What are the most beautiful 7 days on del Norte?

[OutdoorsyGal]

What is the most beautiful seven day section on the Camino del Norte? I have a good friend who cannot come with me for the entire walk. She is only available for a week. I start from Irun. She would like to know which seven day section is the best. Thank you. Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

Irun to Bilbao is very pretty with some spectacular views.

 

[davejsy]

As @trecile has said, the first week seems to be the most spectacular, and also some of the hardest walking. I've not walked the Norte, but having spent many happy days around that part of NW Spain over the last 15 years it is easy to see why. You have wonderful cities/towns amongst the dramatic coastline during that time too, like San Sebastien, Getaria, Gernika and Bilbao. Perfect for enjoying with a friend. Bilbao will also provide plenty of travel options for your friend to return to where she needs to go.

 

[Former member 104756]

Irun to Bilbao is very pretty with some spectacular views.

I agree - and bonus prettiness and great views if you begin in (or at least visit) Hondarribia, a nearby alternative starting point to Irun. The two paths (both waymarked) join within the first few kms.

Dave sums it up well.

The first week seems to be the most spectacular, and also some of the hardest walking. I've not walked the Norte, but having spent many happy days around that part of NW Spain over the last 15 years it is easy to see why. You have wonderful cities/towns amongst the dramatic coastline during that time too, like San Sebastien, Getaria, Gernika and Bilbao. Perfect for enjoying with a friend. Bilbao will also provide plenty of travel options for your friend to return to where she needs to go.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Any 7 days it isn't raining. And despite the sometimes conga line near the end, the last 7 days are charming. Buen Camino

 

[tjz]

Any stretch is going to have it's mellow and spectacular parts. My "spectacular" favorites are sprinkled throughout:

• Hondarribia / Irun to San Sebastian is epic
• The alternate in the Basque Coast Geopark before Deba, especially if the tide is out and you can do the walk around the headland and the rope assist out
• The alternate route from Santander along the coast to Boo de Peliagos
• The "Bufones de Arenillas" alternate on the way to Llanes
• The Ruta de Congrexa alternate on the way to Luarca

If I had to choose, I'd say start at Bayonne in France for a sublime first two days and then continue on the beginning stages to San Sebastian and beyond with your legs warmed up for the effort. I do think you'll find any contiguous 7 day stretch will be great, though.