Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao
Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao
8 Days Starting in San Sebastian, Spain and ending in Bilbao, Spain
Visiting: San Sebastian, Getaria, Deba, Markina-Xemein, Gernika, Lezama, Bilbao
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CMN
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey along the Camino Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao, traversing the picturesque Basque country. This self-guided walking tour offers a blend of stunning coastal and mountain scenery, charming villages, and rich cultural experiences. Begin in the vibrant city of San Sebastian, renowned for its beautiful beaches and culinary delights, and continue through the historic fishing village of Getaria, the scenic town of Deba, and the culturally significant Gernika. Conclude your adventure in Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hikers, comfortable accommodations, and the convenience of luggage transfers, making this an unforgettable exploration of northern Spain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in San Sebastian/Donostia
Location: San Sebastian
Accommodation Name: hotel
One of Spain's most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian/Donostia has a lot to offer. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the beaches of La Concha and Ondaretta are a main attraction. In the old town, you’ll find several churches and the Baroque balcony-lined Plaza de la Constitucion. Bar hop for some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in this multi-Michelin-starred city.
Day 2 : Walk via Zarautz to Getaria (6.5hrs)
Location: Getaria
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Playa de la Concha, head towards Mount Iguelda and up to Orio before reaching the charming fishing village of Getaria, birthplace of couturier Balenciaga. This was once a whaling town, like many others along the coast. Enjoy great views from San Anton or relax with a glass of the local sparkling wine txakolis downtown.
Distance: 26.5km/16.5mi
Day 3 : Continue along the coast to Deba (6.5hrs)
Location: Deba
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk along the undulating coast via the shrine of Santa Maria de Itziar, a mandatory stop on the Camino Norte. Descend to Deba with its beautiful beach and views of the Cantabrian coast.
Distance: 18km/11.1mi
Day 4 : Head inland to the mountains and Markina-Xemein (6hrs)
Location: Markina-Xemein
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the coast today and head to the Arnoate mountains. Walk along paths and country lanes, passing through villages on this beautiful stage to the town of Markina.
Distance: 23km/14.2mi
Day 5 : On to Gernika (6.5hrs)
Location: Gernika
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s walk is initially along a country lane and across a river, before the path climbs through woodland. A sharp descent leads to a river and the town of Gernika (Guernica), famously portrayed by Picasso, in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai.
Distance: 25km/15.5mi
Day 6 : Continue to Lezama (5.5hrs)
Location: Lezama
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On leaving Gernika, there is a steep climb taking you to the village of Morga (at 205m). The rest of today’s walk is along tracks and roads of great beauty, which gradually lead to Lezama.
Distance: 21km/13mi
Day 7 : The final stage to Bilbao (3.5hrs)
Location: Bilbao
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s walk is quite short but quite challenging, marked by an ascent at Mount Avril which separates you from Bilbao. You will be rewarded with fabulous views of Bilbao and the valley ahead. Finish your Camino Norte at the Plaza de Unamuno in the old quarter of Bilbao. Host to some of Spain’s best art exhibitions, don’t miss the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum.
Distance: 14km/8.7mi
Day 8 : Trip concludes Bilbao
Location: Bilbao
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast, or continue on the next stage to Santander.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs -
7 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
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7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
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Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Pilgrim Passport
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to San Sebastian/Donostia and from Bilbao
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from the Tour
Travel to San Sebastian/Donostia and from Bilbao is not included.
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday; no guide is provided.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are not covered.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included are not provided.
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Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Optional Add-ons
Optional: add a day and start in Irun or Hondarribia - supplement applies, includes accommodation, breakfast, and luggage transfer.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunches, Dinners, and Drinks
Lunches, dinners, and drinks daily are not included.
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Excess Baggage Charges
Excess baggage charges apply if you have more than one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg. Extra charges will apply for additional pieces of luggage.
Grading
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 25km / 8.7 and 15.5mi on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel to San Sebastian/Donostia and from Bilbao is included, with luggage transfer for one piece up to 20kg.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a combination of hotels and farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis, generally with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 7 nights in a combination of hotels and farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis, generally with ensuite facilities.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts, often consisting of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is included. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Will I receive any information to help me navigate the route?
Yes, a digital information pack including route notes, maps, and GPX files is provided.
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Is there any emergency support available during the tour?
Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline.
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Do I need to carry all my belongings during the walks?
No, as the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 25km (8.7 and 15.5mi) on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday; no guide is provided.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the walk?
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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What is a Pilgrim Passport and is it included?
A Pilgrim Passport is provided as part of the tour.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
