El Camino del Norte – The Northern Way, begins in San Sebastian and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. Stage 2: Bilbao to Santander This second stage of the Camino del Norte links Bilbao, the cultural capital of the Basque Region to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. A wonderfully scenic walk along the Basque […]
El Camino del Norte – The Northern Way, Stage 2: Bilbao to Santander
This second stage of the Camino del Norte links Bilbao, the cultural capital of the Basque Region to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. A wonderfully scenic walk along the Basque coastline to the fantastic cliffs of Cantabria.
Price:
£725 per person, sharing a double/twin room
£245 supplement for a single room
Included:
6 nights accommodation in en-suite rooms
6 breakfasts
3 dinners
Luggage transport
Route notes & maps
Not Included:
Flights
Holiday Insurance – please ensure that you have adequate insurance
Drinks and picnics
Ferry boats
Transport to/from the start/end of the walk
Departure Dates:
April to October, according to accommodation availability
Stage 2 : Bilbao – Santander – 7 days/ 6 nights/ 5 days walk
Day 1 : Arrival Bilbao
Arrival in Bilbao (Bilbo in Basque), home to the Guggenheim Museum along the River Nervión. Visit the museum, explore the old town and taste a few ‘pintxos’ in the small cosy taverns before you get on your way. Overnight Hotel Petit Palace Arana *** B&B
DAY 2: Walk to Portugalete – 15km 3h30 | +540m / -525m
The first walk is one of the shortest stages of the week. Start with a walk through the historical city of Bilbao. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and travels along a peaceful route on the banks of the Cadagua River. You will cross the famous ‘Devils’s Bridge’ before arriving at the Hermitage of Santa Águeda. After this, there is a steep climb to the small town of Barakaldo before arriving in Portugalete via a path along the banks of the Galindo River. Overnight and breakfast at Hotel Gran Puente ***
DAY 3: Walk to Castro Urdiales – 29 km 7h30 | +661m / -670m
From Portugalete, the Camino continues along the beautiful rocky coastline. At La Arena you will cross the wonderful beach of fine red sand. There are some steep little climbs as you hug the coast on your way to Castro Urdiales. Castro Urdiales is a mixture of modern and medieval architecture and as you enter the town you will pass the bullring and the beach. Dinner and overnight Hotel Aisia Islares **
DAY 4: Walk to Hazas (Liendo) – 29 km 7h30 | +739m / -747m
Today’s walk is along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle/lighthouse along the way. You will also pass the Chapel of Santa Isabel and the Church of La Magdalena on the way to Liendo. Follow the route across the valley to Liendo. Dinner and overnight Rural Hotel Posada Visabuela **
DAY 5: Walk to Sontaña 12km 3h00 | +116m / -101m
Today’s walk is flat but the scenery is nonetheless fantastic. From Laredo, you take the ferry boat to Sontaña. Dinner and overnight Rural Hotel Posada El Transmerano
DAY 6: Walk to Santander – 32 km (possible transfer to shorten the walk if required) 7h30 | +185m / -198m
A long stage today, from Bareyo you will find the magnificent Romanesque Church of Santa María. From Galizano to Somo, you can either take a straight road into town (saving 5km) or follow the coastline which is a longer option but very scenic. To reach the final destination of Santander, you can take a traditional boat called ‘Pedreñera’ across the bay (saving you approximately 3.5km), from the village of Somo (Not included, 2Eur) Overnight Hotel Abba Santander *** B&B
Day 7 : End of the trip
HOTELS
Bilbao Hotel Petit Palace Arana ***
Portugalete – Hotel Gran Puente ***
Castro Urdiales – Hotel Aisia Islares **
Hazas (Liendo) Rural Hotel Posada Visabuela **
Sontaña Rural Hotel Posada El Transmerano
Santander – Hotel Abba Santander ***
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
1/ Best Option: Bilbao airport (10km)
Bilbao is an international airport, connected with many cities all over Europe, e.g. London (Stansted, easyJet), Manchester (easyJet), Dublin (Aer Lingus), Paris (Orly, Vueling), Frankfurt (Lufthansa) or Lisbon (easyJet). See www.skyscanner.com.
2/ Other option: Santander airport (100km)
Carrier Ryanair operates in Santander and serves flights, e.g., from/ to London (Stansted), Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt (Hahn), Paris (Beauvais), Milan (Ciampino) and Dusseldorf (Weeze). See www.skyscanner.com.
How to get back from Santander:
1/ Best option: Santander airport (10km)
Carrier Ryanair operates in Santander and serves flights, e.g., from/ to London (Stansted), Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt (Hahn), Paris (Beauvais), Milan (Ciampino) and Dusseldorf (Weeze). See www.skyscanner.com.
2/ Other option: Bilbao airport (110km)
TRANSFERS TO & FROM AIRPORTS
How to get to Bilbao:
1/ Best Option: Bilbao airport (10km)
Shuttle bus (line A3247) from Bilbao airport from/to Bilbao bus station (stop name: Termibus, every 30min). See www.bizkaia.net.
2/ Other option: Santander airport (100km)
For the transport from/ to the airport, the easiest way is to choose the direct bus line (starting point: Termibus) from/ to the airport (6 times/ day, approx. 1h30). See www.movelia.es.
How to get back from Santander:
1/ Best option: Santander airport (10km)
In Santander, there is a bus line (every 30min), linking the bus station with the airport. See: www.movelia.es
2/ Other option: Bilbao airport (110km)
Shuttle bus (line A3247) from Bilbao airport from/to Bilbao bus station (stop name: Termibus, every 30min). See www.bizkaia.net.
