Spain - Camino del Norte to Santiago de Compostela - From Irun to Bilbao

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Self-guided walking on the Camino del Norte from Irun to Bilbao

Self-guided long distance walk on the Northern Camino.

The Camino del Norte or Northern Way is the wildest route, along coastal paths, to reach Santiago de Compostela , crossing Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia. The natural landscape is breathtaking and the cultural wealth is abundant.

The whole route consists in 37 walking stages which can be split into shorter sections. This 8 day section crosses the Basque Country, starts in Irun just from the French border and arrives in Bilbao. Around 160 km along the coast and in the countryside. This is the most beautiful area of the Camino del Norte.

Day 1

Arrive in IRUN

Day 2

IRUN to SAN SEBASTIAN - 24 km stage – 6h00 walking
The route follows the Jaizquibel mountain which is the oceanic start of the Pyrenean range. Take the boat across the Ria Pasajes and continue to the elegant city of San Sebastian.

Day 3

SAN SEBASTIAN to ZARAUTZ -27 km stage – 6h45 walking
This stage is crossing busy fishing ports and high cliffs diving in the Ocean. From the old narrow streets of Orio to the sandy beach of Zarautz and finally reaching the colorful port of Getaria.

Day 4

ZARAUTZ to DEBA - 20 km stage – 5h00 walking
The first part of the stage between vineyards and meadows, quickly changes into peaceful hamlets before arriving to Zumaia port and its impressive gothic church.

Day 5

DEBA to MARKINA XEMEIN - 23 km stage – 5h45 walking
A rural stage in the wooded countryside of basque Country further away from the coast, and far from the bustle of the cities. A travel through middle age with farms dating back several hundred years in the Olatz Valley Arrive at Markina Xemein

Day 6

MARKINA XEMEIN to GERNIKA-25 km stage – 6h15 walking
A marvellous hilly bucolic stage combined with remarkable monuments like the fortified Church of Saint Tomas de Bolibar, the Cenarruza Ziortza Colegiala or la Ermita de Santiago With the final historical stage of Gernika, craddle of the basque identity and infamous for the Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe airial bombing in 1937 immortalized by Picasso’s painting.

Day 7

GERNIKA to LEZAMA - 25 km stage– 6h15 walking - Night in Bilbao
After walking along the busy road getting out of Gernika you will reach a forest road up to the Gerekiz Pass.
Transfer from Lezama to Bilbao.

Day 8

BILBAO -
End of the tour after breakfast.
The Biscayan Capital of Bilbao. The Casco Viejo is worth the visit with the Cathedral Door dedicated to Santiago. The amazing Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art is also a place to discover.