Explore the beautiful coast of the Basque country.
Discover the Real Basque Country, with all its traditions.
Indulge yourself in rooms en-suite in selected hotels along the way and enjoy a high level of comfort.
Time travel along 1000 years of history and meet people from every horizon.

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Departures:

>Self-Guided
Any time, all year round!

>Guided
See Guided Departures page

This Walking Holiday explores the second section of the Camino Norte / Northern Way, following the iconic Camino de Santiago de Compostela; the famous Way of Saint James.

Start in Bilbao, famous for its Guggenheim museum and finish in Santander. This section boasts inviting beaches and impressive Rias (fjord-like inlets), enjoy the contrast between modern seaside towns & traditional fishing villages.

Everyday, during the walk, you are guaranteed a high level of comfort and gastronomy. This section requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.

Day 1 - Bilbao
You will be booked in a hotel in the heart of Bilbao. The rooms are en-suite.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 3* hotel, en-suite. Meal: B&B

DAY 2 – From Bilbao to Portugalete (14km 3h +-260m)
First, a relatively short stage, going through the old industrialised Bilbao. After passing the suspension bridge, the Camino enters the industrial heart of the Basque Country; despite this, it is a place of peace and calm along the Cadagua River.  Crossing the historical “Devil’s bridge”, the Camino arrives at the hermitage of Santa Águeda.  From there, we take a deep breath before the steep ascent to the town of Barakaldo. Following a footpath along the Galindo River, we arrive in Portugalete.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 2* hotel, en-suite. Meal: Half Board

DAY 3 – From Portugalete to Castro Urdiales (27km 7h30 +430m -450m)
What a wonderful stage! The Camino now leaves the coast, ascending to Otañes with beautiful views of the craggy coast below. From here the Camino enters a forest track that brings us to Robredal and its church of San Nicholas. Finally we arrive in the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, passing the bullring and the beach. Castro Urdiales is an interesting town with a mix of medieval and modern architecture.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 2* hotel, en-suite. Meal: Half Board

DAY 4 – From Castro Urdiales to Laredo (24km 7h +-200)
Today, the Camino passes a medieval castle/lighthouse and follows the coast along spectacular cliffs, overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Reaching Guriezo, we continue on the main Camino to Rioseco, passing the Chapel of Santa Isabel, crossing the bridge over the River Aguera and on to the Church of La Magdalena. From Guriezo the Camino continues to Liendo where there are two route choices to Laredo; either crossing the valley and passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas, or following paths up to the Chapel of St Julian, and finally to Laredo. Laredo is a popular town reputed for its beautiful beaches, medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja) and lively atmosphere.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 2* hotel, en-suite. Meal: Half Board

DAY 5 – From Laredo to Escalante (16km 3h30 +40m -20m)
The Camino continues from Laredo in the direction of Colindres (where it is possible to cross to Santona by boat). We continue by road, following Santoria’s Marshes. This marshland is of considerable importance to the migration and wintering of numerous aquatic birds. Although today's walk is flat, the scenery is exciting. Survey the coast and mountains as you continue towards Escalante.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 1* hotel, en-suite. Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6 – From Escalante to Santander (27km 7h30 +180m -200m)
From Escalante, the Camino continues via the beaches of Berria and Helgueras until reaching Noja. From there, the Camino heads south towards San Miguel de Meruelo, or, an alternative Camino can be taken that continues north along the coast to continue through the town of Isla. Both Caminos converge in Bareyo where it is worth stopping to admire the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria. From the village of Somo, you can catch a "pedrenera", a traditional boat used to connect the two sides of the bay.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 3* hotel, en-suite. Meal: B&B

DAY 7 –Santander
After breakfast we bid you farewell.

Meal: Breakfast

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• Rooms en-suite
• Half Board during the hike
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinner 1st and last nights
• Transfers from/to airport