Camino del Norte Stage 1 & 2 - San Sebastián to Santander

San Sebastián is known for its beautiful beaches and grand architecture. It is also a great spot for foodies! Before you set off on your Camino adventure head to the Old Town and enjoy pintxos. These delicious bar snacks are the ideal accompaniments to the cites lively atmosphere.

After a short yet steep ascent out of San Sebastián, you will enjoy relaxed countryside walking along dirt roads and well-marked footpaths. Take advantage of the trailside springs offering cool spring water. You will pass through Zarautz, a small shipping village that gained popularity after the Belgian royal family decided to holiday there in the summer.

Getaria is a fishing and whaling village and due to its location attracted many explorers passing through.

Ascent: 643m (2,109ft) / Descent: 584m (1,916ft)

This stage of the Northern Route to Santiago offers further beautiful coastal scenery along the Basque coast. You will start the route in the charming coastal town of Getaria before heading towards Zumaia and Itziar, picturesque fishing villages that showcase the rich authenticity of Basque culture. Along the way, the landscape blends rugged coastline with lush green mountains, creating a stunning natural contrast.

The stage ends in Deba, a historic town known for its beautiful beach and deep-rooted maritime heritage. 

Ascent: 560m (1,837ft) / Descent: 580m (1,902ft)

In a vast contract to yesterdays walk, you will head inland. Leaving the bustling coastal town of Deba, the trail follows the course of the river before crossing a bridge into the surrounding countryside. The path soon climbs, passing through a green, hilly landscape of woods, pastures and small farms. There are wonderful views, such as from the Ermita del Calvario, where you can see as far as the coast. The route continues through quiet valleys such as the idyllic Valle de Olatz, past old chapels, and charming hamlets. The climb to Monte Arno is particularly impressive, with its quiet forest paths offering a sense of seclusion and closeness to nature.

After the highest point, a gentle descent begins into the valley of Markina-Xemein, a small village with a historic atmosphere. The stage ends at the Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora in the centre of the village, a fitting end to a varied day's walking.

Ascent: 788m (2,585ft)/ Descent: 714m (2,342ft)

Enjoy a tranquil walk following the meandering creek shadowed by trees, as you leave Markina. Along the way, charming places such as Bolíbar, with its historical link to Simón Bolívar, and the impressive Zenarruza Monastery, invite you to stop for a break. In the villages of Munitibar and Mendata, you can still feel the authenticity of rural Basque life. The route is varied, sometimes gently uphill, sometimes through fragrant woods, always accompanied by a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. 

The town of Gernika is known as the place where Picasso painted one of his most famous works, "Guernica." He painted this political piece in response to the bombing of the town during the Spanish Civil War.

Ascent: 728m (2,388ft)/ Descent: 789m (2,588ft)

The stage from Gernika to Lezama on the Camino del Norte passes through a varied and scenic region of the Basque Country. The route begins in the historic centre of Gernika, known for its importance in Basque history, and follows quiet cobbled streets. Passing the landmark Árbol de Gernika, the route passes through idyllic rural areas that give way to rolling hills and open fields. The path winds past small, picturesque chapels and invites you to stop and rest. A particular highlight is the climb to Alto de Morga, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and green countryside.

Along the way, you will come across the tranquil Morga spring and the quiet village of Erkinko Auzoa, before the trail leads to the charming Larrabetzu. Finally, the stage ends in Lezama, another pretty Basque village, which marks the end of a pleasant day's walking.

Ascent: 519m (1,702ft) / Descent: 472m (1,548ft)

After leaving Lezama, the route climbs slightly and climbs over Monte Avril, from where there are magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and Bilbao. The route becomes more urbanised as it approaches Bilbao, but remains quiet and picturesque. It passes through small parks and streets, and idyllic places such as Atxeta Parkea. Finally, you reach the impressive basilica of Nuestra Señora de Begoña, a striking landmark of the city.

The route then descends into the centre of the city, through narrow, lively streets, before arriving at the Catedral de Santiago.

Ascent: 326m (1,069ft) / Descent: 380m (1,246ft)

In contrast to the previous overnight locations, Bilbao is a bustling city with many amenities and is a great location to have an extra night. Explore the Guggenheim Museum, wander Caso Viejo and enjoy traditional Basque culture.

There are a couple of routes to choose from today—one along the west side of the Rio Nervion, a more industrial route through the suburbs. Wander through Bilbao's picturesque streets, past bustling markets and iconic bridges such as the Puente de San Antón. The route takes you through urban Bilbao, where architecture blends harmoniously with green oases. You soon leave the city and enter quieter, rural areas with beautiful forests and open fields.

