Camino de Santiago by bicycle from Bilbao
Camino de Santiago by bicycle from Bilbao
- Along the way, you’ll discover the cultural, maritime and natural riches of iconic towns such as Castro Urdiales.
- Discover the heritage and charm of historic towns and cities such as Santillana del Mar, Llanes and Avilés.
- Let yourself be surprised by the cuisine of the north, famous for its fresh fish, seafood, Asturian cider and delicious pintxos.
- Enjoy cycle touring along one of Spain’s most spectacular routes, the Northern Way, with sections running alongside the Cantabrian Sea and unspoilt nature.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Bilbao
You can cycle along the Bilbao estuary and enjoy its lively urban atmosphere. Highlights include the Guggenheim Museum, an icon of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry, and the old town, known as ‘the Seven Streets’, where you can discover the city’s most authentic essence amongst squares, pintxo bars and historic buildings.
Overnight in Bilbao
Hotel Bilbao Plaza
This hotel is located near important points of interest such as the Nervión River and the Guggenheim Museum.
It offers modern rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has a terrace and a bar.
Day 2 - Bilbao to Castro Urdiales 31,1 miles | 50 km
Along the way, you’ll pass through towns such as Portugalete, where the industrial and maritime landscape blends with the natural surroundings. Gradually, the terrain becomes more peaceful, with wooded stretches and steep cliffs, featuring gentle ascents and descents.
Continue on your way to Ontón, where you’ll leave the Basque Country behind and enter the Autonomous Community of Cantabria. You’ll pass through the villages of Baltezana, Otañes and Santullán, until you finally reach the coastal town of Castro Urdiales.
Castro Urdiales is a historic fishing village renowned for its beautiful harbour, its old town and the imposing church of Santa María de la Asunción, situated next to the medieval castle. Stroll through its streets, soak up the coastal atmosphere and be captivated by its fishing heritage and excellent cuisine based on seafood.
Ascent: 907m (2,975ft) / Descent: 937m (3,074ft)
Overnight in Castro Urdiales
Hostería Villa de Castro
Located next to the Cantabrian Sea, this traditional and family-style hotel is surrounded by huge gardens and a reading room.
It has rustic-style rooms, equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Day 3 - Castro Urdiales to Güemes 39,6 miles | 63,7 km
Gradually, the landscape becomes more open and green, with meadows stretching to the horizon and occasional views of the Cantabrian Sea. You’ll pass through peaceful, rural settings before reaching the outskirts of Laredo, with its long beach and coastal atmosphere, where the route begins to turn inland.
From here, the route takes you into a more rural and peaceful part of Cantabria, passing through small hamlets and paths surrounded by nature until you reach the Güemes area, a quiet and welcoming spot where you can relax in the heart of nature and enjoy the local hospitality.
Ascent: 847m (2,779ft) / Descent: 803m (2,635ft)
Overnight in Güemes
Posada El Ángel de la Guarda
Located in the small village of Güemes, this rustic-style accommodation features exposed wooden beams and stone walls.
The rooms come with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Day 4 - Güemes to Santillana del Mar 39,1 miles | 63 km
Finally, the route heads inland into Cantabria until it reaches Santillana del Mar, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain. Its cobbled streets, stately mansions and impressive Romanesque collegiate church welcome you to a setting frozen in time. Stroll through its historic centre and let yourself be enveloped by the beauty and history of this unique enclave on the Camino del Norte.
Ascent: 634m (2,080ft) / Descent: 579m (1,899ft)
Overnight in Santillana del Mar
Hotel Los Ángeles
In this traditional-style accommodation, decorated with stone and natural wood, you can enjoy authentic mountain food.
