This website uses its own and third-party cookies, for the proper functioning of the site and to generate usage statistics.
By continuing to browse we understand that you consent to our ookie policy

Camino De Santiago: Northen Way(Hondarribia - Santander)

Map Camino del Norte: Hondarribia - Santander

Pilgrimage Between the Sea and the Mountains from Hondarribia to Santander.

Discover a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage journey on the 'Camino del Norte', an exhilarating 265 km trek from Hondarribia (Fuenterrabia) to Santander that will leave you in awe at every step.

Although the official route of the Camino del Norte starts in Irún, we begin in Hondarribia, just 5 km away, due to its charming coastal atmosphere, natural beauty, and rich culture, making it the perfect starting point for our adventure.

The challenging terrain up to Bilbao will test you, but every step is worth it. The steep slopes give way to gentler terrains after Bilbao, easing your journey.

On your way to Santander, the Camino del Norte takes you through small and picturesque northern Spanish towns. At the same time, you'll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of San Sebastián, with its famous La Concha beach, and admire the architectural wonders of the 'Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao' before reaching Santander, your 'final destination.

Click on Request a quote (on the right column) and receive a personalized offer for your trip with no binding commitment.

 

What Spain is More Offers

✔ Daily Departures from mid-March to end-October.

Carefully selected hotels, always with a private bathroom.

✔ A personalized digital guide from Spain is More with practical information about the route and recommendations.

✔ Dividing stages: Sometimes!

 

Don't miss out...

We recommend adding an extra night at all the following sites so you have time to discover these beautiful localities.

Hondarribia: This charming coastal town in the Basque Country is known for its medieval old town and picturesque atmosphere.

San Sebastián: Famous for its La Concha beach and exquisite cuisine, San Sebastián is a must-visit destination for food and culture lovers.

Bilbao: Home of the famous Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao offers a mix of modern architecture and Basque tradition.

Santander: With its beautiful bay and beaches, Santander is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the seaside scenery.

Click here to explore the Camino del Norte

Find key insights on distances, terrain, climate, and vital tips.

It includes
  1. 13 nights in a double room - always with private bath/toilet.
  2. 13 x breakfast.
  3. Spain-is-More´s-Digital- Travel Guidebook
  4. Pilgrims passport/Credencial
  5. 24/7 emergency telephone number.
  6. Taxes.
Not included
  1. Some short local bus or taxi journeys, e.g. from airport to bus or train station in the same city.
  2. Summer: 15 July to 30 September is high season. Unlike the French route the hotels are filled with summerguests why the price increases considerably. During this time you should expect extra costs around 190 €/person.
Optional
  1. Personalise your Camino / Divide stages: Sometimes
  2. Baggage Transport:  your bag / suitcase will be transported from hotel to hotel on the scheduled days of hiking. Price 115 €/unit of max 15 kg.
  3. Extension of stay
  4. Printed guide. If you prefer the printed guide, it can be purchased for 30 euros per specimen. (You can add it when you buy the trip).
  5. Transportation to starting point from anywhere in Spain.
  6. Cancellation insurance: available in the trip confirmation process. (can be added when ordering).

Camino De Santiago: Northen Way

(Hondarribia - Santander)

From
1.150 EUR/pers.
Request Quote
Single room supplement: 350 EUR

Daily program

Hondarribia - Santander

Detailed itinerary (view all days )
Day 1.- Arrival Hondarribia

Arrival in Hondarribia which is a beautiful village in the Basque Country with two historic districts that make up the old and monumental part of the town center.
'Cisco Viejo' or Old Part corresponding to the walled old town. It is a area with many buildings of artistic and historical interest. The harbour is a charming fishermen neighbourhood, located outside the walls.  

Hondarribia is the perfect place to enjoy the local cuisine, either through pintos or in a restaurant (or both).

Day 2.- Hondarribia - San Sebastián 27 Km

You start off with a tremendously beautiful walk with a splendid view of the bay. In many regards this stage is one of the most beautiful on the route.

However, you will have to work for the beautiful view and the stage is quite hilly. But you will be perfectly rewarded with delicious pintxos in San Sebastián 's beautiful old town.

If today's stage is too long, there are opportunities to shorten it a bit, either at the beginning or at the end of the day. Consult with Spain is More or see the guide material that is sent to you before departure.

