Irún is the gateway to one of the most spectacular of all the Caminos: the Camino del Norte, which follows the whole Cantabrian coast, hugging the sea. From Irún, on the border with France, to Santiago de Compostela it is around 820 kilometres of coastline, green mountains and fishing villages. At Bicigrino we make it simple: we deliver a prepared, serviced bike to you in Irún, you ride the Camino at your own pace and you leave it with us when you reach Santiago. No boxing up your own bike, no flying with a bike bag and no returning to the starting point.
Irún, far more than a starting point
Irún is the last town in Gipuzkoa before France, separated from Hendaye by the river Bidasoa and the bay of Txingudi. A crossing point since Roman times —this was the site of Oiasso, a port and trading hub whose museum you can visit today— it has always been a border and a crossroads. Two gems wait close by: the beautiful walled town of Hondarribia, with its colourful medieval quarter and its fishing harbour, and Mount Jaizkibel, an unbeatable viewpoint over the Cantabrian Sea along which the first stage of the Camino runs.
You are right in the heart of the Basque Country, and it shows on the table: the pintxos crowning the bar tops, salt cod, marmitako, hake, some kokotxas, and to toast, a fresh, sparkling txakoli or a good cider. Starting the Camino with this backdrop of border history and Basque cuisine, and with the sea as your companion from the very first pedal stroke, is part of the experience.
The Camino del Norte from Irún: route, distances and what to expect
For many, the Camino del Norte is the most beautiful of them all: it runs along the Cantabrian coast, alternating cliffs, beaches and green mountains. From Irún it climbs Jaizkibel and reaches San Sebastián and its Concha bay; it continues through Zarautz, Getaria, Deba and Markina to Bilbao and its estuary, and on through Castro Urdiales, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Comillas and Ribadesella into Asturias, with Gijón and Avilés, before turning inland to link up with Galicia on the way to Santiago. From Irún to Santiago is around 820 kilometres.
Most cyclists cover the full Norte in 13 to 16 days, depending on their pace. It is a demanding Camino: far more of a leg-breaker than the Francés, with constant ups and downs beside the sea, but of breathtaking beauty and with a cool climate that is most welcome in summer. An e-bike makes an enormous difference here. From Irún you comfortably exceed the 200 kilometres required for the Compostela: it is the complete coastal route, from one border of the country to the other.
How we work: your bike ready at a shop, right before you leave
Whenever possible, we don’t leave the bike waiting for you at a hotel reception: we deliver it to a partner bike shop at the starting point. Why? Because that way, after transport, a professional mechanic gives it a final check right before you set off: brakes, gears, tyre pressure, saddle and handlebars adjusted to your size. This matters especially on such a leg-breaking Camino: you set out with the bike in perfect order. If a public holiday or logistics make delivery to a shop impossible, we arrange delivery to your accommodation.
The rest of the service follows the “you just pedal” philosophy. It’s a one-way rental: you pick up the bike in Irún and return it in Santiago, with no need to go back. You ride the Camino in complete freedom and we take care of the logistics from start to finish. We deliver bikes throughout Spain and Portugal.
What your rental includes
Each bike leaves ready for the Camino, with panniers, a rear rack, a lock and a repair kit, serviced before delivery. We include delivery at the start and collection in Santiago, and we support you with assistance by phone and WhatsApp in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. The helmet is not included, for hygiene and fit: bring your own. The rental is for the complete route, with a 7-day minimum rate and prices from €345 (VAT included); see models and prices on our rates page.
Gravel/mountain bike or e-bike?
Both work wonderfully, but the Norte is demanding. A gravel or an MTB is the natural choice if you ride confidently and are in good shape. An e-bike —batteries of 750 to 800 Wh— is almost a blessing on this leg-breaking Camino: it smooths out the constant coastal ups and downs and lets you enjoy the sea without ending up exhausted; you just recharge it each night. It’s the most popular choice here. Those who ride an e-bike, cover the distance and stamp their credential can also apply for the Compostela (confirm it at the Pilgrim’s Office).
More services to round off your Camino
We can take care of transporting your luggage, offer you optional assistance insurance —breakdowns, punctures and bike replacement— and handle the deposit simply and refundably. We are specialists in the Camino de Santiago by bike.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up the bike in Irún and leave it in Santiago?
Yes, it’s our main service. We deliver it to you in Irún, already serviced, and you return it when you reach Santiago.
How many days do I need from Irún?
The full Norte usually takes 13 to 16 days. The minimum rental is 7 days.
Is the Camino del Norte hard?
It’s more demanding than the Francés: constant ups and downs beside the sea. Beautiful, and very rewarding on an e-bike.
Why do you deliver the bike to a shop and not the hotel?
Because that way it gets a final professional check after transport, right before you set off. It matters even more on such a leg-breaking Camino.
Do you carry my luggage between stages?
Yes. We can arrange to transport your luggage so you ride light.
At Bicigrino we deliver the bikes in Irún and in any city across Spain and Portugal. See all the models, prices and conditions on our bike rental page.
Ready to set off from Irún?
Tell us your dates and we’ll prepare your bike in Irún, serviced and ready for the Camino. Write to caminosantiagobike@gmail.com or WhatsApp +34 627 92 82 13; we answer in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. Buen Camino!
