San Sebastian to Santander Camino del Norte Bike Tour

You arrive in San Sebastián, a city that immediately sweeps you off your feet with its elegance and charm. Golden beaches curve around the bay, framed by green hills and a lively promenade where locals stroll at sunset. In the Old Quarter, the narrow streets are filled with the aromas of freshly prepared pintxos (Basque tapas) and the crisp sparkle of txakolí wine. If you have time, an extra day here is well worth it.

After breakfast, your bikes arrive and the adventure begins. You leave San Sebastián by climbing Monte Igeldo, rewarded immediately with sweeping views of the city, and the surrounding coastline. The route unfolds like a postcard: rolling green hills, the salty breeze from the sea, and endless vineyards where txakolí wine has been produced for centuries. You pass through Zarautz, an elegant seaside resort, then the striking rock outcrop of Getaria—nicknamed “the Mouse” for its shape.

Fishing villages dot the way, each with harbours bustling with boats and seagulls. Deba, with its laid-back charm, makes a fine stop for coffee or seafood. By afternoon, you reach Lekeitio, a jewel on the Bay of Biscay with its lively harbour and sandy beach. Here, time slows down—you might stroll along the promenade or sit at a terrace watching the sunset paint the waters gold.

Today’s ride takes you deeper into the Basque coastline’s rugged beauty. The road follows dramatic cliffs and wave-carved rock formations known as flysch, where millions of years of geological history are on display. The fishing village of Elantxobe appears almost impossibly perched on the hillside, with steep, narrow streets and colourful houses tumbling toward the sea. Soon after, the route turns inland and you follow the Urdaibai Estuary, a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve rich with birdlife and serene waters.

You pause in Guernica, forever etched in history due to the tragic bombing during the Spanish Civil War and immortalized by Picasso’s painting. From here, it’s a short distance to your accommodation, either in Guernica itself or in the coastal village of Mundaka, world-renowned for its perfect left-hand surfing wave. Evening here is peaceful, with the sea and estuary merging in shades of blue and gold.

Leaving Mundaka, the first stop is Bermeo, a fishing port full of character where brightly painted boats bob in the harbour. A climb brings you to one of the highlights of the tour: the spectacular view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny chapel clinging to an island rock, linked to the mainland by a winding stone causeway. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize it as Dragonstone. The ride continues past Bakio, Armintxa, and the coastal town of Plentzia before reaching Getxo, a sophisticated town with elegant villas built by wealthy Basque industrialists.

Your hotel sits at the mouth of the Nervión River, right next to the striking Puente de Vizcaya, a 19th-century transporter bridge and engineering marvel. From here, Bilbao is just a short metro ride away—perfect for an evening visit to the famous Guggenheim Museum or a stroll through the city’s lively streets.

This morning begins with a unique experience—you cross the Nervión River using the Puente de Vizcaya transporter bridge, suspended above the water in a gondola. From here, the route traces the estuary toward the open sea, passing Zierbena before turning west once more along the wild coastline. Waves crash against rocky cliffs as you pedal into Cantabria, leaving the Basque Country behind. Soon, the charming fishing town of Castro Urdiales comes into view, with its picture-perfect harbour, Gothic-style church of Santa María, and medieval castle overlooking the sea.

Castro is lively yet relaxed, ideal for wandering its old streets or enjoying fresh seafood with a view of the waterfront. The blend of history, coastal beauty, and small-town charm makes it a perfect stop after a rewarding day in the saddle.

Though today’s ride is shorter, it is full of natural drama and character. You soon reach Sonabia, where towering cliffs provide a nesting ground for griffon vultures—you will likely see them circling gracefully overhead as you ride below. The landscape opens to vast beaches and green hills, leading you into the town of Laredo with its enormous golden beach stretching into the distance. From here, the road hugs the shoreline toward Santoña, framed by the dramatic Monte Buciero.

A short ferry ride carries you across the estuary, a fitting pause before reaching your hotel at Playa de Berria. Santoña is famed for its anchovies, considered some of the best in the world, and sampling them fresh here is almost a rite of passage. With the beach right at your doorstep, the evening invites a leisurely walk along the sand as the waves roll in.

The final leg of your journey continues westward, where lush green hills and glittering sea views accompany you. The ride follows quiet coastal roads with the occasional fishing village and sandy beach, offering plenty of excuses to pause and savour the scenery. Eventually, you reach Somo, a surf town with endless stretches of sand and a relaxed atmosphere. A little further, Pedreña awaits—famous as the birthplace of golfing legend Severiano Ballesteros.

Here, a boat awaits to carry you across the Bay of Santander, a grand finale that delivers you straight into the heart of Cantabria’s elegant capital. Santander greets you with tree-lined boulevards, refined squares, and a graceful seafront promenade. After the ride, the evening is yours to explore, perhaps with a celebratory meal overlooking the bay.

After breakfast, you depart with the deep satisfaction of having cycled one of Spain’s most spectacular coastlines. From San Sebastián to Santander, every turn has revealed a new face of the north—majestic cliffs, timeless fishing villages, and the vibrant culture of the Basque Country and Cantabria.