Camino de Santiago del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
Camino de Santiago del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
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This stretch of the route, also known as the Camino de la Costa, will take you through beautiful coastal villages and mountain trails between the Basque Country and the Cantabria region.
In these 120 kilometres you will discover incredible landscapes that adorn the villages of Portugalete, Castro Urdiales, Liendo, Laredo, Noja, and Galizano, among others. You will get to know places full of history, culture and art, such as Bilbao, a beautiful metropolis that still preserves Basque traditions, or Santander, capital of Cantabria, which offers a variety of places full of cultural interest.
- Visit the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Relax on a variety of beaches along the route: Arena, Brazomar, Berria, and Sardinero, among others.
- Explore the National Parks of the Santona, Victoria and Joyel Marshes.
- Travel by ferry across the Bay of Santander.
- Enjoy the incredible views of mountainous landscapes and the Cantabrian Sea.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Bilbao
Explore this beautiful and modern city that houses some of the most renowned museums in Spain: Guggenheim Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Basque Museum, Azkuna Alhondiga, among others.
We invite you to tour its old town, its cobblestoned streets or enjoy in some pub the famous pintxos, delicious snacks similar to tapas, which are part of the region’s gastronomy.
We invite you to tour its old town, its cobblestoned streets or enjoy in some pub the famous pintxos, delicious snacks similar to tapas, which are part of the region’s gastronomy.
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Bilbao to Portugalete 11,4 miles | 18,3 km
Cross through the industrial area of Bilbao, on the outskirts of the city, until reaching a further stretch and surrounded by nature. The route continues along the Bilbao Estuary or River Nervion, which you must cross over the famous Vizcaya Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge or Palace Bridge, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
Portugalete is a small fishing municipality of medieval origin in the province of Biscay, where you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria, or Torre Salazar built in the 14th century and Plaza de la Rancheria.
Ascent: 145m (475ft) / Descent: 119m (390ft)
Portugalete is a small fishing municipality of medieval origin in the province of Biscay, where you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria, or Torre Salazar built in the 14th century and Plaza de la Rancheria.
Ascent: 145m (475ft) / Descent: 119m (390ft)
Overnight in Portugalete
Gran Hotel Puente Colgante
This hotel is located in a historic building from the 19th century. It has been completely renovated and offers modern rooms with all comforts.
Enjoy the on-site restaurant, where delicious and elaborate dishes are served.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Portugalete to Castro Urdiales 21,1 miles | 34,3 km
On this day of walking, you will walk some wooded sections and others along the coast and cliffs, with gentle ascents and descents. Delight in the beautiful views of the Cantabrian Sea on Arena Beach before reaching the town of Pobena.
Continue your way to Onton, where you will leave the Basque Country to enter the Autonomous Community of Cantabria. Following the official Camino de Santiago, you will get to know the villages of Baltezana, Otanes and Santullan, until finally reaching the coastal town of Castro Urdiales.
There, you can visit the Castro Urdiales Castle-Lighthouse, the Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion, the Medieval Bridge, the Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse or relax on Ostend Beach.
Ascent: 541m (1,774ft) / Descent: 577m (1,893ft)
Continue your way to Onton, where you will leave the Basque Country to enter the Autonomous Community of Cantabria. Following the official Camino de Santiago, you will get to know the villages of Baltezana, Otanes and Santullan, until finally reaching the coastal town of Castro Urdiales.
There, you can visit the Castro Urdiales Castle-Lighthouse, the Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion, the Medieval Bridge, the Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse or relax on Ostend Beach.
Ascent: 541m (1,774ft) / Descent: 577m (1,893ft)
Overnight in Castro Urdiales
Hostería Villa de Castro
This hotel, located in Castro Urdiales, features rooms with a TV and a private bathroom. The accommodation offers free internet connection.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Castro Urdiales to Laredo 19 miles | 30,6 km
You will be accompanied throughout this day by the beautiful coastal landscape of the Cantabrian Sea, with steep cliffs and estuaries, and with magnificent sea views.
On this stage that runs along the coast, you will find several historical religious buildings, such as the Chapel of Santa Isabel and also the Church of the Magdalene on the way to Liendo.
To get to Laredo, your destination for today, you have two alternatives: you can choose whether to take the route through the valley or climb up to the Chapel of San Julian. Both will take you to Laredo, a picturesque village with an extensive beach that attracts many tourists every summer.
Ascent: 381m (1,250ft) / Descent: 382m (1,253ft)
On this stage that runs along the coast, you will find several historical religious buildings, such as the Chapel of Santa Isabel and also the Church of the Magdalene on the way to Liendo.
To get to Laredo, your destination for today, you have two alternatives: you can choose whether to take the route through the valley or climb up to the Chapel of San Julian. Both will take you to Laredo, a picturesque village with an extensive beach that attracts many tourists every summer.
Ascent: 381m (1,250ft) / Descent: 382m (1,253ft)
Overnight in Laredo
El Ancla
This charming seaside hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Its colonial-style rooms feature a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Laredo to Guemes 16,7 miles | 27 km*
You will start the day walking to El Puntal, a stretch of sand where you will take a small boat to cross to Santona. On the way you can enjoy the incredible marshes of Santona, a wildlife sanctuary and declared a National Tourist Heritage Interest sit, where you can see migratory birds.