It has rustic-style rooms, equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Day 5 - Santillana del Mar to Llanes 47 miles | 75,5 km
As you approach the coast, the landscape opens out once more towards the Cantabrian Sea, passing through towns such as Comillas, renowned for its Modernist architecture and Gaudí’s famous Capricho, and San Vicente de la Barquera, with its striking seaside setting dominated by the bridge and the mountains of the Picos de Europa in the background. This section combines spectacular views of the coastline with the charm of coastal villages steeped in history.
Finally, after crossing the River Deva, you’ll reach Llanes, which combines wild beaches, cliffs and a lively historic centre. Stroll through its harbour, wander its streets and let yourself be enveloped by its seafaring character.
Ascent: 1006m (3,301ft) / Descent: 1109m (3,638ft)
Overnight in Llanes
Hotel Don Paco
This hotel is located in a renovated 17th-century convent, which combines Baroque style with modern facilities.
It has spacious public areas, including a beautiful garden, a restaurant and a bar.
Day 6 - Llanes to Colunga 48,5 miles | 50,8 km
As you proceed, the route takes you through a natural setting of great beauty, passing through towns such as Ribadesella, where the River Sella flows towards the sea, creating a unique setting between the mountains and the coast. This section offers one of the most scenic stages of the route, alternating between coastal paths and gentle climbs through green hills.
Finally, the route heads slightly inland until it reaches Colunga, a quiet Asturian village known for its stunning natural surroundings and its proximity to the coast.
Ascent: 531m (1,742ft) / Descent: 528m (1,732ft)
Overnight in Colunga
Hotel Villa de Colunga
Hotel Villa de Colunga is located in the town of Colunga and offers rooms with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
In addition you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and relax in its charming terrace.
Day 7 - Colunga to Avilés 44,7 miles | 72 km
Throughout this stage, you will pass through small villages and rural areas until you approach Villaviciosa, known for its cider-making tradition and its close ties to Asturian culture. On this stretch, the landscape alternates between inland views and moments when the sea reappears on the horizon, a constant reminder of the proximity of the Bay of Biscay.
Finally, the route continues until it reaches Avilés, a city with a significant industrial past that today surprises visitors with its well-preserved historic centre and its revitalised cultural district, such as the area around the Niemeyer Centre.
Ascent: 1075m (3,527ft) / Descent: 1085m (3,559ft)
Overnight in Avilés
Hotel Alda Palacio Valdés
This hotel combines a modern, comfortable and functional style. It has rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Day 8 - Avilés to Ballota 31,1 miles | 50 km
Throughout this stage, the trail passes through small villages and open spaces until it reaches coastal areas such as Cudillero, one of the most picturesque villages on the Asturian coast, with its houses clinging to the hillside and its characteristic fishing port.
Finally, the route continues between cliffs and coastal meadows until it reaches Ballota, a small, peaceful village situated in a stunning natural setting right by the coast.
Ascent: 1213m (3,979ft) / Descent: 925m (3,035ft)
Overnight in Ballota
Hotel Casa Fernando
You will enjoy heated rooms with a private bathroom and a TV. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
Day 9 - Ballota to Navia 27,8 miles | 44,7 km
As you continue, the route alternates between inland stretches and occasional views of the sea, passing through small villages and agricultural areas that reflect traditional Asturian life. You’ll pass through places such as Luarca, a fishing village where you can visit the Hermitage of the Virgen Blanca, the Palace of the Marquises of Ferrera, or enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Finally, the trail approaches Navia, a town situated next to the mouth of the river of the same name. With its seaside atmosphere, its bridge over the estuary and its blend of sea and river, Navia offers a peaceful and welcoming end to the day, perfect for resting after a stage of nature and changing landscapes.
Ascent: 630m (2,067ft) / Descent: 925m (3,035ft)
Overnight in Navia
Hotel Palacio Arias
Relax in this accommodation surrounded by large gardens, which offers spacious and elegant rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Day 10 - Navia to Lourenzá 37,3 miles | 60 km
From here, the route winds through an increasingly peaceful and mountainous landscape, crossing valleys and side roads surrounded by forests and farmland. The route passes through transitional areas between Asturias and Galicia, where the landscape becomes more wooded and humid.
