Stroll
Camino del Norte: Stage 2 - Bilbao to Santander - 8 Days
Camino de SantiagoCamino del Norte

Camino del Norte: Stage 2 - Bilbao to Santander - 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Camino del Norte: Stage 2 - Bilbao to Santander - 8 Days

from £975 / person

Overview

The Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander is a 154-kilometre coastal walk, offering one of Spain's most beautiful and culturally rich routes. Beginning in the vibrant Basque city of Bilbao, famed for its modern architecture and the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the path follows the northern coastline along the Bay of Biscay. The route takes in a mix of industrial heritage and scenic beauty, threading through small fishing towns and lush coastal landscapes.

This Camino de Santiago segment rewards pilgrims with spectacular landscapes at every turn. The region uniquely balances ancient traditions with contemporary life, creating an atmosphere distinctly its own within Spain. On the way you encounter religious sites, chapels, and medieval structures as you walk. The path leads through the noteworthy towns of Portugalete, Castro Urdiales, Laredo, and Noja, culminating in Santander, a seaside city celebrated for its stunning vistas and laid-back coastal ambience.

The final leg into Santander features more coastal paths and rural scenery, with panoramic views of the city welcoming walkers as they conclude their pilgrimage at the impressive Cathedral of Santander. The Bilbao to Santander section of the Camino combines physical challenge, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a memorable experience for any pilgrim.

Highlights

  • Walk alongside fellow pilgrims on the less travelled Camino del Norte route (Northern Camino)
  • Start in the dynamic Basque city, home to the renowned Guggenheim Museum.
  • Explore a medieval seaside town with a striking Gothic church and scenic harbor.
  • Relax at La Salvé Beach, a 5-kilometer stretch of golden sand.
  • Enjoy dramatic coastal cliffs, ocean panoramas, and eucalyptus forests along the route.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, the world’s oldest transporter bridge.
  • Finish at the Cathedral of Santander, with sweeping views of the bay and city skyline.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers

Meals

7 breakfasts

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

15-26 km

Average per walking day

105-441 m

Gain per day

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Throughout this stage, you will stay in intimate, family-run hotels and guesthouses that have been receiving walkers for generations, true to the spirit of the Camino. All rooms are en-suite, and with most guests sharing the same journey, the atmosphere here is unlike a standard hotel stay. On occasion, alternative properties of equivalent quality may be substituted for those listed.

Single Rooms

Those preferring a single room should book 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, helping set you up for the day’s walking ahead. Many of the properties along the route feature their own restaurants serving regional dishes, with dinners available to add as a supplement each evening if you wish. Lunches are best approached as part of the Camino experience, gathered from local shops and markets along the way, where excellent cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked breads are easy 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 Bilbao and finishes in Santander, both on Spain's northern coast. Bilbao's international airport has frequent connections across Europe, with a bus linking the airport to the city centre in around 20 minutes. From Madrid, high-speed trains from Chamartín station reach Bilbao in around four to five hours.

Santander has its own international airport with flights to a range of European destinations, making it a convenient place to end the walk and continue your journey. Trains from Santander to Madrid take around four hours. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.


This walk is available from the start of March to 31 October, with no fixed start days.

March and April bring fresh, green landscapes along the Cantabrian coast and fewer fellow walkers on the trail, though some showery days are to be expected. From May onwards, temperatures settle into a comfortable range for walking, and rainy days become less frequent, though the coastal nature of this route means the odd wet day is always possible. July and August are the liveliest months, with a sociable atmosphere in the beach towns along the way. September is one of the most popular times to walk this stage, with warm, stable conditions well-suited to the coastal terrain. Throughout the season, local festivals punctuate the route, from Cantabrian village celebrations to the nationwide observances of Semana Santa. Whatever month you travel, pack waterproofs and expect the weather to keep you on your toes.

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 27 kilometres with up to 500 metres of ascent and descent. This is a demanding daily mileage and walkers should be comfortable with distances of this length before setting out. Training three to four times per week in the months before departure is advisable.

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.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

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

July 2026

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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.

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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