Camino De Santiago: Northen Way(Hondarribia - Santander)

Arrival in Hondarribia which is a beautiful village in the Basque Country with two historic districts that make up the old and monumental part of the town center.
'Cisco Viejo' or Old Part corresponding to the walled old town. It is a area with many buildings of artistic and historical interest. The harbour is a charming fishermen neighbourhood, located outside the walls.  

Hondarribia is the perfect place to enjoy the local cuisine, either through pintos or in a restaurant (or both).

You start off with a tremendously beautiful walk with a splendid view of the bay. In many regards this stage is one of the most beautiful on the route.

However, you will have to work for the beautiful view and the stage is quite hilly. But you will be perfectly rewarded with delicious pintxos in San Sebastián 's beautiful old town.

If today's stage is too long, there are opportunities to shorten it a bit, either at the beginning or at the end of the day. Consult with Spain is More or see the guide material that is sent to you before departure.

Distance: 27 Km

Waking up in San Sebastian is always a pleasure. Enjoy views of San Sebastian from Mount Igeldo and its lighthouse. You will walk through woods and the vineyards of Txacoli (white wine) and pass the picturesque fishing villages.

This day ends in Zarautz, a town between sea and mountains, which is also one of the most popular seaside resorts in the Basque Country.

Distance: 20 Km

This stage follows the coastline, forcing the pilgrims to overcome countless hills between the pretty coastal towns. You will pass, among other things, a beautiful monument from the 16th Century, as well as a wonderful geological phenomenon produced by the erosive action of the sea against the stratified rocks.

Distance: 22 Km

The stage after Deba is one of the most beautiful – and toughest – on the entire Camino. The route moves away from the sea, which you won’t see again until after Bilbao. Take your time and enjoy the natural stops along the way. You’ll pass through several small villages, and as always in the Basque Country, you can find a fantastic meal when you least expect it.

Pilgrims face one of the most challenging climbs on the Camino del Norte here, but everything has an end, and the final part of the stage becomes more manageable.

Distance: 24 Km

This day is an idyllic stage where Cistercian monks still welcome the pilgrims.

The Camino winds through dark and winding paths while small churches, towers and other medieval monuments are crossed.

The stage ends in the town of Guernica, which was immortalized by Picasso.

Distance: 25 Km

Another hilly stage marked by alternating hills, plains, and valleys. The route continues away from the coast, passing through forests, traditional Basque farmhouses, and lush meadows. The toughest challenge comes at the start of the day with the climb to Monte Billikario, featuring an ascent of nearly 300 meters of elevation gain over just three kilometers.

The final part of the route is almost completely flat and follows the main road. If you can, consider walking all the way to Bilbao instead of stopping in Lezama. This will bring the total distance for the day to 31 km. If you plan to continue the Camino after Bilbao, we recommend taking a rest day in the city before the journey continues (see text under the next stage).

Distance: 21 Km

The industrial town of Lezama is left behind as you begin the short 11 km stage to Bilbao. The route takes you partly through Lezama’s industrial areas and Bilbao’s suburbs, and partly through the beautiful recreational area of Monte Avril (350 m above sea level).

If you prefer to reach Bilbao sooner, you can combine this stage with yesterday’s, making it about 33 km in total. Alternatively, there are bus and train connections between Lezama and Bilbao. If you want to save a day or add an extra night in Bilbao, walking the 33 km from Gernika to Bilbao in one day is a great option.

Bilbao is a vibrant city with much to offer. Known for its cuisine, culture, and music, the city’s charm is particularly felt in the old town. Museums, shopping, leisurely strolls in the old quarter, the Guggenheim Museum, and delicious pinchos make Bilbao one of the most exciting cities in Spain.

Spain is More's personalized travel guide will help you discover the city’s top attractions, whether you stay for one or two nights. We highly recommend spending an extra day in Bilbao, especially if you want to fully experience the world-famous Guggenheim Museum.

Even if you opt for the shorter stage, you can still get a great feel for Bilbao in the afternoon and evening.

Distance: 11 Km

Today, you have a choice: either follow the original Camino route of 19 km or take the shorter route along the river, which is 13 km. Both routes mostly lead through Bilbao's suburbs, often characterized by somewhat dull industrial areas or along the harbor.

The original route offers a comfortable distance from traffic and noise, with a beautifully laid-out path that provides lovely views of the fjord, harbor, and city. Along the way, you can also observe the unique, perforated landscape, a reminder of the extensive mining operations that, until a few years ago, were the main source of income for the area.

The shorter route is recommended if you want some extra time in Bilbao for sightseeing or rest.

Distance: 19 Km

This historic trail overlooks the idyllic villages and nice beaches before the descent to the beautiful city of Castro Urdiales.

Castro Urdiales is an old fishing village that has glorious buildings and plenty of atmosphere.

Distance: 26 Km

At the beginning of this stage you pass the ruins of a medieval castle. A parallel path leads through a eucalyptus forest instead of walking close to the highway. In Laredo, the beautiful buildings from 16th – 19th century can be admired.

You have two choices of routes. The official is 37 kilometres, but can easily be reduced to approx. 25 km’s. Advantages and disadvantages as well as practical advice is described in our guidebook.

Distance: 25 Km

The stage begins with a short cruise across the bay, before the route passes some of the most beautiful beaches in the north of Spain. There are countless places where the rugged cliffs and intermediate beaches can be admired.

Distance: 29 Km

A short and comfortable walk that ends up in the town of Somo, just across the bay of Santander.

The city is reached by boat from here. Many summer hiking guests prefer to stay a few days in one of the cosy summer towns close to Santander, with stunning beaches, which is highly recommended during summer months.

Distance: 12 Km

Departure from Santander.