Finally, you will cross the border into Galicia to reach Lourenzá, a Galician town known for its monastic tradition and its green, peaceful surroundings. Stroll through the town centre, discover its historical legacy linked to the monastery of San Salvador and enjoy the tranquillity of this rural enclave.
Ascent: 883m (2,897ft) / Descent: 754m (2,474ft)
Overnight in Lourenzá
Residencia Casa Gloria
This country house is located on the outskirts of Lourenzá, in natural surroundings near the River Baos. It has rooms with all the comforts to relax and rest.
Day 11 - Lourenzá to Baamonte 40,4 miles | 65 km
As you continue, the route crosses valleys and gentle hills, passing through scattered rural hamlets where life unfolds at the leisurely pace of the Galician countryside. The route retains its natural essence, alternating between forest tracks and local roads that allow you to fully enjoy the surroundings.
Finally, you will reach today’s destination, Baamonde, a small village with a long tradition on the Way of St James, situated beside the River Parga. Take a stroll around the area, discover the Church of Santiago and marvel at the iconic carved tree inside, one of the most intriguing symbols of the Camino del Norte in Galicia.
Ascent: 1055m (3,461ft) / Descent: 702m (2,303ft)
Overnight in Baamonte
Km101 Gourmet Corner
Enjoy a beautiful garden and an appetizing terrace where you can relax and rest.
This accommodation has rooms with flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Day 12 - Baamonte to Arzúa 39 miles | 62,7 km
As you continue, the route approaches areas with a stronger pilgrimage presence, linking up with sections of the Camino Francés. The landscape remains green and undulating, alternating between forest tracks and traditional footpaths that pass through rural villages brimming with authenticity.
Finally, you’ll reach Arzúa, a town closely linked to the Camino de Santiago and renowned for its cheese-making tradition. Stroll through its streets, soak up its welcoming atmosphere and be sure to try its famous cheese with protected designation of origin.
Ascent: 600m (1,969ft) / Descent: 608m (1,995ft)
Overnight in Arzúa
Casa Brandariz
This rural lodging offers excellent cuisine in its restaurant, common areas, and free Wi-Fi throughout its facilities.
Day 13 - Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela 24,4 miles | 39,2 km
Gradually, the atmosphere becomes livelier, with more pilgrims and amenities, yet without losing the natural essence of the Galician landscape. You will pass through villages such as O Pedrouzo and, after the final stretches through woods and along traditional paths, you will reach Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino, where the majestic cathedral awaits you.
Stroll through its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its majestic cathedral in the iconic Plaza del Obradoiro, bringing to a close a journey steeped in history, effort and spirituality.
Ascent: 450m (1,476ft) / Descent: 576m (1,889ft)
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
Hospedería San Martin Pinario
This historic monastery is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, combining Galician tradition with maximum comfort.
Enjoy its rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast.
Day 14 - Santiago de Compostela
End of our services.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
- Daily Breakfasts
- MTB bike
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Travel insurance
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- E-bike
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Dinners
- Picnics
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
Another option is to fly to Santander or San Sebastián airports, from where you can take a domestic flight.
If you arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, you can take a direct train to Bilbao from Madrid-Chamartín station. The train company operating this route is Renfe; you can view timetable details and buy tickets on their website.
At the end of your trip in Santiago de Compostela, we recommend flying from Santiago de Compostela Airport, which is just 15 minutes from the city centre. You can also get there by taking the bus, which runs every 15 minutes to the airport. You can find more information on the MonBus website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
How far in advance should I book my trip?
How fit should I be?
What equipment do I need to bring?
Can I take this trip solo?
How do I get the pilgrim's credential?
Can I combine and change a few days of the tour?
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
- Comillas to Unquera (with overnight in San Vicente de la Barquera).
- Llanes to Ribadesella (with overnight in Nueva).