Camino del Norte walking from Bilbao to Santander

As you arrive in the modern and vibrant city of Bilbao you can sample the renowned Basque cuisine. If you arrive early (or it's your second day in town), it's worth visiting the Guggenheim Museum, do a pintxos tour through the historical centre or follow the Camino along the banks of the river Nervión*. 

*Since tomorrow's hike on the Camino starts in Portugalete, you might want to book an extra night in Bilbao in order to do this first urban section of the Camino between Bilbao and Portugalete along the river bank of the Nervion to the famous hanging bridge Puente Vizcaya in Getxo and take the bus back into town. This hike is 13 km / 8 mi and totally flat.

After a transfer from Bilbao to Portugalete or San Fuentes you will start walking. A long cycle path leads us to the beach of La Arena, where we can have coffee or lunch before crossing the footbridge into Cantabria. Then we start a section along the spectacular coastline of the Bay of Biscay, on top off rugged cliffs and stunning ocean panoramas, all the way to Castro Urdiales, a town with a beautiful harbor and a rich history. Take some time to explore its historic streets and taste the local seafood. 

Challenge: 19 OR 25km / 12-15.5 mi , ascent/descent 350m OR 535 m.

Again you'll start the day with a short transfer to either Cérdigo OR Rioseco de Guriezo to avoid some boring sections but then another interesting stage awaits, with beautiful sceneries, several beaches, cliffs, and stretches through forest alternating with green inland valleys; continously going up and down, but with moderate gradients. Laredo, your destination for the day, is known for its golden sandy beaches. Although the place suffered from an urbanistic boom mid 19th century it's still a great place to relax and recharge. 

Challenge: 17 OR 26.4km / 10.5 OR 16.4 mi, ascent/descent 460m OR 735 m.

Today the Camino del Norte winds through lush countryside and charming villages, crossing two long beaches at the start: Salvé (in Laredo) and Berria (after Santoña). From the Puntal de Laredo to sardine-capital Santoña you will have to cath a tiny ferry. After Noja you will then turn inland to finish the day in Güemes, which offers a peaceful respite with its green and quiet landscapes. Although the stage is long, there are less steep ascents.

Challenge: 27km / 17 mi, ascent 385m, descent 340m.

A pleasant and easy route today with hardly any ascents, allowing for an afternoon at the beach of Somo or a visit of the city of Santander, capital of Cantabria. The total distance depends on where you take the passengers boat (in Somo or Pedreña) and if you do a detour in the morning via the Chapel of Saint Julian, a small sanctuary of intimate testimonies of pilgrims dedicated to the priest of Güemes. The ferry boat leaves you right in the centre of the city and very close to the art museum Centro Botín. Santander offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a perfect ending point for your pilgrimage. 

Challenge: min-max 14-21.5 km / 7-13mi, ascent 200m-250m, descent 160-210m.

After breakfast your journey comes to an end.