Camino de Santiago del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao
Camino de Santiago del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao
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Discover also the so-called Camino de la Costa, which takes place along a coastal stretch of one of the most primitive routes related to Christian pilgrimage of medieval origin: the current Camino Frances, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Explore the Guipuzcoan coast from the luxurious city of San Sebastian and its landscape dominated by the Bay of La Concha to the bustling Bilbao, capital of the province of Biscay in the Basque Country, passing through the historic cities of Deba, Markina, Lezama and Gernika, inspiration for the work with the same name, created by Pablo Picasso.
- Explore San Sebastian, the scene of the famous International Film Festival and the Jazz Festival.
- Get to know the fishing villages and valleys in the Bay of Biscay.
- Discover the popular "pintxo" bars, small slices of bread with a portion of food.
- Visit Guetaria, birthplace of the first man who walked around the world.
- Visit Ekain Cave in Deba, An Archaeological Heritage of Humanity site.
- Tour the Basque Coast Geopark, a UNESCO distinction given to territories with geological heritage.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in San Sebastian
Tour the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa, 20 km from the border with France. Walk its French-influenced streets that gave it, despite its small size, the title in 2006 of European capital of Culture, next to the Polish city of Wroclaw.
Enjoy its fine, sandy urban beaches on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea: La Concha, Ondarreta in the Bay of La Concha and Zurriola on the other side of the River Urumea. Try the gastronomic range in which it is said, it is the city of the world with the highest number of Michelin stars per square metre, and the only one in the world, along with Paris, which houses 3 restaurants with 3 stars.
Enjoy its fine, sandy urban beaches on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea: La Concha, Ondarreta in the Bay of La Concha and Zurriola on the other side of the River Urumea. Try the gastronomic range in which it is said, it is the city of the world with the highest number of Michelin stars per square metre, and the only one in the world, along with Paris, which houses 3 restaurants with 3 stars.
Overnight in San Sebastian
Hotel Distrito Oeste
This elegant hotel offers rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
In the dining room you can enjoy an excellent buffet breakfast and relax in the bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - San Sebastian to Getaria 17 miles | 27 km
Start the route along Paseo de la Concha and Ondarreta Gardens and head to Mount Igueldo at 181 m, one of the 3 peaks visible from the Bay of La Concha. Visit the San Martin Chapel and then descend to the old town of Orio.
Climb stairs to the Chapel of San Pablo and then walk to Oribarzar Beach. Deviate to the right across the River Oria to enter the town of Zarautz, perfect for some surfing. Then continue between meadows and hamlets, to the Askizu district, where you will find the municipal hostel in Getaria.
Getaria is a coastal town known for being the birthplace of 2 celebrities: one being the sailor Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to navigate around the world.
Ascent: 406m (1,332ft) / Descent: 405m (1,328ft)
Climb stairs to the Chapel of San Pablo and then walk to Oribarzar Beach. Deviate to the right across the River Oria to enter the town of Zarautz, perfect for some surfing. Then continue between meadows and hamlets, to the Askizu district, where you will find the municipal hostel in Getaria.
Getaria is a coastal town known for being the birthplace of 2 celebrities: one being the sailor Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to navigate around the world.
Ascent: 406m (1,332ft) / Descent: 405m (1,328ft)
Overnight in Getaria
Hotel Itxas Gain
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Getaria to Deba 14 miles | 22 km
Start this tour through coastal mountains on ascents and descents, while admiring the views of the Cantabrian Sea and the ports of Getaria and Zumaia.
Walk through the most rural area in the Basque Country to Itziar, where you can visit the sanctuary of worship of the black virgin from the early Middle Ages. Descend down a demanding path to the beach and the famous Deba park area.
Visit Ekain Cave, An Archaeological Heritage of Humanity site and its cave paintings from the Upper Paleolithic era. Walk through the Geopark, with more than 13 km of cliffs and admire the Flysch, cliffs with soft rocky layers (friable) and other hard rocks (cohesive).
Ascent: 567m (1,860ft) / Descent: 566m (1,856ft)
Walk through the most rural area in the Basque Country to Itziar, where you can visit the sanctuary of worship of the black virgin from the early Middle Ages. Descend down a demanding path to the beach and the famous Deba park area.
Visit Ekain Cave, An Archaeological Heritage of Humanity site and its cave paintings from the Upper Paleolithic era. Walk through the Geopark, with more than 13 km of cliffs and admire the Flysch, cliffs with soft rocky layers (friable) and other hard rocks (cohesive).
Ascent: 567m (1,860ft) / Descent: 566m (1,856ft)
Overnight in Deba
Agroturismo Donibane
Enjoy a quiet and comfortable atmosphere in this rural accommodation. It has public areas, including a terrace, lounge and a beautiful garden where you can relax after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Deba to Markina 12 miles | 20 km
Say goodbye to the Basque coast leaving the Cantabrian Sea and the River Deba, to enter the Arnoate Mountains. Walk the beautiful mountainous and wooded part of the Basque Country, taking the road to the El Calvario Chapel, and then cross the paths of the valley to the Olatz Chapel.
