What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

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.

Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

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

We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

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.

Can we extend the days walked?

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.

Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

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

Can my children walk with me?

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

Is this tour OK for solo walkers?

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.

Can we reduce the days walked?

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.

Camino de Santiago Camino del Norte

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

Name: Camino del Norte: Stage 1 - San Sebastian to Bilbao - 8 Days
Brand: Stroll
SKU: 142
Price: 950 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

8 Days

Moderate to Challenging

1 / 11

1 / 10

OverviewOverview

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

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transfers

Luggage Transfers

Meals

7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 0 dinners

Guidance & Support

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

How We Rate This Walk

Stroll Walking Level

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

Days on the trail

11-27 km

Average per walking day

340-755 m

Gain per day

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

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

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

June 2026

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July 2026

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Available

Limited

Unavailable

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Camino del Norte reviews

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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

From

£950/person