Camino del Norte Stage 2 - Bilbao to Santander

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to explore the famed Guggenheim Museum, the Gothic Basilica and cathedral of Bilbao. 

There are a couple of routes to choose from today—one along the west side of the Rio Nervion, a more industrial route through the suburbs. Wander through Bilbao's picturesque streets, past bustling markets and iconic bridges such as the Puente de San Antón. The route takes you through urban Bilbao, where architecture blends harmoniously with green oases. You soon leave the city and enter quieter, rural areas with beautiful forests and open fields.

There are always wonderful views of the surrounding hills and the river. In Barakaldo, you walk through small, charming streets and parks before crossing the River Galindo and passing through the industrial town of Sestao. Finally, the route leads to Portugalete, where the imposing basilica of Santa María marks the end of the stage.

Ascent: 519m (1,702ft)/ Descent: 502m (1,647ft)

Starting from the imposing basilica of Santa María, you leave the town behind after a few steps, and walk towards the sea along a quiet former railway line, the Montes de Hierro Greenway. The path passes through small villages with an industrial past, picnic areas, chapels and green groves, always accompanied by the fresh Atlantic air. Soon the view opens up to the vast Playa de La Arena, an ideal place to take a break with your feet in the sand.

The spectacular Paseo de Itsaslur coastal path then takes you high above the sea along steep cliffs, with breathtaking views of the wild Cantabrian Sea. Cross the border tunnel into Cantabria and continue through small villages, along parks and old railway lines. Finally, you reach Castro Urdiales, with its picturesque old town, port and impressive church of Santa María de la Asunción.

Ascent: 441m (1,446ft)/ Descent: 421m (1,381ft)

A varied day ahead today. The trail winds through narrow alleyways and down to the coast, where you will enjoy your first views of the sea. As you pass beaches, viewpoints and charming districts, you will gradually leave the urban hustle and bustle behind and immerse yourself in more rural areas. Small villages such as Allendeagua and Cerdigo await you, offering traditional houses, tranquil pathways and ancient churches.

The Cantabrian coast comes into view repeatedly, and the route runs alongside spectacular cliffs, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the scent of salt and meadows. You will cross pastures with grazing animals, quiet woodlands and idyllic river valleys, which give this stage great landscape variety. In Islares, small chapels and the proximity to the sea provide the perfect opportunity for a short break before continuing towards Rioseco and finally into the gentle Liendo valley.

Ascent: 409m (1,341ft) / Descent: 396m (1,299ft)

From tranquil Liendo, the route leads past old houses and through shady forest paths to the ruins of the chapel of San Julián. A narrow coastal path leads high above the sea for spectacular views and a glimpse of the disused Cargadero de Erillo ore loading crane. In Laredo, the medieval streets and long sandy beach invite you to linger. From the El Puntal headland, take a boat to Santoña - a real highlight of the route. From there the route continues through the town and over a bridge overlooking the marshes of the Nature Reserve. After the wide beach of Berria, the route climbs to Monte Brusco before ending in the seaside resort of Noja.

Ascent: 308m (1,010ft) / Descent: 313 (1,026ft) 

The stage from Noja to Galizano on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela passes through a picturesque landscape that combines proximity to the coast with rural idyll. Leaving Noja at the start, with its charming parish church of San Pedro Apóstol, the route follows quiet roads surrounded by agricultural fields and simple but idyllic houses. The route passes a football pitch and quiet residential areas before entering a natural area characterised by rolling hills and sweeping views.

You will pass small bridges and old mills as the Camino passes through dense forests and farmland, giving the walker a sense of solitude and peace. Along the way you will come across historic churches, such as the church of San Pedro and San Pablo in Castillo Siete Villas and the church of San Miguel in Meruelo, which are well worth a stop for their historical charm. The stage ends in Galizano, a small but welcoming town, where the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church offers a peaceful end to the day.

Ascent: 244m (800ft) / Descent: 244m (800ft)

Starting from the tranquil village of Galizano, the route follows small roads and fields until you hear the first sounds of the sea. Walking along narrow paths, you will encounter impressive cliffs, with the deep blue Cantabrian Sea on your right and green meadows on your left. There are spectacular views of secluded coves, wide beaches and rocky lookouts. The section near Playa de Langre and the Mirador de los Tranquilos are particularly beautiful - places to stop and take a deep breath.

A short walk through the shady forest takes you to the beach, where you can walk barefoot in the sand to the sound of the waves. The long beaches of Los Tranquilos and Somo offer a sense of freedom and space. Finally, you will reach the small port of Somo, where a boat trip across the bay to Santander awaits you, an atmospheric end to this stage. The day ends in this lively port city, full of impressions of nature, the sea and quiet moments along the way.

Ascent: 103m (337ft) / Descent: 112m (367ft) 

Unless you are spending more time in Spain, enjoy breakfast and make your way to the airport.