Camino Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao

One of Spain's most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian/Donostia (in Basque) has a lot to offer. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the beaches of La Concha and Ondaretta are a main attraction. In the old town, you’ll find several churches and the Baroque balcony-lined Plaza de la Constitucion. Bar hop for some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in this multi-Michelin-starred city. Option: Start in Irun or Hondaribbia - adds 1 day to the itinerary. Irun is the traditional start of the Norte, Hondaribbia is nearer the sea - a supplement applies for the extra night in a hotel with bed & breakfast and luggage transfer. There is also the option to stay in the parador at Hondaribbia - a further supplement applies. The stage Irun-San Sebastian is approx 7hrs, 27km/16.8mi, elevation gain 290m. From Hondaribbia it's approx 6km/3.75mi less. Please request at time of booking including your preference of town and accommodation.

Your first day is a beautiful and quite challenging stage. From Playa de la Concha, head towards Mount Iguelda (approx 2km uphill) and on to Orio. From here there are a couple of smaller climbs before you descend to Zarautz. Continue along the seaside promenade to the charming fishing village of Getaria, the birthplace of couturier Balenciaga. This was once a whaling town, like many others along the coast. Enjoy great views from San Anton or relax with a glass of the local sparkling wine txakolis downtown. Distance: 28km/17.5mi, highest point approx 310m

A demanding stage as you walk along the undulating coast and inland via the shrine of Santa Maria de Itziar, a mandatory stop on the Camino Norte. Descend to Deba with its beautiful beach and views of the Cantabrian coast. Distance: 18km/11.1mi, highest point approx 290m

Leave the coast today and head to the Arnoate mountains. There are continuous ascents and descents, including a steep ascent to the Alto de Arno after passing the Valle de Olatz. This stage offers typical landscapes of the Basque region - valleys, farmhouses, forests, meadows... rural life in its purest form! Walk along paths and country lanes, passing through villages on this beautiful stage to the town of Markina. Distance: 24km/15mi, highest point approx 490m

Today’s walk is initially along a country lane and across a river, before the path climbs through woodland. There are continuous gradients along the well trodden paths. After Bolibar there is an ascent to the Monastery of Zenarruza (Ziortza). Later, a sharp descent leads to a river and the town of Gernika (Guernica) in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai. Distance: 26km/16.1mi, highest point approx 360m

This stage continues away from the coast, traversing the interior of Biscay, with its mountains and valleys. It is a demanding stage to Goikolexea through forests, farmhouses, and meadows, with constant elevation changes. The most challenging ascent early today is at Mount Billikario (300m in 3km). The final section between Goikolexea and Lezama is almost flat. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, highest point approx 40m

Today’s walk is quite short but quite challenging. There is a long, progressive ascent to Mount Avril following the route of a medieval road. You will be rewarded with fabulous views of Bilbao and the valley ahead. The descent passes the Basílica de Begoña and ends in the historic centre of Bilbao. Finish your Camino Norte at the Plaza de Unamuno in the old quarter of Bilbao. Host to some of Spain’s best art exhibitions, don’t miss the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Distance: 12km/8.7mi, highest point approx 330m