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
San Sebastián to Bilbao on the Camino del Norte
San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is where this week on the Camino del Norte begins. The city is known for its food and has 16 Michelin stars. Before you set off, there's time to walk along the Playa de la Concha and perhaps book one of those restaurants. From here the route heads west for 127km through coastal and country scenery in the Basque Country. Along the way you'll eat local food, including pintxos, and pass through places with a strong pull of art and history. The trail ends in Bilbao.
This section is moderately to highly challenging and needs a good level of fitness. It may feel demanding if you're new to walking long distances. The best months are May to July, when the weather is pleasant. Spring and autumn can be fairly cool. You can walk the route or cycle it.
From the coast into the hills
The first stage leaves San Sebastián and the Bay of Biscay behind and follows the coast through pastures and gentle hills. You pass the Church of San Martín de Tours and several coastal villages before reaching the seaside town of Zarautz, where the local Txakolí wine is worth trying. Next, a rural road takes you inland to the harbour at Getaria. The path then crosses farmland, passes the harbour town of Zumaia and finishes in the seaside village of Deba.
After Deba the trail leaves the coast for the last time before Bilbao and heads for the mountains. It crosses a river, then climbs steeply through thick vegetation to the chapel of El Calvario. From there a narrow footpath, the GR-121, runs through villages to Markina. The next day you follow a country lane, cross the river at Bolibar and climb to the medieval monastery at Zenarruza. More climbing through woodland brings you to the top of Gontzegarai and the hamlet of Gerrikaitz. You pass the Hermitage of Santiago, then a sharp descent leads to Gernika, the town made famous by Picasso's painting.
Gernika to Bilbao
Leaving Gernika, you pass the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo and climb on a cobbled path to the village of Morga. A sharp descent through Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu and a stretch of woodland bring you to Lezama. On the final day you cross farmland to Zamudio, the church of San Martin and the Tower of Malpica. Then comes a gradual climb up Mount Avril, with views over Bilbao and the valley below. In the suburbs, the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña is worth a stop. The walk ends in the Plaza de Unamuno in Bilbao's old quarter. The operator suggests adding an extra day in the city for the Guggenheim Museum, the old town's taverns and more pintxos.
Accommodation and getting there
The standard hotels and guesthouses are up to 3-star, all with en-suite rooms, and are in town centres close to the trail. Occasionally a hotel is a few kilometres from the route, and then transport to and from it is arranged for you. The Superior Collection uses 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, country homes and Parador hotels where they're available. Family packages choose places with outdoor space and pools where possible.
San Sebastián Airport is 3km from the town. A bus runs to the centre every 15 minutes and takes 7 minutes. Biarritz Airport is 30km away. 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.
