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CAMINO DEL NORTE SAN SEBASTIAN – BILBAO 8 DAYS

Excellent
Duration

5-7 hours

Cancellation

No Cancellation

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

Overview

CAMINO DEL NORTE SAN SEBASTIAN – BILBAO 8 DAYS

During your Camino del Norte San Sebastian  Bilbao you walk in 6 stages from San Sebastian to Bilbao. You follow the famous pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The total number of kilometers is about 130 km and the stages are just over 20 kilometers per day. That may seem short, but certainly the first part of the Camino del Norte is a tough camino.

Adobestock 86968424 Camino De Santiago

Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao

You start your camino  del Norte  San Sebastian Bilbao in the Basque port city of San Sebastian. This town on the Camino del Norte is known for its beautiful beaches and stately buildings. And of course for the excellent gastronomy. In San Sebastian you can taste the most delicious pinxtos or treat yourself to a delicious dinner in one of the Michelin restaurants. The next day, however, you can expect a heavy walk!

The Camino del Norte: Santander – Bilbao leaves San Sebastian, then heads into the green hills of the Basque Country. The pilgrimage route takes you past meadows and farms, sometimes through a forest, but you always have a view of the beautiful ocean during this Camino Del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao.

Basque Country Food

Always there

The Camino del Norte goes after the harbor of Getaria into the interior via country roads. At the medieval port town of Deba, where you will also find a beautiful Gothic church, you descend to the coast. The Camino Del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao route then enters the Basque coastal mountain range and climbs steeply through dense forests to the top of the Arno. This is the highest point of this pilgrimage along the coast.

Via a network of forest paths, the camino takes you to the impressive Zenarruza monastery. The Camino del Norte now descends sharply to Picasso’s historic Guernika. The famous painting can now be found in a museum in Madrid. But in the city you will find a few remains. Via country roads you walk up again into the rolling hinterland of Viscaya. Then you return to the coast. Where Bilbao the end point of this Camino del Norte: Bilbao – Santander awaits you.

Do you want to extend your Camino del Norte? Ask us for the possibilities. 

Day to day program for Camino Del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao

Day 1 Arrival in San Sebastian

After arriving at the airport in Bilbao you will go to San Sebastian. Where your pilgrimage begins. You probably still have some time to explore this beautiful Basque port city. Famous is “la concha”. The beach in the heart of the city with the perfect shape of a shell. Many beachgoers can be found here in summer. In the evening you can enjoy delicious pinxtos in one of the many bars that the city has to offer.

Waw_Travel_Camino_Del_Norte

Day 2 Stage San Sebastian – Zarautz 22 km

The Camino del Norte leaves San Sebastian and the Gulf of Biscaye behind and travels west along the Basque coast. Today you have almost a whole day of  hiking with a sea view. The trail starts with a steep climb to the top of Mount Igueldo. After this, the route continues without too great height differences on  rural roads. You walk through an open landscape of meadows, farms, pine forests and cypresses.

Just before you reach the small port town of Orio you will  pass  the beautiful Romanesque Martinus church. In the coastal town of Zarautz, the Camino picks up a medieval trail that takes us to Getaria our final     destination. The Gothic church of this historic harbor town is definitely worth a visit.

Camino Del Norte Route

Day 3 Stage Getaria – Deba 22 km

The path again follows the medieval road along the coast to Zumaia. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is now a steep  climb to the village of Itiziar with the famous 16th century Santuario de Santa Maria. Then we descend into the valley of the Rio Deba, which we follow to the  fishing village of the same name, which is also the end point of this stage.

Day 4 Stage Deba – Markina 24 km

Today the Camino del Norte takes you to the mountainous interior. And you also reach the highest point of this pilgrimage route. The top of the Col de Arno. Hence you have a unique view of all the beauty that Northern Spain has to offer. The coast and the mountains. You reach Markina through one of the most    wooded areas of Northern Spain. In this historic town with a medieval center is the end of your pilgrimage for today.

Waw_Travel_Camino_Del_Norte

Day 5 Stage Markina – Gernika 25 km

 Today the Camino del Norte will take you to Gernika. Made famous by Picasso’s painting. He captured the tragic bombardment of the city on the silver screen. This canvas is now in a museum in Madrid. Today’s pilgrimage route follows a network of back roads and forest paths up to the top of the alto de Gontzegarai. The ocean, like a loyal friend, is always visible in the corner of your eye. A long descent through small hamlets will eventually bring you to the center of  Gernika. Also the end point of this stage.

