Map of the Route

Stages of Northern Way from San Sebastian to Bilbao

Day 1. Arrival in San Sebastian

San Sebastian, also known as Donostia, is a city full of history and cultural heritage that is part of a Eurocity together with the French city of Bayonne. The jewel of the city is undoubtedly its beach, the Playa de la Concha, the undisputed protagonist along with its promenade, which has inspired even the awards presented at the most important event in the city: the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Also noteworthy within its heritage is the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, neo-Gothic style inspired by German buildings dating from the nineteenth century, as well as the Miramar Palace and its gardens and Mount Urgull. Of course, nothing you can’t enjoy with a leisurely stroll to get you started. So leave your backpack behind and set off to discover all that San Sebastian has in store for you.

Day 2. Stage San Sebastian - Zarautz (22.2 km)

You will wake up in San Sebastian from where you will start the hike to Zarautz. On leaving the city, the stage will give us wonderful views of Mount Igeldo. The stage is similar to the previous one with a route mainly along a track and through wooded areas that will take us to Zarautz.

This town is also known as the “queen of beaches” with one of the most beautiful beaches along the Cantabrian coast. We recommend relaxing on the promenade and take the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of the place.

Day 3. Stage Zarautz - Deba (21.8 km)

You are facing a relatively short stage but of medium difficulty due to the constant ups and downs characteristic of this mountain route. The path runs along the slopes of Mount Igeldo and offers magnificent views of coastal towns such as Guetaria and Zumaia.

The stage ends in the coastal town of Deba, whose main tourist attractions are the beaches of Santiago and Lapari, its coves and its promenade.

Day 4. Stage Deba - Markina (24 km)

During this stage you will not find many population centers where to rest or stock up, for this reason we recommend to carry in your backpack everything you need to face the stage. The landscape is characterised by large wooded areas alternating with typical farmhouses such as the Kostolamendi farmhouse, which is located at the highest point of the stage.

Once in Markina you can enjoy a day of tranquility in an incomparable natural environment.

Day 5. Stage Markina - Gernika (24.6 km)

The route of this stage runs through forest areas and old medieval roads that will take you to your destination, passing through historic villages such as Bolibar. The final point is Gernika, a town known for the tragic events that occurred there during the Spanish Civil War that were captured and made known worldwide thanks to the work of the artist Pablo Picasso.

Most of the historical sights were destroyed during the German bombing which makes Guernica a modern town to rest and prepare for the next stage.

Day 6. Stage Gernika - Lezama (20.8 km)

Today’s journey takes you through wonderful rural areas where the colour green is the protagonist. The route crosses the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that stands out for its great ecological and scenic wealth that will lead us to Lezama.

Lezama, formerly known as Santa María de Lezama, is a small town whose main attractions include the sports facilities of one of the most important clubs in Spanish football, Athletic Bilbao. Go Athletic!

Day 7. Stage Lezama - Bilbao (19.2 km)

This stage will be easy compared to the difficulty of the previous ones; although you will still have to make a last effort with the ascent of Mount Avril before arriving in Bilbao. The last kilometers of the route will be through industrial areas typical of the outskirts of large cities.

You will end your stage in Bilbao, a modern city next to the estuary whose main attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most visited museums in our country.

Day 8. End of the trip

And so much for the first part of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao! We hope you enjoyed the experience. And if you are still hungry for more, we recommend you to continue the next 5 stages to Santander.

After leaving the lodge, end of our services.

Accommodation prices

Types of accommodation

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao

Habitación de la Hosteria Villa de Castro

Habitación doble de Le Petit Boutique Hotel

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao

Due to the fact that some towns along this route have little variety of accommodation, we have selected the best establishments available for you to have an incredible experience on your Camino de Santiago. You will combine the rest in small and cosy pensions with rural houses and lodgings of superior category, always looking for the best quality and location.

Details ofNorthern Way from San Sebastian to Bilbao

Services included

8 days / 7 nights accommodation

Luggage transfer during the stages

Complete documentation

Pilgrim’s Credential

Travel insurance

On-the-road emergency telephone assistance

Optional Services

Service	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao
Breakfast	Consult
MP (Breakfast and dinner)	Consult
Supplement for single room	Consult
Extra night	Consult

	Breakfast
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao	Consult


	MP (Breakfast and dinner)
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao	Consult


	Supplement for single room
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao	Consult


	Extra night
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from San Sebastián to Bilbao	Consult