Walk the Camino de Santiago Northern Way from San Sebastián to Bilbao
The 8-Day Self-Guided Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Bilbao is the first section of the complete Camino del Norte, and is a great warm up for those not looking to trek the entire 36-day route. Although you won’t reach Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao too will be a triumphant end to a magical 8-day journey on this famous pilgrims’ route.
Leave the unique coastal town of San Sebastián as you set off to experience the natual beauty and sensational flavours of Zarautz, Deba, Markina and more.
Rated as moderate, this walk will challenge you with some undulating sections, but for the most part invites you to enjoy a straightforward camino experience. 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.
If a long-distance journey is calling your name, perhaps complete the full Camino de Santiago Northern Way over 36 thrilling days.
Highlights of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Bilbao
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Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Bilbao Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in San Sebastián
Arrive in San Sebastián, Spain, where your Camino Norte begins! Check into your hotel, then set out to explore this delightful resort town perched on the Bay of Biscay. You’ll find yourself charmed by this inviting city that combines tradition and modernity seamlessly.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in San Sebastian
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Zarautz
Your first trek begins this morning as you leave the ascending Monte Igueldo, which closes the Bahía de la Concha behind. Some sections today will present a physical challenge, however you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of rolling green hills for much of the journey, making it a pleasant section.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Zarautz
Distance: 5 hrs, 22.2km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Downhill to Deba
Another challenging but rewarding day awaits you, as you navigate an undulating trail for much of the way to Deba. Along the way, you’ll savour views of the sparkling sea and stretches of sandy shoreline as far as the eye can see, making today’s walk a beautiful one on your way to the quiet seaside town of Deba.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Deba
Distance: 5 hours, 21.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk to Markina
Today's walk brings you inland as you say goodbye to Deba (and the sea!) and press on with yet another challenging section. You’ll set off for the mountains today, where a beautiful valley will unfold before your eyes. Once here, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Basque Country!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Markina
Distance: 6 hours, 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike to Gernika
Depart this morning following breakfast with your sights set on Gernika. Today’s most notable challenge will be the trek from Bolibar to Ziortza. On arrival, check out Zenarruza Monastery and its cloister. Continue to Gernika and be sure to check out the “meeting house” and the Gernika Tree on arrival.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Gernika
Distance: 6 hours, 24.6km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Press on to Lezama
The day starts with a big climb, but soon, and soon you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, also known as Mundaka or Gernika estuary. Today you’ll enjoy spectacular natural beauty each step of the way in this protected area.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Lezama
Distance: 5 hours, 20.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Final to Bilbao
You'll finish your journey on the Camino Norte today with a fairly short walk to Bilbao, your final destination. With the exception of the climb to Mount Avril, with a 300m gain, today’s route will be fairly easy. Your descent leads to the historical center of Bilbao where you can soak up the atmosphere in the historic district of this city. Once here, make sure to check out the Goth c Basilica of Begoña and of course, the Guggenheim Museum!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Bilbao
Distance: 3 hours, 10.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
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 $1,050 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $675 USD*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,175 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $750 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 San Sebastián to Bilbao
This tour is based on 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 San Sebastián to Bilbao?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 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
- Guided Tour in Santiago de Compostela (old town)
- Galician cheese tasting in Santiago
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tips
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- 3rd person discount sharing room with 2 adults
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfer to San Sebastian
- Private transfer to the airport
- Extra piece of luggage
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