About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
From Bilbao to Portugalete
This section of the Camino del Norte runs west along the northern coast from the Basque city of Bilbao to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. You can walk or cycle it. Bilbao is known for its lively old town, the Guggenheim Museum and its pintxos, so it's worth trying some before you set off. Some days are long, up to 29km, and there are several climbs along the way.
After your night in Bilbao, the trail crosses a suspension bridge and follows the banks of the Cadagua River. You cross the 'Devils' Bridge' and reach the Hermitage of Santa Águeda. Then comes a steep climb to Barakaldo, followed by a path along the Galindo River into Portugalete.
Along the coast to Laredo
From Portugalete the Camino follows a rocky coastline. At La Arena you cross a beach of fine red sand, and short, steep climbs take you on to Castro Urdiales, where modern and medieval buildings sit side by side. You enter the town past the bullring and the beach.
The next stage follows the cliffs above the Cantabrian Sea. It passes a medieval castle and lighthouse, the Chapel of Santa Isabel and the Church of La Magdalena on the way to Liendo. From there you choose between two routes to Laredo. One crosses the valley past the Church of Nuestra Señora de Liendo in Hazas. The other climbs to the Chapel of San Julián. Laredo is known for its beaches, its lively atmosphere and its medieval quarter, the Puebla Vieja.
Noja and the crossing to Santander
The walk from Laredo is mainly flat. You can take the ferry to Santoña and follow the coastal path to Noja (14km). Alternatively, the inland route (23km) is a little harder and runs through Colindres, Escalante and Barrio de Castillo, with views of the mountains and the coast. The ferry is not part of the package, and you book it yourself. It runs seasonally from March, so check the timetable and any seasonal disruption before you leave Laredo, because they may decide which route you take.
From Noja you continue to San Miguel de Meruelo, passing the Romanesque church of Santa María in Bareyo. Between Galizano and Somo you can take the direct road, which is 2km shorter, or the longer coastal path, which has better views. From Somo, a traditional boat called the 'Pedreñera' crosses the bay to Santander and saves about 3.5km. This crossing isn't included either. Santander has plenty of beaches, parks, architecture and good food.
Where you stay and getting there
The standard hotels and guesthouses are up to 3-star, in town centres and close to the trail, and every room is en-suite. On the rare nights when your accommodation is a few kilometres from the route, transport to and from it is arranged for you. Family packages use places with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. There is also a Superior Collection of 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, country homes and Parador hotels, where available. In some places only standard hotels can be offered.
A shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes between Bilbao Airport and Bilbao bus station (Termibus). In Santander, a bus runs every 30 minutes between the bus station and the airport. Private transfers can be arranged on request.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
