Northern Way from Bilbao to Santander is an organized proposal to walk the stretch between Bilbao and Santander with the peace of mind of having essential services arranged. The journey takes place over 7 days and 6 nights and covers 120 km, making it very suitable for travelers who already enjoy multi-day routes and wish to progress at their own pace with clear planning from the outset.
With a price starting from 520 €, this trip includes luggage transfer, detailed documentation, telephone assistance throughout the journey, and travel insurance. Northern Way from Bilbao to Santander is particularly well-suited for those who want to undertake this route independently, but with greater comfort and the assurance of having practical organization to facilitate the experience throughout the journey.
Photos
Accommodations
- Most popular
Hostels, guesthouses, and rural houses
520 €
Hostels, Guesthouses, and Rural Houses are ideal in the towns of the Camino de Santiago. Simple and charming accommodations with private bathroom, TV, and impeccable cleanliness. Perfect for resting and enjoying the rural essence and tranquility at each stage.
Services
Included in all our routes
- Accommodation
7 days / 6 nights
- 7 days / 6 nights accommodation
- Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)
- Luggage transfer during the stages. (1 piece per person max 15 kgs)
- On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
- Pilgrim's Credential
- Travel insurance
Optional
- Extra night
- Breakfast
- MP (Breakfast and dinner)
- Cancellation Insurance
Map of the Northern Way from Bilbao to Santander
Stages
- day 1
Arrival at Bilbao
Today we set off towards Ribadesella, one of the most emblematic towns in eastern Asturias. To do this, we bid farewell to Llanes via the Avenida de la Paz, continuing to Poo through a dirt track. We proceed along the AS-263 road, alternating it with paths, until we reach the beach of Celorio. Before enjoying the sandy area, we can visit the Monastery of San Salvador de Celorio, originally founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 17th.
We resume our journey leaving Celorio behind via its promenade in direction to Barro. Upon reaching Niembro, there is the possibility to detour to see the spectacular beach of Torimbia, considered one of the most beautiful in Asturias. The path continues afterwards through the towns of Naves, Villahormes, and Nueva, crossing charming wooded trails. Near Nueva lies the beach of Gulpiyuri, a unique natural monument inland that is well worth a visit.
From Nueva, we advance along paved tracks until we reach Piñeres de Pría, a locality famous for its cheeses. We continue to the core of Cuerres, from where it is possible to make a detour to see the impressive Bufones de Pría, following the course of the river Aguadamía.
Finally, we will reach Ribadesella using the lines of the FEVE and the AS-263 road as a reference, entering the town via its historic bridge over the Sella.
Things to Consider
Given the length of the stage, we recommend leaving early from Llanes. Upon arriving in Ribadesella, you cannot miss visiting its cider houses to taste the best of the local cuisine. If you are interested in prehistory, remember that here lies the Tito Bustillo Cave, one of the sanctuaries of world Paleolithic art (reservation required).
Places of Interest
- Beach of Torimbia
- Beach of Gulpiyuri (Inland Beach)
- Bufones de Pría
- Tito Bustillo Cave – Ribadesella
- Church of Santa María de Junco – Ribadesella
- Shrine of San Mamés – Ribadesella
- Tower of Atalaya – Ribadesella
Typical Dishes
- Fish stew and Hake with cider
- Marmitas of mackerel and Noodles with bream
- Baked sargo
- Cachopo tarteru and Pitu de Caleya
- Sea urchins, lobsters, and gooseneck barnacles
- Pría cheese
- Asturian fabada and Cider
- Desserts: Fried milk and burnt rice pudding
- day 2
Stage 1. Bilbao - Portugalete (19.2 km)
There are two possible ways to embark on the journey to Portugalete from Bilbao:
The first is the one marked by the official route, which takes us along the left bank of the Nervión estuary. It passes through the towns of Zorrotza and Barakaldo until we reach our destination. This option accumulates a total of 19.2 kilometers and is the most common among pilgrims.
On the other hand, there is an alternative route that runs along the right bank of the Nervión estuary. In this section, we cross through the towns of Erandio and Getxo. Upon reaching Getxo, we cross the estuary to enter Portugalete. This option is considerably shorter, with a total distance of 13.3 kilometers.
Things to consider
Although some pilgrims choose to take the line 2 of the metro to Portugalete to avoid the industrial and urban environment, we do not recommend skipping this section. The departure from Bilbao and its surroundings offers historical and architectural elements that are part of the identity of the route.
Places of interest
- Hermitage of Santa Águeda – Barakaldo
- Bizkaia Bridge (Hanging Bridge, UNESCO World Heritage) – Portugalete
- Salazar Tower – Portugalete
- Convent of Santa Clara – Portugalete
- Basilica of Santa María – Portugalete
Typical dishes
- Bacalao a la vizcaína
- Idiazábal cheese
- Piperrada and Cocochas
- Varied pintxos
- Squid in its ink
- Sidra de Sagardoa and Patxarán
- Desserts: Pantxineta, Goxua, and Intxaursalsa
- day 3
Stage 2. Portugalete - Castro Urdiales (27.6 km)
We must leave Portugalete via Casilda Iturrizar streets and Carlos VII avenue, until we reach the bidegorri, heading towards crossing the Cantabrian border to arrive at Castro Urdiales. A bidegorri is a bike lane, which in this case is heavily frequented by walkers and cyclists. We will continue straight along the bike lane, until we switch to another one heading towards the neighborhood of Nocedal and the town of Gallarta.
