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Side Trip: Best Route/Method to Gaztelugatxe

FSP

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
CF-2013
CP-2016
Fin-2016
Norte-2018
Muxia-2018
I start the norte in September and want to take time to make a side trip to see Gaztelugatxe. It is too far off the official route and I think the alternate routes to incorporate it into my walk. Is it best visited from Gernika or Bilbao, or another typical stopping point. Would you recommend a bus, tour or a cab to get there. I'd like the flexibility to avoid the crowded times of day if that is likely that month.
Thank you,
Frank
 
The 9th edition the Lightfoot Guide will let you complete the journey your way.
There is an hourly bus from Gernika to Lamera https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Guernica-Basque-Country-Spain/Gaztelugatxe, and a bi-hourly bus from Bilbao to Bentalde https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Bilbao/Gaztelugatxe. From either you have the options of walking or finding a local taxi.

I would recommend walking from Gernika and continuing along the coastal route to Bilbao which will take about three to four days depending on your pace and obviously is influenced by how time-bound you are for your camino. The 'rest-day' bus-trips from either point are the viable alternatives. Avoiding the crowds? You would need to avoid week-ends and check the Cruise-ship docking schedules for Bilbao.

Happy planning
 
It is worth the trip which ever route you take, enjoy!!!
 
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