On the Camino del Norte between Hondarribia and Bilbao you will experience one of Spain's most beautiful coastlines up close. The terrain is hilly and sometimes quite demanding, but you can usually find easier and good alternatives on the more difficult stretches.
The route follows a string of wonderful coastal towns and cities, among which the highlights are San Sebastian with its seafront and delicious pinchos (Basque tapas) and Bilboa with its world-famous Guggenheim Museum.
In addition to the stunning coastline and idyllic fishing villages, you can add unique local cuisine to your list that will satisfy the most demanding palate.
More information on Hondarribia - Bilbao
After Bilbao the terrain is getting slightly easier - but without becoming easily. The Camino often follows the coastline and it is possible to walk long stretches along some of Spain's most beautiful beaches, with the feets in the water. Between the beaches and cliffs you'll find idyllic fishing and seaside villages which in summer are extremely popular vacation destinations.
The stages can rarely be shortened significantly, making the level hard to adjust the individual.
Service functions are generally good. In the evenings there are always restaurants on or near the hotel. The route passes every day through the cities, which has supermarkets, banks, laundry services, shops and other possibility for provisioning.
More information on Bilbao - Santander
This stretch that runs between Santander to Gijón is a clear example of the best of Northern Spain: lovely beaches, quaint fishing towns, impressive natural landscapes and culture.
The cuisine is some of the best and judging from a scenery point of view, it would be difficult to find anything more beautiful.
The terrain along the Camino del Norte is quite varied without being difficult to hike. The majority of the days it's possible to divide the stages, if one chooses. In summary, this route has everything one could desire in a vacation in the North of Spain.
In the "stages" section you will find more detailed information as well as maps of the stages profiles and photos.
Service functions are very good throughout the length of the route.
Possibility of dividing stages: Yes. See description of the stages.
More information on Santander - Gijon
In the first stages of this route from Gijon/Aviles there are some ups and downs. A couple of them include a stretch of 2-3 km. After passing this stage the challenge is the valleys with their rivers and lakes. On this stretch the wind plays an important role since it will be rather easy if you have it at your back, but much more difficult if you are facing the wind for this part of the route.
The stages are divided by difficulty; the hardest is the shortest stage and the easiest is the longest. In the section "stages you will find more detailed information about each stage, such profile maps of the stages and photos.
Service functions are good throughout the length of the route. In the towns or cities where you'll be lodging there are always restuarants and other services, such as banks, supermarkets...etc.
Possibility of dividing stages: Yes. See description of the stages.
More information on Gijón - Ribadeo
In Ribadeo you will leave the coast behind and you won't see the sea again after this point. The terrain on this stretch is easy; it's not flat, but the ascents are normally short. The stages are complicated to divide, making the route more difficult that it really is.
In the section "stages you will find more detailed information about each stage, such profile maps of the stages and photos.
Service functions are limited throughout the length of the route, something you will have to take into account before leaving each day.
In the towns or cities where you'll be lodging there are always restaurants and other services, such as banks, supermarkets...etc.
Possibility of dividing stages: Yes, some. See description of the stages.
More information on Ribadeo - Santiago de Compostela