Following the coast instead of going inland via Bilbao

[Frans57]

Hi there pilgrims,
I am planning to walk the Camino del Norte in May 2025.
I am wondering: is it possible c.q. done earlier to follow the coast all along from Deba to Vizcaya Bridge crossing Nervion River near Portugalete, instead of going inland from Deba to Bilbao via Guernica?
I want to avoid urban and industrial areas as much as possible. On top of that it seems that San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on the coast is very interested to see.
Looking forward to your replies. Thanks!
Frans

 

[davejsy]

You would still need to go nearly in to Guernica (Freedom museum is well worth a visit) as there aren't any bridges further down to cross the Urdabai estuary. You can certainly walk paths from Guernica to Bermeo, although I am less sure from Bermeo to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (although it is a fairly quiet road from that side if walking on the road). San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is beautiful, but often very very busy if you time it wrong and requires pre-booking on some days (if not all) now.

I have no idea after San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the above is just from my knowledge having spent much time in this beautiful area over the years. The whole coastline is outstanding so well worth it if it is viable.

If coming from Elantxobe you can go via Atxarreko San Pedro ermita which is a beautiful chapel over-looking the whole Urdabai estuary - probably one of the best view points. You then carry on down to Kanala and there are paths all the way along to Guernica or just before to cross the estuary.

Atxarreko San Pedro ermita · Lugar Barrio Gametxo, 9A, 48311, Bizkaia, Spain

★★★★★ · Chapel

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[JWB]

Have a look at this thread. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-coast-between-gernika-and-portugalete.83571/
You will pass San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

 

[Frans57]

Have a look at this thread. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-coast-between-gernika-and-portugalete.83571/
You will pass San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

View attachment 179899

Thank you, Jan Willem!
Have you walked this variant and if yes, are there specific things that I should know about?

 

[JWB]

Thank you, Jan Willem!
Have you walked this variant and if yes,

No, not this particular detour. But have walked as much detours as possible in my Camino del Norte (have these detours available in KML/GPX format). Feel free to PM me if you want more details.

 

[WalkingLester]

Download Mapy.cz; it has all the Camino Del Norte variants and the GR trails that run near the Camino and on the coast.

 

[trecile]

Download Mapy.cz; it has all the Camino Del Norte variants and the GR trails that run near the Camino and on the coast.

Mapy.cz is great. I used it several times on the Norte. It looks like GR123 is the route you are looking for.

By the sea and the mountains – Tour of Biscay (GR 123) | Hiking Collection by komoot

Biscay is the second smallest province in Spain. Perhaps because of this, the variety of landscapes and natural wealth hidden within it comes as something of a surprise. Located at the confluence of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees, Biscay has some of the most mountainous terrain on the...

www.komoot.com

 

[backpack45]

Perhaps not the answer you wanted so really more about telling others -- Guernica's population is much less than either Bilbao or San Sebastian and we found people on the street were stopping to talk to each other rather than rushing from place to places as one tends to do in larger cities. Guernica has not only a replica of Picasso's famous painting, but also a a great deal of information and displays about the Basque history. Of particular interest to many would be the "Assembly" This is the Basque meeting house, which has operated from the Middle Ages into the present day, and where the representatives of the villages along the Bay of Biscay meet and govern. Also the Oak Tree Memorial."

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved walking through the well kept small city of Guernica, which was rebuilt after its bombing in 1937, and think it would be a shame to bypass it. I have read the "The Basque History of the World" by Mark Kurlansky, but preferred the novel "Guernica", by Dave Boling.

 

[Pilgrim9]

Possible ferry across the estuary north of Guernica?

https://urdaibaiboat.com/

This is not a recommendation; I simply stumbled on it when studying the map.

 

[Vacajoe]

Guernika also has a great Market Day once a week with a wonderful selection of dried meats, cheeses, veggies, and more. Plus to stand in the school plaza and view the replica mural was a very moving part of my Camino