Lezama to Bilbao
The shortest stage of the route, climbing Monte Avril and descending to the Cathedral of Santiago in Bilbao's Casco Viejo.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Lezama
- Bilbao
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Does not include access from the track to: Lezama.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Lezama to Bilbao is 11 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 7, with 318 m of ascent and 369 m of descent, completed in about 3 h 15 min. Difficulty: Easy.
The shortest stage, into the great city of the Camino del Norte
From Lezama, the Camino passes the Garaioltza sports facilities and the Torrelarragoiti and Pinoa industrial estates before starting the day's main climb: Monte Avril, with about 300 metres of ascent along the layout of an old medieval causeway.
The descent passes the Basílica de Begoña and drops into the Casco Viejo, home to the Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. It's a short stage, designed to reach Bilbao — the largest and most populous city on the whole Camino del Norte — with plenty of time to spare and enjoy the afternoon exploring it.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A short stage with a single significant climb, up Monte Avril (about 300 m of ascent), on the layout of a medieval causeway.
Scenery
Industrial estates on leaving Lezama, mountain and historic causeway on the climb, and an urban setting on the descent into Bilbao.
Path type
A mix of stretches beside industrial estates, a mountain trail on the climb, and city streets on arrival in Bilbao.
Villages
Zamudio, with its church of San Martín, before the climb up Monte Avril.
Water points
Available in Zamudio and, on the descent, at the Basílica de Begoña and in Bilbao's Casco Viejo.
Shade
Limited on the industrial stretches, somewhat better on the climb up Monte Avril.
Traffic
Moderate near the industrial estates and on entering Bilbao's urban surroundings.
Key tip
Take advantage of how short this stage is to arrive early and spend the afternoon exploring Bilbao at ease.
Accommodation in Bilbao
Bilbao, the largest city on the whole Camino del Norte, offers several albergue options.
Albergue de peregrinos de Zabalbide
Bilbao's new municipal albergue, opened in 2026 in the old water deposit building on Calle Zabalbide, with 60 beds across two 30-bed rooms. A sustainable building, run by the Asociación de Amigos de los Caminos de Santiago de Bizkaia, about 200 m from the Camino's route.
Refuelling on this stage
Bilbao offers the best and most varied food scene of the whole Camino del Norte up to this point.
Pintxos and Basque cuisine
The Casco Viejo and surrounding area concentrate a great range of pintxo bars and restaurants to refuel and enjoy the city.
Historic stops on this stage
Monte Avril and its medieval causeway
The stage's main ascent follows the layout of an old medieval causeway, with about 300 m of elevation gain.
Basílica de Begoña
A Marian shrine and patroness of Bilbao, along the descent towards the Casco Viejo.
Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao
The Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago marks the end of this short stage, right in the historic centre.
The great city of the Camino del Norte
The largest and most populous city on the whole route, with museums, the Casco Viejo and the estuary as its main draws.
Since it's such a short stage, many pilgrims use the afternoon to visit the Guggenheim Museum or stroll along the estuary before continuing.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Lezama has a train station (Euskotren) with a direct connection to Bilbao.
If you need to head back from Bilbao: the city has its own airport and excellent train, bus and flight connections to the rest of Spain and Europe.
What to know before this stage
Make the most of the short distance
With only 11 km, you'll have the whole afternoon free to explore Bilbao.
Don't underestimate the climb up Monte Avril
It packs 300 m of elevation gain into a short space, even if the rest of the stage is easy.
Book ahead in high season
Bilbao is a very popular stop and albergue beds fill up fast during the summer months.
Spend time in the city
It's the great city of the whole Camino del Norte: it's worth not rushing off the next day.
Don't ruin this stage
Skipping Bilbao because you're in a rush
It's the most important city on the whole Camino del Norte; it's worth giving it at least an afternoon.
Not booking accommodation in high season
Demand for beds in Bilbao is high, especially at the more affordable albergues.
Underestimating Monte Avril because it's a short stage
Although the total distance is brief, the climb packs in quite a bit of elevation gain.
Not checking on the new Zabalbide albergue
As a recent facility, it's worth confirming hours and availability before arriving.
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 Lezama to Bilbao?
What is Monte Avril?
Where can I sleep in Bilbao?
Is it worth spending the night in Bilbao?
Is this stage difficult?
Where does the Camino end in Bilbao?
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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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