Day 6 Stage Gernika – Lezama 21 km

Leaving Gernika, the Camino del Norte passes the Santa Luzia chapel. Our route now starts to climb again and through dense pine forests we eventually reach  the Col de Morga via a small cobblestone road. On the way to the hamlet of Goikolexea you will pass the San Sebastian chapel, in its walls are memorial stones  dating back to the 4th century.

We now start a long descent through the hills and forests to Larrabetzu. This village is rich in the imposing mansions so typical of this region of Viscaya. We now continue our way through the green valley to Lezama. This village of provided houses dating back to the 14th century is also our end point for today.

Camino Del Norte

Day 7 Stage Lezama – Bilbao 12 km

Today a short route awaits us that will take you to the cultural capital of Bilbao. The camino runs through arable landscape interspersed with a pine forest here   and there. The first contours of Bilbao become visible from the top of Monte Avril.

 The path runs through arable landscape interspersed with a pine forest here and there to Zamudio and the beautiful Romanesque church of San Martin. Here too we find the furnished mansions so typical of the nobility in the medieval Basque Country. The route now slowly climbs to the top of Monte Avril where you  can enjoy the magnificent views of Bilbao.

A final descent takes you to Bilbao, which with its stately Gothic buildings and ultra-modern Guggenheim museum  seems to have found the perfect mix between old and new. This beautiful city is therefore a worthy end to this fantastic hiking trip.

Day 8 Return home

After breakfast you can enjoy the city of Bilbao for a while before your journey home begins. A visit to the world famous Guggenheim is recommended. Do you  want to extend your stay in Bilbao? Let us know.

How you can elaborate your views on Camino Del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao ? 

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Highlights

  • During your Camino del Norte you walk in 6 stages from San Sebastian to Bilbao
  • You follow the route of the famous camino to Santiago
  • The total number of kilometers is 130 and the stages are an average of 23 km per day
  • You walk from the port town of San Sebastian in the Basque Country to Bilbao, the cultural capital of Northern Spain
  • Along the way you pass cow pastures and farmhouses and sometimes you walk through a pine forest, but you always have a view of the endless ocean
  • Along the way you will enjoy the cultural richness, the delicious gastronomy and the warmth of the local inhabitants
  • Departure possible every day of the year
  • Accommodations are selected on the basis of quality and location
  • Rooms with bathroom and breakfast included
  • Luggage transport included. 1 suitcase per person
  • Route-in Google Maps

What you will do

Expand All

Day 1 Arrival in San Sebastian

Day 1 Arrival in San Sebastian

After arriving at the airport in Bilbao you will go to San Sebastian. Where your pilgrimage begins. You probably still have some time to explore this beautiful Basque port city. Famous is "la concha". The beach in the heart of the city with the perfect shape of a shell. Many beachgoers can be found here in summer. In the evening you can enjoy delicious pinxtos in one of the many bars that the city has to offer.

Day 2 Stage San Sebastian - Zarautz 22 km

Day 2 Stage San Sebastian - Zarautz 22 km

The Camino del Norte leaves San Sebastian and the Gulf of Biscaye behind and travels west along the Basque coast. Today you have almost a whole day of hiking with a sea view. The trail starts with a steep climb to the top of Mount Igueldo. After this, the route continues without too great height differences on rural roads. You walk through an open landscape of meadows, farms, pine forests and cypresses. Just before you reach the small port town of Orio you will pass the beautiful Romanesque Martinus church. In the coastal town of Zarautz, the Camino picks up a medieval trail that takes us to Getaria our final destination. The Gothic church of this historic harbor town is definitely worth a visit.

Day 3 Stage Zarautz - Deba 20 km

Day 3 Stage Zarautz - Deba 20 km

The path again follows the medieval road along the coast to Zumaia. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is now a steep climb to the village of Itiziar with the famous 16th century Santuario de Santa Maria. Then we descend into the valley of the Rio Deba, which we follow to the fishing village of the same name, which is also the end point of this stage.

Day 4 Stage Deba - Markina 24 km

Day 4 Stage Deba - Markina 24 km

Today the Camino del Norte takes you to the mountainous interior. And you also reach the highest point of this pilgrimage route. The top of the Col de Arno. Hence you have a unique view of all the beauty that Northern Spain has to offer. The coast and the mountains. You reach Markina through one of the most wooded areas of Northern Spain. In this historic town with a medieval center is the end of your pilgrimage for today.

