Short Break On The Camino del Norte From Markina To Bilbao

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Price: From €401
  • Activity Walking or Cycling
  • Distance 59 km
  • Duration 4 Nights
  • Difficulty Moderate +
  • Tour Type Self-Guided Caminos
  • Time To Go April to October
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Short 4 Day Break On The Camino del Norte In The Basque Country

Walk part of one of the most popular sections of the Camino de Santiago on the Camino del Norte in the Basque Country. Over four days, this Short Break Camino del Norte covers 59km from Markina to Bilbao.

Take time to enjoy the green rolling hills of the Basque countryside during this short break. The walk is split into three stages, offering a peaceful yet rewarding experience.

Along the way, admire architectural marvels like castle-like churches, some over a thousand years old. You’ll also see calm farm animals such as cows, horses, and donkeys, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

The route passes through Gernika, immortalised by Picasso’s famous painting after the devastating bombing. Visit a tiled replica in the city centre and explore the Museo de la Paz, which preserves memories of the event.

Don’t miss the tree of Guernika, an ancient oak symbolising Biscayan freedoms. Nearby is Casa de Juntas, where local politicians once met to decide the region’s future.

After Guernika, stop in Lezama before heading to Bilbao. This historic city blends modern culture, with highlights like the Guggenheim Museum and Puppy sculpture. Wander Castro Viejo’s colourful streets and enjoy pintxos with local cider in the main square. This section is moderate to challenging, so prepare with some walking and fitness training before you go.

Click below to create your Short Break on the Camino del Norte. You can walk or cycle.

Map of Short Break Camino del Norte in the Basque Country

Itinerary For A Short Break On The Camino del Norte

Markina

Stage: Markina

You arrive in Markina.

23 km

Gernika

Stage: Gernika

After your night in Markina, the trail follows a quiet country lane, crossing the river in Bolibar before rising to the medieval monastery at Zenarruza. From here, the trail keeps climbing through sheltered woodland to the top of Gontzegarai and on to the hamlet of Gerrikaitz. After passing the Hermitage of Santiago a sharp descent leads to a small river and the historic town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece.

21 km

Lezama

Stage: Lezama

After your night in Gernika, you will leave the town and soon pass the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo shortly before climbing towards a road (PR-173). From here, a cobbled path continues climbing to the village of Morga where you will begin a sharp descent through the hamlets of Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu and once again enter woodland before reaching today’s destination: Lezama.

15 km

Bilbao

Stage: Bilbao

After your night in Lezama, your path will take you through farmland to the town of Zamudio, the Roman church of San Martin and the Tower of Malpica. From here, there is a gradual climb to the top of Mount Avril, where your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of Bilbao and the valley below. As you enter the suburbs of Bilbao you should visit the delightful Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña. Your walk reaches its final point in the Plaza de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao.

Bilbao (or Bilbo in Basque) has reinvented itself in the past 30 years, becoming host to some of the best art exhibitions in the country at the impressive Guggenheim Museum. Explore Bilbao’s old town with its quaint taverns and taste a few of the amazing ‘pintxos’!

Accommodation

Standard Hotels

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

Superior Collection

Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino.  We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Superior Collection

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

Ryanair has new flights from Dublin to Asturias, Spain four times a week.

Irun

San Sebastián Airport 3km: There is a bus from the airport to the town centre (every 15 minutes, taking 7 minutes) www.lurraldebus.eus

Biarritz Airport 30km: Take the shuttle bus from the airport to the main train station in Biarritz (7 minutes). From here you can take a train directly to Irun (many times a day, taking about 30 minutes).

Bilbao Airport 120km: Shuttle bus (line A3247) from Bilbao airport from/to Bilbao bus station (stop name: Termibus, every 30min). See www.aena.es/en/bilbao-airport/public-transport.html. A good bus connection between Bilbao and San Sebastian exists (10 times/ day, 1h10-2h journey time). See www.movelia.es. From San Sebastian city centre you can take a bus or train directly to Irun (many trains and buses every day, each taking about 30 minutes).

Santander Airport 190km: For the transport from/ to the airport, the easiest way is to choose the direct bus line (1-3 times/ day, 2h45-3h45), stop name in San Sebastian is “Estacion de Autobuses.
See www.movelia.es. Another option is to take 2 buses: One between San Sebastian and Santander (“Estacion de Autobuses”, 10 times/ day, approx. 3h travel time) and then between the city and the airport (every 30min, 15 min travel time). See www.spanish-airports.com for the airport shuttle and www.movelia.es for the bus route between San Sebastian and Santander. From San Sebastian city centre you can take a bus or train directly to Irun (many trains and buses every day, each taking about 30 minutes).

San Sebastián

San Sebastián Airport 20km: The way between the city centre (stop name: “Gipuzkoa plaza 10”) and the airport (approx. 20km) can be taken with a bus (line E21), see www.ekialdebus.net.

Bilbao Airport 95km: Shuttle bus (line A3247) from Bilbao airport from/to Bilbao bus station (stop name: Termibus, every 30min). See www.aena.es/en/bilbao-airport/public-transport.html. A good bus connection between Bilbao and San Sebastian exists (10 times/ day, 1h10-2h journey time). See www.movelia.es.

Santander Airport 190km: For the transport from/ to the airport, the easiest way is to choose the direct bus line (1-3 times/ day, 2h45-3h45), stop name in San Sebastian is “Estacion de Autobuses.
See www.movelia.es. Another option is to take 2 buses: One between San Sebastian and Santander (“Estacion de Autobuses”, 10 times/ day, approx. 3h travel time) and then between the city and the airport (every 30min, 15 min travel time). See www.spanish-airports.com for the airport shuttle and www.movelia.es for the bus route between San Sebastian and Santander.

Bilbao

Bilbao Airport 10km: Shuttle bus (line A3247) from Bilbao airport from/to Bilbao bus station (stop name: Termibus, every 30min). See www.aena.es/en/bilbao-airport/public-transport.html

Santander Airport 100km: For the transport from/ to the airport, the easiest way is to choose the direct bus line (starting point: Termibus) from/ to the airport (6 times/ day, approx. 1h30). See www.movelia.es.

Whats Included

  • Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising a support vehicle if needed.
  • Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…

 

Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details.

Have questions? Read our FAQ pages.

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