We present a route that will take you along the northern coast of Spain to Santiago de Compostela, passing through some of the most spectacular regions of the Cantabrian coastline.
This path is distinguished by its coastal landscapes, cliffs, and charming fishing villages. Along the way, you will walk beside the Cantabrian Sea, through green hills, forests, and towns rich in Jacobean tradition.
If you enjoy tasting regional dishes, this Camino experience also allows you to discover the gastronomy of the north, rest in charming accommodations, and explore the landscapes that make the Camino de Santiago unique.
In short, a truly unforgettable adventure designed just for you!
Route
1
Llegada a San Sebastián 2
San Sebastian - Zarauzt 3
Zarauzt - Zumaia 4
Zumaia - Deba 5
Deba - Markina-Xemein 6
Markina-Xemein - Gernika 7
Gernika - Lezama 8
Lezama - Bilbao 
Welcome and rest in the beautiful city of San Sebastián.
Distance: –
Welcome to San Sebastián, one of the most elegant and vibrant cities in northern Spain. After your arrival, you’ll have time to settle into your accommodation and start enjoying the unique atmosphere of this coastal city.
This first day is designed for rest and to prepare you for the adventure ahead. Take the opportunity to stroll along the famous La Concha Beach, explore the old town, or sample some of the renowned local pintxos.
Distance: 13,73 miles – 22,1km
Begin your adventure along the Guipuzcoan coast, leaving San Sebastián behind and entering landscapes of cliffs, beaches, and green hills. You’ll walk beside the Cantabrian Sea, enjoying trails with spectacular views and passing through picturesque fishing villages.
Zarautz will welcome you with its famous beach, cozy old town, and the perfect opportunity to relax after this first stage on foot.
Between Cliffs and Flysch: Zarautz to Zumaia
Distance: 5,59 miles – 9km
On this stage, you will continue exploring the stunning Guipuzcoan coast, walking among cliffs, beaches, and green trails that offer spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover picturesque fishing villages and charming hidden spots.
Zumaia, your destination, will amaze you with its unique flysch geological formations.
A day that combines nature, culture, and the authentic experience of the Northern Camino.
From Zumaia to Deba: Following the Jacobean Tradition
Distance: 7,45 miles – 12km
On this stage, you will continue along the Northern Way, venturing into green landscapes and traditional trails of the Basque Country. Along the route, you’ll discover the history and culture of small villages that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries, walking past marked paths and monuments linked to the Jacobean tradition.
Deba, your destination, combines historic charm with the hospitality of its accommodations and the perfect opportunity to rest before continuing your pilgrimage. A day that allows you to experience the authentic Northern Camino, blending history, culture, and nature.
From Deba to Markina-Xemein: Among Trails and Jacobean Heritage
Distance: 14,91 miles – 24km
On this stage, you will leave the coast behind and follow the rural inland paths of the Basque Country, passing through forests, meadows, and villages that have been part of the Northern Camino for centuries. You’ll discover historic churches, ancient bridges, and other landmarks that tell the region’s Jacobean tradition.
Markina-Xemein will welcome you with its typical architecture, lively squares, and accommodations perfect for resting before continuing your pilgrimage.
Hacia Gernika, corazón histórico de Bizkaia
Distance: 15,78 miles – 25,4km
On this stage, you will leave the coast behind and follow the rural inland paths of the Basque Country, passing through forests, meadows, and villages that have been part of the Northern Camino for centuries. You’ll discover historic churches, ancient bridges, and other landmarks that tell the region’s Jacobean tradition.
Markina-Xemein will welcome you with its typical architecture, lively squares, and accommodations perfect for resting before continuing your pilgrimage.
From Gernika to Lezama: A Route Through History and Landscape
Distance: 12,30 miles – 19,8km
On this stage, you will leave Gernika and enter a stretch full of rural charm. Amid meadows, forests, and small villages, you’ll walk paths that have witnessed pilgrims passing through for centuries. Each stop offers glimpses of local heritage, from churches to traditional squares, connecting you with the history of the Northern Camino.
Lezama will welcome you with a peaceful atmosphere and cozy accommodations, perfect for resting and preparing for the next stage toward Bilbao. A day that blends the serenity of the landscape with the cultural richness of northern Spain.
From Lezama to Bilbao: Completing the Northern Camino
Distance: 6,83 – 11km
On this final stage of the Northern Camino, you will enter the surroundings of Bilbao, combining rural trails with urban sections that reflect the transition from the Basque landscape to the city. You’ll walk through forests and small villages as you approach the vibrant capital, witnessing how history and modernity intertwine at every corner.
Upon arriving in Bilbao, you can admire its historic old town, plazas, and monuments, concluding your pilgrimage with the satisfaction of having completed a route rich in culture, tradition, and nature.
Congratulations! You have completed the Northern Camino and experienced an unforgettable Jacobean journey.
Route
1
Llegada a San Sebastián
Welcome and rest in the beautiful city of San Sebastián.
Distance: –
Welcome to San Sebastián, one of the most elegant and vibrant cities in northern Spain. After your arrival, you’ll have time to settle into your accommodation and start enjoying the unique atmosphere of this coastal city.
This first day is designed for rest and to prepare you for the adventure ahead. Take the opportunity to stroll along the famous La Concha Beach, explore the old town, or sample some of the renowned local pintxos.
