Camino del Norte Route 2 Galicia Spain   The Camino del Norte route, or the Northern Way, is also referred to as the Ruta de la Costa. This Camino was used for centuries by Spanish pilgrims coming from the magnificent coasts of the Basque region and Asturias. From there, they turned inland towards Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James. The Camino del Norte is a unique journey, so it is no wonder that so many consider this their favourite Camino. This Camino route unfolds out across some of the most spectacular scenery on Spain’s northern coast. It passes through superb cities, from Bilbao to San Sebastian and Santander to Oviedo. Ultimately, this Camino joins the Camino Primitivo route in Oviedo, which continues on to the city of Santiago. This second section of Camino del Norte connects two major cities in the north of Spain, Bilbao and Santander, and has you leave the Basque region for Cantabria. Bilbao is a wonderful mix of Basque traditions and contemporary architecture. Surrounded by green hills and right on the coast, there is much to see and do near the city. The first day of walking is predominantly through urban and industrial areas, before ascending to Portugalete. Passing through a forest, you will return on the same day to the coast and Castro Urdiales. A spectacular cliff walk will take you to the popular beach town of Laredo. A short, flat walk through Santoria’s marshland then takes you to Escalante – your last stop before Santander. Your final day on this section is via beaches where at the end of the day you have the option to take a traditional boat across the bay to the city centre of Santander.   Walking Tour Meeting: Bilbao Airport:   Bilbao Transfer: Airport transfers not included, but can be arranged for additional cost. Trip Brochure (PDF)

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Day 1: BILBAO
You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of Bilbao. The city is a wonderful mix of Basque traditions and contemporary architecture. Surrounded by green hills and right on the coast, there is much to see and do near within close proximity. And you simply have to experience the quintessential expression of Basque culture – pintxos!
Distance: - 

Day 2: BILBAO to PORTUGALETE
First, a relatively short stage going through the old industrialised neighbourhoods of Bilbao. After passing the suspension bridge, the Camino enters the industrial heart of the Basque Country; despite this, it is a place of peace and calm along the Cadagua River. Crossing the historical ‘Devil’s Bridge’, the Camino arrives at the hermitage of Santa Águeda. From there, we take a breath before the steep ascent to the town of Barakaldo. Following a footpath along the Galindo River, we arrive in Portugalete for a night’s rest.
Distance: 17.4 km

Day 3: PORTUGALETE to CASTRO URDIALES
The Camino now leaves the coast, ascending to Otañes with beautiful views of the craggy coast below. From here the Camino enters a forest track that brings us to Robredal and its church of San Nicholas. Finally, we arrive in the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, passing the bullring and the beach. Castro Urdiales is an interesting town with a mix of mediaeval and modern architecture.
Distance: 25.6 km

Day 4: CASTRO URDIALES to LAREDO
Today, the Camino passes a mediaeval castle and lighthouse and follows the coast along spectacular cliffs, overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Reaching Guriezo, we continue on the main Camino to Rioseco, passing the Chapel of Santa Isabel, crossing the bridge over the River Aguera and on to the Church of La Magdalena. From Guriezo the Camino continues to Liendo where there are two route choices to Laredo; either crossing the valley and passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas, or following paths up to the Chapel of St Julian. Laredo is a popular town reputed for its beautiful beaches, mediaeval quarter (Puebla Vieja), and lively seaside atmosphere.
Distance: 28.1 km

Day 5: LAREDO to ESCALANTE
The Camino continues from Laredo in the direction of Colindres (where it is possible to cross to Santona by boat). We continue by road, following Santoria’s Marshes. This marshland is of considerable importance to the migration and wintering of numerous aquatic birds from all over Europe. Although today’s walk is flat, the scenery is stimulating. Survey the coast and mountains as you continue towards Escalante.
Distance: 13.3 km

Day 6: ESCALANTE to SANTANDER
From Escalante, the Camino continues via the beaches of Berria and Helgueras until reaching Noja. From there, the Camino heads south towards San Miguel de Meruelo, or an alternative Camino can be taken that continues north along the coast to pass through the town of Isla. Both Caminos converge in Bareyo where it is worth stopping to admire the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria. From the village of Somo, you can catch a ‘pedrenera’, a traditional boat used to connect the two sides of the bay.
Distance: 32.7 km

Day 7: SANTANDER
After breakfast we bid you farewell. Santander not only boasts a historic centre and trendy beaches, but it is also fast becoming a gastronomic capital of the region to rival the Basque cities. Try the local seafood delicacies, paired with Cantabrian wine, for an authentic experience.

* itinerary can be customized with additional days to shorten the distance between places each day -- please inquire for more information
 

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This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:		Average distance: 23.4 km, Min: 13.3 km, Max: 32.7 km, Total distance: 117.1 km
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Moderate
Riders:		Min 2	Max 20

 
 
Castro Urdiales

This seaside town developed from a small fishing village to become the tourist hub it is today. In the town centre you will find traditional mediaeval houses with wooden balconies, or you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze by the harbour. A must see the Gothic Church of Santa María de la Asunción. Built in the 13th Century, the exterior has a French Gothic style feel with its flying buttresses and pinnacles. Beside the church you will also find the Santa Ana Castle, an original mediaeval castle that is also a lighthouse, and finally the medieval Bridge of Castro Urdiales.


Laredo

This town originally grew around the Monastery of San Martin, and today it is one of the main tourist towns on this stretch of the coast. With its long beach, old mediaeval part of town, and newer suburbs with seaside views, you can easily see the appeal of this town.


Beaches

The Camino del Norte appeals to many as it traverses the coast. And some of these beaches are certainly a highlight of this route. From Playa de la Arena, which is a hit with surfers, to Playa de Ostende in Castro Urdiales, a great place to relax in the sun, Playa de la Salve Laredo with its long beach and finally Playa do Somo which provides an ideal chance for you to kick off your shoes and walk barefoot on the sand with the waves lapping at your ankles.

 

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements