routes
Again, numerous hiking routes twist along Monte Ulia. The mountain is part of a few multiday treks and offers plenty of day-hike options.
Many of the trails are dirt paths, which means that with lots of rain (common in the Basque region), they can be muddy and slippery. Note that some of the walkways are near the cliffs, so always be mindful of your footing and wind gusts. Always stay on the marked trails and respect any trail closures.
Be mindful of the weather, as it can change fast. Do not attempt this hike in bad weather.
Here are three main routes on Mount Ulia.
1 | SL – GI 33 Uliari Bira
For me, I completed Monte Ulia as an early sunrise hike before heading to and exploring the Basque Cider Houses in Astigarraga. This is why I opted for a loop hike. The official day hike loop path for Monte Ulia is SL – GI 33 Uliari Bira. If looking to complete the loop trail, follow the green and white blazes throughout the park.
🥾 This is an excellent and detailed route if looking to complete the SL – GI 33 Uliari Bira loop trail on Mount Ulia. Again, modify the trail to your interests and abilities.
2 | GR – 121 Talaia Ibilbidea
The GR 121 Talaia Ibilbidea is a fantastic coastal route that showcases the beauty and importance of the sea to the Spanish Basque Country. This route starts from Hondarribia and ends at Saturraran Beach in Mutriku. The route is roughly 54.5 miles (87.8 Km).
Mount Ulia is included in this coastal multiday hike that is typically divided into 6 stages. Highlights of this route include San Sebastian, the unique Flysch Route, secluded beaches, small villages, and the untouched green landscapes of the countryside.
The GR 121 is marked with red and white blazes. Oftentimes, hikers plan shorter day hikes from San Sebastian and return via public transit. A popular option is to hike from Monte Ulia to Pasaia.
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3 | Camino de Santiago Camino del Norte Route
The Camino de Santiago Norte route passes through Mount Ulia. This is the grand entrance to San Sebastian for pilgrims who are taking one of Europe’s most popular pilgrimage routes. It’s easy to find the yellow arrows directing those walkers into San Sebastian.
Most pilgrims will be walking from Irun and walking down Monte Ulia to end their stage in San Sebastian. However, there is an albergue, Ulia Youth Hostel, actually on Mount Ulia. However, most pilgrims will sleep in San Sebastian.
This is a popular spot for pilgrims to take a rest day to enjoy the delicious food scene in San Sebastian and the city’s urban beaches like La Concha.
The Camino de Santiago is a life-changing journey, and numerous Camino routes lead to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino del Norte is a challenging but beautiful pilgrimage route.
Looking to plan your own Camino journey? Don’t miss these game-changing tips from first-time pilgrims and my ultimate Camino packing list.
My Personal Monte Ulia Hiking Map
With so many trail options, I kind of walked on a mixture of all of them! 😄
Maybe those yellow arrows of the Camino de Santiago were calling to me, as I was preparing to walk the Camino de Invierno on this winter trip to Spain.
This is my actual Monte Ulia hiking map and stats.
- Loopish Trail of Monte Ulia
- Trailhead: Zemoria Kalea
- Official Trail Markers: A mixture of red, white, and green trail blazes with yellow arrows if you follow the Camino de Santiago Route. Additionally, there are lots of signboards at trail junctions
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Official Trail Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 Km)
- Excursion Duration: A little over an hour
Places to See Hiking Monte Ulia
I loved my morning hike of Mount Ulia. I was surprised by how much there was to see in this green space above Donostia-San Sebastian.
This mountain has always been an important part of San Sebastian’s history. Find everything on this hillside from old fortress walls, whaling towers, and remnants of an old amusement park.
Yes, Monte Ulia was home to the city’s first amusement park and was built during the first years of the 20th century.
Today, it’s an excellent place to enjoy local flora and fauna and get a glimpse into the past. Monte Ulia boasts some of the best views in San Sebastian. In addition, find a restaurant at the top that is open seasonally and an Interpretation Center, too.
Viewpoint Donostia-San Sebastian
As you start climbing up Mount Ulia, there is no denying the stunning view of San Sebastian. In fact, of all three mountains near San Sebastian, this was my favorite to hike up.
For me, I kind of looped around on the Camino route and headed straight to the highest point of Peña del Rey Viewpoint.
However, you could easily continue to follow the green and white blazes to the viewpoint of Monpas (old artillery battery fortress) and the abandoned Kutraia fountain. From here, you can follow the official markers to the Peña del Rey viewpoint.
I’m bummed I missed exploring these two landmarks!
Peña del Rey Viewpoint
The Peña del Rey viewpoint is a wooden observation deck built into an old stone. On the loop trail, this is the highest vista at almost 768 ft (234 m).
Continue to follow the green and white blazes to reach the old whaling watchtower.
Whale Tower of Ulia (Peña del Ballenero)
Another point of interest on Monte Ulia is the old whale watch tower. The unique rocks around the tower were super intriguing to me.
Old Mill
The trail continues to an old abandoned mill. There were incredible views of the sea from here.
After this, I stayed on the green and white loop trail to return to San Sebastian. There are incredible coastal views and also nice segments through the forest.
If you look down at the sea, you may be able to spot distant views of the ruins of the Monpás Fortress.
From here, it’s easy to follow the path that takes around 20 minutes to return to San Sebastian. Again, you’ll pass that spectacular viewpoint of San Sebastian before starting on the steep descent down Zemoria Street to the Gros Neighborhood
Returning to Gros Neighborhood in San Sebastian
Once back in Gros, there is a tourist information board that directs walkers to places of interest in San Sebastian. Walking along the Zurriola Beach is always a good option. Alternatively, the Gros neighborhood is a fantastic place to wander and explore the more local side of San Sebastian.
If looking to enjoy another nearby San Sebastian mountain with views, simply cross the bridge and pick up the trail to Monte Urgull behind the San Telmo Museum.
If you worked up an appetite, excellent! This is the perfect opportunity to delve into San Sebastian’s top food experiences.
There are plenty of things to do in San Sebastian, and I think the city warrants a minimum of at least 2 days to explore.
Of course, add a few more days if looking to enjoy some of the nearby day trips from San Sebastian. From seaside villages like Getaria to seriously overlooked Basque cities like Vitoria-Gasteiz, there are tons of options!
Most visitors opt to sleep near the Old Town of San Sebastian.
Conclusion | Monte Ulia A Spectacular Hike in San Sebastian
In short, this is a quick hiking guide to Monte Ulia, one of San Sebastian’s iconic mountain hillsides.
There are numerous hiking options on Mount Ulia, from a lovely day hike loop trail, a multiday trek option, to a pilgrimage route. No matter how you enjoy it, a hike up to Monte Ulia is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours in Donostia-San Sebastian.
This spectacular nature area is filled with hiking trails, historical landmarks, and stellar views of the coast and city of San Sebastian. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of San Sebastian’s most overlooked mountains, Monte Ulia.
Did you take the hike up Monte Ulia or enjoy it as part of a multi-day trek in the Basque Country? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!
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