Northern Way from Irún to Santander: 12 stages
Information about the trip: Northern Way from Irún to Santander: 12 stages
This ancient route began receiving pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela from the former Kingdom of Asturias in the 9th century. Many of them arrived by sea from France, England, Flandes, and Scandinavian countries. As the Reconquista advanced, the French Way gained prominence over other routes, like this one, which saw less traffic.
In recent decades, the Northern Way has experienced a resurgence and is now one of the favorite options due to the beauty of its surroundings and the prominent role of the Cantabrian Sea. Also known as the Coastal Way, this route starts in Irún, crosses the Basque Country, and continues to Cantabria.
Some sections run along the coastline, offering stunning views of beaches and cliffs. Others take you inland, combining mountains, valleys, and forests. The itinerary always stays close to towns, small cities, and villages, providing the necessary services for the journey.
Travel itinerary (Summary)
- DAY 1: Arrival to Hondarribia
- DAY 2: Stage 1, Hondarribia/ Irún, San Sebastián 28,4 km 3/5
- DAY 3: Stage 2, San Sebastián, Zarautz 22,1 km 3/5
- DAY 4: Stage 3, Zarautz, Deba 21 km 3/5
- DAY 5: Stage 4, Deba, Markina 24 km 4/5
- DAY 6: Stage 5, Markina, Gernika 25,4 km 3/5
- DAY 7: Stage 6, Gernika, Lezama 19,8 km 3/5
- DAY 8: Stage 7, Lezama, Bilbao 11 km 2/5
- DAY 9: Stage 8, Bilbao - Portugalete 19,2 km 2/5
- DAY 10: Stage 9, Portugalete, Castro Urdiales 25,4 km 3/5
- DAY 11: Stage 10, Castro Urdiales, Laredo 25,7 km 3/5
- DAY 12: Stage 11, Laredo, Guemes 28,7 km 3/5
- DAY 13: Stage 12, Guemes, Santander 15,3 km 1/5
- DAY 14: Return
Travel itinerary (Detailed)
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1
Arrival in Hondarribia
265 km/ 164 mi separate the start of this itinerary from Santander, the final destination.
Fill in your Pilgrim’s Credential and get ready to begin your journey. Don’t forget to explore this wonderful fishing village and stroll along its beautiful promenade. -
2
Stage 1, from Hondarribia/Irun to San Sebastián
Distance : 28,4 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. An exciting start to the Norther Way with a magnificent stage that can be divided into two parts: the long journey across Mount Jaizkibel to Pasajes de San Juan, and the crossing of Mount Ulia, ending in San Sebastián.
Today’s cultural interest is focused on San Sebastián, a cosmopolitan city with numerous attractions: La Concha Beach, the Ensanche, and the Old Town. -
3
Stage 2, from San Sebastián to Zarautz
Distance : 22,1 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. We’ll begin the route by leaving San Sebastián and walking along the Vizacaya's coast, enjoying its green meadows and mountains.
Along the way, we will see the Romanesque Church of San Martín de Tours before crossing beautiful villages along the coast.
The day ends in Zarautz, where we recommend trying txakoli, a typical drink from this region. -
4
Stage 3, from Zarautz to Deba
Distance : 21 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. After Zarautz, the Way moves into greener terrain, passing the Church of Santa María La Real and the village of Elcano.
We will also pass through Getaria, where you can admire its beautiful port or head inland directly to Deba.
The day’s route concludes in the charming town of Deba. -
5
Stage 4, from Deba to Markina
Distance : 24 km Difficulty : 4/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Today, the trail leaves the coastal area and heads inland.
After crossing a river, the path leads into a lush area before reaching the Chapel of El Calvario.
We’ll walk parallel to the regional road (GR-121) through several villages before reaching today’s destination: Markina. -
6
Stage 5, from Markina to Gernika
Distance : 25,4 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Leaving Markina, we’ll pass through rural areas, crossing the river at Bolivar before reaching the medieval monastery in Zenarruza. From here, we’ll climb to the summit of Gontzegarai.
