The Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian

Start / Finish:
San Sebastian / Bilbao

Grade:
etapas_concha etapas_concha etapas_concha etapas_concha etapas_concha

Availability:
All year

133 km
Distance
8 days / 7 nights
Duration
Breakfast
Meals
Hotels and Country Cottages
Accommodation
From 665€ per person
Price


Distance
133 km

Duration
8 days / 7 nights

Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotels and Country Cottages

Price
From 665€ per person
Our Official License as a Wholesale Agency (Tour-Operator) allows us to work without intermediaries.

The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) from San Sebastian is the first section of the Camino del Norte (The Northern Way), starting in the cosmopolitan city of San Sebastian, one of the European centres for fine dining due to the multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.

From San Sebastian, the Camino del Norte continues along the coast, although you can also enjoy the surrounding green hills.

The Camino passes through well-known villages such as Gernika, remembered for the intense bombing it underwent during the Spanish Civil War. This section ends in the city of Bilbao, where we highly recommend paying a visit to the majestic building that is home to the Guggenheim Museum.

In the Basque Country, you can enjoy its traditional cuisine, which means going out to eat “pintxos” accompanied by a nice “txakoli” wine that is typical of this area. If you want to enjoy good food and landscapes, this is the section for you.

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    San Sebastian

    San Sebastian is a city with a beautiful landscape and is truly a foodie’s paradise.

    Enjoy a long walk along the La Concha Beach or venture inside one of the 16 restaurants in San Sebastian that have a Michelin star, being the second place in the world with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre, only to be surpassed by Tokyo.

    Overnight: San Sebastian

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    From San Sebastian to Getaria

    We start the route by leaving the city of San Sebastian and walk along the coast of Vizcaya while enjoying its green meadows and mountains.

    On this route, we can see the Romanesque Church of San Martin de Tours before crossing through beautiful villages along the coast.

    The day ends in Getaria, where you can admire its beautiful port. Here in Santiago Ways we recommend that you try the “txacoli”, a typical slightly sparkling white wine from this area.

    Length: 27 km

    Overnight: Getaria

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    From Getaria to Deba

    Leaving Getaria, we should head along the coast through the countryside before reaching Zarautz, which is known for its beautiful beach (the longest in the Basque Country).

    After Zarautz, the trail moves into green lands and passes by the Church of Santa Maria La Real and the town of Elcano. Today’s session ends in the beautiful town of Deba.

    Length: 22 km

    Overnight: Deba

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    From Deba to Markina

    Today the route leaves the coastal area for the last time as we head into the region’s interior. After crossing a river, the route makes its way to an area with plentiful vegetation, before reaching the El Calvario Chapel.

    The regional road (GR-121) passes through several towns before reaching our destination for today: Markina.

    Length: 20 km

    Overnight: Markina

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    From Markina to Gernika

    When leaving Markina we must continue to walk through the countryside, crossing the river in Bolivar before reaching the medieval monastery in Zenarruza. From here, we must continue to walk uphill until we reach the highest part of Gontzegarai.

    After passing through the Santiago Chapel, a moderate descent leads to a small river and the historic village of Gernika, famous for Picasso’s masterpiece.

    Length: 28 km

    Overnight: Gernika

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    From Gernika to Lezama

    After leaving Gernika, we will pass by the Chapel of Santa Luzia Zallo before ascending towards the road (PR-173).

    From here, a paved trail continues uphill towards the town of Morga, from where you begin the descent through the villages of Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu. Later we will cross the forest before reaching our destination for today: Lezama.

    An interesting fact, the Athletic Bilbao football club trains here in this town.

    Length: 21 km

    Overnight: Lezama

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    From Lezama to Bilbao

    As you can see, the route’s last day is also the shortest. The trail will take us through the town of Zamudio and the charismatic Roman Church of San Martin and the Zamudio Tower.

    From here, there is a gradual ascent to the top of Mount Avril, where your hard work will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bilbao. When entering the outskirts of Bilbao, we must pay a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Begona.

    The walk comes to an end at the Unamuno Square, in Bilbao’s old town.

    Length: 15 km

    Overnight: Bilbao

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    Bilbao

    Bilbao (or Bilbo in the Basque language) has reinvented itself over the past 30 years, with the stunning Guggenheim Museum being home to some of the best art exhibitions in the country.

    Explore the old town of Bilbao with its quaint taverns and enjoy eating some typical “pintxos” before returning home!

    End of our services.

    General information

    All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.

    Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to have a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.

    Availability

    When working with quality accommodation with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.

    All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can't offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.

    Single rooms

    Single rooms are subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.

    Where am I going to stay?

    All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:

    San Sebastian

    San Sebastian

    Getaria

    Getaria

    Deba

    Deba

    Markina

    Markina

    Gernika

    Gernika

    Lezama

    Lezama

    Bilbao

    Bilbao

    Included Services

    checkAccommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.

    checkRooms with private bathroom.

    checkMeal plan of your choice.

    checkBaggage transfer between stages.

    checkComplete route itinerary.

    check24 hours Telephone assistance on route.

    checkAssistance vehicle in case of emergency.

    checkInformation pack for the Camino de Santiago.

    checkVAT.

