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The Whole Camino del Norte

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477km
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23 days
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1 to 3 star accommodations
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The Camino del Norte is a hilly route along the northern coastline, with a mixture of coastline, countryside and hills before moving inland to Oviedo.

The Whole Camino del Norte Map
The Camino del Norte is a pilgrimage from San Sebastian along the northern coastline of Spain to Oviedo. Passing through famous towns and cities such as Gernika, Bilbao, Santander and Ribadesella you will have plenty of opportunity to experience both the Basque and Cantabria cultures. The walk will have you on sandy beaches, cliff top walks with ocean views, woodland and farmlands, seaside towns and cosmopolitan cities.

Highlights

Nature Lovers

The Camino del Norte is perhaps the most scenic of all the Camino routes. Hugging the rugged Atlantic coastline, it takes pilgrims through some of Spain’s most lush regions – from the Basque country to Cantabria, Asturias and on to Galicia.

This route is the ideal escape for nature lovers, who want to take some time to reflect away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Breathe in the fresh sea air, stroll on sandy beaches or admire the view from a cliff top perch.  Intersperse the ocean views with rambles through the countryside and forests, passing by small sleepy villages that cling to a bygone way of living a quiet and simple life.

Cosmopolitan Cities

The Camino del Norte passes through some of the top cities to visit in Spain. The crown jewel is San Sebastian with its mixture of elegant architecture, sandy beaches and fine dining. A short distance along the coast you then find Bilbao the largest city of the Basque region and the hub of modern art. Further along the coast you then come to the third city, Santander. Once the summer destination of the Spanish Royal family, nowadays there is an eclectic mix of tapas bars and restaurants, busy shopping streets and sandy beaches all within easy walking distance of each other.

Cathedrals

Along the Camino del Norte there is a wealth of Cathedrals and Churches to visit.  In San Sebastian there is the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd dating from the late 19th Century and is known for its strong and dominating single spire. In Bilbao the Cathedral of Santiago despite being built in the 14th and 15th century only became a Cathedral in 1950 and as the name eludes is dedicated to St James. In Santander the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Santander, is on a site that has had a church here since the 8th Century. Unlike may Cathedrals the interior is relatively small and simple in style making for quite a contrast with the vast size of the external structure. The final Cathedral worthy of note is in Oviedo, the Cathedral of San Salvador. Originally built in the 8th century it has been rebuilt over the years with an array of architectural periods visible. Within you can find Holy Relics such as the Holy Chest, the Cross of los Ángeles and the Cross of la Victoria.

 

San Sebastian to Oviedo
Camino del Norte
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Included in this package
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Specially hand-picked accommodation
  • Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Virtual face to face pre-departure briefing
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  • Premium Accommodation
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Additional Night
  • Dinners
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • Day Tours Available
Not included
  • Flights/trains
  • Insurance
  • Drinks/Lunch

Itinerary

Day 1

SAN SEBASTIAN (Arrival)

Once you arrive you’ll be booked into a hotel in the heart of the town. The rooms are en-suite.


Day 2
25.49km

SAN SEBASTIAN
to
GETARIA

Leaving San Sebastian and the unspoiled Bay of Biscay, this route curves along the coastline through grassy fields and rolling hills. First, you’ll see the Church of San Martin de Tours, a lovingly resorted national monument, before passing through some traditional whaling towns. Later, you arrive in the picturesque village of Getaria, perched on a rocky headland above a cute harbour.


Day 3
17.52km

GETARIA
to
DEBA

For Day 3 you’ll set out on a small country road hugging the coast, eventually arriving in Zarautz. From there, take the small footpath into farmlands until you reach the Church of Santa Maria la Real and birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the earth back in the 16th Century. Once you’ve stopped to admire the town, continue along the coast to the last stop – the stunning beach town, Deba.


Day 4
23.74km

DEBA
to
MARKINA-XEMEIN

Today, we leave the sea behind for more mountainous landscapes and won’t see the coast again until Bilbao. The route crosses a river and starts climbing into dense scrub, until it reaches the Hermitage of El Calvario. From here, keep to the narrow footpath (GR-121), which passes through many hamlets. Finally, the trail descends steeply into Markina, a village with strong Basque traditions.


Day 5
25.92km

MARKINA-XEMEIN
to
GERNIKA

Leaving Markina, the route follows an ancient cobbled road and crosses the river in Bolivar (28 km). It ascends to the 15th Century Monastery of Cenarruza, which contains a Gothic Renaissance church and medieval cloister. Leaving the monastic site, the path moves into dense woodland, up to Gontzegarai, and down to Gerikaitz. At the Hermitage of Santiago, a steep footpath leads downhill to a creek and finally to Gernika.


