Markina-Xemein lies on the coastal Camino de Santiago, which runs along the Basque coast to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrim routes, protected buildings and local festivals reveal different sides of the town. If you are planning a trip here, you can focus on culture and landscape and compare your travel dates with the traditions described below.
Pilgrim routes and trails through the landscape
The Urko bidea is a walking trail about five kilometres long. It follows the Urko River from Barinaga to Markina-Xemein, passing through Etxebarria. The trail is intended for recreation, walking and spending time in nature. Check trail conditions before setting out. On the Urko trail, pedestrians have priority; bicycles and all motor vehicles are prohibited.
Another pilgrim tradition is associated with the PR-BI 27. The route leads to Urregarai and Santa Eufemia; every year, on Saint Eufemia’s Day, 16 September, pilgrims walk this route. This makes its purpose different from that of the Camino de Santiago along the Basque coast. From the summit of Akarregi, you can enjoy views of Markina-Xemein and the surrounding area.
The chapel of San Miguel de Arretxinaga also brings together several of the town’s features: it stands on the Camino de Santiago where the Artibai and Urko rivers meet. Inside is a hydrothermal geological formation, the result of a process that began about 40 million years ago.
Protected old town and distinctive buildings
In 1996, the old town of Markina-Xemein was designated cultural heritage in the category of Monumental Ensemble and placed under special protection. A self-guided tour with 20 stops takes in monuments as well as historic and religious buildings. This offers a way to explore the town’s history through a range of buildings rather than reducing it to a single landmark.
The church of Xemein is designated a National Monument of Euskadi. Its rectangular floor plan comprises three naves separated by six limestone columns, topped by a star-shaped ribbed vault. The cemetery of Xemein is also designated a National Monument of Euskadi. It dates from the mid-19th century and is neoclassical in style.
The towers and palaces each have their own architectural features: Torre Bidarte is a Baroque palace that conceals a medieval tower. The medieval Torre Barroeta was altered in the 16th and 18th centuries. Its surviving features include loopholes, twin windows and two pointed-arch entrances. Torre Ugarte also has a pointed-arch entrance and loopholes, as well as corbels and pointed-arch openings.
The frontĂłn of Markina-Xemein is known as the Universidad de la Pelota; its first building was constructed in the 18th century. The gardens of the UhagĂłn Palace contain a monument to Juan Antonio Moguel, created by Xiri Andonegi. Torre Bidarte Park is open to the public and forms the woodland of the Murga Palace.
Festivals, markets and local produce
The Fiestas del Carmen are considered the town’s most important festival. They take place in July around 16 July, DĂa del Carmen, and usually last four to five days. Check the festival dates and programme for the year you plan to travel. Another tradition is the Mahai Ganeko table dance, performed by the local group Zerutxu Dantza Taldea at midnight on 29 September.
Local markets and festivals showcase and sell produce from the farms. This includes cheese, bread, pastries, vegetables, chistorra, meat, txakoli and cider. The major October fair takes place on the second Saturday in October. The programme includes a livestock exhibition, the Euskadi Blonde Aquitaine breed championship, an exhibition of animals from Euskal Herria, and the exhibition and sale of agricultural produce and equipment. Check the specific event dates and programme details before your trip.
Getting there and practical information
A public transport service runs from Munitibar via Bolibar and Markina-Xemein to Etxebarria. Use it as a guide and check the current timetable before departure. The Uhagon cultural centre has an exhibition space, a conference room and a cafeteria. If you plan to use one of these spaces, confirm its availability before your visit.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Ea, Fruiz, Derio, Mungia, Trucios-Turtzioz, Kanpantxu, Etxebarria, Muxika.
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