CN06 - Gernika - Bilbao - 29,7 Km

Stage of the Camino de Santiago: From Gernika to Bilbao

Start of the Route: Gernika to Errigoiti
After visiting the monumental area of Gernika-Lumo, we begin the Camino de Santiago stage by walking along Zearreta Street until we reach the Lurgorri neighborhood, passing through the Mestikabaso area. We take the paved road heading towards Errigoiti, passing by the Hermitage of Santa Luzia. After crossing the Mikene Stream, we continue along a track that ascends to the left, reaching the Billikario ridge, where we stay alert for the Camino signs and the white and yellow markings of PR.

Path towards San Esteban de Gerekiz
Upon reaching an intersection near a stone milestone, we take the left path, descending along a trail until we reach a local road. We continue along this road, passing several farmhouses in the Pozueta neighborhood in Errigoiti, until we reach the underground passage beneath the Gernika-Mungia road. From here, we cross the road towards Larrabetzu and arrive at the Hermitage of San Esteban de Gerekiz.

Route towards Larrabetzu and Lezama
From the hermitage, we follow a paved road leading towards Eskerika. We leave this road to take a track on the right, passing by the Landotz farmhouse. We briefly descend and continue along a path beside a small river until we reach a sharp bend. We turn right, passing by the Pepiena farmhouse, and continue to the summit of Aretxabalaga on the Morga-Larrabetzu road. We proceed cautiously along this road until reaching the Astoreka neighborhood, where we take a detour towards Goikolexalde.

Path towards the Urban Center of Larrabetzu
After passing by the Church of San Emeterio and San Celedonio and the cross, we head towards the urban center of Larrabetzu. From here, we head towards Lezama, where we can choose to spend the night at the pilgrim’s area or continue walking the remaining 10 km to Bilbao.

Path to Bilbao: From Lezama to Begoña
Continuing along the road, we pass by the Hermitage of the Crucified Christ and continue until we reach the Church of San Martín in Zamudio. From there, we take a detour towards the industrial estate and cross the Txorierri Corridor. We ascend along an old path that leads us to the ruins of the Gaztanazabalaga farmhouse. We continue along a paved track until reaching the Santo Domingo road. After traveling about 50 meters, we take a detour towards Iturritxualde Mountain along the road of the Zamudianos.

Last Kilometers: Arrival in Bilbao
We pass by a recreational area and descend along a local road until we reach a pedestrian bridge over the road. From here, we reach the Arabella neighborhood of Bilbao and descend to Begoña, where we follow the Calzadas de Mallona, an iconic stretch that leads us directly to the Santiago Cathedral in the capital of Bizkaia.

Bilbao: End of the Stage of the Camino de Santiago
Bilbao, founded in 1300 by Diego López de Haro, is a historic town where pilgrims used to honor Santiago. Upon arrival, we follow the calzadas of the Zamudianos, passing by the Begoña Basilica, dedicated to the Apostle. The church, in Gothic style, was built between the 15th and 17th centuries and is one of the most significant places on the Camino de Santiago in Bilbao.

In the Old Quarter, we pass by the Santiago Church, dating back to the Middle Ages and serving as a cathedral since 1949. Along the way, we also encounter other important monuments, such as the Basque Museum, the Arriaga Theatre, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Finally, upon reaching the Santiago Cathedral, we complete this stage of the Camino de Santiago, a journey full of history and culture.