Begin your pilgrimage in Bilbao, a city of art and gastronomy, and let yourself be amazed by its urban atmosphere and the iconic Guggenheim. Continue along coastal ways where the murmur of the Cantabrian Sea and the landscape of cliffs accompany you, passing through historic towns like Castro Urdiales and Laredo, known for their maritime heritage.
Please indicate the number of people
Services
This itinerary can be completed in 7 stages plus the arrival and farewell.
You will arrive in Bilbao, the city that marks the beginning of your journey along the Northern Way. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to be amazed by its unmistakable blend of modernity and tradition. Stroll through the Old Town, admire the architecture of the historic buildings and let yourself be captivated by the atmosphere that emanates from every corner.
You cannot miss a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, a symbol of the urban and cultural renewal of the city. During this first day, we recommend enjoying a meal in one of the many restaurants where Basque cuisine is expressed in unique and flavorful dishes.
After a free afternoon, you will be assigned comfortable accommodation, ideal for resting and recharging your batteries for the start of your pilgrimage.
Starting from Bilbao, this section immerses you in the transition from the urban environment to a riverside landscape. The route follows the course of the Nervión River, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the riverbanks and observe how modernity intertwines with industrial tradition.
Along the way, you’ll find small viewpoints offering privileged views, as well as architectural details that tell the story of the Basque Country. As you progress, the iconic Vizcaya Suspension Bridge becomes a prominent feature, a reminder of 19th-century engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The path, mostly flat, allows for a relaxed pace, ideal for acclimating to the Camino experience. Upon reaching Portugalete, you’ll be welcomed by the local hospitality and settled into accommodations that will prepare you for the next stage, full of new discoveries.
In this section, the Camino opens up to the vastness of the Cantabrian coastline, combining the power of the sea with landscapes of land and sky. Leaving Portugalete, the route delves into coastal trails that unfold alongside beaches and cliffs, where the constant murmur of the waves and the sea breeze accompany each step.
The terrain, with gentle ascents and descents, moderately challenges your energy as you pass through cultivated areas and small population centers. As you approach Castro Urdiales, the silhouette of its castle and the majestic Gothic church signal the arrival at a location rich in fishing history and tradition.
Today’s stage immerses you in a journey that combines historical heritage with coastal landscapes of great beauty. Starting from Castro Urdiales, the path opens up to trails that run along sections by the sea and rural roads, allowing you to admire fine sandy beaches, steep cliffs, and small population centers. The route, of moderate difficulty, features ascents that invite you to stop and admire the surroundings, and descents that make progress easier.
Upon reaching Laredo, famous for its extensive beach and charming old town, you’ll feel the influence of a seafaring tradition that is evident in every corner. This stage, full of contrasts and emotions, offers moments of pause and reflection.
This stage leads you into a more serene and rural environment, inviting you to discover the interior of the Cantabrian landscape. The route runs through paths surrounded by wide fields, small forests, and villages that preserve the authentic taste of local tradition.
The path, mostly flat, encourages a slow and contemplative pace, where every detail of the surroundings becomes the focus. Along the way, rural life reveals itself in simple forms: stone houses, orchards, and the hospitality of its people.
Reaching Guemes marks the end of a day that celebrates the tranquility and beauty of the countryside. It offers a well-deserved rest in a cozy accommodation, perfect for recharging your energy for the final stage of the Camino.
The final stage takes you to Santander, marking a gentle transition from the countryside to the city. The route, which is flat, allows for a relaxed walk through landscapes of green meadows and small inhabited areas. With each step, the environment gradually transforms, and the presence of the Cantabrian Sea becomes increasingly evident, announcing the imminent arrival at the urban coast.
Santander, with its iconic promenades, wide squares, and a bay that glistens in the sun, symbolizes the culmination of this stage. Upon arrival, a comfortable accommodation awaits for you to rest and reflect on the experience.
The last day of our journey begins with a breakfast in Santander, celebrating the end of an experience full of discoveries and emotions. On this final day, you will enjoy a gastronomic offering that combines traditional flavors with contemporary touches, reminding you of the cultural diversity of the north.
Once our services are completed, you can take the opportunity to explore the streets, admire iconic monuments, or simply relax along the coast.
On each stage of the journey, we make your rest our priority.
To achieve this, we have carefully selected establishments that combine comfort and exclusivity, offering private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and all the essential services for a relaxed stay. We move away from the hostel option to offer you an intimate and serene environment, where privacy and quality are essential.
Since availability may fluctuate depending on the season, we will inform you of the name and specific details of each accommodation once your reservation is confirmed and the dates are verified. Our commitment is to ensure that you focus on enjoying the Camino while we take care of providing you with a unique and seamless experience every night of your pilgrimage.
This section offers a variety of attractions that enrich the pilgrim’s experience.
The ideal times to travel this section are spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October). During these months, temperatures are moderate, and there is less influx of pilgrims, which translates to a more comfortable and less crowded experience.
Although summer offers longer days, the heat and the higher number of visitors can affect the pace of the journey. Meanwhile, in winter, some services may be limited due to weather conditions.
The route offers an immersion in Basque and Cantabrian culture.
Aware of the diverse needs of pilgrims, we have designed alternatives in the itinerary for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. In the section between Laredo and Guemes, for example, it is possible to divide the stage into shorter segments or even combine parts, allowing for additional breaks.
These options ensure that both those seeking a greater challenge and those needing a slower pace can enjoy the experience without pressure, adapting to their physical condition and personal preferences.
This section has deep roots in the medieval tradition of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Historically, the route was used by pilgrims who preferred the Cantabrian coastline, giving it a distinct and more intimate character compared to the French Way.
Over the centuries, improvements in infrastructure and services have been incorporated, without losing the essence of a route marked by maritime heritage and local traditions. The evolution of this path reflects the effort to preserve its historical richness while adapting to the needs of the contemporary pilgrim.
The rugged geography and changing climate of the Cantabrian coastline offer a unique experience. The trails are often bordered by cliffs and lush forests, adding an element of physical and visual challenge.
The sea breeze and the constant presence of the ocean create an inspiring atmosphere, though the variable weather demands preparation and adaptability from the pilgrims. This interaction between nature and climate transforms each stage into an authentic experience, where the environment becomes a key protagonist of the journey.
Aware of the environmental and cultural value of the route, various local initiatives and tourism organizations have promoted conservation practices. These measures include discreet and respectful signage, maintenance programs, and the promotion of responsible tourism that involves local communities.
These actions aim to balance the flow of pilgrims with the preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage, ensuring that the route remains intact for future generations.
This video will give you a more detailed and visual look at what to expect on your adventure. Don’t miss it!
