Camino del Norte: San Sebastian to Bilbao
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 sits on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, and it's where this first section of the Camino del Norte begins. The city is known for its beaches and waterfront promenade, with rolling green hillsides around it and golden beaches along the coast, so city life, beach life and country life are all close together. Its elegant architecture sits alongside a growing worldwide reputation for food. You can eat world-renowned cuisine or keep it informal with pintxos and wine pairings.
From here the route follows the coast's scenic beaches towards Bilbao, the capital of Basque culture. The walking is a mix of coast, countryside and hills, and it finishes with a wonderful view over the city of Bilbao.
Deba and the last stretch of coast
Deba is the last coastal town for a few days before you reach Bilbao. This quaint seaside town once relied on whaling and sea trade, but today it focuses on tourism. It is home to the Church of Santa Maria, a National Monument and one of the finest churches in the region. It dates from the 16th century and is a prime example of the Basque Gothic style.
Facilities, waymarking and what's included
Facilities along the way are sufficient but have some noticeable gaps. Keep well hydrated, and carry two or three snacks, or a light lunch or sandwich, for the longer stretches between services. Waymarking is there but isn't consistent along the whole route, so have the provided notes and map with you and use the operator's mobile app with its navigation feature.
The holiday includes bed and breakfast in specially hand-picked accommodation, a Holiday or Pilgrim Pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before you leave. Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel are an add-on and are not included in the starting price.
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.
