Planning my Camino del Norte route

[Yaron2311]

Hi,

I am arriving at Bilbao on the 20/09/2022 and have around 8-9 days of walking on the Camino Del Norte (My flight back is on 30/09/2022 from Bilbao). I'm thinking to do one of the following options:

A. Start from San Sebastian up to Santander and then take a bus/train to Bilbao.

B. Start from Bilbao up to Santillana del Mar (or Colombres) and from there go back by bus/train to Bilbao.
Which of the above options is more beautiful? In which of them I will meet more people on my way (I'm coming alone so it will be nice to meet other people along the way)?
Another question that I have is regarding booking the accommodation in advance. Is it necessary at the time when I am planning to walk the Camino or can I just decide each day for the night after? I'm asking since I would to have the flexibility to decide how long to walk every day. But on the other side, I don't want to get stuck without a place to stay for the night.


thanks in advance,
Yaron

 

[Ali@59]

I would take option A, its an absolutely beautiful part of the north route you don't want to miss it and I'm sure you will meet many people on the way, I'm not so sure about the accommodation situation, if you check the Gronze website they have a list of albergues and other places to stay. Others on this forum will be able to guide you, I hope you enjoy it!

 

[khiker9]

I went from Bilbao to Santiago in September 2016. The Spanish & other Europeans are still taking holiday in September at the larger coastal towns, so you might want to book ahead on the weekends.

 

[WalkingLester]

Option A, without a doubt. Consider starting in Irun. The stage from Irun to San Sebastián is very beautiful. Also if you are looking for the best sections and don’t have a lot of time consider skipping Bilbao to Castro Urdiales. Do not do Option B

 

[Shinobi42]

With option A you can have your last evening until you reach Santander in the famous albuerge in Güemes that is run by the legendary Ernesto. Sometimes there are more than 100 pilgrims there. You would have steeper climbs in comparison to the other option, but the landscape is real nice there.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Enjoy Old Town Bilbao then take the metro to Portugalet and walk from there. Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

You could start in Bayonne and follow the Gronze stages which will have you in Bilbao on your 9th day.

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

 

[Corned Beef]

Have you been on a Camino before or is the Norte your first introduction?

 

[Yaron2311]

Thank you all for your answer.
So it's my first time on the Camino. According to the answers above, I think that I will start from Irun and maybe I will skip 1-2 segments that are less beautiful.
Do you think that I can book the first 3-4 nights in advance and then book the places along the way according to my progress?

thanks,
Yaron

 

[David with new Kit!]

I start from Irún August 23rd and accommodation is scarce, mainly because it's peak tourist season with a lot of tourists and visitors to the Region.

I barely managed to book up to Bilbao, but I'm sure it will ease by the time you arrive. Still, I'd book Irún and San Sebastian as a minimum to give yourself some breathing space.

 

[trecile]

I start from Irún August 23rd and accommodation is scarce, mainly because it's peak tourist season with a lot of tourists and visitors to the Region.

I barely managed to book up to Bilbao, but I'm sure it will ease by the time you arrive. Still, I'd book Irún and San Sebastian as a minimum to give yourself some breathing space.

It will probably start to ease up in September.

 

[David with new Kit!]

It will probably start to ease up in September.

Fingers crossed!!

 

[Yaron2311]

thanks a lot.
By the way, do you know what is the best way to get from Bilbao airport to Irun?
I didn't see that there is a direct bus between them.

 

[Ali@59]

Look on the website of " Rome to Rio " it will find you all types of transport worldwide

 

[trecile]

thanks a lot.
By the way, do you know what is the best way to get from Bilbao airport to Irun?
I didn't see that there is a direct bus between them.

I usually check Rom2Rio.com, and you're right, there doesn't appear to be a direct bus.

Explore 5 ways to travel from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Irun with Rome2rio via train, bus, car

Multiple operators provide a bus, train service from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Irun (2h 6m) with tickets starting from $13.

www.rome2rio.com

 

[Yaron2311]

Look on the website of " Rome to Rio " it will find you all types of transport worldwide

ok, thanks

 

[Ali@59]

There is also the Euskotren try their website

 

[Corned Beef]

Euskotren is likely best unless you like travelling by bus

home | Euskotren

www.euskotren.eus

Route is Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo-Bilbao > Amara-Donostia > Irun. About 3 - 4 hours

 

[WalkingLester]

thanks a lot.
By the way, do you know what is the best way to get from Bilbao airport to Irun?
I didn't see that there is a direct bus between them.

Euskatren is the way to do it