Your Travel Experience with Bamba
Day 1 - 2
Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao
As you arrive in the modern and vibrant city of Bilbao you can sample the renowned Basque cuisine. If you arrive early it's worth visiting the Guggenheim Museum, walk through the old town and along the river at the center of the city as you prepare for your Camino. And do not forget to collect the first stamp in your pilgrim’s passport!
Day 2 - 3
Day 2: Bilbao to Castro Urdiales
Today, your cycling adventure begins in Bilbao. You'll pedal through urban areas heading towards Portugalete. A long cycle path will guide you to La Arena beach, where you'll encounter the stunning Cantabrian Sea. Following a scenic path along the cliffs, you'll transition from the Basque Country into Cantabria. The coastal trail will lead you to Castro Urdiales, a charming town with a beautiful harbor and a rich history. Take some time to explore its historic streets and indulge in the local seafood. Challenge: 41 km / 25.5 mi, 575 m ascent
Day 3 - 4
Day 3: Castro Urdiales to Laredo
Your journey continues along the stunning northern coast, with the Gulf of Biscay serving as a picturesque backdrop. This stage offers captivating scenery, including several beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and serene forested areas, interspersed with lush inland valleys. Though the distance is relatively short, the route profile features continuous ups and downs with moderate gradients, often following unsurfaced paths. Your destination, Laredo, is renowned for its golden sandy beaches. While the town itself may not be the most architecturally captivating, it provides an excellent opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Challenge: 31 km / 19 mi, 735 m ascent
Day 4 - 5
Day 4: Laredo to Santander
Your adventure today features two brief sails: the first from Puntal de Laredo to Santoña and the final leg from Pedreña to Santander, placing you right in the heart of the city near the modern art museum, Centro Botín. The Camino unfolds through verdant countryside and picturesque villages, gracing you with views of three expansive beaches: Salvé (in Laredo), Berria (after Santoña), and Helgueras-Trengadín (Noja). After enjoying these coastal vistas, you'll venture inland to San Miguel de Meruelo and Güemes. The day's journey concludes with a relatively flat section, presenting two more sandy beaches, Langre and Somo, within easy reach. Santander, your destination, offers a captivating mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, providing a perfect culmination to your pilgrimage. Challenge: 52 km / 32 mi, 650 m ascent
Day 5 - 6
Day 5: Santander - Santillana
Today's journey begins with a gradual departure from the urban landscape of Santander. This city, nestled on a peninsular stretch surrounded by water, can only expand in one direction, making the exit a bit time-consuming. However, we've charted out scenic alternatives to the official Camino, guiding you through hilly and often unexpectedly peaceful countryside. Your day concludes in the enchanting medieval town of Santillana del Mar, renowned as one of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria. Challenge: 40 km / 25 mi, 650 m ascent
Day 6 - 7
Day 6: Santillana to Bustio
Today's journey is both lengthy and fascinating, featuring a mix of gently rolling green hills and brief forays toward the Cantabrian coast. In Comillas, prepare to be enchanted by the modernist architecture, most notably El Capricho, one of Antoni Gaudí's earliest works. As you head toward Unquera, you'll traverse several bridges crossing marshes and estuaries, with the largest one just before entering the charming fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera. In the second part of the route, you'll head inland. Although the continuous ascents and descents are moderate, with a maximum single ascent of 100 meters, they total up to 1125 meters, giving a sense of proximity to the mountains. Challenge: 48.7 km / 30 mi, 1125 m ascent
Day 7 - 8
Day 7: Bustio to Ribadesella
Today's route begins in Colombres, where you’ll see the impressive villa Quinta Guadalupe. This was built by 19th-century emigrants who returned wealthy from the Americas. Leaving Colombres, you’ll hear the gentle sound of the ocean as you pass through scenic fishing villages. After crossing a notable slope near Andrín, you'll descend into Llanes, known for its historic quarter, lively summer terraces, and artistic breakwater. From Llanes, you’ll visit the popular beaches of Palombina, Torimbia, and San Antolín. Moving inland, the route takes you through peaceful rural areas with fewer tourists. After several level crossings, your day concludes in Ribadesella, famous for its prehistoric caves. Challenge: 56 or 61 km / 35 or 38 mi; 950 m in ascent
Day 8 - 9
Day 8: Ribadesella to Villaviciosa
Today's journey covers a relatively short distance but promises an engaging experience, with various ascents offering breathtaking views. Multiple beaches along the route provide ideal spots for a refreshing swim: Santa Marina in Ribadesella, Vega, the somewhat secluded Arenal de Morís, La Espasa, and La Isla. In Colunga, consider taking a brief detour to visit the Jurassic Museum (MUJA) or Playa de la Riega, where you can walk in the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs. The trail then winds further inland, traversing a mountainous landscape typical of Asturias. You'll pass through areas adorned with apple orchards, lush meadows, and quaint rural hamlets. The day concludes in Villaviciosa, renowned as the Apple Capital for its famous cider production. Challenge: 39 km / 24.4 mi, 800 m ascent
Day 9 - 10
Day 9: Villaviciosa – Oviedo
Today marks your departure from the ocean as you aim to conclude your pilgrimage fittingly at the gothic Cathedral San Salvador in Oviedo. As you cycle away from Villaviciosa, it’s highly recommended to visit the pre-Romanesque church and Romanesque monastery in Valdedios before tackling the final, yet very steep, ascent of 260 meters to El Alto de la Campa. Beyond this ascent, you'll enjoy a mostly downhill ride towards the market town of Pola de Siero, passing through several modern suburbs. To maintain the peaceful countryside vibe and delay the transition to the bustling urban environment, we offer an alternative route to the official Camino, which otherwise runs parallel to the old N-634 for several kilometers. Ultimately, you'll head towards the magnificent Cathedral of Oviedo. This cathedral not only stands as an icon of Asturias' rich history and culture but also shares a deep historical connection with the Camino dating back to the 9th century. Oviedo is a welcoming town, boasting excellent restaurants and numerous sidrerías (cider bars). Challenge: 45.7 km / 28.4 mi, 900 m ascent
Day 10
Day 10: Departure from Oviedo
After breakfast your journey comes to an end. You can also combine this trip with the next stage of the Camino and get to Santiago de Compostela in 10 more days.