    Additional Services

    checkAdditional single room: €144 per person.

    checkExtra night in Bilbao: €55 per person.

    checkTransfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: €160.

    checkTravel assistance insurance: €18 per person.

    checkCancellation insurance: €12 per person.

    In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your enquiries.

    If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your queries.

    General Information

    What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?

    The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones.

    How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?

    The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.

    Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.

    Can I travel alone?

    Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.

    Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.

    We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.

    On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.

    In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.

    Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?

    Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.

    However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.

    We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.

    What does the complete route itinerary consist of?

    The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.

    The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they carry out these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.

    When do I get the complete route itinerary?

    You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.

    How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?

    In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days available.

    On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.

    Advice

    What should I consider to prepare physically?

    Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.

    Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.

    People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.

    Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.

    How far in advance should I make a reservation?

    There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.

    Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.

    What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?

    For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.

    Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.

    Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).

    For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.

    How does the baggage transfer between stages work?

    Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.

    Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.

    Should I take out travel insurance?

    To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.

    To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.

    Accommodation

    Do all rooms have a private bathroom?

    Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.

    Can I sleep alone in a room?

    Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.

    Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.

    When will you tell me where I am going to stay?

    We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.

    The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.

    Am I going to share a room with strangers?

    No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.

    Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?

    All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.

    When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.

    What type of accommodation do you reserve?

    All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.

    We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.

    We are now going to talk with you about the Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian to Bilbao, one of the most interesting and practical routes for many pilgrims. We will give you all the necessary information to complete it and, incidentally, we will remind you of what are the most important advantages to do with Santiago Ways.

    We hope that it will help you and we encourage you to consult other articles about other routes available on the Camino de Santiago in general and on the Camino del Norte in particular.

    Why choose the Camino de Santiago del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao?

    Although it is true that when it comes to choosing which way to go, while each one of us has different views and reasons, it is also true that each of the routes has its own characteristics that make it more advisable for one pilgrims’ profile or another. That’s why we want to start by telling you what are the main reasons why it’s worth doing the Camino del Norte and, in concrete, the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao.

    Museo Bilbao

    1.- Gastronomy: One of the most important claims of the Basque Country as a Spanish region is without a doubt its gastronomy. This is famous all over the world and is, in fact, one of those that flag our gastronomy beyond our borders.

    In this sense, we must particularly highlight gastronomic enclaves such as San Sebastian or Guernica itself, famous largely for its peppers (similar to those found in Padron).

    Pinchos

    Because of this, and as gastronomy is a point of utmost importance along the whole way (as you will learn while on the pilgrimage), we cannot overlook this wonderful incentive.

    2.- Landscapes: The most genuine characteristic of the Camino del Norte is that it takes place almost entirely along the Cantabrian coast.

    This is one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe and constitutes in itself a more than sufficient reason to undertake this Camino del Norte. So, if you are a fan of nature and above all the calm that the sea gives you, the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao could be your choice.

    3.-Infrastructure: The infrastructure on this stretch of the Camino del Norte is very well maintained. In infrastructure, we not only include the state of roads and roadways but also communications, signage, and of course, the facilities they have to replenish their supplies and rest along the way.

    In this sense, the route of the Camino del Norte de San Sebastian scores a 10 out of 10.

    4.-Climate: Another of the points in favour that the Camino del Norte has and precisely because it passes near the sea is its climate. Being close to the coast, its temperatures are very mild and stable throughout the year.

    Mar Camino del Norte

    As we’ll specify later when we talk about the best time to make the Camino de Santiago, the Camino del Norte has a special advantage at this point.

    It can be done practically at any time of the year: much more if you do it with Santiago Ways, you do not need to book so much in advance and you can do it at the time you choose.

    5.-No overcrowding: One of the biggest advantages of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao is that it does not suffer from overcrowding. In some times of the year and especially for those who do not travel with Santiago Ways, this can be a drawback (especially when it comes to finding good accommodation).

    However, in the case of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao this is not a problem: much less with the work done by Santiago Ways .

    Information about the route of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao

    The Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian forms part of the route of the Camino del Norte. In particular, this is your first section. Although It is possible to continue from Bilbao, here we will focus only on this section.

    It begins in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, which is one of the world’s gastronomic cradles. This has a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants, so in itself is already an attraction.

    Vistas San Sebastian

    The Camino del Norte runs along the coast although it also has hill stretches of great natural beauty. On its route, there are places of great cultural, historical and artistic interest such as the emblematic enclave of Guernica.

    It ends in the city of Bilbao, where we can enjoy some of its architectural jewels. The whole tour will be accompanied by one of the best gastronomic experiences in the world.

    Route of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao

    Maps of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao

    Here, we offer the maps related to the route of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao. They are necessary to be able to plan your route correctly and to know the sites that you will visit on your pilgrimage.

    San Sebastian – Getaria

    Mapa etapa de San Sebastian a Getaria

    Stage map from San Sebastian to Getaria

    Getaria – Deba

    Mapa etapa de Getaria a Deba

    Stage map from Getaria to Deba

    Deba – Zarautz

    Mapa etapa de Deba a Markina

    Stage map from Deba to Markina

    Markina – Gernika

    Mapa etapa de Markina a Gernika

    Stage map from Markina to Gernika

    Gernika – Lezama

    Mapa etapa de Gernika a Lezama

    Stage map from Gernika to Lezama

    Lezama – Bilbao

    Mapa etapa de Lezama a Bilbao

    Stage map from Lezama to Bilbao

    Profiles of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao

    We will now talk about the profile of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao . We will do it graphically so that at a glance you see what is its path. We can anticipate that it is a stretch where the difficulty can lie in the ruggedness of some sections but not by the slopes but by the many rivers that cross through it.