There are always wonderful views of the surrounding hills and the river. In Barakaldo, you walk through small, charming streets and parks before crossing the River Galindo and passing through the industrial town of Sestao. Finally, the route leads to Portugalete, where the imposing basilica of Santa María marks the end of the stage.

Ascent: 465m (1,525ft)/ Descent: 460m (1,510ft)

Starting from the imposing basilica of Santa María, you leave the town behind after a few steps, and walk towards the sea along a quiet former railway line, the Montes de Hierro Greenway. The path passes through small villages with an industrial past, picnic areas, chapels and green groves, always accompanied by the fresh Atlantic air. Soon the view opens up to the vast Playa de La Arena, an ideal place to take a break with your feet in the sand.

The spectacular Paseo de Itsaslur coastal path then takes you high above the sea along steep cliffs, with breathtaking views of the wild Cantabrian Sea. Cross the border tunnel into Cantabria and continue through small villages, along parks and old railway lines. Finally, you reach Castro Urdiales, with its picturesque old town, port and impressive church of Santa María de la Asunción.

Ascent: 472m (1,549ft)/ Descent: 477m (1,565ft)

A varied day ahead today. The trail winds through narrow alleyways and down to the coast, where you will enjoy your first views of the sea. As you pass beaches, viewpoints and charming districts, you will gradually leave the urban hustle and bustle behind and immerse yourself in more rural areas. Small villages such as Allendeagua and Cerdigo await you, offering traditional houses, tranquil pathways and ancient churches.

The Cantabrian coast comes into view repeatedly, and the route runs alongside spectacular cliffs, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the scent of salt and meadows. You will cross pastures with grazing animals, quiet woodlands and idyllic river valleys, which give this stage great landscape variety. In Islares, small chapels and the proximity to the sea provide the perfect opportunity for a short break before continuing towards Rioseco and finally into the gentle Liendo valley.

Ascent: 409m (1,341ft) / Descent: 396m (1,299ft)

From tranquil Liendo, the route leads past old houses and through shady forest paths to the ruins of the chapel of San Julián. A narrow coastal path leads high above the sea for spectacular views and a glimpse of the disused Cargadero de Erillo ore loading crane. In Laredo, the medieval streets and long sandy beach invite you to linger. From the El Puntal headland, take a boat to Santoña - a real highlight of the route. From there the route continues through the town and over a bridge overlooking the marshes of the Nature Reserve. After the wide beach of Berria, the route climbs to Monte Brusco before ending in the seaside resort of Noja.

Ascent: 308m (1,010ft) / Descent: 313 (1,026ft) 

The stage from Noja to Galizano on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela passes through a picturesque landscape that combines proximity to the coast with rural idyll. Leaving Noja at the start, with its charming parish church of San Pedro Apóstol, the route follows quiet roads surrounded by agricultural fields and simple but idyllic houses. The route passes a football pitch and quiet residential areas before entering a natural area characterised by rolling hills and sweeping views.

You will pass small bridges and old mills as the Camino passes through dense forests and farmland, giving the walker a sense of solitude and peace. Along the way you will come across historic churches, such as the church of San Pedro and San Pablo in Castillo Siete Villas and the church of San Miguel in Meruelo, which are well worth a stop for their historical charm. The stage ends in Galizano, a small but welcoming town, where the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church offers a peaceful end to the day.

Ascent: 244m (800ft) / Descent: 244m (800ft)

Starting from the tranquil village of Galizano, the route follows small roads and fields until you hear the first sounds of the sea. Walking along narrow paths, you will encounter impressive cliffs, with the deep blue Cantabrian Sea on your right and green meadows on your left. There are spectacular views of secluded coves, wide beaches and rocky lookouts. The section near Playa de Langre and the Mirador de los Tranquilos are particularly beautiful - places to stop and take a deep breath.

A short walk through the shady forest takes you to the beach, where you can walk barefoot in the sand to the sound of the waves. The long beaches of Los Tranquilos and Somo offer a sense of freedom and space. Finally, you will reach the small port of Somo, where a boat trip across the bay to Santander awaits you, an atmospheric end to this stage. The day ends in this lively port city, full of impressions of nature, the sea and quiet moments along the way.

Ascent: 103m (337ft) / Descent: 112m (367ft) 

Unless you are spending more time in Spain, enjoy breakfast and make your way to the airport.