Camino del Norte Route 1

Introduction
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 first section of the Camino del Norte takes you from the city of San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. San Sebastian makes a wonderful starting point for the Camino del Norte. Located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, San Sebastian is known for its beaches and waterfront promenade. Here you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine as well as the more informal dining experience of pintxos and wine pairings. This route will take you along the coast’s scenic beaches to Bilbao, the capital of Basque culture.
 

Accomodation

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding
 
 
San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a great place to start your Camino. From the rolling green hillsides that surround the city to the golden beaches that frame the coastline, you can experience city life, beach life, and country life all within a short distance. Elegant architecture sits well alongside the reputation San Sebastian is gaining worldwide as a destination for a wonderful culinary experience.


Deba

Deba is the last coastal town for a few days until you reach Bilbao further along the Camino. This quaint seaside town traditionally relied on whaling and sea trade but nowadays it focuses on its tourism offering. Here you will find the National Monument of the Church of Santa Maria, one of the finest churches in the region. From the 16th Century, this church is a prime example of the Basque Gothic style.


Gernika

Rich in Basque, heritage many will know the name of this town from the famous painting by Pablo Picasso. The town was almost completely destroyed in 1937 when it was bombed by Italian and German forces supporting Spanish dictator, General Franco. The town, in true defiant Basque fashion, didn’t let this be its end, and, with the survival of the Biscayan Assembly and the Guernica Tree, rebuilt itself. Here you can learn more about the Basque culture and how it is preserved today. Every Monday there is a market held that is one of the best in the Basque Country.
 
 

Itinerary

Day 1: SAN SEBASTIAN
Once you arrive you’ll be booked into a hotel in the heart of the town. San Sebastien is located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, and is a city known for its stunning beaches and waterfront promenade. Here, you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine as well as the more informal dining experience of pintxos and wine.
Distance: -

Day 2: SAN SEBASTIAN to GETARIA
Leaving San Sebastian and the unspoiled Bay of Biscay, this route curves along the coastline through grassy fields and rolling hills. First, you’ll see the Church of San Martin de Tours, a lovingly restored national monument, before passing through some traditional whaling towns. Later, you arrive in the picturesque village of Getaria, perched on a rocky headland above a cute harbour.
Distance: 26.1 km

Day 3: GETARIA to DEBA
For Day 3 you’ll set out on a small country road hugging the coast, eventually arriving in Zarautz. From there, take the small footpath into farmlands until you reach the Church of Santa Maria la Real and birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the Earth in the 16th Century. Once you’ve stopped to admire the town, continue along the coast to the last stop for the day – the stunning beach town, Deba.
Distance: 18 km

Day 4: DEBA to MARKINA-XEMEIN
Today, we leave the sea behind for more mountainous landscapes and won’t see the coast again until Bilbao. The route crosses a river and starts climbing into dense scrub, until it reaches the Hermitage of El Calvario. From here, keep to the narrow footpath (GR-121), which passes through many secluded hamlets. Finally, the trail descends steeply into your destination, Markina. This is a village with a strong sense of history and Basque traditions.
Distance: 24.3 km

Day 5: MARKINA-XEMEIN to GERNIKA
Leaving Markina, the route follows an ancient cobbled road and crosses the river in Bolivar. It ascends to the 15th Century Monastery of Cenarruza, which contains a Gothic Renaissance church and mediaeval cloister. Leaving the monastic site, the path moves into dense woodland, up to Gontzegarai, and down again to Gerikaitz. At the Hermitage of Santiago, a steep footpath leads downhill to a creek and finally into the town of Gernika.
Distance 25.7 km

Day 6: GERNIKA to LEZAMA
Setting out this morning you’ll leave Gernika by the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo. Shortly after, we’ll reach the road (PR-173) that will take us to Morga. Here, we leave the farmland and enter a forest, following a steep descent to the traditional villages of Goikoetxea, Larrabetzu, and finally, Lezama.
Distance: 19.9 km

Day 7: LEZAMA to BILBAO
This is a relatively short stage through pastoral farmland. First, we pass Zamudio and the Roman Church of San Maarten, where the Tower of Malpica is visible above. Slowly climbing to reach the summit of Mount Avril, we’re rewarded with spectacular views of Bilbao and the valley below. On arrival in Bilbao, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Bego, as well as Place de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao.
Distance: 14 km

Day 8: BILBAO
After breakfast we bid you farewell. There is so much to see and do in Bilbao, including the renowned Guggenheim Museum. For something more off the beaten track, check out Place de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao. Or, if you just want to relax, find a pintxos bar and settle down with a glass of wine, a few small plates of food, and watch Basque life unfold.

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

Rates and Dates for Camino del Norte Route 1

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: San Sebastian
Airport: Bilbao
Transfer: Airport transfers not included, but can be arranged for additional cost.

Climate: