Santiago Plan

Stage 8 of 33 · Camino del Norte

Portugalete → Castro-Urdiales

Cantabria

Updated on August 16, 2026

Distance
26 km
Time
7 h 16 min
Ascent
+642 m
Descent
−675 m
Difficulty
Hard
Where to sleep in Castro-Urdiales
79

Elevation profile

Ascent

+642 m

Descent

−675 m

Altitude

4–300 m

-401523440 km7 km13 km20 km26 km

Stage map

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Where to get your credential stamped

Places on this stage that usually stamp the pilgrim's credential. Remember: over the last 100 km you need two stamps a day.

Points based on the hostels and parish churches along this stretch (OpenStreetMap data). We can't guarantee that each one stamps at all times: opening hours and availability change. Many bars, cafés and town halls also stamp.

Don't have the credential yet? See where to get one →

Pobeña, the coastal path and the crossing into Cantabria as far as Castro-Urdiales.

🧭 How to get there

Find out how to travel from your city to Portugalete by train, bus, car or plane.

See routes and prices
Open in Google Maps →Links to external planners; schedules and prices on their website.

🚕 Taxis

Taxi ranks and services near this stage.

Camino taxis and transfers

Companies specialising in pilgrims that cover this route: transfers between stages, luggage transport and airport.

Search for taxis in Castro-Urdiales →Confirm availability and price by phone. Data © OpenStreetMap.

Hostels on this stage

Hostel data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). It does not include beds or price, which are not always in the source; check with the hostel. Is one missing or wrong? Write to us.

Frequently asked questions about this stage

How many kilometres is stage 8?
The stage from Portugalete to Castro-Urdiales is about 26 km according to our track.
How long does this stage take?
About 7 h 16 min at a moderate pace (26 km and +642 m). This estimate excludes breaks; with rests, photos and meals, add 1-2 hours.
How much elevation does this stage have?
It gains about +642 m of ascent and −675 m of descent, calculated on the real profile of the stage.
Is this stage difficult?
We rate it as hard difficulty, with about 25 m of ascent per kilometre. It is an estimate based on elevation; heat, rain or the surface can make it harder.
Where to sleep at the end of the stage, in Castro-Urdiales?
We list 2 pilgrim hostels in the corridor of this stage (with phone and website when available). You can also book a hotel or guesthouse in Castro-Urdiales.

Xacobeo 2027

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Keep planning

All stages of the Camino del NorteCompare the routesHow to start the CaminoThe credential and the Compostela
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