Recommendations for “not to be missed” & “ok to skip”

[hikermomma04]

In response to your original query I would definitely undertake the Zarautz to Deba section, but take the detour through the Basque Coast Geopark, famous for its geological Flysch deposits. One of the most stunning coastal scenes I have encountered. It's a long day with some tough ascents so take plenty of water. Buen Camino.

Thank you for the recommendation, it sounds like a "not to be missed"! I'm putting it on my list

 

[Thornley]

you can skip walk out of Santander and Bilbao

Agree with the first
Walk out along the river when leaving Bilbao is relaxing and there is a very good hotel in Portugalate called
The Hanging Bridge Boutique Hotel

 

[poogeyejr]

It seems I've offended a good number of pilgims with my question, unintentionally. I actually am not thinking of skipping entire stages, but rather small bits like industrialized, busy inner city parts that I have heard from other posters are not very interesting or relaxing (like taking a taxi or train a short distance to a nicer spot when walking it would mean walking down roads, past factories or beside heavy traffic). I'm definitely into the full experience of doing a camino, with varied experiences both in nature and in beautiful cities and I plan to spend every day walking pretty much the entire day. But as someone who frequently has to get my walking in around urban areas, I know that I prefer to skip that part if possible to go towards beautiful nature or quaint towns like Santillana del Mar or Oviedo. I also like to occasionally go off the beaten path to explore little things that catch my interest, before returning to the main route. In other words, I'm never going to be that person that has my entire route from Point A to Point B mapped out, with how many Km I have to walk every day continuously to meet that goal. It's just too rigid for me, and I know that my enjoyment of the Camino will come with being flexible. Unfortunately, the only part that isn't flexible is my time off, so I have to make the most of the days I do have which led me to ask this question. If I don't make it all the way to Santiago, that's ok because it just means I'll come back some other time to finish What is important to me is the experience, as it is to all of you. It's just how we define it that is a individual to each of us.

We took a train in Bilbao from downtown to Portugalete - it is recommended to take the subway to the Areeta station so you cross over the river by Portugalete. The 'bridge' is unique and a great start to a day's walk. Also, do not miss the escalators in Portugalete - to take you up the hill to the top, my friend walked up a parallel road and missed this unique feature!

 

[trecile]

it is recommended to take the subway to the Areeta station

Recommended by whom?
I enjoyed the walk from Bilbao to Portugalete - probably because I had good company to walk with that day.

 

[poogeyejr]

Recommended by whom?
I enjoyed the walk from Bilbao to Portugalete - probably because I had good company to walk with that day.

The Areeta Station is recommended, if you take the train, so you can take the bridge across to Portugalete.

 

[CGardner]

Recommended by whom?
I enjoyed the walk from Bilbao to Portugalete - probably because I had good company to walk with that day.

Hey, is the route clear from Bilbao centre? I think I’ll walk the river route tomorrow. Also how long do you expect it’ll take?

 

[trecile]

Hey, is the route clear from Bilbao centre? I think I’ll walk the river route tomorrow. Also how long do you expect it’ll take?

I walked from Lezama to Portugalete.
I just checked my timeline for that day on Google Maps. I stopped at the Decathlon in Bilbao around 10:00, then I went somewhere for breakfast in the old town before leaving the city. I reached my pensión in Portugalete just after 2 pm, and that included a stop for lunch.