Camino del Norte - San Sebastian to Santander

Make your own way to the coastal city of San Sebastian – one of Spain’s top tourist destinations. San Sebastian is famous for its stunning beaches and culinary scene and has more Michelin stars per square metre than any other city in the world. Its open air sculptures make the entire city feel like a work of art. After checking in, your day is free to relax or explore the delights of this vibrant destination. A visit to the cobblestoned old town and Plaza de la Constitución is not to be missed, as are its two most famous beaches Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta and its picturesque bay front promenade.

Follow the winding shoreline as you leave San Sebastian before the trail passes through green landscapes and rolling hills, offering nice glimpses over pretty valleys and meadows. You will pass the ancient Roman Church of San Martín de Tours with its weathered exterior. The pilgrimage continues past pretty coastal villages to finish in either Zarautz, famous for its whaling history and its long sandy beach, or the fishing village of Getaria. You may like to try the local Txakolí wine this evening.

Meals: B

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Basque Country from Zarautz to Deba as the path winds its way through rolling hills, occasionally dipping back towards the coastline to reveal gorgeous sea views over the Bay of Biscay. Enjoy the unique charms and friendly locals in the villages you pass along the way. We recommend stopping to visit the Basque Coast Geopark famous for its geological flysch deposits, before your journey ends at Deba, a pleasant coastal town embraced by rugged cliffs. You may like to visit the gothic Iglesia de Santa Maria, which is recognised as one of the finest churches in this region.

Meals: B

The section from Deba to Markina leads pilgrims along the coastline before moving inland where there are some steep ascents to tackle. The tranquil route through the countryside offers coastal views and forested hills. Depending on what time of year you walk, enjoy vibrant wildflowers, lush vegetation and green rolling hills. There are numerous ancient stone bridges to cross where you can picnic and dip tired feet into cooling water before arriving into Markina–Xemein. The town boasts a rich historical heritage, with its medieval buildings and picturesque streets, and is also renowned for being the birthplace of numerous famous pelota champions.

Meals: B

Today the trail winds through rolling hills leading you through tiny Basque villages, each with their own unique charm. You will pass the medieval monastery at Zenarruza which holds a significant place in the region’s history. The monastery dates back to the 13th century and served as an important spiritual centre for pilgrims. Today’s section culminates at the historic town of Gernika (Basque spelling) immortalised by Picasso’s iconic painting, “Guernica,” which holds deep significance as a symbol of peace and resilience. The moving Museo de la Paz de Guernica is worth a visit for those interested in discovering more of the troubled history of the town during the Civil War period and is dedication to peace.

Meals: B

Leaving Gernika, the path ascends and descends through the gorgeous green landscape of the Biscay countryside. Enjoy the beauty of rolling hills, charming hamlets and small villages. Along the way the trail passes through pretty woodland forests of oak which provide the perfect spot for a picnic or rest. Marvel at the beauty and engineering ingenuity of the medieval bridges near Lezama where you should take the opportunity to explore the village, with its traditional houses, towers and winding streets.

Meals: B

The path from Lezama to Bilbao takes in several notable sites including the Romanesque Church of San Martin which stands testament to the region’s rich history and architectural heritage. The largely paved path today also passes the Tower of Malpica, an imposing medieval tower that once served as a defensive structure. As you approach Bilbao, the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña stands proudly on a hilltop welcoming pilgrims to the city. The magnificent basilica is a pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary and offers breathtaking views. Entering the city you will find yourself in the vibrant old quarter known as Casco Viejo where you can enjoy the old-world blend of bustling markets and modern city life.

Meals: B

Today is a free day to explore Bilbao. Make sure you explore this port city’s iconic landmarks such as the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, indulge in the local cuisine, stroll the streets of the old town or people watch while sipping local wine or cider in the Plaza Nueva. Slightly further afield you may like to make a side trip to visit spectacular San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – a tiny island with its stone bridge and steep staircase, made famous as the location of ‘Dragonstone Castle’ in Game of Thrones. There is plenty to see and do in and around Bilbao – talk to us if you would like to extend your stay!

