24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Home > Spain > Walking1 > Camino Norte - Bilbao to Santander
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

SPECIAL OFFER

$950USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: BIL

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the fascinating city of Bilbao
  • Walking along the quieter Camino Norte
  • Staying in family-run, charming hotels and guesthouses
  • Enjoying stunning coastlines

'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 third stage, from the bustling city of Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, takes you through a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The dramatic coastline 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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:
Google+ Email

Traveller Rating

 

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Bilbao is a wonderful city filled with art, history and flavour of Northern Spain. Spend time walking the old city exploring the cobbled streets filled with fashion, food and charming shops. For art lovers a visit to the Guggenheim Museum is not to be missed.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you will take the Metro to Portugalete, where you will start walking. The walk today will take you towards the coast. As you head out of Pobena there is a surprisingly long flight of stairs, but the stunning walk along the following coastline is worth the climb. Part of the route also follows the track-bed of the former railroad that carried iron ore to waiting ships. Castro Urdiales is a long-inhabited town, with human remains dating back to 12000 BCE. Be sure to visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion with its strange iconography on the main entrance’s frieze, which dates from Templar times. Distance: 28km/17.3mi

Meals:  B

As you leave this morning you will start heading uphill, before walking along excellent coastal terrain to Islares. Here you can see the ruins of the 16th century Hospital de la Vera Cruz. Continue to La Magdelena and follow a beautiful dirt path to Liendo. Distance:24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B

This morning you will head to Laredo, which was an important Roman site known as Portus Luliobrigensium. Today it is Cantabria’s largest resort town - its beach is around 5km long at low tide. Continue walking to the end of Laredo's peninsula, at El Puntal, following the signs to the Santona ferry. The cost of the ferry crossing is approximately EUR2 per person. Continue north to the coast and the Playa de Berria, before ascending to the Punta del Brusco for impressive coastal views. Continue to the modern coastal resort town of Noja. Distance: 23km/14.5mi

Meals:  B

Continue along quiet country roads to Guemes, from where the route leads northwest to the town of Galizano. Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals:  B

From Galizano you head straight to the coastline and the path follows the cliff’s edge. You will reach Somo, from where you will catch the ferry to Santander. The ferry runs every half hour on weekdays and hourly on weekends and costs approximately EUR3 per person. Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disaster explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax after the camino walk. Distance: 11km/7mi

Meals:  B

Trip concludes in Santander after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 6 nights in a combination of quality hotels and farmhouse B&BS on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Visitor tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Bilbao and from Santander
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Metro ticket Bilbao to Portugalete, ferry tickets days 4 and 6
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 11 and 27km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. 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

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is Easter period and from 23 Jun to 30 Sep - supplement applies.
Note:
Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during local festivals and events
Note:
Due to limited accommodation, return transfers may need to be booked to other overnight locations at an additional cost.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$950USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$130
  • Single supplement - low seasonUSD$390
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonUSD$430
  • Single supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$540
  • Solo traveller supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$600
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

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. 

Videos

Your Cantabria, Camino

Similar trips

Pilgrims on the Camino del Norte, Spain | Andreas Holland
Special Offer
Spain

Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao

Activities:
self guided walk
Accommodation:
b&b, hotel
From:
$1050 USD
Duration:

8Days

Grading:

Moderate

 
13 Reviews
The cathedral in Mondoñedo on Spain's Camino del Norte | Fernando Pascullo
Special Offer
Spain

Camino Norte - Ribadeo to Santiago

Activities:
self guided walk
Accommodation:
b&b, hotel
From:
$1190 USD
Duration:

11Days

Grading:

Moderate to Challenging

 
The Camino del Norte route follows the Spanish coast | Lachlan Baker
Special Offer
Spain

The Full Camino Norte

Activities:
self guided walk
Accommodation:
hotel, b&b
From:
$4350 USD
Duration:

37Days

Grading:

Moderate to Challenging

 
5 Reviews
Beautiful cobbled village streets of Santillana del Mar | Lachlan Baker
Special Offer
Spain

Camino Norte - Santander to Gijon

Activities:
self guided walk
Accommodation:
b&b, hotel
From:
$1350 USD
Duration:

11Days

Grading:

Moderate

 
1 Review

Get Social

World Expeditions Travel Group

World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays Tasmanian Expeditions Adventure South Great Canadian Trails Utracks Huma Challenge World Expeditions Schools Walkers' Britain Sherpa Van Trail Journeys Blue Moutains Adventures Company Larapinta Trail Walk Australian Cycle Tours Great Walks of New Zealand North America Active Adventure Travel West
atas
  World Expeditions hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) no. 4491 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate.
© Copyright 2024 by UTracks Pty Ltd
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips