Camino del Norte

This first section of the Camino del Norte takes you from the city of San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. San Sebastian makes a wonderful starting point for the Camino del Norte. Located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, San Sebastian is known for its beaches and waterfront promenade. Here you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine as well as the more informal dining experience of pintxos and wine pairings. This route will take you along the coast’s scenic beaches to Bilbao, the capital of Basque culture.

This second section connects two major cities in the north of Spain, Bilbao and Santander, and has you leave the Basque region for Cantabria. Bilbao is a wonderful mix of Basque traditions and contemporary architecture. Surrounded by green hills and right on the coast, there is much to see and do near the city. The first day of walking is predominantly through urban and industrial areas, before ascending to Portugalete. Passing through a forest briefly, you will return on the same day to the coast and Castro Urdiales. A spectacular cliff walk will take you to the popular beach town of Laredo. A short, flat walk through Santoria’s marshland then takes you to Escalante – your last stop before Santander. Your final day walking this section is via beaches where at the end of the day you have the option to take a traditional boat across the bay to the city centre of Santander.

Santander, another port city, not only boasts a historic centre and beaches but is also where the royal family of Spain use to take their summer breaks. This third section takes you through the western coast of Cantabria with a mixture of coast walking and inland, more hilly country. Leaving Santander, you will move inland passing through towns before coming back to the estuary and village of Arce. A hilly day, passing meadows and sleepy villages, will have you arrive into Santillana del Mar.

This final section of the Camino del Norte takes you from the coast inland to Oviedo (which is also the starting point of the Camino Primitivo). From Ribadesella you still get to enjoy the coastline as you go up and down to towns and beaches before passing a famous Knights Templar site and Benedictine Monastery of Santiago to arrive in Colunga. A relatively short day follows along the valley before climbing up the Cabanona Pass and coming back downhill to another valley and the town of Villaviciosa.

Santander, another port city, not only boasts a historic centre and beaches but is also where the royal family of Spain use to take their summer breaks. This third section of the traditional Camino del Norte takes you through the western coast of Cantabria with a mixture of coast walking and inland, more hilly country. Leaving Santander, you will move inland passing through towns before coming back to the estuary and village of Arce. A hilly day, passing meadows and sleepy villages, will have you arrive into Santillana del Mar. Our fun and friendly guides are all Follow the Camino certified and speak Spanish and English, so they’ll make sure that all your questions are answered. They will ensure that your experience on this incredible journey is enhanced even more! We can also add a guide to any pre-arranged group booking! Get in touch with our Camino Planners for a quote! Important: Follow The Camino guided tours are guaranteed at a minimum of seven people. In case we do not reach this number, the tour will continue as self-guided and we will refund the price of the guide to you.

Santander, another port city, not only boasts a historic centre and beaches but is also where the royal family of Spain use to take their summer breaks. This third section takes you through the western coast of Cantabria with a mixture of coast walking and inland, more hilly country. Leaving Santander, you will move inland passing through towns before coming back to the estuary and village of Arce. A hilly day, passing meadows and sleepy villages, will have you arrive into Santillana del Mar.