2
San Sebastian - Zarauzt
Coastal Camino from San Sebastián to Zarautz
Distance: 13,73 miles – 22,1km
Begin your adventure along the Guipuzcoan coast, leaving San Sebastián behind and entering landscapes of cliffs, beaches, and green hills. You’ll walk beside the Cantabrian Sea, enjoying trails with spectacular views and passing through picturesque fishing villages.
Zarautz will welcome you with its famous beach, cozy old town, and the perfect opportunity to relax after this first stage on foot.
3
Zarauzt - Zumaia
Between Cliffs and Flysch: Zarautz to Zumaia
Distance: 5,59 miles – 9km
On this stage, you will continue exploring the stunning Guipuzcoan coast, walking among cliffs, beaches, and green trails that offer spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover picturesque fishing villages and charming hidden spots.
Zumaia, your destination, will amaze you with its unique flysch geological formations.
A day that combines nature, culture, and the authentic experience of the Northern Camino.
4
Zumaia - Deba
From Zumaia to Deba: Following the Jacobean Tradition
Distance: 7,45 miles – 12km
On this stage, you will continue along the Northern Way, venturing into green landscapes and traditional trails of the Basque Country. Along the route, you’ll discover the history and culture of small villages that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries, walking past marked paths and monuments linked to the Jacobean tradition.
Deba, your destination, combines historic charm with the hospitality of its accommodations and the perfect opportunity to rest before continuing your pilgrimage. A day that allows you to experience the authentic Northern Camino, blending history, culture, and nature.
5
Deba - Markina-Xemein
From Deba to Markina-Xemein: Among Trails and Jacobean Heritage
Distance: 14,91 miles – 24km
On this stage, you will leave the coast behind and follow the rural inland paths of the Basque Country, passing through forests, meadows, and villages that have been part of the Northern Camino for centuries. You’ll discover historic churches, ancient bridges, and other landmarks that tell the region’s Jacobean tradition.
Markina-Xemein will welcome you with its typical architecture, lively squares, and accommodations perfect for resting before continuing your pilgrimage.
6
Markina-Xemein - Gernika
Hacia Gernika, corazón histórico de Bizkaia
Distance: 15,78 miles – 25,4km
On this stage, you will leave the coast behind and follow the rural inland paths of the Basque Country, passing through forests, meadows, and villages that have been part of the Northern Camino for centuries. You’ll discover historic churches, ancient bridges, and other landmarks that tell the region’s Jacobean tradition.
Markina-Xemein will welcome you with its typical architecture, lively squares, and accommodations perfect for resting before continuing your pilgrimage.
7
Gernika - Lezama
From Gernika to Lezama: A Route Through History and Landscape
Distance: 12,30 miles – 19,8km
On this stage, you will leave Gernika and enter a stretch full of rural charm. Amid meadows, forests, and small villages, you’ll walk paths that have witnessed pilgrims passing through for centuries. Each stop offers glimpses of local heritage, from churches to traditional squares, connecting you with the history of the Northern Camino.
Lezama will welcome you with a peaceful atmosphere and cozy accommodations, perfect for resting and preparing for the next stage toward Bilbao. A day that blends the serenity of the landscape with the cultural richness of northern Spain.
8
Lezama - Bilbao
From Lezama to Bilbao: Completing the Northern Camino
Distance: 6,83 – 11km
On this final stage of the Northern Camino, you will enter the surroundings of Bilbao, combining rural trails with urban sections that reflect the transition from the Basque landscape to the city. You’ll walk through forests and small villages as you approach the vibrant capital, witnessing how history and modernity intertwine at every corner.
Upon arriving in Bilbao, you can admire its historic old town, plazas, and monuments, concluding your pilgrimage with the satisfaction of having completed a route rich in culture, tradition, and nature.
Congratulations! You have completed the Northern Camino and experienced an unforgettable Jacobean journey.
¿Qué incluye tu Camino?
Incluido
- Private accommodation with en-suite bathroom (depending on chosen category)
- Daily breakfast
- Basic insurance
- 24/7 emergency phone assistance
- Detailed Camino guide with stages, maps, and tips
- Daily WhatsApp check-in and support
- Camino People welcome pack
- Personalized recommendations for meals, dinners, and local visits
- Luggage transfer between stages
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks and extra snacks
- Flights or travel to the starting/ending point (optional transfer available)
- Personal expenses
- Cancellation or comprehensive travel insurance (optional)
- Entrance fees to monuments or museums not included in the itinerary
- Tips
Extras (Available upon request)
- Guided Camino (full-time or selected stages)
- Fully organized trip with exclusive activities
- Gourmet dinners or unique gastronomic experiences
- Private cultural visits or entrance tickets with guide
- Transportation to/from airport or other off-route locations
- Extra nights before or after the Camino
- Massage, physiotherapy, or yoga services
- Cancellation or extended travel insurance
FAQ
What is the difficulty level of the Northern Camino?
The Northern Camino is of medium-high difficulty due to sections with elevation changes and coastal trails. However, it is very manageable if planned with appropriate stages and rest breaks, and it offers spectacular landscapes that make the effort worthwhile.
What is the best time to walk it?
Spring and summer are ideal, with mild weather and long days for walking. Autumn is also a good option, with fewer tourists and colorful landscapes, although there may be more rain.
Can it be done alone or in a group?
The Northern Camino can be walked either alone or in a group. Many people enjoy the freedom of going at their own pace, while others prefer to share the experience and camaraderie with fellow travelers.
What should I pack in my backpack?
It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, suitable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, sun protection, and basic personal items. The key is to carry a light backpack for comfortable walking.
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