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3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£800 GBP

7 Days£760GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: BIL

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the fascinating city of Bilbao
  • Walking along the quieter Camino Norte
  • Staying in family-run, charming hotels and guesthouses
  • Enjoying stunning coastlines

'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua. This stage, from the bustling city of Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, takes you through a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The dramatic coastline and mountain paths make the northern way both challenging and rewarding, whilst the quieter trails offer a great alternative to the more popular French route.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Bilbao

Finishing Point:

Santander

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Bilbao is a wonderful city filled with art, history and flavour of Northern Spain. Spend time walking the old city exploring the cobbled streets filled with fashion, food and charming shops. For art lovers a visit to the Guggenheim Museum is not to be missed.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you take the Metro from Bilbao to Portugalete (travel time approx 35-50 minutes, 20km) to leave the city. The walk from Portugalete will take you towards the Cantabrian coast and out of the Basque region. From La Arena there are two options to Onton and Castro Urdiales. Following the coast line is a stunning walk. Part of the route also follows the track-bed of the former railroad that carried iron ore to waiting ships. Castro Urdiales is a long-inhabited town, with human remains dating back to 12000 BCE. Be sure to visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion with its strange iconography on the main entrance's frieze, which dates from Templar times. Distance: 27km/16.7mi, highest point approx 180m Option: It's possible to walk Bilbao to Portugalete - this must be requested at time of booking as an extra night is required in Portugalete. Distance approx 19km/12mi, highest point approx 200m, undulating terrain.

Meals:  B

From seaside Castro Urdiales the trail takes you on winding paths between cliffs and sandy beaches. You'll pass through small fishing villages including Islares, were you can see the ruins of the 16th century Hospital de la Vera Cruz. Head inland to La Magdelena and follow a beautiful dirt path to Liendo, a quiet rural village surrounded by nature in the heart of the Valle de Liendo. Distance: 24km/14.9mi, highest point approx 230m

Meals:  B

This morning you will head to Laredo, which was an important Roman site known as Portus Luliobrigensium. Today it is Cantabria’s largest resort town - its beach is around 5km long at low tide. Continue walking to the end of Laredo's peninsula, at El Puntal, following the signs to the Santona ferry (payable locally, approx EUR3 per person. If you prefer to walk, its an extra 10km/6mi via the Colindres bridge). Continue north to the coast and the Playa de Berria, before ascending to the Punta del Brusco for impressive coastal views. Continue to the modern coastal resort town of Noja. Distance: 23km/14.5mi, highest point approx 200m

Meals:  B

This stage takes you from the Cantabrian Sea to the Güemes Valley. There are two walking options - one via Isla and Ajo nearer the coast, the other via San Miguel de Meruelo and Güemes, leading gradually towards the Cantabrian Sea once again. Overnight in the town of Galizano. Distance: 19km/11.8mi, highest point approx 120m

Meals:  B

From Galizano you head to the coast, where the route is along beautiful cliffs and beaches. At Somo you take the ferry to Santander. (It runs every half hour on weekdays and hourly on weekends - payable locally, approx EUR4 per person). Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disaster explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax after the camino walk. Distance: 15km/9.4mi, highest point approx 50m

Meals:  B

Trip concludes in Santander after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights, or continue on the next stage to Gijon.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 6 nights in a combination of quality hotels and farmhouse B&BS on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Bilbao and from Santander
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Metro ticket Bilbao to Portugalete, ferry tickets days 4 and 6 (El Puntal to Santoña and Somo to Santander)
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 15 and 27km (9.4 to 16.7mi) on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season 23 Mar to 21 Apr and 1 Jul to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during local festivals and events. Due to limited accommodation, return transfers may need to be booked to other overnight locations at an additional cost.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Priceper person from

£760GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£110
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£400
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonGBP£430
  • single supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)GBP£490
  • Solo traveller supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)GBP£520
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Walking the Camino Norte in Spain | Camino de Santiago