    San Sebastian – Getaria

    Perfil etapa de San Sebastian a Getaria

    Stage profile from San Sebastian to Getaria

    Getaria – Deba

    Perfil etapa de Getaria a Deba

    Stage profile from Getaria to Deba

    Deba – Markina

    Perfil etapa de Deba a Markina

    Stage profile from Deba to Markina

    Markina – Gernika

    Perfil etapa de Markina a Gernika

    Stage profile from Markina to Gernika

    Gernika – Lezama

    Perfil etapa de Gernika a Lezama

    Stage profile from Gernika to Lezama

    Lezama – Bilbao

    Perfil etapa de Lezama a Bilbao

    Stage profile from Lezama to Bilbao

    Stages on foot on the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao

    We also enclose the stages of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao. These stages can be modified if you do it with Santiago Ways.

    Stage from San Sebastian to Getaria

    Stage from Getaria to Deba

    Stage from Deba to Markina

    Stage from Markina to Gernika

    Stage from Gernika to Lezama

    Stage from Lezama to Bilbao

    How long does the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao take?

    The route of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian is one of the easiest because of its length and duration. In addition, it has a nicer profile than other possible routes. It has a total length of 101 kilometres divided into 8 stages with its corresponding 7 nights.

    This makes it an ideal way for short periods such as Easter, summer or Christmas. Later we will talk about it in detail.

    Best time to do the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao

    It is true that in every case the tastes of each person when choosing which time is best to do the Camino de Santiago play a very important role. However, it is also true that because of the characteristics in each of the routes, some have their own benefits that others do not have.

    That’s why we want to talk to you about each season to tell you when it’s best to do the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian .

    We hope that it will help you although we remind you that with Santiago Ways it is always possible to do it in the best way possible throughout the year.

    Spring

    Spring is the preferred time for many pilgrims for several reasons. To begin with, during this period you will find Holy Week. The length and duration of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian make it ideal for that date.

    On the other hand, the climate accompanies with mild and pleasant temperatures by passing near the coast. It must be said that the risk of precipitation can increase. Nothing that we can’t avoid with proper preparation.

    Also, we must emphasize that the beauty of the environment is intensified as a consequence of this season. That is why it is also a special time for nature lovers. The concurrence of pilgrims falls compared to the summer although there will still be pilgrims on the roads.

    Summer

    Summer is always the favourite time for pilgrims. In the case of doing the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao you should know that temperatures will be smooth thanks to crossing through oceanic climate zones. That means there will be a cool atmosphere despite it being summer.

    Against this, it is necessary to say that the influx of pilgrims increases, but there are not as many as on other routes like that of the Camino Frances. It should not, therefore, be a problem and even less with Santiago Ways .

    Autumn

    In autumn, the risk of precipitation increases again. The temperatures are still mild, but we must be cautious in this regard. On the other hand, the landscape becomes especially beautiful as a result of the mountains and vegetation losing their leaves and the colours that accompany us become even more beautiful.

    Camino en Otono

    Low occupancy: there’s no problem with Santiago Ways, so September may be ideal to take advantage of the last days of summer.

    Winter

    Although winter is not recommended for routes like the Camino Primitivo, in the case of the  Camino del Norte, the risks decrease because also in this season the temperatures are mild.

    Yes, the risk of rain increase and most lodgings close their doors. With Santiago Ways, this is not a problem because we offer you the best accommodation throughout the whole year.

    Guide to the places that you cannot miss on the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian

    There are many places of interest along this route from the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian . Among them there are not only places of cultural, artistic and historical interest but also some restaurants that we want to recommend for your stops and passing the best hotels where you will stay with Santiago Ways.

    Places of interest

    First, we want to talk about the most important points that you cannot miss on this route of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian. They are points of special monumental beauty that we advise you not to miss.

    Getaria

    Guetaria

    Getaria is a beautiful village in the province of Guipuzcoa. It Is a town of seafaring tradition from where not only the legendary Basque whalers but also Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first navigator to lead the first round the world voyage.

    It is located in the vicinity of a beautiful hillside tinged by a wonderful green colour that contrasts with the beauty of the sea that has historically given its “raison d’être”. No doubt, an enclave you can’t miss.

    Zarautz

    Zarautz

    This locality is famous for the beauty of its natural surroundings: a corner that by itself is enough to fall in love with the beauty of the Basque Country. Also located in the province of Guipuzcoa is another of the special interest points on our route.

    Markina

    Markina

    This town is built in the middle of the beautiful mountains of the province of Vizcaya. It Is one of the last sites before we reach Bilbao. In addition to the historic and spectacular surroundings, we recommend that you visit the quarry.

    A powerful display of beauty and harmony between the work of man and nature.

    Where to sleep – The best hotels

    As we have said previously, with Santiago Ways you will be sure to stay in the best accommodation. Our vocation is to give you the best care and the best attention throughout your pilgrimage. Here are some examples.

