6-day Camino del Norte Walking Holiday (Part 2)

Bilbao is a city that perfectly blends the modern with its industrial past, which makes it the ideal place to enjoy the innovative and traditional Basque cuisine.

If you arrive in time, you should not miss the Guggenheim Museum, a visit that is really worthwhile. In addition, enjoying a stroll through the old town and walking along the estuary in the center will allow you to know and enjoy the essence of the city. Do a pintxos tour through the historical centre or follow the Camino along the banks of the river Nervión*. 

*Since tomorrow's hike on the Camino starts in Portugalete, you might want to book an extra night in Bilbao in order to do this first urban section of the Camino between Bilbao and Portugalete along the river bank of the Nervion to the famous hanging bridge Puente Vizcaya in Getxo and take the bus back into town. This hike is 13 km / 8 mi and totally flat.

After a short transfer your route today starts in Portugalete or Sanfuentes. From there, a long asphalt bike path will take you to the beach of La Arena, where you can have breakfast before leaving the Basque Country behind and crossing into Cantabria. You start with a spectacular stretch of the Bay of Biscay. The Camino del Norte will take you to discover impressive cliffs and beautiful panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea, all the way to Ontón. Here there is a rather boring stretch along the national road until you reach Mioño and continue along the coastal path to your hotel in Castro Urdiales, a town with a port as beautiful as it is rich in history. Take your time to explore its streets and taste the local seafood. 

Note: If you prefer to save time and effort, you can ask the cab driver to drop you off in Sanfuentes and skip the first few kilometers, which are partly uphill.

Challenge: 28,6km / 16,6 mill I ascent 529m / descent 529m

Today your journey continues along the north coast, starting with a small transfer to Cérdigo or Rioseco de Guriezo to avoid some boring stretches, with the beauty of the Cantabrian Sea as a backdrop. It is an interesting stage of great scenic beauty, with several beaches, cliffs and stretches of forest, alternating with very green inland valleys. The route is a continuous up and down, but the slopes are gentle and bearable. Laredo, your destination today, is a town known for its golden sandy beaches, a great place to relax, recharge your batteries and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. 

Challenge: 26km / 16,1mill I Ascent 455m / descent 596m

The path you will walk today winds through lush landscapes and charming villages, crossing at the beginning three long beaches: Salvé (in Laredo), Berria (after Santoña) and Helgueras-Trengadín (in Noja). You will reach the Puntal de Laredo and from there you have to take a boat to Santoña to reach the other shore and follow the Camino. After Berria, you will turn inland to the Siete Villas Castle and continue quietly until you finish the day in Güemes, where you can take a break and relax among green and quiet landscapes. This stage is a long stage, but it also has fewer steep climbs.

Challenge: 25,8km/ 16mill I Ascent 288m / Descent 242m.

Today's route is the final route. Today you will have a nice and easy stage with few climbs, which will allow you to spend the afternoon on the beach of Somo or visiting the city of Santander, capital of Cantabria. The ferry leaves you right in the center of the city and very close to the art museum Centro Botin. Santander offers a mix of culture, history and natural beauty, making it a perfect end point for your pilgrimage. 

Note: The total distance of this route will depend on where you take the boat (it can be in Somo or Pedreña), on the other hand it will also depend on the area of Santander where you stay (city center or Sardinero beach) and finally if you make a detour in the morning through the Chapel of San Julian, a small pilgrim shrine dedicated to the priest of Güemes.

Challenge: 20,7km / 12,8mill I Ascent 188m / Descent 240m.

Today ends this beautiful Camino adventure after your breakfast.

If you feel like more adventure and want to continue walking, you can combine this trip with the next stage of the Camino.