Camino Del Norte from the 4th to the 11th of May 2019
Dublin to Bilbao Airport
Departing Dublin on the 4th @ 1300 and arriving @ 1615
Standard Accommodation throughout / breakfast included / dinner included each day / luggage transfers included / holiday pack with notes and maps / 24-7 support number / GPS file
Bilbao – Nights: 2 from 4 May to 6 May
You arrive in Bilbao
Standard Accommodation: Iturrienea Ostatua
NOTE: The accommodation listed is a sample of the accommodation available on this route. Your accommodation will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure
10km
Portugalete - Nights: 1 from the 6th to the 7th of May
After your night in Bilbao, you will resume following the Camino de Santaigo trail as it leaves Bilbao. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and travels along a peaceful route on the banks of the Cadagua River. You will cross the famous ‘Devils’s Bridge’ before arriving at the Hermitage of Santa Águeda. After this, there is a steep climb to the small town of Barakaldo before arriving in Portugalete via a path along the banks of the Galindo River.
Standard Accommodation: Husa Gran Puente Colgante
NOTE: The accommodation listed is a sample of the accommodation available on this route. Your accommodation will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure
29km
Castro Urdiales 1 Night from the 7th to the 8th May
After your night in Portugalete, the Camino, continues along the beautiful rocky coastline. At La Arena you will cross the wonderful beach of fine red sand. There are some steep little climbs as you hug the coast on your way to Castro Urdiales. Castro Urdiales has a good mix of modern and medieval architecture and as you enter the town you will pass the bullring and the beach.
Standard Accommodation: Ardigales
NOTE: The accommodation listed is a sample of the accommodation available on this route. Your accommodation will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure.
29km
Laredo – 1 Night from the 8th to the 9th of May
After spending the night in Castro Urdiales, the Camino will take you along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle/lighthouse along the way. You will also pass the Chapel of Santa Isabel and also the Church of La Magdalena on the way to Liendo. Here you are presented with two route options for the rest of the stage to Laredo. You can either take one route across the valley, passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas or you can take the alternative route, climbing to the Chapel of San Julián on the way to Laredo. Laredo itself is famous for its magnificent beaches, energetic atmosphere and the medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja).
Standard Accommodation: El Cortijo Laredo
NOTE: The accommodation listed is a sample of the accommodation available on this route. Your accommodation will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure
14km
Noja – 1 Night from the 9th to the 10th of May
After your night in Laredo, your walk today will be mainly flat but with scenery that is nonetheless fantastic. From Laredo, get the ferry to Santoña, before continuing along the coastal path to Noja (14km).
Alternatively from Laredo you have the option to follow the inland route which is a bit more challenging (23km) but equally as beautiful. Pass through the towns of Colindres, Escalante and Barrio de Castillo where you can take in the beautiful views of the mountains and the coast before reaching Noja.
NB. If you wish to continue along the coastal trail to Noja it is important to take into account the ferry operating hours or any seasonal disruption before you leave Laredo which could impact the service and influence your choice of route.
14km
Santander – 1 night from the 10th to the 11th May
After your night in Noja you will continue to San Miguel de Meruelo. In Bareyo you will find the magnificent Romanesque Church of Santa María. From Galizano to Somo, you can either take a straight road into town (saving 2km) or follow the coastline which is a longer option but very scenic. To reach the final destination of Santander, you can take a traditional boat called ‘Pedreñera’ across the bay (saving you approximately 3.5km), from the village of Somo (Not included, 2Eur, www.losreginas.com/). The capital of Cantabria, Santander is an elegant city with plenty of beaches, parks, nature, architecture and great food.
Total cost per person - €990