Bilbao to Portugalete
The most urban stage of the whole Camino del Norte, crossing Barakaldo and Sestao to reach the Puente Bizkaia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Bilbao
- Portugalete
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Bilbao to Portugalete is 19.2 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 8, with 444 m of ascent and 431 m of descent, completed in about 4 h 45 min. Difficulty: Easy.
The most urban stage of the Camino del Norte
The Camino leaves Bilbao via the San Antón bridge and Calle San Francisco, in what gronze.com describes as "the most urban stage of the Camino del Norte." The official route combines a couple of demanding climbs with good views, a wooded section, a bridge known as the "devil's bridge," and a medieval causeway, before crossing Barakaldo and Sestao.
A simplified variant also exists, running along the edge of the estuary, about 6.2 km shorter than the official route. Both options end in Portugalete, famous for its Puente Bizkaia (hanging bridge), the world's oldest transporter bridge still in operation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A predominantly urban and industrial route, with a couple of demanding climbs and a brief wooded section on the official route.
Scenery
Bilbao, Barakaldo and Sestao give way to the industrial estuary, ending with the striking sight of the Puente Bizkaia in Portugalete.
Path type
Urban streets and pavements, with a bridge known as the "devil's bridge," a medieval causeway, and an optional variant along the estuary that's shorter and flatter.
Villages
Barakaldo and Sestao, industrial towns of the Bilbao metropolitan area, before reaching Portugalete.
Water points
Plentiful throughout, as this is a fully urban stage.
Shade
Generally limited, except for the brief wooded section on the official route.
Traffic
High, as expected for an urban stage crossing several towns of the Bilbao metropolitan area.
Key tip
If you're after a shorter, flatter route, the estuary variant saves about 6.2 km compared to the official route.
Accommodation in Portugalete
Portugalete has a seasonal municipal albergue plus year-round private alternatives.
Albergue de peregrinos de Portugalete
A 36-bed municipal albergue operating since 2004 inside the Polideportivo Zubi Alde sports complex. Open only from June to September, no reservations; the rest of the year, Albergue Bide Ona (34 beds, year-round) is the nearest alternative to the old town.
Refuelling on this stage
Bilbao, Barakaldo, Sestao and Portugalete all offer plenty of bars and restaurants along this fully urban route.
Varied old-town options
The area around the Puente Bizkaia concentrates bars and restaurants, ideal for refuelling at the end of the stage.
Historic stops on this stage
The devil's bridge and medieval causeway
The official route includes a bridge popularly known as the "devil's bridge" and a stretch of medieval causeway, among the stage's best-viewed climbs.
Bilbao's industrial metropolitan area
Two towns with a strong industrial tradition that the Camino crosses before reaching Portugalete.
Puente Bizkaia (hanging bridge)
The world's oldest transporter bridge still in operation, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
Crossing the Puente Bizkaia in its gondola, or climbing up to its top walkway, is one of the most unique experiences on the entire Camino del Norte.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Bilbao has its own airport and excellent train, bus and flight connections.
If you need to head back from Portugalete: there's a direct metro and commuter train (Renfe) connection to Bilbao.
What to know before this stage
Choose between the official route or the estuary variant
The official one offers more history and better views; the estuary variant is about 6.2 km shorter and flatter.
Don't miss the Puente Bizkaia
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the route's great attractions; it's worth crossing slowly.
Check the municipal albergue's dates
It only opens from June to September; the rest of the year, book ahead at Albergue Bide Ona.
Get ready for a very urban stage
The surface is mostly asphalt and pavement: well-cushioned footwear is welcome.
Don't ruin this stage
Not deciding between the two route variants beforehand
The official route and the estuary variant differ by 6.2 km: choose based on available time and energy.
Walking past the Puente Bizkaia
It's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 and one of the most recognisable symbols of the Camino del Norte.
Relying on the municipal albergue outside season
It only operates from June to September; the rest of the year you'll need a private alternative.
Underestimating urban traffic
As this stage crosses densely populated towns, pay attention at crossings.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you're wondering before this stage
How many kilometres from Bilbao to Portugalete?
What's the difference between the official route and the estuary variant?
What is the Puente Bizkaia?
Where can I sleep in Portugalete?
Is this stage difficult?
Is it worth taking the official route instead of the estuary variant?
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Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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