Day 5 Stage Markina - Gernika 25 km

Day 5 Stage Markina - Gernika 25 km

Today the Camino del Norte will take you to Gernika. Made famous by Picasso's painting. He captured the tragic bombardment of the city on the silver screen. This canvas is now in a museum in Madrid. Today's pilgrimage route follows a network of back roads and forest paths up to the top of the alto de Gontzegarai. The ocean, like a loyal friend, is always visible in the corner of your eye. A long descent through small hamlets will eventually bring you to the center of Gernika. Also the end point of this stage.

Day 6 Stage Gernika - Lezama 21 km

Day 6 Stage Gernika - Lezama 21 km

Leaving Gernika, the Camino del Norte passes the Santa Luzia chapel. Our route now starts to climb again and through dense pine forests we eventually reach the Col de Morga via a small cobblestone road. On the way to the hamlet of Goikolexea you will pass the San Sebastian chapel, in its walls are memorial stones dating back to the 4th century. We now start a long descent through the hills and forests to Larrabetzu. This village is rich in the imposing mansions so typical of this region of Viscaya. We now continue our way through the green valley to Lezama. This village of provided houses dating back to the 14th century is also our end point for today.

Day 7 Stage Lezama - Bilbao 12 km

Day 7 Stage Lezama - Bilbao 12 km

Today a short route awaits us that will take you to the cultural capital of Bilbao. The camino runs through arable landscape interspersed with a pine forest here and there. The first contours of Bilbao become visible from the top of Monte Avril. The path runs through arable landscape interspersed with a pine forest here and there to Zamudio and the beautiful Romanesque church of San Martin. Here too we find the furnished mansions so typical of the nobility in the medieval Basque Country. The route now slowly climbs to the top of Monte Avril where you can enjoy the magnificent views of Bilbao. A final descent takes you to Bilbao, which with its stately Gothic buildings and ultra-modern Guggenheim museum seems to have found the perfect mix between old and new. This beautiful city is therefore a worthy end to this fantastic hiking trip.

Day 8 Return home

Day 8 Return home

After breakfast you can enjoy the city of Bilbao for a while before your journey home begins. A visit to the world famous Guggenheim is recommended. Do you want to extend your stay in Bilbao? Let us know. It's definitely worth it!

Included/Excluded

  • Price per person in a double room
  • 7 nights in a double room with private bathroom and breakfast
  • Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation
  • Flights
  • Transfers from airport Bilbao to San Sebastian and from Bilbao to the airport
  • Single room supplement

Languages

English

Activity Types

Camino Santiago
Outdoors
Walking

Activity's Location

FAQs

Why is Santiago de Compostella the end point of the Camino Santiago?

The pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella (also called Saint James route or Way of Saint James) is the pilgrimage route to the tomb of the apostle James in Santiago de Compostella in Spain. The main route through Spain is the Camino Francés, which runs from the Pyrenees to the tomb of James. This route passes through the cities of Pamplona, Estella, Logroño, Burgos, León, Astorga and Ponferrada.

Is the route suitable for inexperienced walkers?

Although the camino is accessible to everyone, experience and good physical condition are recommended.

What to bring during my walking trip?

On the way you walk with a small backpack. In it you put some things you need for on the go. Think of some food, drinks, sunscreen, a raincoat. The rest of your luggage is taken from accommodation to accommodation.

What if I have an accident on the way or if something happens to me?

You can always contact us and we will look together for a solution.

Reviews

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Based on 13 reviews
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Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Sabine & Gerty
29/06/2024

Excellent quality

We enjoyed our 1st Camino so much. The surroundings were beautiful, the route was tough at times, but doable for us. Everything was well taken care of, the accommodation was good, the luggage transport went smoothly, as did the transfer to and from the airport. The price-quality was excellent. We will definitely contact WAW.travel for the next Camino.
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Ingrid
02/05/2024

Beautifull part of the Camino

We had a great time. Really beautiful, the hotels / B&Bs were a hit and the route was quite challenging at times, but the Camino itself always pulled you through. What views and what beautiful nature. A really beautiful part of the Camino. Thank you for all your good care, it was all perfectly arranged: the sweet taxi driver who took us to San Sebastían in 50 (!) minutes, luggage transport, the locations and the contact with you. We know where to find you again for a new walking experience on the Camino or elsewhere.
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Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Ruta
15/10/2023

Nothing was too much

Thank you very much Annemiek. Everything was perfectly arranged so we could focus on walking the Camino. From the transfer from the airport to our first hotel, the daily luggage transport to personal contact for questions via the app. Nothing was too much for WAW.travel. We will definitely contact you for the next Camino!
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Leonie
10/05/2023

