Hike the 2nd stage of the complete Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
The 7-Day Self-Guided Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander is the second section of the Complete Camino del Norte. This scenic route leads from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela and is known for its picturesque coastal landscapes and delightful regional cuisine.
The route starts in the heart of Bilbao and presses on to Santdander over 5 challenging, but fairly straightforward walking days. Once the town of Portugalete is reached, you'll wave goodbye to Basque Country as the route continues in Cantabria. From here, you’ll hike near the Cantabrian Sea from the coast to Laredo, and on to the last two stages from Laredo to Güemes and from Güemes to Santander.
Enjoy the freedom of walking this route on a self - guided basis at your own pace, with key logistics like accommodations, some meals and luggage transfers taken care of for you.
Book this approachable section of the Camino del Norte, and get a feel for this unique variant of Spain’s legenendary Camino de Santiago!
Highlights of the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
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Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the greatest cities in northern Spain, which has managed to reconvert its industrial personality to the modern and cosmopolitan character that characterizes it today! Check in, then set out to explore before getting a good night’s rest in preperation for your first day of walking.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Bilbao
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Portugalete
The beginning of today's stage covers a large part of the city of Bilbao, making today’s journey quite the city walk! You'll have the choice of a longer and shorter route today to reach Portugalete, both leading to the impressive Vizcaya Bridge that spans the river here.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Portugalete
Distance: 4 hours, 12.4-19.4km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk to Castro Urdiales
Today you'll find yourself welcomed by Cantabria! You’ll be able to choose between two route options today, and both will have you ending up in the lovely, sleepy fishing village of Castro Urdiales.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Castro Urdiales
Distance: 7 hours, 27.6km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Continue the Camino Norte to Laredo
You’ll have another opportunity today to select a shorter or longer route to Laredo. Green valleys and expansive views of the expansive sea paint the picture for today’s 26.6 km trek to the Cantabrian town of Laredo. Enjoy this lovely coastal town this evening , in one of Cantabrias most sought after tourist destinations.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Laredo
Distance: 6 hours, 26.6km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike to Güemes
At the beginning of today's stage, during the months of March to November, you'll have the opportunity to take a boat between Laredo (from El Puntal) and Santoña . Press on and pass the pretty beach of Noja, returning inland until you reach tonight’s destination, Güemes.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Güemes
Distance: 8 hours, 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Final Walk to Santander
Set out on the trail today, first hading towards Galizano. From here, you’ll follow the official path or, if you prefer to bypass the entire coast, opt for the longer option that offers great views.
Arrive in Somo and take the boat to Santander where your Camino Norte adventure concludes. Enjoy a celebratory dinner this evening and cheers to the accomplishment of completing part of the Camino del Norte!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Santander
Distance: 3 hours, 11.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 End of Tour
Your Camino Norte tours conlcudes this morning following breakfast. Check out and depart for onwards travel.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from $875 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $595 USD*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from $950 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $650 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
This tour is based in bed and breakfasts. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Bed and breakfast along the route
Enjoy a comfortable stay in a simple bed and breakfast accommodations, conveniently located along the route.
What’s Included in the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg - 1 piece of luggage per person).
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tips
- Gratuities
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfer to Bilbao
- Private transfer to the airport
- Extra piece of luggage
Frequently Asked Questions about Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
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