Itinerary
- Day 1
San Sebastián
You'll arrive in San Sebastián, a coastal city that sits on the Bay of Biscay. Spend time exploring the old port area with its narrow streets and waterfront charm, or head to La Concha beach to relax by the water. The Ensanche district offers 19th-century architecture and shops if you want to wander around and get a feel for the city. Most flights come through Bilbao airport, which is about an hour away.
Optional Activities
- Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants (advance booking required)
- Swim at La Concha beach
- Explore the old port area
- Stroll through the Ensanche district
Landmarks La Concha Beach Old Port Area Ensanche District 
- Day 2
Irun/Hondarribia to San Sebastián
Your hiking starts from either Irun or the Guadalupe hermitage near Hondarribia. From there, you'll trek through the foothills of Jaizkibel mountain, with ocean views appearing as you make your way toward San Sebastián. The day wraps up with a small ferry crossing over the Oyarzun River when you reach Pasaia.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Irun or Hondarribia through Jaizkibel mountain foothills to San Sebastián
- Ferry crossing over Oyarzun River in Pasaia
Landmarks Jaizkibel Mountain Oyarzun River Pasaia Guadalupe Hermitage, Hondarribia - Day 3
San Sebastián to Zarautz
You're heading toward Zarautz today by walking through rolling green hills dotted with farms and wooded areas. The path takes you through Orio, a small town by the river known for its distinctive church. After climbing and descending through one more steep section, you'll arrive in Zarautz, a lively beach town where you can spend the evening relaxing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from San Sebastián to Zarautz via Orio
- Visit Orio riverside town
Optional Activities
- Relax at Zarautz beach
Landmarks Orio Zarautz Beach - Day 4
Zarautz to Deba
Today covers the Txacoli wine region starting with an easier 9 km section to Zumaia, taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Most people choose the more scenic but slightly tougher coastal route through Flysch GeoPark toward Deba instead of staying inland. This detour is about 1.5 km shorter and offers better views along the exposed cliffs.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike through Txacoli vineyards to Zumaia
- Coastal detour via GR-121 through Flysch GeoPark to Deba (recommended)
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Txacoli vineyards
- Seafood lunch in the region
Landmarks Txacoli Wine Region Zumaia Flysch GeoPark Deba - Day 5
Deba to Markina-Xemein
After crossing the Deba River, the route turns inland and climbs steeply into the Olatz valley through forested hills. You'll see traditional Basque farming country throughout this section. After stopping for coffee and a pintxo, you'll hike for several hours through deep forests on gravel paths before reaching Markina-Xemein, where the unusual hermitage of San Miguel de Arretxinaga sits among three large monoliths.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Deba to Markina-Xemein through Olatz valley and Bizkaia forests
- Visit hermitage of San Miguel de Arretxinaga in Markina-Xemein
Optional Activities
- Coffee and pintxo break in Olatz valley
Landmarks Deba River Olatz Valley San Miguel de Arretxinaga Hermitage Markina-Xemein - Day 6
Markina-Xemein to Gernika
You're heading deeper into Bizkaia toward Gernika, a town with deep historical meaning for the Basque people. The Tree of Gernika stands as a symbol of Basque identity, and the town's history during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 inspired Picasso's famous painting. Though the medieval old town was destroyed, Gernika remains an important cultural stop on your route.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Markina-Xemein to Gernika
- Visit the Tree of Gernika
Optional Activities
- Explore Gernika's history and cultural sites
Landmarks Tree of Gernika Gernika - Day 7
Gernika to Bilbao
On the final hiking day, you're moving toward Bilbao, Spain's largest city in this region. As you walk, the landscape gradually shifts from countryside to urban areas. If you prefer to skip an industrial section on a busy road, there's a bus option from Larrabetzu after 16.2 km that gets you to Zamudia, cutting the total to 25 km. Otherwise, the walk into the city itself is actually quite pleasant and scenic.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Gernika toward Bilbao with option to walk or take transport through urban section
Optional Activities
- Bus or cab transfer to Zamudia after Larrabetzu (recommended to avoid industrial section)
Landmarks Larrabetzu Zamudia Bilbao - Day 8
Bilbao
You can walk the flat 13 km urban section between Bilbao and Getxo along the Nervión River to see the famous Puente Vizcaya suspension bridge, then take the bus back. Alternatively, spend time at the Guggenheim Museum, walk through the old town's narrow streets, or join a pintxos tour to try local food and wine. The city's culture and food scene are worth exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Urban walk from Bilbao to Puente Vizcaya suspension bridge in Getxo along Nervión River
Optional Activities
- Visit Guggenheim Museum
- Explore the old town
- Pintxos tour through the historic center
- Walk along riverside in city center
Landmarks Nervión River Puente Vizcaya Suspension Bridge Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Bilbao Old Town Getxo - Day 9
Departure
Your Camino del Norte journey ends after breakfast. If you're interested in continuing further, the option exists to move on to the next stage of the pilgrimage route.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend journey by continuing to next stage of the Camino