In one word: Excellent

Our first camino (from San Sebastian to Bilbao) was in one word excellent!! What an experience, everything was right, the (sometimes tough) walks, nature, villages, cities, hotels, breakfasts. What a variety!!! Our backpack was always at the right place ready, that also made us very happy! There will definitely be a part twol
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Joost
29/04/2023
Just back from a walking holiday from the beautiful offer: the Camino del Norte, more precisely the first part of this pilgrimage route in the Basque Country. All thanks to WAW.travel for this beautifully composed package (which I myself extended by one day to be able to start at the real start of this route, in Irun/Hondarribia). The choice of hotels was certainly to our liking, the luggage transport from one hotel to the other went perfectly, communication with WAW.travel during the walk went smoothly, the walking route was absolutely beautiful and ... I was lucky that not once did I have to take my raincoat out of the backpack. This walking week in the Basque Country will be remembered by me as one of the most beautiful I have ever walked, thanks to the people of WAW.travel.
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Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Maaike
23/09/2022

Magical

I'm almost on my way to the airport again and I don't want to! It was magical and I already knew after the first hour of walking that I want to do it again. It was a test, whether my body was going to take it. And yes that went well! All very well arranged. And the hotel in Markina was my absolute favorite. Thank you for a fantastic trip!
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Esme & Rick
11/09/2022

Nice combination of nature with a city trip

We look back on a wonderful walking holiday, extended with 2 extra days in San Sebastián in advance and concluded with 2 extra days in Bilbao. A nice combination of nature with a city trip. Provided with the necessary information in advance, so that we could start our walking holiday well prepared. Personal contact with the booking was nice, also that you were available via whatsapp for questions during our holiday. If we want to book another walking holiday in the future, we will definitely look at the possibilities at WAW.travel again. Northern Spain is definitely a beautiful piece of Spain. Beautiful landscape and great view of the sea and mountains during the hike. The hiking trails were sometimes tough, with quite a few altimeters - so intended for the experienced hiker. A plus was the clear signage. Variety in hotels (in terms of luxury, style, size), but all are fine to very well maintained (clean rooms; private bathroom; good breakfast). After all, we have enjoyed the Basque cuisine again and again
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Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Ietje, Alet & Jacqueline
24/06/2022

WAW.travel is the best!

They look for the best deals on airflights. Personal contact gives a lot of confidence. Annemiek supports where she can. She is quick in appointments and making arrangements, even when you are on the road and need something. I walked with 2 friends on the Camino del Norte. Everything that was arranged, including luggage transport, went perfectly. No worries. You can notice that they have good and personal contacts with, for example, taxi drivers and hotels. This makes you feel right at home. Thank you. We would be happy to come you again on our next trip
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Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Christian and his daughter
17/05/2022

Personal approach

Had a great trip with WAW. travel! An 'old-fashioned' personal approach. Annemiek is always available before and after the trip, where can you find that. Keep up the good work!
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Ingeborg & Jolanda
08/05/2022

We will definitely come back again

We had a fantastic time and would like to thank you for the great organization this week and the delicious dinner yesterday! We will definitely come back again!
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Wietske & Lammy
08/05/2022

Fantastic days!

Yesterday we arrived in Bilbao after fantastic days, we enjoyed it! Occasionally it was something tough, but in general it went great! The locations were fine and well chosen. Thanks for the perfect organization!
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Ad, Ton, Rene and Rien
06/11/2021

Thanks for your contribution to a great journey!

The camino itself was varied, steep and slippery, but beautiful. Walked a total of 218 km. Excellent hotels, well prepared and organized by Annemiek and Roberto. The involvement of Annemiek in particular and Roberto's ability to solve certain situations were reassuring and contributed to the success of this great journey!
Camino del Norte San Sebastian Bilbao
Vivian
08/10/2021

Unique experience

Thanks to the efforts of Annemiek and Roberto I was able to travel to Northern Spain. I walked 10 stages of the Camino del Norte. From Hondarribia to Laredo, about 225 km through beautiful nature, charming villages and towns and along many beautiful churches, monasteries and chapels. There were always beautiful encounters with other peregrinos. As a solo walker I never felt alone for a moment. Annemiek and Roberto have provided a good mix of well-maintained, sometimes luxurious, sometimes simple accommodations and never far from the route. The entire trip, from the first contact to returning home, was perfect. Also received a handy digital travel program, containing the most important information about route, distances, altimeters and accommodations from day to day. Received many tips, very personal service, easily accessible, quick responses to questions, etc. The good organisation, the beautiful Spanish coastal region, the beautiful weather and last but not least, the many very nice encounters, have made this trip a unique experience!
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