Taste the world-renowned Basque cuisine in the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants
Discover charming hamlets among the green mountains of the Basque Country
Pass fields filled with wildflowers and vineyards sloping down to the Bay of Biscay
Stay in the historic town of Gernika (Guernica), made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece
Finish with a visit to Bilbao’s famous Guggenheim Museum
Walking from San Sebastián to Bilbao on the Camino del Norte
The green coastline and countryside of the Basque country are waiting to be discovered on this section of the Camino de Santiago that links two of the most important cities of Euskadi: San Sebastián and Bilbao. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the Northern Way, the more scenic alternative to the Camino Fraces. On six walking stages you will discover beautiful coastal towns such as Getaria and Deba, as well as lush green valleys and forested hillsides along your journey to the bustling and cultural city of Bilbao.
This walk is graded moderate to strenuous and includes some steep ascents/descents and daily walks of up to 24 km (or 32 km if you choose to walk all the way to Bilbao on the last day). The Camino Del Norte follows a mixture of dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths.
| 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | €920 per person sharing*
*A high season supplement of €100 per person will apply from the end of June to mid September. |
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| ACCOMMODATION |
In charming 2*-3* hotels (or equivalent) in a double room with private bathroom and breakfast. The hotels are generally located in towns/villages with a choice of nearby restaurants for evening meals. | ||||||||||||||
| AVAILABILITY | This trip is available to start on any day throughout the year | ||||||||||||||
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Day 1: Arrive in San Sebastián
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a stunning city, framed by lush green hills and golden sands and renowned for its world-class cuisine. Take a refreshing dip in the Bay of Biscay before strolling along the Playa de la Concha and snacking on fresh oysters and txakoli wine at a beachside café. In the evening, why not stock up on calories for the tough walk ahead at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Overnight: San Sebastián
Day 2: San Sebastián to Getaria
Distance: 26 km | Approx. walking time: 5 hrs
You leave beautiful San Sebastian by way of Mount Igueldo, skirting its slope while enjoying spectacular views of the Baia de la Concha. Continue ascending towards Munioetazar, almost three hundred meters above sea level, before descending vertiginously towards Orio, home to a Camino de Santiago interpretive centre, as well as the beautifully decorated church of San Nicolás de Bari. Cross the bridge over the estuary to the seaside town of Zarautz, founded in the 13th century by Fernando III. A little further along the coast, you reach the pretty fishing village of Getaria, where the 14th century Gothic Church of San Salvador is a must-visit.
Overnight: Getaria
Day 3: Getaria to Deba
Distance: 18 km | Approx. walking time: 4 hrs
The pleasant sea breeze of the Bay of Biscay will accompany you on this stage, which is characterised by idyllic beaches and spectacular cliffs. Leaving Getaria, you cross the Urola river to the historic centre of Zumaia, beyond which spectacular cliff formations form a dramatic backdrop for the next 13 kilometres. Continue along the undulating path to Deba, famed for the beauty of its beach and tree-lined mall.
Overnight: Deba
Day 4: Deba to Markina-Xemein
Distance: 23 km | Approx. walking time: 5 hrs
Today we leave behind the Cantabrian Sea to explore the forests and villages of the Basque mountains. This is one of the hardest stages on the Camino del Norte, with continuous ascents and descents. The rewards make it all worthwhile though, as you breathe the purest air of the tranquil Artibai valley and visit the little church and hermitage of San Miguel, built around three enormous boulders that are said to be over forty million years old! Cross over the Urko river into Markina, which is known as the “University of the pelota” as it is home to the most renowned stars of this unique Basque sport.
Overnight: Markina
Day 5: Markina-Xemein to Gernika
Distance: 25 km | Approx. walking time: 6 hrs
Today’s walking is characterised by deciduous forests and riverside paths. Follow a small creek towards the village of Bolibar and the medieval monastery of Zenarruza, before approaching Gernika; a town known internationally for the tragic events of April 26, 1937, when it was bombed by the German army. The artist Pablo Picasso captured the horrors of this war in one of his most recognized works, Guernica, currently exhibited at the Reina Sofía National Art Museum in Madrid. Gernika’s excellent Museo de la Paz (Peace Museum) is well worth a visit.
Overnight: Gernika
Day 6: Gernika to Bilbao
Distance: 20 km / 32 km | Approx. walking time: 5 / 8 hrs
Along old tree-lined paths, centuries-old churches and rushing streams, you will walk through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve; a natural area of great ecological richness. Your route takes you through the hamlets of Morga, Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu before reaching the small village of Lezama. From here you can either take the regular local train service to Bilbao (departure every 15 mins, journey time 28 mins) or continue walking for a further 12 km.
If you choose the longer walk, you have one final obstacle to overcome: ascend to the summit of forested Mount Avril. From the top we will be able to appreciate the most populated city of the Basque region, founded in the 13th century and famous for the Guggenheim museum, on the banks of the Bilbao estuary. Take a well-earned rest in the recreation area to recover from your climb and enjoy the views, before descending into the city of Bilbao, the final destination on this section of the Camino del Norte. You can spend your final evening exploring the numerous taverns of Bilbao’s old town and tasting their renowned pintxos.
Overnight: Bilbao
Day 7: Departure
Your walking holiday on the Northern Way comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.
Getting to San Sebastián
Getting from Bilbao
Tour Reviews
We did this tour in July. The hotel in San Sebastian was excellent, right on the beachfront and the rooms excellent. The hike to Getaria was interesting and long (28k). It skirts the coast for a long way and then hits the coastal cliffs with spectacular views. The hotel in Getaria was superb, perched on a cliff top with rooftop terrace to watch the surf and sundown with some beers. The restaurants in the harbour also very good with fresh seafood. The next day to Deba was a truly spectacular hike with some along stunning cliffs with views along the north coast of Spain. The hotel in Deba was average but the dinner in town was very local and excellent. The third day hike to Markina Xemen was the biggest day climb and length wise but was mostly gradual climbs which were doable. The hotel in MX was an absolute treat, along the river’s edge and with superb hosts and food. The fourth day to Gernika was also a tough day with high upland hiking much of which through logging areas. The hotel in Gernika was average but the options in the large town for dinner were good. The final day to Bilbao was a decent walk much of which was eventually downhill and then a very ordinary flat walk in to Bilbao. The hotel in Bilbao was very average.
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