Spain 8 Day Northern Way (San Sebastian – Bilbao)
Durartion: 8 Days
Price: From €975 (excluding flights)
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NORTHERN WAY BASQUE COUNTRY
SAN SEBASTIAN – BILBAO
Running from the French border town of Irún to Santiago de Compostela, the Northern Way is a cracking alternative to the busier French Way route which can be found adjacent, yet, further inland.
This 8 day walking experience takes in 125km of ‘El Camino del Norte’ (its entire length is 825km) through the Basque Country. Coastal scenery takes in some splendid images of fishing villages, vineyards that provide the fruit for what is known locally as ‘white gold’ Txakoli wine and wooded pine forests as well as providing a cool sea breeze from where stunning beaches, mountains and medieval heritage merge into one.
To ensure walkers get to experience the very best of the northern Spanish coastline without getting completely worn out, we’ve created a wonderful walking route. From the chic provincial capital of San Sebastian to the coastal fishing villages of Getaria and Deba, the historical town of Gernika that inspired one of the most famous paintings by Picasso to the cosmopolitan city of Bilbao, this trip through the lush green Basque Country allows for chances to pause and drink a glass of Txacoli wine overlooking the sea rather than slogging it out from morning till night.
This trail is ideal for those who would like to begin at the ‘start’ of the Camino and be able to pick up where they left off at a future date. Please note this section has daily ascents and descents of 250-350m and is recommended for people with a moderate level of fitness and walking experience.
The seaside trails, dense pine forests and country lanes allow you to become completely absorbed in an atmosphere that inspires solitude as well as providing 4 star hotels in San Sebastian and Bilbao and comfortable, homely, 2 or 3 star hotels or rural guesthouses between the two cities. Having self guided notes, luggage transfers from one hotel to the next, hand-picked accommodation and 24hr telephone assistance allows confidence to grow as you stroll from town to town also lessening the stress of attempting this trip with complete independence.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival day to San Sebastián
Day 2 – San Sebastián to Zarautz or Getaria (23km or 27km)
Day 3 – Zarautz or Getaria to Deba (21km or 17km)
Day 4 – Deba to Markina (24.2km)
Day 5 – Markina to Gernika (24.8km)
Day 6 – Goikolexea to Bilbao (17 km)
Day 7 – Free Day in Bilbao
Day 8 – Departure day from Bilbao
Total Distance 110km
PRICE
Mid Season
April, May, June and October
Price €975 per person, based on two people sharing a room
Single Room Supplement of €385
High Season
Easter, July, August and September
Price €1,075 per person, based on two people sharing a room
Single Room Supplement of €490
CUSTOMISE YOUR TRIP
- Add airport transfers
- Add additional free days in San Sebastian or Bilbao
If you choose not to include airport transfers, we will provide detailed advice how to get from /back to the airport.
CALENDAR
Self guided, tailor made trips are available from April to mid October. Choose a start date that suits you/your group. You can secure your booking with a 20% deposit.
CONTACT US
For further information about this package, contact us on 01 – 442 8921 or email us at info@magichillholidays.com
At a glance:
- 7 nights (3 nights in 4 star hotels in San Sebastian and Bilbao and 4 nights in 2 or 3 star Hotels/Rural Houses/Pensiones)
- 7 breakfasts
- Taxi Transfer from Lezama to Bilbao
- Pilgrim’s Passport
- Camino Information Pack and Walking Notes
- 24 hour phone assistance
- Transfer in case of emergencies
"What an amazing experience! We hiked from San Sebastián to Bilbao. Magic Hill was with us every step of the way. Very organized, great communication, and nice accommodations selected for us. Plus, the pre-trip packet of information was extremely helpful. 5 stars all the way around!"
"Incredible experience made even better by Bronagh and team at Magic Hill, if you're thinking of doing any stage of the Camino you need to go with them! From starting to plan to every single detail along the way we were so well looked after. Great hotels selected for each night, thorough walking notes, tips and info. provided before and during the whole trip. We did 5 days walking from San Sebastian to Bilbao and stayed in the most beautiful little towns in excellent accommodation, no issues with transport, communication or directions at any point and they were only a message away if we needed anything! Couldn't fault the experience in any way, we'll be back with Magic Hill again to do the next stage! Thanks for the best trip!"
"Magic Hill (Bronagh in particular) provided an exceptional trip & experience that will live rent free in my mind forever! We laughed, cried, danced, sang and ate our way across the beautiful Basque coastline & mountains for 5 days! Myself and 4 friends travelled from San Sebastian to Bilbao along the Northern Way of the Camino - the views, trails (even the unexpected inclines), food, accommodation, hospitality were all astounding! Every night felt like we were staying with a new family even though we were in 4 star accommodation! The trip felt so personal. The help and support during our trip was exceptional, from the morning texts of encouragement to organising taxis for the wounded to helping source bags for extra luggage - everything was dealt with calmly and efficiently - Bronagh went above and beyond for us! It was simply amazing. We told many travellers along the way to book their next trip with Magic Hill - Already want to start planning our next leg of our Camino journey in 2025! Thank you again for making the trip extra special!"
"Thank you Magic Hill, it’s been a wonderful trip, your organisation and choice of hotels impeccable"
Quote of the day:
“Just go. Go see all the beauty in this world.”
Anonymous