Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao

BM-20263

5.0Based on

8 days

“

We had a great time on our walk. Everything went as described, including detailed information pre-tour, accomodation and luggage transfers. The Camino Norte was phenomenally beautiful although was harder physically than we had expected. It was our first multi-day trek and the more training you can do pre-trip (especially hills) the better. Day 2 was particularly hard but then your body adjusts and you get into a rhythm of the day. We are already planning our next trek.

Anonymous | Traveled in October

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

8 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

Ends

San Sebastian, Spain

Bilbao, Spain

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

2 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Walking the Camino Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao through Basque country

Visiting swish seaside San Sebastian / Donostia, a 'foodie' paradise

Stunning scenery - from the coast to mountain villages

Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

Bilbao and its great art and architecture

Itinerary

Follow the scenic Bay of Biscay from San Sebastian to Bilbao on the "Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao" tour, an 8-day self-guided walking adventure. This moderate-level trip is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of coastal beauty and cultural immersion along one of the Camino’s original pilgrimage routes.

Pass through charming fishing villages, fertile valleys, and modern marvels like Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. The landscapes alternate between dramatic seascapes and quiet mountain paths, offering a rewarding yet less crowded alternative to the French Camino.

Staying in small, characterful hotels, you’ll experience the region’s hospitality and unique blend of ancient and contemporary architecture. The USP of this tour package is its scenic and historical variety, making it an enriching choice for those looking to explore Spain’s northern coast on foot.

day 1Arrive in San Sebastian/Donostia

One of Spain's most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian/Donostia (in Basque) 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.
Option: Start in Irun or Hondaribbia - adds 1 day to the itinerary. Irun is the traditional start of the Norte, Hondaribbia is nearer the sea - a supplement applies for the extra night in a hotel with bed & breakfast and luggage transfer.
There is also the option to stay in the parador at Hondaribbia - a further supplement applies.
The stage Irun-San Sebastian is approx 7hrs, 27km/16.8mi, elevation gain 290m. From Hondaribbia it's approx 6km/3.75mi less.
Please request at time of booking including your preference of town and accommodation.

day 2Walk via Zarautz to Getaria (7hrs)

day 3Continue along the coast to Deba (6-6.5hrs)

day 4Head inland to the mountains and Markina-Xemein (6hrs)

day 5On to Gernika (6.5hrs)

day 6Continue to Lezama (5.5hrs)

day 7The final stage to Bilbao (4hrs)

day 8Trip concludes Bilbao

What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

7 breakfasts. 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 excessPilgrim PassportEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 5 reviews

Availability

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

No credit card or booking fees.

Best price guaranteed.

Carbon neutral tours.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 850 customer reviews from

Karen

Problem-free booking and service right through the process

3 weeks ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao that you might like.

Camino - Sarria to Santiago Plus

5.0(87 reviews)

Walk the final and most popular stage of the Camino Frances to earn your Compostela. This stage of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offers the chance for time starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. To be eligible for the official Compostela certificate of completion, which is issued by the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela, walkers must walk at least 100kms of the iconic pilgrim route. Walking through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.

8 days

Granada and the Alpujarras

5.0(6 reviews)

Uncover the magic of Granada and the Alpujarras on foot during this eight-day self-guided walking tour. The itinerary begins in Granada, offering time to visit the Alhambra and soak up the city’s cosmopolitan charm, before heading into the highland villages of the Alpujarras. Walk amidst terraced fields, Moorish white-washed villages, and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada backdrop. The moderate activity is perfect for experienced travelers and seniors seeking a balance of cultural immersion and natural beauty. The highlight of this tour package is its rich historical context, offering a deep dive into Spain’s Moorish heritage and stunning mountain vistas.

8 days

Portuguese Camino - Tui to Santiago

5.0(7 reviews)

Experience the soulful finale of a legendary pilgrimage on the Portuguese Camino – Tui to Santiago walking tour. This self-guided, eight-day trip is a favorite among experienced travelers and seniors ready for a moderate walking adventure through Spain’s enchanting Galicia region. Starting in Tui, you’ll follow the inspired Camino trail to the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela. The landscapes along the way are filled with rolling hills, quiet hamlets, and lively towns that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries. Passing through Pontevedra, Padrón, and Arcade, you’ll encounter the humble beauty and cultural richness that gave rise to songs and stories over generations. The unique aspect of this tour package is the opportunity to earn your Compostela certificate—proof of your journey’s completion—by walking more than 100km to Santiago. All logistics, including accommodation, meals, and support, are taken care of, allowing you to focus on the spiritual, historical, and scenic rewards of this iconic trek. For those who appreciate both the physical challenge and the cultural depth of travel, this Camino stage promises lasting inspiration and fulfillment.