Day 6
19.58km

GERNIKA
to
LEZAMA

Setting out this morning you’ll leave Gernika by the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo. Shortly after, we’ll reach the road (PR-173) that will take us to Morga. Here, we leave the farmland and enter a forest, following a steep descent to the traditional villages of Goikoletxea, Larrabetzu, and finally, Lezama.


Day 7
13.18km

LEZAMA
to
BILBAO

This is a relatively short stage through pastoral farmland. First, we pass Zamudio and the Roman Church of San Maarten, where the Tower of Malpica is visible above. Slowly climbing to reach the summit of Mount Avril, we’re rewarded with spectacular views of Bilbao and the valley below. On arrival in the suburbs of Bilbao, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Bego, as well as Place de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao.


Day 8
16.58km

BILBAO
to
PORTUGALETE

First, a relatively short stage, going through the old industrialised Bilbao. After passing the suspension bridge, the Camino enters the industrial heart of the Basque Country; despite this, it is a place of peace and calm along the Cadagua River. Crossing the historical “Devil’s bridge”, the Camino arrives at the hermitage of Santa Águeda. From there, we take a deep breath before the steep ascent to the town of Barakaldo. Following a footpath along the Galindo River, we arrive in Portugalete.


Day 9
25.86km

PORTUGALETE
to
CASTRO URDIALES

What a wonderful section! The Camino now leaves the coast, ascending to Otañes with beautiful views of the craggy coast below. From here the Camino enters a forest track that brings us to Robredal and its church of San Nicholas. Finally we arrive in the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, passing the bullring and the beach. Castro Urdiales is an interesting town with a mix of medieval and modern architecture.


Day 10
26.94km

CASTRO URDIALES
to
LAREDO

Today, the Camino passes a medieval castle/lighthouse and follows the coast along spectacular cliffs, overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Reaching Guriezo, we continue on the main Camino to Rioseco, passing the Chapel of Santa Isabel, crossing the bridge over the River Aguera and on to the Church of La Magdalena. From Guriezo the Camino continues to Liendo where there are two route choices to Laredo; either crossing the valley and passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas, or following paths up to the Chapel of St Julian, and finally to Laredo. Laredo is a popular town reputed for its beautiful beaches, medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja) and lively atmosphere.


Day 11
16.01km

LAREDO
to
ESCALANTE

The Camino continues from Laredo in the direction of Colindres (where it is possible to cross to Santona by boat). We continue by road, following Santoria’s Marshes. This marshland is of considerable importance to the migration and wintering of numerous aquatic birds. Although today’s walk is flat, the scenery is exciting. Survey the coast and mountains as you continue towards Escalante.


Day 12
34.73km

ESCALANTE
to
SANTANDER

From Escalante, the Camino continues via the beaches of Berria and Helgueras until reaching Noja. From there, the Camino heads south towards San Miguel de Meruelo, or an alternative Camino can be taken that continues north along the coast to pass through the town of Isla. Both Caminos converge in Bareyo where it is worth stopping to admire the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria. From the village of Somo, you can catch a “pedrenera”, a traditional boat used to connect the two sides of the bay.


Day 13
19.42km

SANTANDER
to
ARCE

During this stage, the Camino moves slightly inland and passes through towns such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Pielagos. The estuary of Boo de Pielagos leads to the village of Arce.


Day 14
25.25km

ARCE
to
SANTILLANA DEL MAR

The Camino follows the pleasant, hilly landscape of the coast. Coming to Miengo, we finally reach the Besaya region. Take your time to visit the charming little village of Suance. Passing meadows and sleepy villages, we arrive in the medieval village of Santillana del Mar.


Day 15
21.91km

SANTILLANA DEL MAR
to
COMILLAS

This stage introduces the pilgrim to the wild western coast of Cantabria. The Camino passes villages of outstanding beauty like Cobreces, with its Cistercian Monastery, and finally arrives in Comillas with its impressive beaches and remarkable architecture. Check out the spectacular “Capricho de Gaudi”, the Palace of Sobrellano with its pantheon chapel, and the Pontifical University.


Day 16
27.1km

COMILLAS
to
UNQUERA

From Comillas, the Camino continues along the coast, and comes to Oyambre Natural Park. Here you will have the chance to witness an outstanding marine ecosystem consisting of a large variety of birds, molluscs and fish. The Camino reaches the town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Finally, passing estuaries, green pastures and forests, we arrive in Unquera.