    Where to eat – The best restaurants

    And as eating is an important part of the Camino, we also want to recommend some famous restaurants for the quality, service and care of its clientele. These are our recommended restaurants on the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao.

    Restaurante Bolina el Viejo

    In the emblematic town of Guernica that Picasso contributed towards making famous for the bombing during the Spanish Civil War, is located this restaurant with a family atmosphere where in addition to its exquisite peppers, we will be able to taste the best of the Basque gastronomy in general and from the local area in particular.

    Restaurante Pitis

    Restaurante Pitis

    In the town of Markina is this cosy location where we can rest as we deserve. They offer very personal service and are always ready to welcome the pilgrims with the biggest of smiles and the best of gastronomy from this magnificent region of Spain.

    Restaurante Aizian

    Restaurante Aizian

    It is located in the city of Bilbao: It is perfect, therefore, to give yourself homage once you have completed your pilgrimage. In addition to a character typical of the traditional Basque cuisine, they offer us an avant-garde touch to a fairly acceptable value for money.

    Origin of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian

    The Camino del Norte disputes with the Camino Frances the honour of being the first route. We could say that it’s quite likely that the Camino Frances a was first because the pilgrimage began during the times of the Reconquista.

    Naturally, after the Camino Primitivo, we mean. It seems that to try to get away from the hotbeds of the struggle, this coastal route was often used.

    Another hint that makes you think it was before is that it is more rugged: for a while, it stopped being used when the route of the Camino Frances became popular after taking control of the area.

    The Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian with Santiago Ways

    Ideal footwear for the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian

    Other sections of the Camino del Norte

    Other users’ opinions about the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian

    We also want to share with you the opinion of other users who have made the Camino del Norte with Santiago Ways. You will Probably be encouraged to undertake this wonderful adventure with us.