In the winter season there is no boat service available to cross to Santona, so you will have to take the inland route which passes through Colindres and Escalante and is a few kilometres longer than the official route.
*The distance indicated is via Santona.
Ascent: 162m (531ft) / Descent: 112m (367ft)
In the winter season there is no boat service available to cross to Santona, so you will have to take the inland route which passes through Colindres and Escalante and is a few kilometres longer than the official route.
*The distance indicated is via Santona.
Ascent: 162m (531ft) / Descent: 112m (367ft)
Overnight in Guemes
Posada El Ángel de la Guarda
Located in the small village of Guemes, this rustic-style accommodation is decorated with wooden beams and stone walls.
Its rooms have a private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Guemes to Santander 9,1 miles | 14,7 km*
Today the Camino will take you along some of the best beaches in the north of the peninsula. On the way to Noja, you will pass along the beaches of Berria and Helgueras.
This time, you'll have two alternatives to choose from. You can go north, bordering the coast until you reach Isla, or to the south, to San Miguel de Meruelo. Both routes will take you to Bareyo. You will continue along the path to Somo, where you can take a 'Pedrenera', a traditional boat, to reach your destination today: the city of Santander.
*The distance indicated is from Guemes to Somo.
Ascent: 217m (712ft) / Descent: 223m (731ft)
This time, you'll have two alternatives to choose from. You can go north, bordering the coast until you reach Isla, or to the south, to San Miguel de Meruelo. Both routes will take you to Bareyo. You will continue along the path to Somo, where you can take a 'Pedrenera', a traditional boat, to reach your destination today: the city of Santander.
*The distance indicated is from Guemes to Somo.
Ascent: 217m (712ft) / Descent: 223m (731ft)
Overnight in Santander
Hotel Abba Santander
Located in the centre of Santander, the hotel offers modern, well-equipped rooms with TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy a good buffet breakfast in its dining room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Santander
If you wish, you can continue exploring this beautiful city or follow the Camino de Santiago del Norte from Santander to Gijon.
If, on the other hand, you wish to return home, check on domestic and international flights from Santander Airport.
End of our services.
If, on the other hand, you wish to return home, check on domestic and international flights from Santander Airport.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
- Daily Breakfasts
- 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
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- 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
To get there at the start of your trip we recommend flying to Bilbao airport (BIO), which is only 10-15 minutes from Bilbao center. You can take a bus (A3247 and A2153 are the usual lines, operated by “Bizkaibus”) or a taxi (these are 24 hours).
In case you don't find a good connection to Bilbao airport, the local airports of Santander (SDR) or San Sebastian (EAS) would be your next options, although from experience, these airports usually operate only local flights.
If you arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), you can take a direct train to Bilbao from the "Madrid-Chamartín" station. The train company operating this line is “Renfe”. On their website, you can check details and purchase tickets.
At the end of your trip in Santander, you can take a bus back to Bilbao, “ALSA” company that operates this connection,or return to Madrid by train, “Renfe” is the company that operates this line.
In case you don't find a good connection to Bilbao airport, the local airports of Santander (SDR) or San Sebastian (EAS) would be your next options, although from experience, these airports usually operate only local flights.
If you arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), you can take a direct train to Bilbao from the "Madrid-Chamartín" station. The train company operating this line is “Renfe”. On their website, you can check details and purchase tickets.
At the end of your trip in Santander, you can take a bus back to Bilbao, “ALSA” company that operates this connection,or return to Madrid by train, “Renfe” is the company that operates this line.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- 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 should my physical preparation be?
We recommend you to have an active lifestyle and be in good physical condition as this route is qualified as of medium-high difficulty, and is mostly completed on demanding ascents and descents.
On average, the walks are 20 km per day, amid coastal trails, agricultural fields and arid terrain. We suggest preparing the months before starting the route by walking daily.
What is the best time of year to complete this route?
Any time between March and October will give you an amazing experience. May is undoubtedly one of the best months to complete the route, as the temperatures are moderate, as is the influx of pilgrims.
In spring, mornings and evenings are usually cool and during the day, temperatures are pleasant, with a sun that is not as scorching as in summer. However, at this time and in autumn, especially in the north where the ocean climate predominates, there are frequent rains, so we suggest you check the weather forecast.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
Is this walking holiday for me?
It is ideal for you if you are passionate about pilgrimage walks surrounded by art and culture, walking trails along the coast and in towns and cities that preserve the spiritual roots of the old continent.
You'll also love the Cantabrian landscape, if you enjoy culturally diverse experiences as you tour artistically inspired and history-filled cities.
How do I get the pilgrim's credential?
The pilgrim's credential can be found upon arrival at your first accommodation.
This credential must be stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels during your journey on the Camino de Santiago. At the end of the trip in the city of Santiago, you can obtain the Compostela that certifies you as a pilgrim.
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
- Comillas to Unquera (with overnight in San Vicente de la Barquera).
- Llanes to Ribadesella (with overnight in Nueva).
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