WALKS OF GRATITUDE
"Let him who would move the world first move himself" - Socrates
Profile
ST. SEBASTIAN TO BILBAO
The Camino del Norte or Northern Way is the Camino route taking pilgrims along the wonderful Northern coast of ‘Green Spain’ from the Basque Country, across Cantabria, Asturias and on to Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. Along this coastal Camino, you will discover fascinating cities and fishing villages, swim in beautiful sandy beaches and taste delicious seafood. Coastal beauty and foodie culture are at their best on this Camino route.
OVERVIEW
The first section of the Camino del Norte begins in chic and elegant San Sebastián, a gastronomic mecca, home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. From San Sebastián (or Donosti in Basque), the Northern Camino travels West along the green coastline and countryside of the Basque Country for 127kms.
The trail takes pilgrims to the historic town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece of the same name and finishes in Bilbao, where the impressive Guggenheim Museum is a must-see. This route can be challenging for those with little walking experience.
The Basque Country is renowned for its cuisine, its ‘pintxos’ and some of the country’s best chefs so this Camino walk will be an unforgettable gastronomic experience. This section of the Camino del Norte in the Basque Country is classed as moderate to challenging, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Walk through the Basque region with 4 and 5 stars from all of our clients.
QUICK FACTS:
No of days: 7 overnight stays)
Distance: 125km (Strenuous)
Difficulty: Medium +
Best time: April to October
ITINERARY
San Sebastian
You arrive in San Sebastián.
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a stunning and chic seaside city, as well as a paradise for foodies. Stroll down the Playa de la Concha and treat yourself to one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants before you start your Camino! San Sebastián has 16 Michelin stars, the second highest number per square metre in the world (just after Tokyo)
Zarautz
After your night in San Sebastian, you will follow the Camino route as it leaves San Sebastian and the Bay of Biscay and travels along the coastline through beautiful pastures and gentle hills. You will see the Roman Church of San Martín de Tours before passing charming coastal villages. You will finish today in the beautiful seaside town of Zarautz. Make sure to try the local Txakolí wine
20 km
Deba
After your night in Zarautz, you will move inland along a quiet rural road before arriving in Getaria with its lovely harbour. After Getaria, the path enters farmlands and passes the harbour town of Zumaia. Today’s section finishes in the lovely seaside village of Deba
23 km
Markina
After spending the night in Deba, your Camino trail leaves the coastline for the last time (you will reach it again in Bilbao) as you will head for the mountains. After crossing a river, the path climbs quickly into an area of thick vegetation before it reaches the chapel of El Calvario. The narrow footpath (GR-121) passes through a number of charming villages on the way before reaching today’s destination: Markina
23 km
Gernika
After your night in Markina, the trail follows a quiet country lane, crossing the river in Bolibar before rising to the medieval monastery at Zenarruza. From here, the trail keeps climbing through sheltered woodland to the top of Gontzegarai and on to the hamlet of Gerrikaitz. After passing the Hermitage of Santiago a sharp descent leads to a small river and the historic town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece
23 km
Lezama
After your night in Gernika, you will leave the town and soon pass the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo shortly before climbing towards a road (PR-173). From here, a cobbled path continues climbing to the village of Morga where you will begin a sharp descent through the hamlets of Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu and once again enter woodland before reaching today’s destination: Lezama
21 km
Bilbao
After your night in Lezama, your path will take you through farmland to the town of Zamudio, the Roman church of San Martin and the Tower of Malpica. From here, there is a gradual climb to the top of Mount Avril, where your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of Bilbao and the valley below. As you enter the suburbs of Bilbao you should visit the delightful Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña. Your walk reaches its final point in the Plaza de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao
Bilbao (or Bilbo in Basque) has reinvented itself in the past 30 years, becoming host to some of the best art exhibitions in the country at the impressive Guggenheim Museum. Explore Bilbao’s old town with its quaint taverns and taste a few of the amazing ‘pintxos’!
15 km
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
All our trips include selected accommodation with private bathroom, holiday pack with route information, maps and GPS files; and 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising support vehicle if needed.
OPTIONAL: You will also have the option to add or remove the Luggage transfers (one bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (where available), bike rental and airport transfers.
NOT INCLUDED: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
ACCOMMODATION: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers.
*This year, important restoration works continue at Santiago Cathedral in order to get the cathedral fully restored ahead of Holy Year 2021.
HOW TO GET THERE: Bilbao airport is the best hub to travel from. We will assist in transfers from the airport.
Accommodation
We have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail
Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino. We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered.
We have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail