Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
Hike the 2nd stage of the complete Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
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Self-Guided
Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander Overview
This 7-Day Self-Guided Camino del Norte pilgrimage goes from Bilbao to Santander, and 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 Santander 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 legendary Camino de Santiago!
Other stages of the Camino del Norte are:
- Stage 1 of the Camino del Norte: San Sebastian to Bilbao
- Stage 3 of the Camino del Norte: Santander to Gijon
- Stage 4 of the Camino del Norte: Gijon to Ribadeo
- Stage 5 of the Camino del Norte: Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela
Trip highlights
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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
Today, you’ll leave the Basque Country behind and enter Cantabria, returning to the coastal landscapes of the Camino del Norte. After Ontón, you can follow either the official Camino route or the shorter alternative along the national road. Take extra care if choosing the roadside option. Your walk ends in the picturesque fishing town of Castro Urdiales.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and breakfast in Castro Urdiales
- Distance:
- 6 hours, 27km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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
Begin the day with a boat journey across the Treto estuary to Santoña, a coastal town known for its anchovies and long-established canning tradition. From Santoña, continue through marshlands, along natural trails, and through peaceful forests before arriving in Noja. This shorter stage gives you time to enjoy the town’s long beaches and distinctive Indiano architecture.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and breakfast in Noja
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 14km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s varied stage takes you from Noja through rural, urban, and coastal landscapes. Walk towards Galizano and Loredo, passing fields, cliffs, and small countryside churches along the way. From Somo, take a scenic boat ride across the bay to Santander, with views of the city, the Magdalena Palace, and El Sardinero beaches as you approach.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and breakfast in Santander
- Distance:
- 8 hours, 30km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your Camino Norte tours conlcudes this morning following breakfast. Check out and depart for onwards travel.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 6 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg - 1 piece of luggage per person).
- 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
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
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.
Why book Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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