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
Leaving San Sebastián on the Basque coast
San Sebastián, called Donostia in Basque, is where this full walk along Spain's northern coast begins. The city is known for its food and has 16 Michelin stars. Before setting off you can stroll along the Playa de la Concha. From here the Camino del Norte runs through the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias to Ribadeo in Galicia. At Ribadeo it turns inland, through Galicia's forests, farmland and countryside, to Santiago de Compostela.
The first stages leave the Bay of Biscay behind and cross pastures and gentle hills. You pass the Church of San Martín de Tours on the way to the seaside town of Zarautz, where Txakolí is the local wine. Next comes Getaria and its harbour, then the harbour town of Zumaia, and the stage ends in Deba. After Deba the trail leaves the coast and heads into the mountains. It climbs to the chapel of El Calvario and follows the GR-121 footpath to Markina. From Markina it goes past the medieval monastery at Zenarruza and over Gontzegarai, then drops sharply to Gernika, the town made famous by Picasso's painting.
Through Bilbao and into Cantabria
From Gernika the route goes through Morga and Larrabetzu to Lezama. It then crosses farmland to Zamudio and climbs gradually to the top of Mount Avril, which looks out over Bilbao and the valley below. The stage ends in the Plaza de Unamuno in Bilbao's old quarter. The city has the Guggenheim Museum, and its old town is the place to try pintxos. Leaving Bilbao, the trail crosses a suspension bridge, follows the Cadagua River and crosses the Devil's Bridge before reaching Portugalete.
The coast comes back after that. You cross the red-sand beach at La Arena and then make some steep little climbs to Castro Urdiales. Beyond Castro Urdiales the path runs along cliffs above the Cantabrian Sea to Liendo. From Liendo two routes lead to Laredo, which is known for its beaches and its medieval quarter. From Laredo you can take the ferry to Santoña and follow the coastal path to Noja, which is 14km. Alternatively, you can walk the harder 23km inland route through Colindres and Escalante.
Other highlights along the way include Santander's royal palace by the sea, cider in Asturias, and Mondoñedo, once the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. Near Ribadeo, Cathedrals Beach is worth a detour if you have time.
Planning your Camino del Norte
The route is rated medium to challenging. It is recommended for hikers who have walked before and have a good level of fitness. You can start and finish at any point along the full route, and you can walk or cycle it. Another option is to start in Oviedo, where the Camino del Norte meets the Camino Primitivo, and continue through mountains and countryside to Santiago de Compostela.
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.
