Camino Norte - Bilbao to Santiago Tour by Utracks

32 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Bilbao, Spain

Ends

Santiago De Compostela, Spain

Highlights

Walking the Camino Norte from Bilbao through Basque country to Cantabria, the Asturias and finally into Galicia and Santiago de Compostela

Stunning scenery - from the coast to mountain villages

Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

Bilbao and its great art and architecture

Experiencing the changing cuisine between the regions

Itinerary

For those drawn to epic journeys and personal accomplishment, the Camino Norte from Bilbao to Santiago tour offers an unforgettable 32-day walking adventure through Spain’s northern coast. Suited for experienced travelers and active seniors seeking moderate physical challenge, this self-guided trip traces one of the original pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Beginning in Bilbao, home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, the path follows the dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay, weaving through Cantabria and Asturias. From the gateway town of Ribadeo, the route dips south into Galicia, passing historic villages and lush mountain trails. The quieter nature of the Camino Norte, shielded historically by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, offers a contemplative alternative to the busier French route.

You’ll stay in charming local hotels and experience a rich tapestry of landscapes—from seaside cliffs to ancient towns—while savoring regional cuisine and vibrant culture. The unique selling point of this tour is the opportunity to walk a less-traveled Camino, blending centuries-old tradition with breathtaking natural beauty for a truly rewarding pilgrimage experience.

day 1 - Arrive Bilbao

On arrival in Bilbao, make your way to the joining hotel. Then day is then free to explore the many sights of this charming coastal city including the Guggenheim museum and the Plaza de Unamuno in the old quarter of Bilbao.

day 2 - Metro to Portugalete, walk along the coast to Castro Urdiales (7.5hrs)

This morning you will take the Metro from Bilbao to Portugalete (this takes between 35 and 50 minutes). The walk today will take you towards the coast. As you head out of Pobena there is a surprisingly long flight of stairs, but the stunning walk following the coast line is worth the climb. Part of the route also follows the track-bed of the former railroad that carried iron ore to waiting ships. Castro Urdiales is a long-inhabited town, with human remains dating back to 12000 BCE. Be sure to visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion with its strange iconography on the main entrance's frieze, which dates from Templar times.

Distance: 27km/16.7mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - On to Liendo (5.5hrs)

As you leave this morning you will start heading uphill, before walking along excellent coastal terrain to Islares. Here you can see the ruins of the 16th century Hospital de la Vera Cruz. Continue to La Magdelena and take a beautiful dirt path to Liendo.

Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Walk and by boat to Noja (6.5hrs)

This morning you will head to Laredo, which was an important Roman site known as Portus Luliobrigensium. Today it is Cantabria’s largest resort town - its beach is around 5km long at low tide. Continue walking to the end of Laredo's peninsula, at El Puntal, following the signs to the Santona ferry. The cost of the ferry crossing is approximately EUR2 per person. Continue north to the coast and the Playa de Berria, before ascending to the Punta del Brusco for impressive coastal views. Continue to the modern coastal resort town of Noja.

Distance: 23km/14.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Continue to Galizano (6hrs)

Continue along quiet country roads to Guemes, from where the route leads northwest to the town of Galizano.

Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Continue to Santander (3hrs)

From Galizano you head straight to the coastline and the path follows the cliff’s edge. You will reach Somo, from where you will catch the ferry to Santander. The ferry runs every half hour on weekdays and hourly on weekends and costs approximately EUR3 per person. Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disaster explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax after a day on the Camino.

Distance: 11km/7mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Transfer to Ermita, then walk to Santillana (5.5hrs)

Today starts with a taxi transfer to Ermita Virgen del Monte to shorten this long stage. From here you continue walking to Santillana which is one of the most picturesque towns along the Camino Norte. Take some time this afternoon to explore the well-preserved medieval village and the cloister in the Collegiate Church.

Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - On to Comillas (6hrs)

Continue on the path today to Comillas. You'll pass by a landscape of grassy fields with sprawling vistas which are broken periodically by church towers. Arriving into Comillas signals your return to the coast. Here you can visit the Capricho de Gaudi, the Palacio de Sobrellano and the Pontifical Seminary.

Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - To San Vicente de la Barquera (3.5hrs)

The walk today takes in a mix of trails and roads, and through quaint villages en route to the major town of La Barquera. San Vicente de la Barquera is another fishing and resort town. The 13th century Gothic church, Santa Maria de los Angeles holds the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio del Corro.

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - To Bustio (4-5hrs)

Today you leave Cantabria and cross over into the eastern Asturias. Walking over rolling green hills past the rural townships of La Acebosa, Serdio, Pesués, Unquera you soon arrive at your destination, Bustio. Dinner and breakfast are not included at Bustio, you can ask the hotel staff for suggestions.

Distance: 16km/10mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - On to Llanes near the Picos de Europa (6.5hrs)

Breakfast is not included today, you can try one of the local bars/cafes. Today you continue walking on mainly paved roads. The views are spectacular, with the coast on one side and the Picos de Europa on the other. Llanes is a lively and popular coastal town with a long history, evident by the remnants of its 800 year old city walls.

Distance: 19km/11.8mi

day 12 - Walk to Ribadesella (8hrs)

Today you will walk past several fascinating monasteries. The path is generally flat following a mix of trail and road, taking you through small villages and countryside. This afternoon you will arrive in Ribadesella, where you will overnight. The town is known for its beaches and prehistoric cave paintings.

Distance: 28km/17.4mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Enjoy views of the coast en route to Colunga (5.5hrs)

The route today cuts inland shortly, before returning back to the coastline. This is the last real stretch along the coast for some time, so be sure to appreciate the views. The walk will end in the picturesque market town of Colunga.

Distance: 19km/11.8mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 14 - To Villaviciosa (4.5hrs)

Continue through small and historical villages, including Priesca which is home to one of the oldest churches on the Camino - the Church of San Salvador, built in 921. The walk into Villaviciosa includes three different crossings. Villaviciosa is known as the 'apple capital' of Spain and these can be sampled in one of the town's many cider distilleries.

Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 15 - On to Gijon (7-8hrs)

The trail today leads you to Gijon, the largest city you will have seen in a week. There are few walkers on this section and the route is surprisingly peaceful before entering the hustle of Gijon. There is a steep ascent of 400m to the Alto de la Cruz.

Distance: 22km/13.6mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 16 - To Aviles (6hrs)

The walk today does include some stretches through an industrial area and along the highway, but you will also walk through the Monte Areo recreational area, which features a prehistoric dolmen (you will need to detour slightly to visit the Dolmen de San Pablo). Aviles was a prominent naval town in the Middle Ages and has lots to see for those interested in architecture.

Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 17 - On to Soto del Barco (4-5hrs)

The walk today begins in the Plaza de España in Avilés, passing through the historic centre before gradually leaving the city. The route crosses the villages of San Miguel and Piedras Blancas and passes by the Church of Santiago del Monte. From there, you walk along the main road until reaching Soto del Barco. This stage is mainly on paved roads, with moderate but continuous inclines, with typical waymarks of the Camino to show the way.

Distance 17km/10.6mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 18 - Continue to Soto de Luiña (5-6hrs)

Leaving Soto del Barco, you gradually reach the Plaza Marqués de Muros de Nalón. The route combines well-trodden dirt paths with paved roads, leading you to Pitu/Pito. After a descent to Cudillero, the path ascends along a trail parallel to the highway until reaching Reyano. You then continue toward La Magdalena and descend along the road to Concha de Artedo Beach. After crossing Mumayor, the route follows a main road to Soto de Luiña. This stage has moderate elevation changes. Enjoy the scenery and the stops along the way.