Distance: 27 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
San SebastiánHondarribia
Day 3.- San Sebastián - Zarautz 20 Km

Waking up in San Sebastian is always a pleasure. Enjoy views of San Sebastian from Mount Igeldo and its lighthouse. You will walk through woods and the vineyards of Txacoli (white wine) and pass the picturesque fishing villages.

This day ends in Zarautz, a town between sea and mountains, which is also one of the most popular seaside resorts in the Basque Country.

Distance: 20 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
ZarautzSan Sebastián
Day 4.- Zarautz - Deba 22 Km

This stage follows the coastline, forcing the pilgrims to overcome countless hills between the pretty coastal towns. You will pass, among other things, a beautiful monument from the 16th Century, as well as a wonderful geological phenomenon produced by the erosive action of the sea against the stratified rocks.

Distance: 22 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
DebaZarautz
Day 5.- Deba - Markina - Xemein 24 Km

The stage becomes quite hilly as the route goes inland and leaves the ocean for the next 3 days.

Pilgrims are faced with tough climbs, but everything has an end and the last path of the route is more favourable.

Distance: 24 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
XemeinDeba - Markina
Day 6.- Markina - Xemein - Guernika Lumo 25 Km

This day is an idyllic stage where Cistercian monks still welcome the pilgrims.

The Camino winds through dark and winding paths while small churches, towers and other medieval monuments are crossed.

The stage ends in the town of Guernica, which was immortalized by Picasso.

Distance: 25 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
Guernika LumoMarkina - Xemein
Day 7.- Guernica - Lezama 21 Km

The Camino follows much of the day an asphalt road through the vast forests.

This part of the route is in sharp contrast to the modern metropolitan cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Distance: 21 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
LezamaGuernika
Day 8.- Lezama - Bilbao 11 Km

Monte Avril is the last "hurdle" of pelgrims that you must overcome to get to Bilbao. Bilbao, known for its cuisine, culture and music, which is felt throughout the city and especially in the old quarter.

We recommend to spend an extra day in Bilbao. The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster's Underground... are all examples of the dynamism that exists in Bilbao.

However, today's stage is short and you can easily get a impression of Bilbao in the time available.

Distance: 11 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
BilbaoLezama
Day 9.- Bilbao - Portugalete 19 Km

A large part of the route goes through Bilbao's suburbs and along the major port.

You will be walking at a comfortable distance from traffic and noise, in a beautiful landscaped path, where you have a lovely view over the bay, the harbour and the city.

You will see the perforated landscape reminding everyone of the numerous mines, which until a few decades ago, was the main regional income.

Distance: 19 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
PortugaleteBilbao
Day 10.- Portugalete - Castro Urdiales 26 Km

This historic trail overlooks the idyllic villages and nice beaches before the descent to the beautiful city of Castro Urdiales.

Castro Urdiales is an old fishing village that has glorious buildings and plenty of atmosphere.

Distance: 26 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
Castro UrdialesPortugalete
Day 11.- Castro Urdiales - Laredo 25 Km

At the beginning of this stage you pass the ruins of a medieval castle. A parallel path leads through a eucalyptus forest instead of walking close to the highway. In Laredo, the beautiful buildings from 16th – 19th century can be admired.

You have two choices of routes. The official is 37 kilometres, but can easily be reduced to approx. 25 km’s. Advantages and disadvantages as well as practical advice is described in our guidebook.

Distance: 25 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
LaredoCastro Urdiales
Day 12.- Laredo - Güemes 29 Km

The stage begins with a short cruise across the bay, before the route passes some of the most beautiful beaches in the north of Spain. There are countless places where the rugged cliffs and intermediate beaches can be admired.

Distance: 29 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
GüemesLaredo
Day 13.- Güemes - Santander 12 Km

A short and comfortable walk that ends up in the town of Somo, just across the bay of Santander.

The city is reached by boat from here. Many summer hiking guests prefer to stay a few days in one of the cosy summer towns close to Santander, with stunning beaches, which is highly recommended during summer months.

Distance: 12 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
SantanderGüemes
Day 14.- Departure

Departure from Santander.

Other similar trips

See all Camino pilgrimages

What do our customers say

Read our guests' recommendations

Our blog

See more blog posts