    Michael Owens
    Michael Owens
    Excellent trip. Thanks to Ylenia at Santiago Ways our trip was amazing. Accommodations and meals, she booked for us and day trip to Finisterre - PERFECT. Ylenia, was very patient with us. Our reservations had to be modified several times due to Covid and number of people in our group changing. We have used Santiago Ways several times. Will use them again for our next “Camino Trail” adventure. Connie Earwood
    John Harris
    John Harris
    Our contact person with Santiago Ways was Ylenia Conesa. She was excellent to work with, she responded quickly to all our emails with all of our questions. I highly recommend her. Our trip was very well organized, we received all our information for the trip in a timely manner. We enjoyed all our hotels, they were easy to find. The breakfast and dinners were adequate. We did not have any problems the whole trip. We had a wonderful time. Thank you Ylenia, we’ll contact you when we decide to do the Camino Portuguese. Buen Camino!
    Tito P
    Tito P
    My partner and I finally got to experience our 5 day Camino pilgrimage walk from Sarria to Santiago in June 2022 - organized through Santiago Ways (SW) - after over 2 year delay due to Covid. We couldn't have been more thrilled from our experience once we landed in Spain from Canada.If you are travelling overseas, trying travelling direct to Spain and avoid the lower cost European routes (i.e. easyjet) - flight cancellation/delays is about as common as the sun rising now so plan for this in your travels.SW staff were very professional and very helpful in answering all our questions prior to our trip. The Dossier and Vouchers that were sent to us were very clear and helpful to describe the route each day and where we stayed. Recommend you review your hotel locations on Google so you know where to find them once you arrive at each town/city.Our experience on the walk included breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day and the luggage transfer was a life saver allowing us to pack lightly each day. Strongly recommend you include you transfers as well to and from the airport to enjoy more time and less worry.The accommodations for our walk were well above average and more than we expected. Very clean, showers were hot (likely on demand) and the staff were very friendly at each of our stops.The staff at each place were very friendly but language barrier was there at times but never a problem.I strongly recommend using Santiago Ways in your Camino planning. Wouldn't think of any other group to help out. The peace and tranquility of walking on the countryside, the scenery, and laid back life was truly wonderful. Meeting so many pilgrims from all over and sharing our experience together was amazing and unforgettable.We are looking forward to doing this again in the future with the help of Santiago Ways.Buon Camino!Francesco & Claudette
    John Murray
    John Murray
    Great five days of walking in the warm weather. Lovely Pilgrims from around the world all with a story to tell. A week l will never forget. Back 2023 to begin from St Jean. Santiago Ways highly recommended.Good Luck and Happiness to you all.
    Patricia H
    Patricia H
    My husband and I completed the Portuguese Camino from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela in June 2022. From the planing to the completion of our trip everything exceeded our expectations.Santiago Ways did a wonderful job of having everything perfectly scheduled, from the airport transfers in Vigo and Santiago de Compostela to the luggage transfers each day and the detailed information about each days walk. Numerous pilgrims commented on how much better our directions were and they were depending on our directions many times. The hotels we stayed at were amazing and the hosts at each hotel were always very helpful with recommendations on what to do and where to eat in each town. We had amazing food and drink along our whole journey and saw so many beautiful places.We have lifetime memories of the Camino thanks to everyone at Santiago Ways.If you are considering doing The Camino with Santiago Ways do not hesitate, go for it you will have the experience of a lifetime!
    Ed Vegliante
    Ed Vegliante
    I highly recommend Santiago Ways for anyone considering walking the Camino de Santiago. Everything went smoothly and all of the accommodations Santiago Ways booked were nicer than I expected. A well organized itinerary contributed to our great experience on the Camino.
    Ingrid Gutierrez
    Ingrid Gutierrez
    What a wonderful company! Santiago Ways was very reliable and helpful. The accomodations were beautiful and clean. The luggage transfer was always on time. I am very thankful for the excellent experience. If you are looking for a company to plan your next Camino trip, I highly recommend Santiago Ways!
    Barbara Kamali
    Barbara Kamali
    This was a long awaited trip : originally booked in 2020 . The service of Santiago Ways was perfect throughout . As 2 couples we wanted the best en-suite accommodation on the way , our luggage transported and also we are vegans/vegetarians .Everything was perfect including a wonderful range of meals in all the accommodation and help when we struggled to get in contact with one accommodation owner . No issues with baggage transfer and the transfer to Porto to Ourense was again perfect .Santiago Ways enables us to have the full Camino experience without any stress . Ylenia was reassuring and knowledgeable in the original planning and at no time did we feel that our quieres were not dealt with well.We all wholeheartedly recommend Santiago Ways to anyone planning to do the Camino .Thank you
    John Spencer
    John Spencer
    Highly recommended. Great help with planning and execution. No problems at any point. Will use them again.
    Steve McManus
    Steve McManus
    Well organised trip, good communication throughout. All accommodation was clean and comfortable with luggage transfers working perfectly.
    anthony golden
    anthony golden
    A delay of 2 years but my wife, Geraldine and I have just returned from our Camino from Sarria to Santiago about 120km.Santiago Ways we’re excellentAll hotel bookings, luggage transfers, meals etc sorted out efficientlyWe had a great Camino thanks to all the staff at Santiago WaysWould recommend themGoing with them again next yearCan’t waitThanksTony and Geraldine Golden
    Sarah McCleary
    Sarah McCleary
    I had zero issue with my trip. The baggage transfer worked like clockwork, and I loved having the confidence of a 'local' number to call in case of emergency. (Never needed to call, but it felt good).
    Darlene B
    Darlene B
    I would like to thank Alba Martinez and the whole team of Santiago ways for the job well done. My Husband really enjoyed the experience, of course without the helps of Santiago ways in organising everything, the Camino hike would be a very tough journey otherwise. But the attention to details, communication, and so on..were excellent and highly recommended.
    Jerry Campbell
    Jerry Campbell
    If you are planning a Camino pilgrimage I highly recommend this company. Very professional yet personable. The accommodations they arranged for me across Spain on my Camino were very good. They are reliable and provide good value. I would use them again if I plan my next Camino.
    Bill Bearce
