Camino del Norte: Basque Country Coastal Walk
Walk the Basque Coast from San Sebastián to Bilbao
Overview
Discover the northernmost stretch of the Camino de Santiago with this seven-day guided walking tour through the Basque Country. Starting in San Sebastián and ending in Bilbao, this route blends quiet coastal paths, inland forest trails, and charming villages steeped in history and gastronomy. Designed for active travelers seeking comfort, culture, and connection, the journey includes hand-picked boutique hotels, locally inspired meals with wine, and full support throughout. Whether it’s your first Camino or your fifth, this unique stretch along Spain’s Atlantic edge offers a deeply rewarding experience — slow, scenic, and unforgettable.
Map of the Basque Country
Daily itinerary
Day 1: meet your guides at your hotel in San Sebastián.
Day 2: Pasajes – San Sebastián
Day 3: San Sebastián – Orio
Day 4: Orio – Zumaia
Day 5: Zumaia – Deba
Day 6: Markina – Zerranuza
Day 7: Zerranuza – Gernika
Day 8: Gernika to Punta Galea
Highlights
Exclusive Journey, Lasting Memories: The standout highlight of this trip is the exclusive private experience we offer. Whether you’re a group of 4 or 8, you’ll have the dedicated attention of two driver guides just for you—no additional guests will join the tour. This ensures a top-tier, personalized experience throughout your journey.
Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum: Bilbao, a city that blends modernity with tradition. The Guggenheim Museum, with its iconic architecture, is one of the major attractions. Here, contemporary art meets the region’s rich cultural and industrial heritage.
Hondarribia and the Start of the Camino: Our adventure begins in the charming coastal town of Hondarribia, known for its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and imposing medieval walls. Here, we pick up our credentials at the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption and Manzano, marking the start of our Camino through the Basque Country.
San Sebastián and La Concha Beach: The route takes us to the elegant city of San Sebastián, where the famous La Concha Beach awaits with its stunning golden arc of sand. This is the perfect spot to indulge in pintxos at local bars, experiencing the richness of Basque gastronomy.
Zumaia and the Flysch Cliffs: Zumaia dazzles us with the Flysch cliffs, unique geological formations that reveal millions of years of history. This breathtaking landscape is a highlight of the Camino, offering spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Urola Valley and the Sanctuary of Loyola: The green and fertile Urola Valley leads us to the majestic Sanctuary of Loyola. This site, of great spiritual significance, is the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, offering a unique experience of peace and reflection.
Vizcaya Bridge: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vizcaya Bridge is an engineering marvel connecting both sides of the Nervión River. This iconic bridge offers impressive views and is a symbol of the Basque Country’s industrial heritage.
Medieval Villages of the Basque Country: Along the Camino, we pass through picturesque medieval villages such as Getaria and Hondarribia, where cobblestone streets, stone houses, and small fishing ports transport us back in time. Here, Basque hospitality and local cuisine offer an authentic experience.
Basque Gastronomy in Traditional Restaurants: Throughout the journey, we enjoy stops at traditional Basque restaurants, where typical dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína and txangurro are served, accompanied by local wines and cider for an authentic culinary experience.
What´s included?,
Included:
All nights accommodation in high-end hotels
- All breakfasts, all lunches and 7 dinners, including wine.
- Water and snacks along the way.
- All baggage transport and vehicle support.
- Book of the Basque Country
Not included:
Pre or post travel to the start of the trip.
- Extra drinks (spirits, shots…).
- Massages
- Guides gratuities (150 euros per guide per person is suggested)
FAQ'S
What type of trips does 1501 Adventures organize?
1501 Adventures organizes hiking and adventure trips in natural destinations, combining walking routes, local culture, gastronomy, and authentic experiences in small groups.
Are 1501 Adventures trips suitable for beginners?
No technical hiking experience is required, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Each trip specifies its difficulty level, and routes are adapted to the group’s pace whenever possible.
What is the group size on 1501 Adventures trips?
1501 Adventures travels in small groups. Our magic number is 7 people, allowing for a close, flexible, and personalized experience.
We can also host groups of up to 14 people when traveling with a private or pre-formed group, always maintaining the same quality and attention.
What are the accommodations like during the trip?
Accommodations are carefully selected, high-quality hotels, chosen not only for comfort and services but also for their unique locations and character.
You may stay in former foundries, vineyards, seaside hotels, or centrally located hotels in some of the most iconic towns and cities along our routes.
This is one of our strongest points — we truly value rest and recovery after each day of walking.
Do I have to carry my luggage during the hikes?
On most trips, your main luggage is transported between accommodations. During the hikes, you only need to carry a daypack with essentials such as a water bottle or an extra layer.
What equipment do I need for the hiking trips?
We recommend bringing well-worn hiking shoes or boots, comfortable clothing, a rain jacket, a daypack, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. No technical equipment is required.
What happens if the weather is bad during the trip?
If weather conditions are not safe, our guides will adapt the routes or activities to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group.
Is it safe to travel with 1501 Adventures?
Yes. Safety is a top priority for us. Our guides know the destinations well and have extensive experience managing hiking groups.
As a registered travel agency and active tourism company, we hold all required licenses and insurance, and safety is a key pillar of our philosophy.
Can I travel solo?
Absolutely. Many people travel solo with 1501 Adventures and especially value the group atmosphere and shared experience.
Trip details:
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Starting point: San Sebastián
- Ending point: Bilbao
- Walking distance: 60 - 70 miles
- Group size: 4-8 people
- Support vehicle and 2 guides