Later, we’ll pass by the Hermitage of Santiago, where a moderate descent leads to a small river and the historic town of Gernika, famous for Picasso’s masterpiece. -
7
Stage 6, from Gernika to Lezama
Distance : 19,8 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. After leaving Gernika, we’ll pass the Hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo before ascending towards the road (PR-173). From here, a cobbled path continues uphill to the village of Morga, where the descent begins through the villages of Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu.
Later, we’ll cross a forest before reaching today’s destination: Lezama. -
8
Stage 7, from Lezama to Bilbao
Distance : 11 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. The trail leads us through the village of Zamudio, with its charismatic Romanesque Church of San Martín and the Malpica Tower.
From here, there’s a gradual ascent to the top of Mount Avril, where your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bilbao. Upon entering the outskirts of Bilbao, we recommend visiting the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Begoña.
The journey ends in Unamuno Square, in Bilbao’s Old Town. -
9
Stage 8, from Bilbao to Portugalete
Distance : 19,2 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Today, we’ll cross the great Bilbao, a metropolis with nearly one million of habitants. This is the most urban stage of the Camino del Norte.
We can take a shorter and easier route to reach Portugalete along the right bank of the Nervión estuary, saving 7 km and avoiding some steep slopes. This alternative is not signposted, as it is not an official variant. -
10
Stage 9, from Portugalete to Castro Urdiales
Distance : 25,4 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. From Portugalete, the Way continues along the beautiful rocky coast.
In the village of La Arena, we’ll pass by the stunning red fine-sand beach. Today’s route includes a few short, steep climbs along the way to Castro Urdiales.
Castro Urdiales offers a good mix of modern and medieval architecture. Upon entering the town, we’ll pass near the bullring and can admire the beach. -
11
Stage 10, from Castro Urdiales to Laredo
Distance : 25,7 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. The Camino takes us along the impressive coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle.
We’ll also visit the Chapel of Santa Isabel and the Church of Magdalena on the way to Liendo. Here, we’ll have two route options for the rest of the stage to Laredo:
Take the valley route, passing by the Church of Our Lady of Liendo in Hazas. Or opt for the alternative route, climbing to the Hermitage of San Julián on the way to Laredo.
Laredo is famous for its magnificent beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja). It’s a popular tourist destination, especially in July and August, when many Basque residents make this town their second home. -
12
Stage 11, from Laredo to Güemes
Distance : 28,7 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. In winter, the boat service between El Puntal de Laredo and Santoña does not operate, so the inland route through Colindres, which is well signposted, is the only option.
In other seasons, this inland variant is less popular. The stage passes two long beaches, Berria and Noja, before heading inland and ending at one of the most iconic hostels on the Northern Way: Güemes. -
13
Stage 12, from Güemes to Santander
Distance : 15,3 km Difficulty : 1/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. A short, flat stage. In Somo, we’ll take a boat to cross the bay of Santander.
For a more enjoyable route, we recommend the coastal variant, which follows the cliffs and offers stunning landscapes. This route is only 3.6 km longer than the official path.
The stage ends in the capital of Cantabria, a city well worth a relaxed visit.
Santander is an elegant destination and a fantastic place to unwind for a couple of days after your journey: beaches, parks, nature, architecture, and cuisine. What more could you ask for? -
14
Return
After breakfast, departure.
Included
- 13 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel: 1 bag max. 20kg per person.
- Travel insurance.
- Credencial (Pilgrim's passport)
- Maps and tracks of the stages.
- Telephone assistance (English-speaking)
- Lunches.
- Flights or trains.
- Single room supplement: € 590
- Dinner supplement: ask us
- Tourist taxes.
Not included
Accommodations
All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.Conditions
Price per person based on double room.
Daily departures form April to October.
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