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Highlights
Hike the 2nd stage of the complete Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
Follow the Camino Norte along the Cantabrian Sea, offering stunning coastal views, green valleys, and beautiful beaches.
Encounter architectural marvels like the Bizkaia Bridge and the Gothic-style cathedral in Bilbao, steeped in Jacobean tradition.
Indulge in local gastronomy, with treats such as pintxos, cheeses, anchovies, and regional desserts along the way.
Conclude in Santander, an elegant city nestled between the sea and mountains, boasting beautiful beaches and historic landmarks.
The 7-Day Self-Guided Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander is the second section of the Complete Camino del Norte. This scenic route leads from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela and is known for its picturesque coastal landscapes and delightful regional cuisine.
The route starts in the heart of Bilbao and presses on to Santdander over 5 challenging, but fairly straightforward walking days. Once the town of Portugalete is reached, you'll wave goodbye to Basque Country as the route continues in Cantabria. From here, you’ll hike near the Cantabrian Sea from the coast to Laredo, and on to the last two stages from Laredo to Güemes and from Güemes to Santander.
Enjoy the freedom of walking this route on a self - guided basis at your own pace, with key logistics like accommodations, some meals and luggage transfers taken care of for you.
Book this approachable section of the Camino del Norte, and get a feel for this unique variant of Spain’s legenendary Camino de Santiago!
The 7-Day Self-Guided Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander is the second section of the Complete Camino del Norte. This scenic route leads from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela and is known for its picturesque coastal landscapes and delightful regional cuisine.
The route starts in the heart of Bilbao and presses on to Santdander over 5 challenging, but fairly straightforward walking days. Once the town of Portugalete is reached, you'll wave goodbye to Basque Country as the route continues in Cantabria. From here, you’ll hike near the Cantabrian Sea from the coast to Laredo, and on to the last two stages from Laredo to Güemes and from Güemes to Santander.
Enjoy the freedom of walking this route on a self - guided basis at your own pace, with key logistics like accommodations, some meals and luggage transfers taken care of for you.
Book this approachable section of the Camino del Norte, and get a feel for this unique variant of Spain’s legenendary Camino de Santiago!
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Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the greatest cities in northern Spain, which has managed to reconvert its industrial personality to the modern and cosmopolitan character that characterizes it today! Check in, then set out to explore before getting a good night’s rest in preperation for your first day of walking.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Bilbao
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Portugalete
The beginning of today’s stage covers a large part of the city of Bilbao, making today’s journey quite the city walk! You’ll have the choice of a longer and shorter route today to reach Portugalete, both leading to the impressive Vizcaya Bridge that spans the river here.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Portugalete
Distance: 4 hours, 12.4-19.4km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk to Castro Urdiales
Today you’ll find yourself welcomed by Cantabria! You’ll be able to choose between two route options today, and both will have you ending up in the lovely, sleepy fishing village of Castro Urdiales.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Castro Urdiales
Distance: 7 hours, 27.6km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Continue the Camino Norte to Laredo
You’ll have another opportunity today to select a shorter or longer route to Laredo. Green valleys and expansive views of the expansive sea paint the picture for today’s 26.6 km trek to the Cantabrian town of Laredo. Enjoy this lovely coastal town this evening , in one of Cantabrias most sought after tourist destinations.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Laredo
Distance: 6 hours, 26.6km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike to Güemes
At the beginning of today’s stage, during the months of March to November, you’ll have the opportunity to take a boat between Laredo (from El Puntal) and Santoña . Press on and pass the pretty beach of Noja, returning inland until you reach tonight’s destination, Güemes.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Güemes
Distance: 8 hours, 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Final Walk to Santander
Set out on the trail today, first hading towards Galizano. From here, you’ll follow the official path or, if you prefer to bypass the entire coast, opt for the longer option that offers great views.
Arrive in Somo and take the boat to Santander where your Camino Norte adventure concludes. Enjoy a celebratory dinner this evening and cheers to the accomplishment of completing part of the Camino del Norte!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Santander
Distance: 3 hours, 11.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 End of Tour
Your Camino Norte tours conlcudes this morning following breakfast. Check out and depart for onwards travel.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from EUR790*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR550*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from EUR869*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR595*
Accommodation on Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
This tour is based in bed and breakfasts. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg – 1 piece of luggage per person).
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tips
- Gratuities
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfer to Bilbao
- Private transfer to the airport
- Extra piece of luggage
- How hard is the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Santiago?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
- Are meals included on the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Bilbao to start this tour?
- Where does the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Although the terrain is not challenging, you will be walking up to 29 km daily. If you do this in July and August the heat can make this a very challenging walk.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover walking. Get your travel insurance.
You can get to Bilbao by flight, train, car or bus.
The tour ends in Santander.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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