    Bill Bearce
    Four of us 65 years old, used Santiago Ways (SW) and they took great care of us every step of 500 miles. This included one (1) night when, after some slow going, they even called us to make sure we found the hotel! (We did!) SW and their professional handling our our itinerary could not have been better. Our top recommendation for them! Fourontheway- October 2021 Falmouth MA USA
    Jerry Campbell
    Jerry Campbell
    If you are planning a Camino pilgrimage I highly recommend this company. Very professional yet personable. The accommodations they arranged for me across Spain on my Camino were very good. They are reliable and provide good vale. I would use them again if I plan my next Camino.
    Tina Marchetti
    Tina Marchetti
    We were very happy with our experience with Santiago Ways. They were very professional, very responsive, extremely organized, and booked lovely places for us, including an exceptional casa rural. They provided detailed instructions about where we were staying and our luggage was always waiting for us at our destination. All this at an excellent value. For reference, we completed the last stage of the French Camino, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. Five stars for Santiago Ways!
    Samira Miranda
    Samira Miranda
    Such a wonderful experience!From the beginning of the entire management, everything has been very easy. All the questions that I've had have been answered by mail or by phone and they always had been very kind.They made me a budget adjusted to my needs and it has been the best way to make the Camino de Santiago for the first time with the security that I always had them for anything I needed! I would definitely book them again since I'm thinking about doing another part of the Camino next year 🙂
    Shaoor Ali
    Shaoor Ali
    hello santiago ways....i travel with santiago ways... i have very Good time with them... i did walk hike with them....they have v nice people who guide people with very good behivour... i know one of best Representatives in santiago ways which name is Cristina Ostraiz... she guide me v well..i must want to tour again with you... best wishes for all of you....RegardsShaoor Ali Basheer
    Ed Akavets
    Ed Akavets
    Did the camino with guys ! Everything was great!
    Karin E
    Karin E
    Excellent company. They were super helpful in putting together my last minute trip to do the camino inglés. I will definitely use them next year when I do another route. Thank you SantiagoWays!
    Lisa B
    Lisa B
    Fabulous experience. Santiago Ways made this trip such a memorable trip. I will definitely be using their amazing service again for the next 200 km. The accommodations were super. The transfers and itinerary were perfect . Thanks Ylenia ans everyone at Santiago Ways!
    Fabiana Lima
    Fabiana Lima
    Very good service. Ylenia Conesa was the one who helped me and she was always very effective and courteous. Will definitely use them again!
    Christine Tranchina
    Christine Tranchina
    My husband and I hiked the Camino De Santiago from Pamplona to Logroño. We used Santiago Ways to help plan our adventure... booking our hotels, breakfast, picnic and dinner as well as transferring luggage during the hike. It was extremely helpful because we traveled in February which is not a popular time and all services are not available. The communication and service was excellent. Before, after and during the hike Angie Rinaudo kept in contact and answered all our questions in a timely manner. All the accommodations were excellent. We are planning to do more sections in the future and will definitely use Santiago Ways again.
    Karen Srajer
    Karen Srajer
    We took the French Way, Leaving from Saint Jean Pied de Port. Santiago Ways booked our rooms the entire trip and make sure our luggage was transported. The rooms were a delight the walk was wonderful. Santiago Ways made sure to have support for us on the trip as well as needed. I would highly recommend this company. The entire group was a delight to work with and Cristiana on it especially was helpful.If we should decide to do another way, we would definitely use this company.
    Diane Nunez
    Diane Nunez
    This was our first time in Spain and first time walking on a daily basis. Santiago Ways answered our many questions and concerns over many emails. We started our walk September 1st 2019 in Sarria and took 10 days to walk to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago Ways booked our lodging in 10 different places along with luggage transfers. We asked that all breakfasts,dinner and picnic lunch be included. Our accommodations varied from Albergues. Inns, Boutique hotel, to Bed and Breakfast. We truly enjoyed our picnic lunch as we could stop anywhere and enjoy the view. The accommodations - private room and private bathroom as we requested were not disappointing. We would recommend Santiago Way to anyone that needs some assistance in walking The Way.
    Richard Luna
    Richard Luna
    I changed my itinerary about 10 times before finalizing my vacation, 2 weeks prior to my trip date. Santiago Ways (Sara Mateo) was so polite and understanding throughout the entire process. My wife and I loved our great 2 week walk on the Camino. Every reservation, baggage transfer, excursion and transportation worked out exactly as planned. Thank you Sara for our memorable vacation.
    Mark Nichols
    Mark Nichols
    This is a very professional company that helped create a fantastic journey. My contact person, Ylenia, responded to my emails and answered my questions. I highly recommend this company.
    Kat Cust
    Kat Cust
    I have walked with Santiago Ways twice and have been impressed by their professionalism and services both times. I wanted to support a Spanish company for the walks, and found them to be a competitive option - in a crowded industry. Am planning to walk with them again as I’ve enjoyed my caminos so much!
    Richard Luna
    Richard Luna
    I changed my itinerary about 10 times before finalizing my vacation, 2 weeks prior to my trip date. Santiago Ways (Sara Mateo) was so polite and understanding throughout the entire process. My wife and I loved our great 2 week walk on the Camino. Every reservation, baggage transfer, excursion and transportation worked out exactly as planned. Thank you Sara for our memorable vacation.
    Richard Luna
    Richard Luna
    I changed my itinerary about 10 times before finalizing my vacation, 2 weeks prior to my trip date. Santiago Ways (Sara Mateo) was so polite and understanding throughout the entire process. My wife and I loved our great 2 week walk on the Camino. Every reservation, baggage transfer, excursion and transportation worked out exactly as planned. Thank you Sara for our memorable vacation.
    Rachel Mckeeve
    Rachel Mckeeve
    We recently walked part of the Camino de Santiago Trail. Our trip was arranged by Santiago Ways. We were part of a larger group we had a tour guide and our luggage was transferred each day. Our trip was an immense success, everything went very smoothly and that in part was down to Veronica who arranged the trip. She was very helpful throughout the whole planning procedure even arranging for a private transfer from the airport to Sarria, our start point. I would recommend Santiago Ways and Veronica and would definitely use them again.
