Discover the beauty of the Cantabrian Sea and the cultural richness of northern Spain with Mundiplus.
Begin your pilgrimage in Bilbao, a city of art and gastronomy, and let yourself be amazed by its urban atmosphere and the iconic Guggenheim. Continue along coastal ways where the murmur of the Cantabrian Sea and the landscape of cliffs accompany you, passing through historic towns like Castro Urdiales and Laredo, known for their maritime heritage.
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This itinerary can be completed in 7 stages plus the arrival and farewell.
You will arrive in Bilbao, the city that marks the beginning of your journey along the Way of the North. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to marvel at its unmistakable blend of modernity and tradition. Stroll through the Old Town, admire the architecture of historic buildings, and let yourself be captivated by the atmosphere that fills every corner.
Be sure to visit the Guggenheim Museum, a symbol of the city’s urban and cultural renewal. During this first day, we recommend enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants where Basque cuisine is expressed through unique and flavorful dishes.
After a free afternoon, you will be assigned comfortable accommodation, ideal for resting and recharging your energy for the beginning of your pilgrimage.
Starting from Bilbao, this stretch immerses you in the transition from an urban environment to a riverside landscape. The way follows the course of the Nervión River, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the riverbanks and observe how modernity and industrial tradition intertwine.
Along the way, you will find small viewpoints offering privileged vistas, as well as architectural details that tell the story of the Basque Country. As you advance, the iconic Vizcaya Hanging Bridge gradually comes into view, a reminder of 19th-century engineering and a World Heritage Site.
The mostly flat way allows for a relaxed pace, ideal for acclimatizing to the Way experience. Upon reaching Portugalete, you will be welcomed by the local hospitality and will stay in accommodation that will prepare you for the next stage, full of new discoveries.
In this stretch, the way opens up to the immensity of the Cantabrian coastline, combining the strength of the sea with landscapes of land and sky. Leaving Portugalete, the way leads into coastal trails that unfold alongside beaches and cliffs, where the constant murmur of the waves and the sea breeze accompany each step.
The terrain, with gentle ascents and descents, moderately challenges your energy as you cross farmland and small population centers. As you approach Castro Urdiales, the silhouette of its castle and the majestic Gothic church announce your arrival at a site rich in fishing history and tradition.
Today’s stage immerses you in a journey that combines historical heritage with coastal landscapes of great beauty. Departing from Castro Urdiales, the way opens up to trails that follow sections along the sea and rural paths, allowing you to admire fine sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and small settlements. The moderately demanding route includes ascents that invite you to pause and take in the surroundings, and descents that ease your progress.
Upon reaching Laredo, famous for its extensive beach and its charming old town, you will feel the influence of a seafaring tradition that is present in every corner. This stage, full of contrasts and emotions, offers you moments of pause and reflection.
This stage leads you into a more serene and rural atmosphere, inviting you to discover the heart of the Cantabrian landscape. The way unfolds along paths surrounded by wide fields, small forests, and villages that preserve the authentic flavor of local tradition.
The mostly flat way encourages a slow, contemplative pace, where every detail of the surroundings becomes the protagonist. Along the way, rural life reveals itself in simple forms: stone houses, vegetable gardens, and the hospitality of its people.
Arrival in Güemes marks the end of a day that celebrates the tranquility and beauty of the countryside. It offers you a well-deserved rest in cozy accommodation, perfect for recharging your energy for the final stage of the Way.
The final stage leads you to Santander, marking a smooth transition from countryside to city. The flat way allows you to enjoy a relaxed walk through landscapes of green meadows and small inhabited settlements. With every step, the environment gradually transforms, and the presence of the Cantabrian Sea becomes more and more evident, announcing the imminent arrival at the urban coast.
Santander, with its iconic promenades, wide plazas, and a bay that shines under the sun, symbolizes the culmination of this stage. Upon arrival, comfortable accommodation awaits you, offering a place to rest and reflect on the experience lived.
The last day of our journey begins with a breakfast in Santander, celebrating the end of an experience full of discoveries and emotions. On this final day, you will enjoy a gastronomic offering that blends traditional flavors with contemporary touches, reminding you of the cultural diversity of the North.
Once our services are concluded, you can take the opportunity to explore its streets, admire iconic monuments, or simply relax by the coast.
On each stage of the journey, we make your rest our priority.
To achieve this, we have carefully selected establishments that combine comfort and exclusivity, offering private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and all the essential services for a relaxed stay. We move away from the hostel option to offer you an intimate and serene environment, where privacy and quality are essential.
Since availability may fluctuate depending on the season, we will inform you of the name and specific details of each accommodation once your reservation is confirmed and the dates are verified. Our commitment is to ensure that you focus on enjoying the Camino while we take care of providing you with a unique and seamless experience every night of your pilgrimage.
This stretch offers a variety of attractions that enrich the pilgrim’s experience.
The ideal times to walk this stretch are spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October). During these months, temperatures are moderate and there are fewer pilgrims, resulting in a more comfortable and less crowded experience.
Although summer offers longer days, the heat and the higher number of visitors can affect the pace of the way. In contrast, during winter, some services may be limited due to weather conditions.
The way offers an immersion into Basque and Cantabrian culture.
Aware of the diverse needs of pilgrims, we have designed alternatives in the itinerary for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. For example, in the stretch between Laredo and Güemes, it is possible to divide the stage into shorter sections or even combine segments, allowing for additional rest breaks.
These options ensure that both those seeking a greater challenge and those needing a slower pace can fully enjoy the experience without pressure, adapting to their physical condition and personal preferences.
This stretch has deep roots in the medieval tradition of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Historically, the way was used by pilgrims who preferred the Cantabrian coastline, giving it a distinct and more intimate character compared to the French Way.
Over the centuries, improvements in infrastructure and services have been incorporated, without losing the essence of a way shaped by maritime heritage and local traditions. The evolution of this way reflects the effort to preserve its historical richness while adapting to the needs of the modern pilgrim.
The rugged geography and changing climate of the Cantabrian coast offer a unique experience. The ways are often bordered by cliffs and lush forests, adding an element of physical and visual challenge.
The sea breeze and the constant presence of the ocean create an inspiring atmosphere, although the variable weather demands preparation and adaptability from pilgrims. This interaction between nature and climate transforms each stage into an authentic experience, where the environment itself becomes a protagonist of the journey.
Aware of the environmental and cultural value of the way, various local initiatives and tourism organizations have promoted conservation practices. These measures include discreet and respectful signage, maintenance programs, and the promotion of responsible tourism involving local communities.
These actions aim to balance the flow of pilgrims with the preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage, ensuring that the way remains intact for future generations.
This video will give you a more detailed and visual look at what to expect on your adventure. Don’t miss it!