8 days

Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena - 8 Days

5.0(3 reviews)

Step off the tourist trail and into the lush, storied landscapes of Spain’s Sierra de Aracena with the 'Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena – 8 Days' walking tour. This self-guided trek immerses you in a world of rolling hills, white villages, and oak forests, where old Roman roads and secret paths once used by smugglers crisscross the countryside. Winding through the Natural Park of Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, you’ll encounter Moorish forts, ancient water systems, and bustling birdlife—including black vultures and rare raptors. The area’s rich history comes alive as you walk past abandoned mills, herds of Iberian pigs, and villages with centuries-old traditions. The region is also famed for its gourmet wild mushrooms and rural tranquility, far removed from the bustle of mainstream Andalucía. Each day’s moderate walk is complemented by comfortable accommodations and hearty local cuisine, making this trip as much about cultural immersion as it is about natural beauty. The unique selling point of this tour package is its authenticity: you’ll walk in the footsteps of smugglers and villagers, discovering a side of Spain few outsiders ever see. Perfect for travelers seeking history, nature, and a dash of adventure.

8 days

Exploring La Gomera - 8 Days

5.0(3 reviews)

Yearning for a blend of nature and tradition on your next getaway? The 'Exploring La Gomera – 8 Days' walking tour delivers a week of discovery on one of the Canary Islands’ best-kept secrets. Kicking off in Tenerife and winding up in San Sebastián de La Gomera, this self-guided trip is perfect for experienced walkers and seniors seeking moderate adventure. Trek from the island’s coastal banana plantations up through rocky ravines and into the mystical laurisilva cloud forest—a unique ecosystem that drapes the peaks of La Gomera. The ever-changing scenery, shaped by volcanic origins, takes you through hidden hamlets, past volcanic ‘chimneys,’ and along dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean views. Each day’s walk reveals a new facet of the island, from ancient terraced valleys reminiscent of Southeast Asia to friendly villages where traditional Spanish hospitality flourishes. Thanks to La Gomera’s mild climate, tropical fruits thrive year-round, and the island’s relaxed pace means you’ll encounter few tourists but plenty of authentic local flavor. With comfortable accommodations, well-planned meals, and all transport arranged, you can focus on enjoying every step of this moderate trekking tour. The tour’s USP is the chance to experience La Gomera’s unspoiled landscapes and vibrant rural culture in just one week—making it an ideal introduction to the Canary Islands for nature-loving travelers.

8 days

Camino - Logrono to Burgos

5.0(1 review)

Set out from the celebrated Rioja wine region and walk to the legendary city of Burgos on the "Camino - Logrono to Burgos" self-guided tour, a 7-day journey ideal for those drawn to history and scenic countryside. This moderate-level trip offers a taste of the famous Way of St James, guiding you through vineyards, over the Montes de Oca, and into towns steeped in medieval lore. Highlights include the monumental Santo Domingo de la Calzada, the archaeological site of Atapuerca, and the grand Gothic cathedral in Burgos—each a chapter in the centuries-old story of pilgrimage. The tour’s flexibility allows you to combine this stage with additional sections for an extended Camino experience. The USP of this tour package is its blend of cultural immersion and scenic walking, providing a memorable introduction to Spain’s iconic pilgrimage trail, with all logistics taken care of for a seamless journey.

7 days

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

4.0(2 reviews)

Let coastal France and Spain enchant you on the Hiking the Vermillion Coast tour, an 8-day self-guided walking trip for experienced and senior travelers. Journey from Collioure to Cadaqués along the Côte Vermeille, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. Traverse vineyard-clad hills, aromatic maquis, and picturesque fishing ports like Banyuls and Port de la Selva. Cross into Spanish Catalonia, explore the Cap de Creus Natural Park, and end your adventure in the artistic haven of Cadaqués, near Salvador Dalí’s former home. Along the way, savor Catalan cuisine and local wines. The tour’s unique feature is its cross-border blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, making it a walker’s paradise.

8 days

Camino Ingles: The English Way to Santiago de Compostela

4.0(1 review)

Step onto the historic Camino Ingles with this self-guided walking tour, journeying from the Atlantic port of Ferrol to the revered Santiago de Compostela in just 8 days. Ideal for experienced travelers and seniors who value cultural depth over crowds, this trip follows the traditional English Way, once traversed by pilgrims arriving by sea from England, Ireland, and northern Europe. Experience the tranquil charm of Galicia as you pass through classic seaside towns, fragrant eucalyptus woodlands, and rolling meadows dotted with vineyards. The route is notably quieter than the bustling French Camino, yet brims with centuries-old churches, monasteries, and iconic stone crosses marking your path. By starting in Ferrol, you'll not only enjoy the scenic landscapes but also qualify for the coveted Compostela certificate, a unique highlight of this walking tour. With accommodation, daily meals, and transport all arranged, you can focus on the journey, whether you’re seeking spiritual connection or simply a meditative escape into Spain’s lush northwest. The main appeal of this tour package lies in its blend of history, coastal vistas, and the chance to walk a less-traveled pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela.

Europe Tours

Asia Tours

South America Tours

Africa Tours

North America Tours

Oceania Tours

Polar Tours

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history Tours

Adventure and sport Tours

Wildlife, landscapes and nature Tours

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife Tours

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation Tours

Food, wine, events and nightlife Tours

Air tours, road trips and transfers Tours

Special interests and hobbies Tours

Hi there

Highlights