Attention: Route not available for walking between November 1 and January 15
The Cantabrian coast is a spectacular destination for all cyclists who love coastal routes. And there is undoubtedly no better way to discover this part of Spain than to ride the Northern Way by bike from Irún.
A journey that perfectly combines rural and mountain landscapes with stunning beaches and cliffs. You will discover important cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, or Gijón and beautiful fishing villages full of contrasts. Activate your five senses and start pedaling along the exciting Northern Way.
Photos
Accommodations
- Most popular
Hostels, guesthouses, and rural houses
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
18 days / 17 nights
- 18 days / 17 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
- Electric bike rental
- Bicycle rental (Max Comfort)
- Supplement for single room
- Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
- Breakfast
- MP (Breakfast and dinner)
- Bicycle rental (Basic)
- Cancellation Insurance
Map of the Northern Way by bike from Irun

Stages
- day 1
Arrival at Irún
- day 2
Stage 1. Irún - Zarautz (47 km)
- day 3
Stage 2. Zarautz - Markina (46 km)
- day 4
Stage 3. Markina - Bilbao (57 km)
- day 5
Stage 4. Bilbao - Laredo (65 km)
- day 6
Stage 5. Laredo - Santander (35 km)
- day 7
Stage 6. Santander - Santillana del Mar (37.1 km)
Today we leave the beautiful city of Santander to go to the historic town of Santillana del Mar. After walking through the streets of Santander towards the west, we will arrive at our first landmark of the stage: Peñacastillo. The next stretch of the road to Santa Cruz de Bezana is dominated by a continuous succession of underpasses and overpasses Santa Cruz de Bezana is dominated by a continuous succession of underpasses and overpasses between the railway tracks and the motorway.
From the church of Santa Cruz de Bezana we must follow the avenue Mompía, a long promenade between residential areas.
From Mompía we will go to Arce and then to Oruña, crossing the medieval bridge over the river Pas. The section from Oruña to Mar is the official route since 2016. In the past, the route went further north, passing through Boo de Piélagos, Mogro and Cudón.
Well dear pilgrim, from Mar we are not far from the end of the stage, so lots of encouragement and strength, you can do it! We only have to cross the towns of Requejada, Barreda and Viveda, and we will have reached the end of the stage. Today we deserve a good rest.
To consider
A very long stage that can be divided in some of the hostels opened during the last years in the different towns that separate Santander from Santillana del Mar.
Places of interest
- Sanctuary of the Virgen del Monte - Miengo
- Tower of Don Beltrán de la Cueva - Santillana del Mar
- Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana - Santillana del Mar
- Houses of the Eagle and the Vine - Santillana del Mar
- Museum of Altamira - Santillana del Mar
Typical dishes
- Sorropotun or marmite of tuna fish
- Scorpion fish pie
- Maganos or squid
- Hake in green sauce
- Various fish (monkfish, sea bass, sea bream, turbot)
- Clams with seafood
- Desserts: sobaos and sponge cake of Santillana
- day 8
Stage 7. Santillana del Mar - Colombres (57 km)
- day 9
Stage 8. Colombres - Ribadesella (55 km)
- day 10
Stage 9. Ribadesella - Gijón (67 km)
- day 11
Stage 10. Gijón - Muros de Nalón (48 km)
- day 12
Stage 11. Muros de Nalón - Luarca (49 km)
- day 13
Stage 12. Luarca - Ribadeo (50 km)
- day 14
Stage 13. Ribadeo - Abadín (52 km)
- day 15
Stage 14. Abadín - Baamonde (39 km)
- day 16
Stage 15. Baamonde - Arzúa (63 km)
- day 17
Stage 16. Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela (38 km)
If you do not wish to walk the 40 kilometres of this stage, we offer a free taxi service that will pick you up in the morning from your accommodation in Arzúa to take you to the small town of Santa Irene, located just 20 kilometres from the Plaza del Obradoiro. Once you arrive at Monte do Gozo, you will discover that pleasant sensation when you first see the towers of the cathedral. A perfect panoramic view before savouring your last kilometres and making the triumphal entrance to the Plaza del Obradoiro. You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed your Camino de Santiago. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital. - day 18
End of the Camino
After arriving... End of the Camino
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do all accommodations have a lockable place to store my bike?
Yes, we make sure that all assigned accommodations have a place where you can leave your bike safe and sound. -
What services are included in the Camino de Santiago by bike?
The Camino de Santiago by bike includes the following services:
- Accommodation
- Luggage transport
- Dossier with information about the stages
- Pilgrim's credential
- On-the-road helpline
- Travel insurance
In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:
- Breakfast or half board
- Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
- Bicycle rental
Unlike the group trips, no guide or support vehicle is included between stages. However, you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.
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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! -
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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What kind of bicycles can I rent to do the Camino de Santiago?
We have high quality mountain bikes and electric bikes that you can rent during the whole Camino. Check the details here.
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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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Can I choose the dates I want?
Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available. -
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.










Reviews
Luis Carcaño
MArta López