    Eilish Bye
    Eilish Bye
    After comparing several agencies, our group of 7 decided to go with Santiago Ways for our first Camino experience as they offered an all round better price for our customised package that included insurance, meals, accommodation, luggage transfers and any required transportation to accommodation. The booking process was straightforward, they responded quickly to various enquiries and changes that we requested and they provided guidance on preparation and the Camino route which we referred to throughout our trip.We had a couple of issues including one of our group injuring her ankle but Santiago Ways were available 24 x 7 and they resolved everything efficiently including all communications required with local accommodation providers, taxis etc. which was very reassuring. Pilgrims we met who organised their accommodation en route had to deal with lack of accommodation in some locations and then they had to organise transport to and from the nearest hostels. We didn’t have any stress like this at all which left us free to enjoy the stunning scenery and great camaraderie on this wonderful trip. We will use Santiago Ways again and we can highly recommend them.
    Kerry Mannette
    Kerry Mannette
    I booked my Camino de Santiago for Sept 2019 through Santiago Ways and the company made the experience absolutely wonderful. Vanessa Veiga was a pleasure to deal with, very professional and informative and made it very easy to arrange the entire trip. The accommodations and board booked through Santiago ways were amazing, we were very pleased with the diversity (B&B, hotel, hostel) of the accommodations along with the service and cleanliness of the accommodations. The luggage transfer worked flawlessly. I would rate Santiago Ways 10 out of 10 and recommend them to anyone looking to book their Camino.
    Karen Henderson
    Karen Henderson
    I was so pleased with the trip Santiago Ways set up for me to Walk The Camino Francés. My first experience was when I requested a quote in October 2018 for a August 2019 walk. Ylenia went above and beyond to answer all our questions and to provide numerous options for me before I made my final decision on the trip. She was patient and thorough as I gathered information. Her follow up was amazing and her attention to detail was very assuring! Once I booked the trip she continued sending updates until we departed for Spain. Once we arrived in Spain Ylenia and the Operations team stayed in touch via email to answer any questions. The hotel accommodations for 39 days were all wonderful and the baggage transfer was perfect. Every day our bags were at the hotel by the time we arrived. One day my friend left her hat in the hotel room and Santiago Ways Operation team sent an email saying the hat would be waiting at our next hotel. That’s going “above and beyond”. I highly recommend using Santiago Ways for your Camino!!!!! We walked with numerous people who had used other companies and they all thought Santiago Ways had the best hotels. I’ve already referred a friend to them and definitely will use them for my next Camino. Thank you Santiago Ways!!!!!!!!
    Alison McEvoy
    Alison McEvoy
    Ylenia Conesa from Santiago Ways was very helpful answering all my question prior to my Camino trip. A truly memorable experience beautifully organised by Santiago Ways
    Chantal Ryan
    Chantal Ryan
    This was a great experience from start to finish. From the on-line booking team that answered my numerous questions and comminucated with me in an efficient and friendly manner to the amazing guide we had and the quality of the hotels we stayed in. It all exceeded my expectations
    Jon Lucas
    Jon Lucas
    Excellent company with excellent staff, couldn't fault their organisation and execution of my Camino walk. My special thanks to Ylenia who looked after my bookings and organised things for me.
    LUCIA CARABINE
    LUCIA CARABINE
    Fantastic service and Ylenia Conesa who handled the booking was a delight and very efficient
    Jasmine Pantuso
    Jasmine Pantuso
    Santiago Ways, and our advisor Ylenia Conesa , provided an outstanding travel experience! Ylenia answered every question that I had during my trip planning process! The accommodations were absolutely charming, and the food was perfect! Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!
    Yuko Fujita
    Yuko Fujita
    Celebrating 60th birthday, we walked 100 kilos for 10 days. No pain and no blisters. Santiago ways transported our luggage on time every day even we changed one of the hotel to Paradores. Taxis were always on time waiting for us. All hotels were clean, friendly and conveniently located. The food and buildings and history of each accommodations were all unique and wonderful! I will use Santiago ways for my next Camino. Andriana was very helpful. Thank you! Muchas Gracias!
    Yana Mileva
    Yana Mileva
    We booked our "Camino" trip via this agency. Our agent was Vanessa and we are ecstatic with the service! The booking went very smoothly. All our questions were answered and all our wished addressed in a very quick manner. Actually, the agency had to ping us a few times via email and WhatsApp, as we were the ones too slow to answer them. They even made arrangements for us to take our dog on the trip and book the appropriate hotels. The luggage transfer was wonderful. We had a pickup from Santiago to our starting point on "Camino" that also worked perfectly. We can highly recommend the services of this agency. I have to admit that I have not compared prices and if there is something cheaper on the market, but the service we received here was impeccable. We had a wonderful trip and are planing to come back next year and walk another "Camino" again. Buen Camino everyone!
    Peggy White
    Peggy White
    Walking the Camino was the best experience of my life! Partially because I had such a great support crew of Santiago Ways! I worked with Vanessa Veiga who organized my trip to suit my needs. When some details needed to be changed, she kindly worked with me to make it happen. My accommodations were all very different- from Casa Rurals to hostels to Pensions, but they were all excellent. The luggage transfer worked perfectly, too. I highly recommend this company to anyone planning to walk the Camino!
    Tamir Shemer
    Tamir Shemer
    excellent experience with Santiago way team, all that was promised accomplished to the last detail , the transportation, the hotels choices , the path segment choice, the information provided ,the luggage transfer just a perfect vacation
    mary ellen canal
    mary ellen canal
    Santiago Ways is the perfect agency to help you plan you Camino de Santiago.Since the first day that i wrote my email the response was very fast, gladly i began speaking to the agent Vanessa Viega and she made sure i had all the information and helped me plan everything, she was really great .i really enjoyed my Camino, i was looking forward for it and it did satisfied my expectations.This experience for me was the most special in my life, i am really thinking about doing it again starting in Portugal
    Winston Fernandez
    Winston Fernandez
