Name: Camino del Norte Bilbao to Santander
Brand: CaminoWays.com

Activity :: Walking or Cycling
Duration :: 6 Nights
Distance :: 109 km
Difficulty :: Medium
Tour Type :: Self-Guided
Time To Go :: April to October
Price :: From €606
Reviews :

Sandra, UK - May

"This is my second Camino walk using Caminoway. This year it was part of the Norte route and, as before Caminoways provide everything you could want, from the detailed map to luggage labels, but most of all, the really wonderful hotels they booked for us on the way and for our final stop in Finisterre. Thank you"

Janelle, Australia - May 2016

"Amazing experience - Camino from San Sebastian to Bilbao. Booking through CaminoWays.com was easy. The walk wasn't guided but the maps and information received was enough for us to navigate our own way with no problems. The bags were picked up and delivered with no problems. Most of the hotel accommodation was great. The walk was challenging in parts but was also a fulfilling experience. The scenery was amazing and varied, and the food was SO good. I would definitely recommend this holiday to others."

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Activity:: Walking or Cycling
Duration:: 6 Nights
Distance:: 109 km
Difficulty:: Medium
Tour Type:: Self-Guided
Time To Go:: April to October
Price:: From €606
Rating:

Camino del Norte Bilbao to Santander

This section of the Camino del Norte Bilbao to Santander, the Northern Camino de Santiago, starts in the Basque city of Bilbao and finishes in the pretty coastal city of Santander, in Cantabria. This Camino route is full of Northern delights, as you will be walking in the Basque country, one of Spain’s foodie capitals. Explore the old town in Bilbao, visit its magnificent Guggenheim Museum and taste delicious ‘pintxos’ before you head West towards Santander following the coast. Along this section of the Camino del Norte, you will pass lovely sandy beaches and craggy bays, stopping in quaint seaside towns for the night. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the contrast of modernity and tradition give the route a unique character and charm. The North Coast in Spain is renowned for its cuisine so get ready to treat your palate to an unforgettable gastronomic Camino journey. This tour will delight you with amazing coastal scenery as well as cultural experiences.

Click below to create your Camino del Norte Bilbao to Santander. You can walk or cycle.

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This is the most popular itinerary, you may be able to combine or split the distance for each day. Click on get a quote to customize your trip.

Bilbao

You arrive in Bilbao.

10 km

Portugalete

After your night in Bilbao, you will resume following the Camino de Santaigo trail as it leaves Bilbao. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and travels along a peaceful route on the banks of the Cadagua River. You will cross the famous ‘Devils’s Bridge’ before arriving at the Hermitage of Santa Águeda. After this, there is a steep climb to the small town of Barakaldo before arriving in Portugalete via a path along the banks of the Galindo River.

29 km

Castro Urdiales

After your night in Portugalete, the Camino, continues along the beautiful rocky coastline. At La Arena you will cross the wonderful beach of fine red sand. There are some steep little climbs as you hug the coast on your way to Castro Urdiales. Castro Urdiales has a good mix of modern and medieval architecture and as you enter the town you will pass the bullring and the beach.

29 km

Laredo

After spending the night in Castro Urdiales, the Camino will take you along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle/lighthouse along the way. You will also pass the Chapel of Santa Isabel and also the Church of La Magdalena on the way to Liendo. Here you are presented with two route options for the rest of the stage to Laredo. You can either take one route across the valley, passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas or you can take the alternative route, climbing to the Chapel of San Julián on the way to Laredo. Laredo itself is famous for its magnificent beaches, energetic atmosphere and the medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja).

14 km

Noja

After your night in Laredo, your walk today will be mainly flat but with scenery that is nonetheless fantastic. From Laredo, get the ferry to Santoña, before continuing along the coastal path to Noja (14km).
Alternatively from Laredo you have the option to follow the inland route which is a bit more challenging (23km) but equally as beautiful. Pass through the towns of Colindres, Escalante and Barrio de Castillo where you can take in the beautiful views of the mountains and the coast before reaching Noja.

NB. If you wish to continue along the coastal trail to Noja it is important to take into account the ferry operating hours or any seasonal disruption before you leave Laredo which could impact the service and influence your choice of route. www.excursionesmaritimas.com/horarios15.htm

27 km

Santander

After your night in Noja you will continue to San Miguel de Meruelo. In Bareyo you will find the magnificent Romanesque Church of Santa María. From Galizano to Somo, you can either take a straight road into town (saving 2km) or follow the coastline which is a longer option but very scenic. To reach the final destination of Santander, you can take a traditional boat called ‘Pedreñera’ across the bay (saving you approximately 3.5km), from the village of Somo (Not included, 2Eur, www.losreginas.com/). The capital of Cantabria, Santander is an elegant city with plenty of beaches, parks, nature, architecture and great food.

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Accommodation

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

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.

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.

Access

How to Get There

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

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.

Santander

Santander Airport 10km: In Santander, there is a bus line (every 30min), linking the bus station with the airport. See: www.movelia.es

Bilbao Airport 110km: 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

Ferry Laredo-Santoña: https://www.excursionesmaritimas.com/

Ferry Somo-Santander: https://losreginas.com/paseos-en-barco-por-la-bahia-de-santander-con-escala-en-pedrena-y-somo/horarios-y-tarifas-viaje-pedrena-somo/

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Whats Included

All our trips include selected accommodation with private bathroom, holiday pack with route information, maps and GPS files; and 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising support vehicle if needed.

OPTIONAL: You will also have the option to add or remove the Luggage transfers (one bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (where available), bike rental and airport transfers.

NOT INCLUDED: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)

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. See http://caminoways.com/country-cottages for more details.

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Camino del Norte Camino del Norte Bilbao to Santander

Camino del Norte Bilbao to Santander