Discover interior landscapes amid tupid pine forest and solitary paths, away from civilization in rural Biscay to Markina-Xemein.
Tour this village founded in the mid-14th century, its old town, the convent and the church dedicated to Maria del Carmen, the Sortalekua palaces (present-day town hall) Andonegi and Ansotegi, and the Antxia Tower.
Ascent: 1170m (3,838ft) / Descent: 1096m (6,253ft)
Discover interior landscapes amid tupid pine forest and solitary paths, away from civilization in rural Biscay to Markina-Xemein.
Tour this village founded in the mid-14th century, its old town, the convent and the church dedicated to Maria del Carmen, the Sortalekua palaces (present-day town hall) Andonegi and Ansotegi, and the Antxia Tower.
Ascent: 1170m (3,838ft) / Descent: 1096m (6,253ft)
Overnight in Markina-Xemein
Hotel Antsotegui
The hotel is located in a medieval-era blacksmith's. It offers rooms with cable TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy traditional Basque cuisine in its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Markina to Gernika 17 miles | 28 km
Walk to the idyllic village of Cenarrusa-Bolivar, named after the fifth grandfather of the liberator Simon Bolivar, known as Simon de Bolibar, the Elder. Visit the former Collegiate Church of Ziortza, witness for more than 9 centuries to pilgrims on their way to Santiago.
Cross the Gorontzugaral forests before passing through the small villages of Munitibar or Zarra. Arrive at the historic town of Guernica, in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Explore the streets of the historic capital city of Euskal Herria that inspired Pablo Picasso to paint his famous work, Guernica.
Ascent: 367m (1,204ft) / Descent: 427m (1,400ft)
Cross the Gorontzugaral forests before passing through the small villages of Munitibar or Zarra. Arrive at the historic town of Guernica, in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Explore the streets of the historic capital city of Euskal Herria that inspired Pablo Picasso to paint his famous work, Guernica.
Ascent: 367m (1,204ft) / Descent: 427m (1,400ft)
Overnight in Gernika-Lumo
Hotel Gernika
Located in Sahagun, it offers rooms with a private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Gernika to Lezama 13 miles | 21 km
Say goodbye to the mountain landscape by walking through the picturesque villages of rural Biscay, where the Juradera Route formerly completed by the Lords of Bizkaia passed through. Leave the beautiful Urdaibai landscape and climb the Bilikario path to cross the municipalities of Muxika and Morga.
Walk the same route of ancient kings on the old route that descends to the Asua Valley. Reach the so-called "Gran Bilbao" and head towards the Txorierri Valley to the municipality of Lezama.
Ascent: 391m (1,282ft) / Descent: 354m (1,161ft)
Walk the same route of ancient kings on the old route that descends to the Asua Valley. Reach the so-called "Gran Bilbao" and head towards the Txorierri Valley to the municipality of Lezama.
Ascent: 391m (1,282ft) / Descent: 354m (1,161ft)
Overnight in Lezama
Hotel Rural Matsa
Set in a former wine press in the countryside on the outskirts of Bilbao, this guest house features spacious gardens and a lounge with a fireplace.
It offers country-style rooms with a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Lezama to Bilbao 9 miles | 15 km
Start the most challenging stretch of the route ascending Mount Avril, also called Iturritxualde, located along the River Nervion. Ascend on the Zamudianos path, an ancient royal road from Bermeo to Mount Avril.
Walk up a slope of almost 300 m until you descend and reach the Basilica of Our Lady of Begona from the 16th century, patron saint of Biscay. Take Calle Andra Mari street, and walk along the steps on the Mallona pathways that lead to the busy Plaza Miguel de Unamuno square.
Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the old town of the Biscay capital, multi-awarded by different urban planning academies and the symbolic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Ascent: 303m (994ft) / Descent: 344m (1,128ft)
Walk up a slope of almost 300 m until you descend and reach the Basilica of Our Lady of Begona from the 16th century, patron saint of Biscay. Take Calle Andra Mari street, and walk along the steps on the Mallona pathways that lead to the busy Plaza Miguel de Unamuno square.
Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the old town of the Biscay capital, multi-awarded by different urban planning academies and the symbolic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Ascent: 303m (994ft) / Descent: 344m (1,128ft)
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 8 - Bilbao
We invite you to enjoy a few more days in this charming city and visit one of its museums, the Basilica of Begona or the Zubizuri Bridge.
Remember that to return home or go to your next destination, you only have to take a bus or taxi to the city airport.
End of our services.
Remember that to return home or go to your next destination, you only have to take a bus or taxi to the city 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
Our recommendation is to fly to Bilbao Airport (BIO). From the airport you can take a bus (DO04) to San Sebastian/Donostia, usually operated by the company “AVANZA".
If you cannot find flights to Bilbao, the second option is to fly to San Sebastian Airport (EAS), a local airport that receives domestic flights.
At the end of your journey in Bilbao, we recommend flying from Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is only 10 minutes from the city center. .
If you cannot find flights to Bilbao, the second option is to fly to San Sebastian Airport (EAS), a local airport that receives domestic flights.
At the end of your journey in Bilbao, we recommend flying from Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is only 10 minutes from the city center. .
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.
Where do I get the official credential from?
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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