Portugalete → Castro-Urdiales
26 km | 8-11 hours | +1418m / -1462m
About This Stage
A long, demanding stage returning to coastal walking after Bilbao. The route follows the Cantabrian coast through a mix of clifftop paths, industrial zones, and beach sections. Over 1,400 metres of climbing makes this a tough day.
The first section passes through the industrial outskirts of Bilbao's port area before the landscape opens up to coastal scenery. The clifftop walking returns with dramatic views of the Cantabrian Sea. The route crosses from the Basque Country into Cantabria.
Castro-Urdiales is a beautiful fishing town with a stunning Gothic church (Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion), a medieval bridge, and a ruined Templar castle. The harbour area with its seafood restaurants is one of the most picturesque stops on the Norte. Good services available.
Terrain: Coastal paths, steep cliff climbs, industrial areas, beach sections, urban streets
Explore the Stage
Elevation Profile
Things Along the Way
An industrial town on the Nervion estuary south of Bilbao, connected to Getxo by the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, the world's oldest transporter bridge (1893).
A pleasant Cantabrian fishing town with a dramatic Gothic church perched on a headland above the harbour, a ruined Templar castle, and a lively seafood dining scene.
Tips for This Stage
Accommodation between Portugalete and Castro-Urdiales
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Stay in Portugalete
Stage StartAccommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
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Stay in Castro-Urdiales
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