Way of Saint James from Bilbao to Santander

To make the most of the Camino de Santiago from Bilbao, it is important to arrive in Bilbao in good time. We recommend strolling through the old quarter in search of the Cathedral of Santiago, the only one on the entire route dedicated to the holy pilgrim, as well as the Cathedral of Compostela. The Guggenheim Museum is another option.

And if you have an extra day, you can spend it visiting Elorrio, Oñati and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu. As you can see, a wide range of possibilities before starting your pilgrimage.

Hostel: Bilbao Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Miribilla Guesthouse or similar

Distance: 19.9 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Portugalete

The first stage of this section is the most urban of the Camino de Santiago from Bilbao to Santander. There is the possibility of choosing a variant on the banks of the Nervión estuary, so as not to make it so monotonous. This option will take you to Barakaldo. The official route, on the other hand, will take you through the streets of the towns that grew up on the outskirts of Bilbao, and allows you to save 7 km and some slopes.

On your arrival in Portugalete you will see the Hanging Bridge, also known as the Bizkaia Bridge, the charming medieval old town, the 14th century Salazar Tower and the Gothic-Renaissance style Basilica of Santa María.

Hostel: Bide Ona Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: North Guesthouse or similar

Distance: 25.4 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Castro Urdiales

On the Way of Saint James from Bilbao to Santander, this is undoubtedly the longest stage. From Portugalete to the next town, La Arena, there are twelve kilometres that run inland along a cycle lane or bidegorri. From there, the route continues along the coast, through Pobeña.

From here, a beautiful stretch of greenway awaits you, a real balcony overlooking the sea that follows where the mining railway used to run. Before reaching Ontón, you leave the Basque Country and enter Cantabria. From this town, the route forks into two options: the official route goes through Otañes, away from the coast.

The alternative shortens the stage by 7.2 km and runs along the hard shoulder of the N-634. On your arrival in Castro Urdiales, in addition to its impressive heritage, you can enjoy the Cantabrian gastronomy, although it still shares much with the typical Basque dishes. There is no doubt that fish and seafood are still the main protagonists.

Hostel: Pension Ardigales (private room) or similar
Standard accommodation: Pension Ardigales or similar

Distance: 26.6 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
Accommodation: Laredo

Leaving Castro Urdiales, the path climbs up to Allandelagua, at the top of which we can contemplate the remains of a medieval Templar tower-fortress. Further on, a new fork in the road makes it necessary to make a decision. The official route lengthens the stage by almost six kilometres and increases the number of slopes along this stretch, but it is the most peaceful and scenic. The alternative route runs along the hard shoulder of the national road, and although it is shorter, it is also more dangerous. Our recommendation is to choose the official route.

After passing through Liendo, you will quickly reach Laredo, where you can enjoy the Convent of San Francisco, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción - a jewel of Gothic art -, the Merenillo or San Marcial gate, which formed part of the 13th century wall, and the 18th century Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida.

Hostel: Casa Loopez Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel El Ancla or similar

Distance: 29 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
Accommodation: Güemes

On this section of the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela from Bilbao, there are two options at the start: the first is to border the Santoña estuary, lengthening the route and enjoying the coastal scenery. The second is to go to Puntal de Laredo and, from there, cross by boat to the town of Santoña. From there, you will cross Noja, Isla, Arnuero and Castillo Siete Villas before reaching Güemes, the ideal place to rest and finish such a long stage.

Hostel: La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Posada Valle de Güemes or similar

Distance: 15.3 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Santander

The last stage of the Camino de Santiago from Bilbao is very short, so we recommend that you enjoy it and take it easy. Although we recommend you to leave early to have more time to enjoy the Cantabrian capital.

Once again, there are two alternatives to choose from: the first is the official route, which joins Galizano with Somo for 7 km parallel to the road. The second option would be the coastal variant, which joins the official route a little before Somo, in the vicinity of the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Latas. This variant is longer, approximately 4 km longer, but you will walk along the coast on your last stage and pass through the towns of Langre and Loredo.

On your arrival in Somo you should go to the pier to take one of the boats, popularly known as pedreñeras, which run a regular line throughout the year to link Somo and Santander across the bay. On your arrival in Santander you will find a welcoming and peaceful coastal town with its wide harbour, one of the most beautiful bays in Spain.

Hostel: Hostel Allegro or similar
Standard accommodation: Angelines Guesthouse or similar

After the break and breakfast, our services come to an end. If you have time in the city, we recommend you to distribute the visits of the previous day. Santander does not leave you indifferent and is one of the main attractions for those who make the Camino de Santiago from Bilbao.