Distance 19km/11.9mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 19 - Walk from Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo (5-6hrs)

Starting from Soto de Luiña, the route follows a quiet secondary road with little traffic, passing through the villages of Novellana and Santa Marina until it reaches Ballota. From here, you ascend along a path to Río Cabo Beach and then pass through the village of Tablizo. Finally, an uphill stretch on a paved road leads to the medieval whaling port of Cadavedo.

Distance 19km/11.9mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 20 - Head inland to Luarca (4-4.5hrs)

After crossing the village of Cadavedo, the route continues along a road that soon becomes a trail. Passing through fields and forests, you arrive at Querúas and then cross the village of Chano de Canero. From here, you follow the VA1 road towards the port of Luarca. After skirting the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora la Blanca, descend to the Paseo del Muelle in Luarca. This afternoon you can take a stroll around the rectangular harbour.

Distance: 16km/10mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 21 - To Navia (5-6hrs)

This morning will start with a climb as you head out of Luarca, before the path levels out for the rest of the day. Continue through the countryside before arriving in the lively market town of Navia.

Distance: 19km/11.8mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 22 - Transfer to La Caridad and walk to Ribadeo (5-6hrs)

Transfer to La Caridad where you continue the walk. You could walk this section and forgo the transfer however it does add 10km to the day.

Today will be your last day walking close to the coast. Much of the walking will be done slightly inland so you won't have a real sea view although there is an alternative route which hugs closer to the coast. When you cross the bridge of the Saints over the River Eo to enter Galicia, the last region of the walk, you will arrive in Ribadeo. The town is renowned for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course!

Distance: 22km/13.8mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 23 - Walk to Villamartin Grande, transfer to Ribadeo (5hrs)

The route today takes you through dense and fragrant eucalyptus groves. The villages in Galicia are often smaller than the ones you have previously encountered. Continue on to Villamartin Grande where an afternoon taxi will meet you at 3pm and transfer you back to Ribadeo where you will once again overnight.

Distance: 17km/10.7mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 24 - Transfer back to Villamartin Grande, on foot to Mondonedo (5.5hrs)

This morning you will be transferred back to Villamartin Grande, so you can continue walking from where you left off yesterday. As you head out of Lourenza you will start walking up into the mountains. As you ascend there will be some fantastic views which make the climbs worthwhile. This afternoon you will walk down into Mondonedo, which was once one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia.

Distance: 18km/11.3mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 25 - Walk to Abadin (4.5hrs)

Leaving Mondonedo you will follow a series of gravel tracks. There is also a sharp uphill climb as you exit the town. Continue on to the neighbouring towns of Gontan and Abadin.

Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 26 - Walk to Vilalba (5.5hrs)

From Abadin you will walk through small villages en route to Vilalba. This medieval town had a cultural boom in the 20th century, emerging as a town with rich journalistic and literary activity.

Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 27 - To Seixón, transfer to Reguela (7-8hrs)

Continue walking through rural Galicia, along forest paths and past small villages en

route to Seixón. From here you will be transferred to Reguela and your accommodation.

Distance: 28km/17.4mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 28 - Transfer to Seixón or Miraz, walk to Sobrado dos Monxes (8hrs)

At 9am this morning a transfer will bring you back to Seixón to continue walking. There

is an option to shorten the walk by extending the transfer to Miraz (just let the driver

know where you would like to be dropped off). The trail today brings you to Sobrado

dos Monxes for your overnight accommodation and is home to an impressive 10th

century monastery.

Distance walk: 29km/18mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 29 - Walk to Arzua (5.5hrs)

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk the last part of the Camino Norte and join the Camino Frances. You can stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and continue to Arzúa in the province of La Coruña.

Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 30 - On to O Pedrouzo/Rua (6hrs)

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes.

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 31 - Final stage to Santiago (5hrs)

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges

– all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey.

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 32 - Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

31 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities

Meals

30 breakfasts (not in Bustio). Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.

Others

Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPXLuggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excessTransfers as listed in the itinerary on days 7, 22, 23, 24, 27 & 28Pilgrim passportEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

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