Camino de Santiago del Norte from San Sebastian to Santander
Camino de Santiago del Norte from San Sebastian to Santander
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On this 13-day adventure through northern Spain you will discover the best of the Basque Country and Cantabria. From the famous city of San Sebastian with the La Concha Bay on the Gipuzkoa coast, through the bustling and cosmopolitan Bilbao, and then on to the capital of Cantabria with its traditional fishing district.
In addition to the best cities in the north with their wide range of cultural and gastronomic offerings, small villages and countless incredible natural landscapes await you, such as beaches, cliffs, fields of infinite green meadows and trails through the forest. Everything is on this route!
- Discover Donosti / San Sebastián, where the International Film Festival and the Jazz Festival take place.
- Relax on a variety of beaches along the route: Arena, Brazomar, Berria, and Sardinero, among others.
- Pass through the historic cities of Deba, Markina, Lezama and Gernika.
- Explore the National Parks of the Santona, Victoria and Joyel Marshes.
- Discover the popular "pintxo" bars, small slices of bread with a portion of food.
- Travel by ferry across the Bay of Santander.
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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.
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).
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.
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: 1,170m (3,838ft) / Descent: 1,096m (6,253ft)
Overnight in Markina
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.
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
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.
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 19 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.
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 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.
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 9 - 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.
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
Hosteria 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 10 - 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.
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 11 - 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.
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 12 - Güemes 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.
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 13 - 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
Our recommendation is to fly to Bilbao Airport (BIO), as it is the closest airport with international flights to San Sebastian. From there, you can take the DO04 bus direct to San Sebastian, operated by the company “AVANZA".
If you prefer, you can fly to San Sebastian Airport (EAS).
At the end of your trip in Santander, you can fly from Santander Airport (SDR).You can take a taxi to the airport, as it is only 10 minutes away.
If you prefer, you can fly to San Sebastian Airport (EAS).
At the end of your trip in Santander, you can fly from Santander Airport (SDR).You can take a taxi to the airport, as it is only 10 minutes away.
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 the 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 form?
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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