Friends, ready to trade traffic for sea breeze and sunrise starts? Two unforgettable Atlantic walks await: Portugal’s coastal route north from Porto, and Spain’s stretch from Bilbao to Santander along the Camino del Norte.

Both deliver surf-sprayed boardwalks, cliff views, art-filled cities, and friendly towns—with plenty of cafés and seaside stops to keep energy high.

At A Glance

Portugal Coastal (Porto north to Spain): mostly flat promenades, dunes, and fishing villages.

Bilbao→Santander: greener, hillier, and cliffy with estuary boat hops.

Daily distance: 12–20 miles (20–32 km) is typical. Plan 5–7 walking days for either section.

Best Time

Late April–June and September–October bring mild days, cooler nights, and fewer crowds. July–August are sunnier but hotter; start before 7 am. Winter walking is possible with rain gear and shorter stages.

Getting There

Fly into Porto (OPO) for the Portugal coast or Bilbao (BIO) for the northern way. Fast trains and buses connect Porto, Vigo, Bilbao, and Santander. Airport–city transit runs $2–$6; intercity buses $8–$20 depending on distance and date.

Portugal Coast

Start in Porto and tram/metro to Matosinhos ($2) to skip urban traffic. Stages many walkers love:

- Matosinhos→Vila do Conde (27 km): Long boardwalks, lighthouses, and seaside bakeries.

- Vila do Conde→Esposende (23 km): Pine-scented dunes and riverside promenades.

- Esposende→Viana do Castelo (24 km): Scenic iron bridge, tiled facades, and excellent seafood.

- Viana→Caminha (28 km): Empty beaches and wooded shade.

- Caminha→A Guarda (ES): Small ferry or water taxi across the Minho ($2–$7, weather dependent).

What to do: sample caldo verde and grilled fish, walk timber boardwalks above dunes, and pause for ocean overlooks any time the wind picks up.

Bilbao–Santander

Expect more elevation but constant Atlantic drama:

- Bilbao→Portugalete (13 km): Riverwalks and the famous transporter bridge. Guggenheim entry is about $16–$20 if you add a city day.

- Portugalete→Castro Urdiales (26 km): Clifftop paths and long beaches.

- Castro→Laredo (28 km): Coastal bluffs, then a grand sand spit into town.

- Laredo→Santoña: Short stage with an estuary boat (about $2).

- Santoña→Güemes (30 km): Green lanes and rural inns.

- Güemes→Santander (17–20 km): Walk to Somo and ferry to Santander’s harbor ($3–$5).

What to do: explore Bilbao’s riverside art, linger in small-town plazas, and stroll Santander’s elegant seafront promenades at golden hour.

Budget Guide

Daily spend varies with lodging style:

- Pilgrim hostels/dorms: $13–$22 per person.

- Guesthouses/private rooms: $50–$110 per room.

- Meals: café breakfasts $4–$7; set lunches $12–$18; bakery snacks $2–$4.

- Transport add-ons: urban metro/tram $2–$3; short ferries $2–$5; bag transfers $8–$10 per stage.

Aim for $45–$90 per day depending on comfort and indulgences.

Stays & Food

Look for “pilgrim hostels,” guesthouses, and small hotels near town centers. Reserve 1–2 days ahead in high season. Snack smart with fruit, nuts, and bakery pastries (pastel de nata in Portugal; custard-filled treats and tortillas—Spanish omelets—in Spain). Coastal cafés serve fresh fish, veggie stews, salads, and rice dishes suited to midday refueling.

Route Logistics

Pick up a credential booklet (stamp-collecting passport) at tourist offices or hostels for $2–$5. It unlocks access to pilgrim-priced lodging and makes a great souvenir. Waymarking is excellent: follow yellow arrows and scallop symbols. Many services offer luggage transfer ($8–$10 per bag/stage) if you prefer carrying only a daypack.

Packing Tips

Keep pack weight under 10% of body weight. Essentials: broken-in trail shoes, quick-dry socks (2–3 pairs), breathable layers, a light rain shell, sun hat, refillable bottle, blister kit, and reflective band for roadside sections. A compact towel and laundry soap make multi-day trips easier.

Terrain & Safety

Portugal’s coast is mostly flat with boardwalks and cycle lanes; check tide notes on beach options and use inland alternatives during high surf. Bilbao–Santander brings rolling hills; trekking poles help on long days. Start early, hydrate, and carry snacks between rural stretches. In cities, keep valuables zipped and out of sight.

Sample Plans

Portugal Coast (5 days):

Day 1 Matosinhos→Vila do Conde (27 km)

Day 2 →Esposende (23 km)

Day 3 →Viana do Castelo (24 km)

Day 4 →Caminha (28 km)

Day 5 Ferry →A Guarda, continue or bus to Vigo/Santiago

Bilbao→Santander (6 days):

Day 1 Bilbao→Portugalete (13 km)

Day 2 →Castro Urdiales (26 km)

Day 3 →Laredo (28 km)

Day 4 Boat →Santoña, walk →Güemes (25–30 km)

Day 5 →Somo (12–15 km)

Day 6 Ferry →Santander, explore museums, beaches, and parks

Booking Smart

For summer starts, reserve first and last nights plus any weekend stops; leave mid-week flexible. Ferries in Caminha, Laredo–Santoña, and Somo–Santander can pause for weather—have a taxi number or land detour ready.

Final Word

Two coastlines, two personalities: Portugal’s long, meditative boardwalks and Spain’s green cliffs and city culture. Both reward unhurried mornings, strong coffee, and the simple joy of arriving on foot. Which Atlantic path is calling you—and which town would you love to reach by sunset?