From Gallarta, we continue walking along the bidegorri. This section of the route has the most changes of crossings and underpasses, as well as overpasses, of the highway. It is the moment that confirms we are leaving the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Bilbao.
Once we have overcome the "scalextric" of roads, we will continue along another bidegorri to La Arena beach, from where we proceed to Pobeña.
Once in Pobeña, we begin the most beautiful stretch of the entire stage by entering the Paseo Itsaslur. This promenade is a greenway that runs along the route of an old mining train and offers stunning views of the coast. After walking about 2 kilometers, we will cross a passage known as "El Hoyo", which indicates that we are leaving Euskadi to enter the Autonomous Community of Cantabria.
We continue walking along the greenway, this time in Cantabrian lands. Our path runs parallel to the coast. The next point of reference will be the town of Ontón. From Ontón, we have two options to reach Castro Urdiales: the official route (14.8 km) and a direct alternative (8.1 km). We are sure that your choice will depend on how tired you feel by this point.
The official route passes through Baltezana, Otañes, Santullán, and Sámano. Meanwhile, the alternative path crosses directly to Castro Urdiales passing only through Mioño. From Mioño, we will have the option to continue to Castro Urdiales either inland or along a coastal path.
Things to consider
The public shelter for pilgrims in Castro Urdiales is located at the exit of the village, so those who choose this option will need to continue walking for another 1.5 kilometers, which is a good reason to prepare the stage before leaving Portugalete.
Points of interest
- Hermitage of Our Lady of Help
- Church of San Nicolás de Bari
- Mineral loading dock - Mioño
- Church of Santa María de la Asunción – Castro Urdiales
- Hermitage of Santa Ana – Castro Urdiales
- Cueva del Cuco – Castro Urdiales
Typical dishes
- Jibiones in their ink (squid)
- Sardines and bonito (in summer)
- Sea bream and mackerel (in winter)
- Land snails
- Canned anchovies, bonito, and mussels
- Dessert: sobaos and quesadas
- day 4
Stage 3. Castro Urdiales - Laredo (26.6 km)
We leave Castro Urdiales from the port, following the streets Santander and Silvestre Ochoa. Once we reach the bullring, we begin the ascent to Campijo towards Laredo, first arriving at Allendelagua. In this locality, you can find the ruins of the Medieval Tower of the Templars (14th century).
The next reference localities before crossing the Agüera River are Cerdigo and Islares. This section of the path runs through beautiful wooded trails that parallel the imposing cliffs of the Cantabrian coast. From Islares, the pilgrim can choose the official route, which heads inland through Rioseco, or continue for a stretch along the shoulder of the national N-634 from the Pontarrón de Guriezo.
Those who opt for the official route will be able to visit the hermitage of San Mamés before reaching Hazas. For those who prefer the national option, the next point will be Mollaneda, from where they can decide whether to continue inland, passing through Iseca Vieja, or venture into the beautiful coastal path that leads to Laredo.
Things to consider
On the Northern Way, it is common to find coastal variants. To travel from Castro Urdiales to Laredo, we recommend choosing the one that visually attracts you the most, as both options combine the beauty of the Cantabrian beaches with a well-maintained rural environment.
Places of interest
- Hermitage of San Mamés
- Beach and viewpoint of San Julián
- Convent of San Francisco (Laredo)
- Chapel of the Holy Spirit (Laredo)
- Shrine of Our Lady of the Well Appeared (Laredo)
- Tunnel of the Atalaya and Aila Beach (Laredo)
Typical dishes
- Bonito stew
- Cantabrian anchovies (in oil or brine)
- Verdel meatballs
- Monkfish in green sauce
- Seafood: clams, gooseneck barnacles, and scampi
- Grilled sardines
- Respigos (traditional turnip leaves)
- day 5
Stage 4. Laredo - Noja (23 km)
- day 6
Stage 5. Noja - Santander (26 km)
- day 7
End of the Camino
After arriving... End of the Camino
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is on-the-road telephone assistance?
In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.
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What is travel insurance?
It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries! -
What does the private transfer service consist of?
We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage. The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us. -
Where are the accommodations located?
In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location. As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns. For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning. In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking. -
What coverage does the travel insurance have?
The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.
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How do I make a reservation?
To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:
- Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
- By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to info@viajecaminodesantiago.com. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.
It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to info@viajescaminodesantiago.com.
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What does Camino de Santiago on your own mean?
In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience. -
Can I choose the dates I want?
In self-guided trips, you can choose any date to start your adventure, with no difference in price. However, if you wish to do so between December and January, it is important that you consult us beforehand, as many places are closed during those months and some services are not operational.
In organized groups, it is not possible to choose dates outside of the scheduled ones, and you must adhere to the proposed departure dates.
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What is luggage transport and how does it work?
Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival. Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase. Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you. -
What services are included in the Camino de Santiago on your own?
The Camino de Santiago at your own pace includes the following services:
- Accommodation for resting.
- Luggage transport so you do not have to carry it.
- An informative dossier with details about the stages.
- The Pilgrim Passport.
- A 24-hour assistance phone number available at all times.
- A travel insurance for your peace of mind.
Additionally, you have the option to customize your experience by adding extra services:
- You can choose whether to include breakfast or half board.
- We offer private transfers to take you to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela, from its airport, or any other point.
- We can take your vehicle from the starting point to the end of your Camino.
- You have the option to book extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip.
Unlike group trips, we do not include a guide or support vehicle between stages. However, we provide you with a 24-hour assistance phone number to resolve any issues or unforeseen events you may encounter on your journey.
Northern Way from Bilbao to Santander
From 520 €
