Stroll
Camino del Norte: Stage 1 - San Sebastian to Bilbao - 8 Days
Camino de SantiagoCamino del Norte

Camino del Norte: Stage 1 - San Sebastian to Bilbao - 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Camino del Norte: Stage 1 - San Sebastian to Bilbao - 8 Days

from £950 / person

Overview

This 8-day, 118-kilometre journey along the first stage of the Camino del Norte is one of the most popular sections of the route, offering an immersive experience through the heart of Spain's Basque Country. Starting in San Sebastián, known for its breathtaking Playa de la Concha and world-famous pintxos, walkers are immediately introduced to the undulating terrain and slightly more demanding walking that characterises the northern Camino.

The first seven days deliver a richly varied experience. The route begins with scenic coastal walks to Zarautz and Deba, marked by steady climbs and spectacular sea views, before heading inland through the Arnoate Mountains to Markina, a town with deep Basque heritage. A gentler walk follows to the historically significant town of Gernika, before the trail climbs again towards Morga and rolls on through green hills to Lezama. The final approach crosses Mount Avril before descending into the vibrant city of Bilbao, renowned for its cultural and architectural highlights.

Highlights

  • San Sebastian is a gorgeous place and worth an extra day at the start
  • Walk alongside fellow pilgrims on the less-travelled Camino del Norte route (Northern Camino)
  • Stunning views of Playa de la Concha and enjoy world-famous Basque pintxos in the historic old town.
  • Transition inland through lush green countryside in Arnoate Mountains toward the noble town of Markina.
  • Panoramic coastal views before descending into charming seaside villages like Orio and Zarautz.
  • Visit the historic "City of Peace," central to Basque identity and history.
  • Walk through beautiful protected landscapes, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, especially around Morga.
  • Celebrate your journey by visiting the Guggenheim Museum, the cathedral, and enjoying the vibrant old quarter.
  • Stunning views over the sea as you walk

Itinerary

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

11-27 km

Daily distance range

340-755 m

Daily ascent range

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Throughout the trip, you will stay in cosy family-run hotels and guesthouses that embody the spirit of the Camino. All rooms are en suite, and with fellow walkers sharing the same trail, the atmosphere across the properties is warm and welcoming. On occasion, alternative accommodation of equivalent quality may be substituted for those listed.

Single Rooms

If you are travelling with families or friends but would prefer a single room, we recommend booking as early as possible. Availability can be limited on this popular stage and a single occupancy fee applies.

What You'll Eat

Seven breakfasts are included throughout the trip, each one setting you up well before the day's walking. Many of the properties along the route have their own restaurant serving regional dishes, and dinners can be added as a supplement each evening if you wish. Lunch is best treated as part of the Camino experience, picked up along the way from local shops and markets, where good cheese, cured meats and a wide variety of breads are never hard to find.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the route.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in San Sebastián and finishes in Bilbao, both in Spain's Basque Country. San Sebastián Airport is around 20 minutes from the city centre by bus or taxi, with direct flights available from several European cities and connections via Madrid or Barcelona. From Madrid, high-speed trains from Chamartín station reach San Sebastián in around 4 to 5 hours.

The walk finishes in Bilbao, whose international airport has frequent connections across Europe, with a regular bus linking the city centre to the airport in around 20 minutes. Trains to Madrid depart from Abando Indalecio Prieto station in around 5 to 6 hours. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.

This walk is available from April to September, with no fixed start days. Spring brings warming days, green countryside and the first wildflowers along the path, with May and June widely considered among the best months for mild weather, long daylight hours and manageable numbers of fellow pilgrims. July and August are warmer and more sociable, with a lively atmosphere on the trail, though accommodation can be harder to secure and a peak season supplement applies. Autumn brings milder temperatures, quieter paths and fine early colour in the forests. Whatever the month, waterproofs are worth carrying.

Note: Solo travellers are warmly welcome on this walk. Some transfers are costed on the basis of two people sharing, so a supplement applies for solo bookings. Contact our team for details.

Trails are well-defined throughout, following an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain. Expect rocky paths, farm and forest tracks, and long open stretches of countryside, with sustained climbs to hilltop towns and villages. Some sections run alongside roads, so walkers should remain mindful of traffic at all times. Good walking boots are essential.

Daily walks cover up to 25 kilometres with up to 570 metres of ascent and descent. This is notably more demanding than many walking holidays, and walkers should be comfortable with both the distance and the elevation before setting out. An exercise regime of two to three times per week, in addition to regular walking, is recommended in preparation.

The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

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1Out of season
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Camino del Norte reviews

Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

We can organise this anywhere along the walk. However, we strongly recommend a rest day at the end of the walk in Santiago.

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer to stay an extra night or two in Santiago, we can help arrange this for you.

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

We don't allow children under the age of 13 to do this walk.

Absolutely. Many people choose to complete stages of the Camino as a solo walker. There are many people walking the route and many of the overnight stays welcome hordes of walkers which means you can choose to walk your own journey or join in the camaraderie of walking with others.

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 38 days but 39 days with an extra night along the way is always a good idea. Speak to the office to insert another rest day if you want to when booking.

Want to Know More?

THE CAMINO DeL NORTE EXPERIENCE

Wonder
Walk the rugged Northern Camino, tracing Spain's wild Atlantic coastline through Basque, Cantabrian, and Galician culture
Discover Bilbao's iconic Guggenheim Museum, vibrant pintxos bars, and rich maritime heritage
Pass through historic fishing villages perched above the Bay of Biscay, each with their own authentic local rhythm
Wellness
Let the fresh Atlantic air and daily effort restore clarity of mind and strength in body
Find genuine solitude on the trail — space to think, breathe, and hear yourself again
Walk pack-free each day with luggage transferred ahead, freeing you to settle into your stride
Nature
Walk clifftop paths above the Bay of Biscay, where wild Atlantic swells crash far below
Move through the green, mist-draped hills of Asturias — dense forest far removed from the Spain most people know
Wind through ancient Galician woodland and traditional stone villages on the final stage inland