Day 17
27.16km

UNQUERA
to
LLANES

The Camino de Santiago enters Asturias, crossing a bridge over the river Deva and continuing into Bustio. Before Colombres, we have to climb the “Cuesta’l Cantu”. Then we go downhill along the Sierra de La Borbolla. The Way now enters Pendueles. Here, the Camino take a narrow footpath that crosses the road to Andrin and climbs up to the Jorcada pass. The Camino drops to La Portilla and continues to Llanes, where we stay for the night.


Day 18
30.08km

LLANES
to
RIBADESELLA

Passing the beautiful beaches of Palombina and Barro, the Camino crosses the river Niembro. Climbing steadily uphill, we reach the Church of San Pedro de Pria, set on a hill overlooking the district’s seven towns. Then, the Camino continues downhill to the medieval stone bridge over the river Gua­damia, it crosses the railway and continues on to Sobares and Ribadesella. Ribadesella is a fascinating town and well worth a stroll around.


Day 19
19.83km

RIBADESELLA
to
COLUNGA

The Camino continues uphill towards the village of Vega, at the foot of the impressive Monte Redondu. Reaching Vegas beach, we cross the Regatu del Acebu and climb to the charming village of Berbes. Then, the Camino goes downhill to the beach of El Arenal de Mons, where the mouth of the River de los Romeros can be seen. After passing a Templar site and the Benedictine Monastery of Santiago (founded in the 11th century), we arrive in Colunga.


Day 20
18.12km

COLUNGA
to
VILLAVICIOSA

From Colunga, the Camino continues along the valley of the river Llovones, passing small villages. As we leave the valley the track leads uphill to the Cabanona pass, where we can get superb views of the coast. The Camino continues downhill to Priesca, past the Church of San Salvador, consecrated in the year 921. If the church is opened have a look at the paintings inside. Now on the left bank of the river Sebrayu, the Camino follows the Nabla river valley to reach Villaviciosa.


Day 21
24.82km

VILLAVICIOSA
to
POLA DE SIERO

From Villaviciosa, we follow the Camino until we reach the village of La Casquita. Here we leave the coast taking the southern way of the Camino Norte. This alternative way allows us to visit Oviedo, and also to connect with the “Camino Primitivo”, the Original way. On the Camino, don?t miss the Church of San Juan de Amandi (13th century), and the marvelous Pre-Romanesque Church known as El Conventin (9th century). We cross the river Valdedio and continue to Camoca to the Alto La Campa, enjoying superb views over the Sariego Valley. We finally descend to Figares and continue walking towards La Carcabada until we come to Pola de Siero.


Day 22
17.8km

POLA DE SIERO
to
OVIEDO

The Camino passes El Rayu, famous in the 18th century for its ceramics, and we head towards Carbayal, Fonciello, Meres and Granda. This area has a semi-urban character. Passing the small village of El Llugarin, we come to the medieval bridge of Colloto, entering Oviedo via Cerdeno and Calles de la Tenderina Alta and Baja. In the Middle-Ages, Oviedo was one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the Camino. Don’t miss the Cathedral of San Salvador and the relics and treasures in the Holy Chamber.


Day 23

OVIEDO

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.


The Whole Camino del Norte Elevation


How to Get There

Getting to San Sebastian, Spain

It is best to fly to France (Biarritz or Paris), or Spain (Bilbao or Santander).

Fly into Biarritz, France

Ryanair, easyJet, Air France (via Orly). Biarritz airport info.

Train to Hendaye (45mins), several trains a day. Then bus to San Sebastian (45mins), several buses a day.

Fly into Paris, France

Virtually all companies fly to Paris.

Fly into Bilbao, Spain

A large amount of the passenger traffic at Bilbao Airport comes from internal flights and you can fly from Bilbao to any of the following Spanish Airports: A Coruna, Alicante, Barcelona, Badajoz, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Jerez, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia and Vigo. European flights to Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Milan, Munich, Paris, and Stuttgart are also available.  At the moment, EasyJet, Iberia and Aer Lingus fly from the UK and Ireland to Bilbao. EasyJet offers daily flights to Bilbao from London Stansted Airport, Iberia flies from Gatwick or Heathrow via Madrid and AerLingus operates out of Dublin.

Bus to San Sebastian (takes 1hr15), several buses a day.

Fly into Santander, Spain

Ryanair is the only low-cost airline that currently offers direct flights to Santander. They offer flights from London Stansted and now Dublin, Frankfurt, Milan and Rome, as well as Reus and Madrid in Spain. Iberia offers a good selection of internal flights from Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville and Valencia.

Bus to Bilbao 1hr, several buses a day. Then take a bus to San Sebastian (1hr15), several buses a day.

Getting home from Oviedo, Spain

Fly from Santander

There is a bus from Oviedo to Santander (2h20). Alternatively, you can take the train (4h).



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