Camino Norte: Special - Hendaye to Bilbao

Arrive in Hendaye, a relaxed seaside town where the Atlantic meets the French-Spanish border. Stroll along the promenade, take in the sea air, and prepare for the journey ahead. The coastal views and gentle rhythm of the town make it an inviting start to your Camino.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

To reflect the spirit of the Pilgrimage, we carefully select welcoming, simple accommodation along the route. We offer stays in hotels and guest houses. While these stays may not offer the same level of luxury as our classic Headwater holidays, they provide genuine hospitality and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

You will enjoy private rooms and private bathrooms wherever possible, ensuring a restful night after a full day of walking. On the rare occasions when this cannot be arranged, we will let you know in advance.

Most of the properties we work with are small and family-run, and availability varies depending on how early you book. Full details of your stays will be provided closer to your departure date.

Your first day's walk takes you along the coastline, crossing from France into Spain at Irun before climbing towards Guadalupe and Mount Jaizkibel. The trail offers superb views over the Atlantic and the surrounding hills. Continue through the village of Pasaia before reaching the elegant seaside city of San Sebastian, one of Spain's most charming seaside cities, where you will find a perfect mix of salty sea air and the lively scent of pintxos drifting through the old town streets.

As you leave San Sebastian, you will be able to to look back for one last view of the city, your Camino today will follow a route that alternates between forest paths and country lanes. You'll pass through Orio, a traditional fishing town, and then continue on to Zarautz, known for its long sandy beach and relaxed coastal charm. This is a beautiful day's walk, full of contrasts and the sea never far from your sight.

Your day begins on a path through vineyards above the colourful Getaria, a picturesque fishing village famous for its port and white Txakoli wine. Continue inland through a mix of rolling countryside and forested hills, enjoying views of the coast and surrounding valleys. Your journey ends in Deba, a quiet town where the river meets the sea, perfect for a peaceful evening stroll

Your journey today will leave the coast behind to discover the Basque Country from within. The path climbs gently from the chapel of Santo Cristo del Calvario, where you will take your last glance at the ocean before heading inland. The trail crosses the peaceful Olatz valley, through forests and rounded hills, before reaching Markina-Xemein, a traditional town with old stone houses and a strong local identity. Take time to visit the Church of San Miguel de Aretxinaga, where three huge stones rest in perfect balance at the centre of the building, forming a remarkable natural dolmen.

Today's walk follows a route rich in pastoral beauty and history, a reminder of the Camino's long heritage. Along the way, you'll pass the fortified Church of Santo Tomas de Bolibar, the beautiful Collegiate Church of Cenarruza, the small hermitage of Santiago and the medieval bridge of Artzubi. You will arrive in Gernika, a town made famous by its tragic past and immortalised by Picasso's painting.

The final walk leads you through peaceful woodland before climbing gradually to the Gerekiz Pass. You will pass through the small villages of Eskerika, Goikolexea and Larrabetzu, surrounded by rolling Basque farmland. From Lezama, it's recommended to take the train into Bilbao to avoid the busy approach to the city. If you prefer to continue on foot, the walk from Lezama to Bilbao adds around 12 kilometres, or about three hours of additional walking. Your journey ends in Bilbao in the late afternoon, where you can relax, explore the city and reflect on your Camino del Norte adventure.

Leave Bilbao and onward travels.

Enjoy exploring the town and consider an extra night before heading home.