    I used Santiago Ways on my first Camino in March this year. The trail that I did was from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela. The experience was truly fantastic ….. mainly because of Santiago Ways.My contact person at Santiago Ways was Vanessa Veiga. Right from the onset Vanessa was extremely helpful , sensitive and very attentive to all my requests. She responded swiftly to all my mails. She selected the right hotels which were excellent and the luggage always arrived on time.I am planning my second Camino next April and I would continue to use Santiago Ways and in particular Vanessa. Thanks a million Vanessa and continue the good work to all the pilgrims who want to experience a true Camino.Winston FernandezKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Marion Tilley-Vyner
    Marion Tilley-Vyner
    Santiago Ways made it possible for me to do the pilgrimage. At 69 I did not like the idea of staying in a hostal, I like a bit of privacy and comfort! And I could not have done the walking while carrying my luggage. Adriana at Santiago Ways helped me work out my route and booked hotels and luggage transfers. Also, having them there in case I had any problems, was very reassuring. Adriana was only a phone call away. I recommend using Santiago Ways for anyone having doubts about doing the pilgrimage - they make it so much easier!
    Tammy Shain
    Tammy Shain
    Vanessa was awesome and we loved Santiago Ways! We had a group of 8 college friends that were all around 50-years old. The deciding factor in choosing Santiago Ways was the group discount offered for groups of 6 or more. All other companies threshold for a discount was 10 people. Vanessa and the staff were awesome to work with throughout the process. We did the five day hike from Sarria to Santiago. We requested superior accommodations in places that were on the trail. The accommodations were top notch and 4 of the 5 places were directly on the trail. The exception was our night in Lavacolla in which we were .4 miles off the trail. It was our choice to stay in that location in order to have a shorter walk to Santiago on our final day so we could make the noon mass. We were pleasantly surprised at how clean each place was and they all had great bar and restaurant choices in close proximity - with the exception of Lavacolla so we recommend eating on-site - it was very good.
    Sandi Frost Steensma
    Sandi Frost Steensma
    We had an excellent experience on the Camino with Santiago Ways. We had 14 women and everything was wonderful. We enjoyed the hotels, loved the daily luggage transport and the food was terrific. Santiago Ways communicated throughout our trip. We felt well-supported when we needed to make changes. Thank you!!
    Sandi Frost Steensma
    Sandi Frost Steensma
    We had an excellent experience on the Camino with Santiago Ways. We had 14 women and everything was wonderful. We enjoyed the hotels, loved the daily luggage transport and the food was terrific. Santiago Ways communicated throughout our trip. We felt well-supported when we needed to make changes. Thank you!!
    Beatriz Beltranena
    Beatriz Beltranena
    Santiago Ways is excellent they exceeded my expectations!! they do a great JOB and we had a "Buen Camino" in part thanks to them... lovely hotels.. flawless bag transfers and great great service!!! I would totally recommend them and please look for Vanessa she is the best.
    Jan Schubert
    Jan Schubert
    My family and I used Santiago Ways to organize our recent pilgrimage from Lisbon to Porto. They did an excellent job booking us (as much as possible) into wonderful, small, family-run hotels and coping with the many changes dictated by "group" travel. In addition, one of us was traveling by bicycle whilst the rest were walking, necessitating even more planning which Santiago Ways did with patience and grace. We recommend using Santiago Ways for Camino support and planning!!! Jan Schubert
    Jill Scher
    Jill Scher
    My family and I (6 of us) just finished walking the Lisbon to Porto section of the Camino Portuguese. It was a wonderful experience for us. The hotels we were booked into were well chosen and the food was great. We also found the path to be well marked making way finding fairly easy. A great relief as we had heard it was not well marked. Our luggage was efficiently transferred each day and everything ran very smoothly. Thank you Santiago Ways! We would definitely recommend your services to our friends. Jill
    Kenneth E. Nowell
    Kenneth E. Nowell
    Santiago Ways made my memorable hike trouble-free. I had excellent hotels, tasty breakfasts, dependable baggage forwarding, informative advance information, and a dependable drive to deliver me to Sarria. I really appreciate their attention to detail!
    Margo Gosia Barker
    Margo Gosia Barker
    We booked our El Camino with Santiago Ways and we were very lucky to have Silvia as our agent. She did a fantastic job organizing our trip, always promptly responding to our inquiries, impeccable English, all accommodations that she arranged for us were great, and our luggage was always delivered to the next location timely, before our arrivals to sites. I would definitely recommend Santiago Ways and ask for Silvia to be your representative.
    Patricia Bazán
    Patricia Bazán
    This trip changed my life in ways I could not describe! I knew the hiking was going to be a challenge, but Santiago Ways made it so easy to plan and execute. They are truly the best and I am already planning my next trip with Santiago Ways and would not think of going anywhere else. Silvia Rivera was particularly helpful in the planning, as she answered all my questions patiently, and help me through the process. Great job, Guys, and I will see you next year!
    Roberto Canto
    Roberto Canto
    Have just finished El Camino de Santiago from Sarria with the help of Santiago Ways. They have been extremely accesible from day one. The transfer of the luggage throught the five days was impecable, always finding the luggage in the room on every stage of the way. The food and lodging was very acceptable. If I were to do it again I would not hesitate to contact them once more for their assistance! "Buen camino".
    Edmee Flores
    Edmee Flores
    Our experience with Santiago Ways was flawless. We highly recommend this outfit for your Santiago way experience. A perfect 10!
    Barbara Melinska
    Barbara Melinska
    Very nice experience. Good and professional organization.Nice and friendly environment during the event. Recommended 100 %. Saludos para Jose 😉
    Hanna Ringel
    Hanna Ringel
    Simply put - an incredible experience! This agency looks after every last detail. I walked the last 100 km of the Camino with their help and I definitely want to go back soon and do a longer part of the route. When that happens (which I hope is soon) I'll definitely be using Santiago Ways again! Thanks for everything.
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    Photos and videos of the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian

    To get an idea of everything that awaits you doing the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian , here we leave some pictures and videos of the route.

    The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways

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    Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.

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    The Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian
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