Meals: B

Today’s walk is largely through the urban landscape of Bilbao and across the Nervión River, with opportunities to enjoy the city and river views. There are various route options and paths you can take out of Bilbao. The UNESCO World Heritage Puente Colgante (Vizcaya Bridge) in Portugalete is remarkable and offers great views of the river below. If you have time and energy, enjoy a stroll along Portugalete’s  waterfront promenade or ride the Puente Colgante, a unique experience that takes you across the river in a gondola suspended from the bridge.

NOTE: It is also possible to take a metro from Bilbao to Portugalete, for those who prefer to spend more time exploring Bilbao and wish to avoid walking through built up areas.

Meals: B

Today the trail follows the coastline passing some nice beaches with good views of the Bay of Biscay. The village of Ontón features the medieval church of Santa María de la Asunción Church with its impressive stone facade. The route to Pobena is relatively easy and you can break your journey at Playa de La Arena or Pobena with a coffee at one of the many cafes in the popular seaside town. Leaving Pobena behind the track mostly follows the coastline where there are most frequent ascents that will reward you with some fine coastal views. Continuing on to Onton the route then splits into two variants – the more scenic coastal route or the official inland route to Castro Urdiales.  Castro Urdiales is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of steep cliffs and beautiful beaches. Take in the beautiful Santa María de la Asunción Church and striking Castillo de Santa Ana castle located right on the waterfront.

Meals: B

Experience a mix of gorgeous coastal scenery and historical landmarks including the Chapel of Santa Isabel and Church of La Magdalena en route to Liendo. The first part of today’s walk follows the coast to Islares where you have a choice of routes. The high route option involves steep ascents and descents and is more challenging but offers stunning views of the Cantabrian mountains and surrounding countryside. The coastal route is relatively flat with gentle terrain and minimal elevation changes allowing you to take in the beautiful seascape and enjoy the seaside villages.

Meals: B

Departing Laredo, take the ferry to Santona to begin the relatively easy stage of the walk to Noja. Santona is a historic fishing town renowned for its delicious seafood so stop for a bite to eat if you have the opportunity. From here the main route runs close to the shoreline for most of the way to Noja; if the weather is good it’s a great opportunity to take a swim in the Cantabrian Sea at either Playa de Berria or Playa de las Helgueras. There is also a protected wetland nature reserve that is home to a variety of flora and fauna including various migratory birds such as European Bee-eater and Eurasian Golden Oriole which migrates from Africa.

NOTE: It is also possible to take an alternative route from Laredo to Noja via Gama which is mostly inland and avoids the ferry crossing.

Meals: B

Today’s walk is long but enjoyable with plenty of gorgeous scenery to enjoy as you pass through the pretty inland towns of San Miguel de Meruelo and Bareyo. Take a rest break in Guemes before following the path back to the coast for the last stage of the walk to Somo. Here board a traditional Pedrenera ferry boat here for a unique arrival into Santander, with the incredible Gothic Catedral de Santander crafted between the 12th and 14th centuries, towering above.

Meals: B

Santander is the capital of Cantabria and boasts a wonderful diversity of attractions including the historic Palacio de la Magdalena which is well worthwhile exploring. Make the most of your free day in Santander by immersing yourself in the city’s historical and culinary delights. Indulge in sublime gastronomic experiences including Rabas, deep-fried squid rings, Marmita, a traditional fish stew or the exceptional anchovies that Santander is famous for. The Catedral de Santander is worth a visit, as is the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAS).

From Santander, you can also take an optional day tour to visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana.

Meals: B

After breakfast, make your own arrangements for onward travel to your next destination

Meals: B

• 14 nights accommodation including hotels, small guesthouses and country houses, on a double/twin share basis
• Daily breakfast
• Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel (1 x 20kg bag per person)
• Use of RAW Travel navigation app during your Camino, with maps of your hotel locations and emergency contact numbers
• Local and Australian emergency contact numbers
• Dedicated local support person in Spain for reassurance

• Single supplement $1150
• Solo Traveller surcharge if applicable for luggage transfers
• Peak season surcharge if applicable at time of booking
• Lunches and dinners
• Local buses or taxis if needed  
• Flights 
• Train tickets 
• Travel insurance
• Guidebook and phrasebook
• Arrival and departure transfers