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'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua. This stage from chic, gastronomic San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) follows the Camino Norte through picturesque fishing villages and fertile valleys to the bustling city of Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay and mountain paths make the northern way both challenging and rewarding, whilst the quieter trails offer a great alternative to the more popular French route.
To start from Irun is available on request, also to commence in the neighbouring town of Hondaribbia.
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19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(133kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in San Sebastian/Donostia
One of Spain's most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian/Donostia (in Basque) has a lot to offer. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the beaches of La Concha and Ondaretta are a main attraction. In the old town, you’ll find several churches and the Baroque balcony-lined Plaza de la Constitucion. Bar hop for some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in this multi-Michelin-starred city. Option: Start in Irun or Hondaribbia - adds 1 day to the itinerary. Irun is the traditional start of the Norte, Hondaribbia is nearer the sea - a supplement applies for the extra night in a hotel with bed & breakfast and luggage transfer. There is also the option to stay in the parador at Hondaribbia - a further supplement applies. The stage Irun-San Sebastian is approx 7hrs, 27km/16.8mi, elevation gain 290m. From Hondaribbia it's approx 6km/3.75mi less. Please request at time of booking including your preference of town and accommodation.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk via Zarautz to Getaria (7hrs)
Your first day is a beautiful and quite challenging stage. From Playa de la Concha, head towards Mount Iguelda (approx 2km uphill) and on to Orio. From here there are a couple of smaller climbs before you descend to Zarautz. Continue along the seaside promenade to the charming fishing village of Getaria, the birthplace of couturier Balenciaga. This was once a whaling town, like many others along the coast. Enjoy great views from San Anton or relax with a glass of the local sparkling wine txakolis downtown. Distance: 28km/17.5mi, highest point approx 310m
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue along the coast to Deba (6-6.5hrs)
A demanding stage as you walk along the undulating coast and inland via the shrine of Santa Maria de Itziar, a mandatory stop on the Camino Norte. Descend to Deba with its beautiful beach and views of the Cantabrian coast. Distance: 18km/11.1mi, highest point approx 290m
Day 4
Head inland to the mountains and Markina-Xemein (6hrs)
Leave the coast today and head to the Arnoate mountains. There are continuous ascents and descents, including a steep ascent to the Alto de Arno after passing the Valle de Olatz. This stage offers typical landscapes of the Basque region - valleys, farmhouses, forests, meadows... rural life in its purest form! Walk along paths and country lanes, passing through villages on this beautiful stage to the town of Markina. Distance: 24km/15mi, highest point approx 490m
Day 5
On to Gernika (6.5hrs)
Today’s walk is initially along a country lane and across a river, before the path climbs through woodland. There are continuous gradients along the well trodden paths. After Bolibar there is an ascent to the Monastery of Zenarruza (Ziortza). Later, a sharp descent leads to a river and the town of Gernika (Guernica) in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai. Distance: 26km/16.1mi, highest point approx 360m
Day 6
Continue to Lezama (5.5hrs)
This stage continues away from the coast, traversing the interior of Biscay, with its mountains and valleys. It is a demanding stage to Goikolexea through forests, farmhouses, and meadows, with constant elevation changes. The most challenging ascent early today is at Mount Billikario (300m in 3km). The final section between Goikolexea and Lezama is almost flat. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, highest point approx 40m
Day 7
The final stage to Bilbao (4hrs)
Today’s walk is quite short but quite challenging. There is a long, progressive ascent to Mount Avril following the route of a medieval road. You will be rewarded with fabulous views of Bilbao and the valley ahead. The descent passes the Basílica de Begoña and ends in the historic centre of Bilbao. Finish your Camino Norte at the Plaza de Unamuno in the old quarter of Bilbao. Host to some of Spain’s best art exhibitions, don’t miss the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Distance: 12km/8.7mi, highest point approx 330m
Day 8
Trip concludes Bilbao
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights, or you can continue on the next stage to Santander.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 4 - Daily walks are between 12 and 28km / 7.5 and 17.5mi on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. On most days there are some ascents and descents, as the path skirts the northern coast of Spain - especially on the first few days. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Moderate
36Days