The stage, step by step
From Portugalete towards Getxo and Sestao
You leave Portugalete with services nearby for breakfast and supplies. The first kilometres cross the urban surroundings of Getxo and Sestao; between km 1.8 and km 6.5 there is a gentle 92 m climb, before the route opens out towards the coast.
Towards Urioste and Ortuella
Between km 6.5 and km 12.3, the profile drops 122 m. You pass through Urioste and Ortuella, after which the Camino continues through Abanto and Ciérvana-Abanto Zierbena. It is a long section, so keep a pace that allows you to save your legs for the afternoon.
Pobeña and Paseo Itsaslur
As you approach Zierbena and Pobeña, the experience changes. Paseo Itsaslur follows the former mining railway and offers the most attractive coastal stretch of the day. Pobeña is the obvious place to stop and decide whether to continue to Castro.
The climb and descent towards Castro
The most demanding section comes between km 18.3 and km 22.3, with 233 m of ascent and an average gradient of 5.8%. This is followed by a 200 m descent to km 27; the route continues through Sámano and finally enters Castro Urdiales.
What to see on stage 9
Paseo Itsaslur
This greenway follows a former mining railway. Around Pobeña, it combines the area’s industrial history with open views over the coast.
Pobeña
The village marks a clear change in the day and the crossing into Cantabrian territory. It is also the most sensible place to consider a long break or split the effort if 32.1 km feels too much.
Cliffs between Pobeña and Ontón
This section contains some of the most impressive views of the stage. The path runs along a steep cliff and makes the transition from Bizkaia to Cantabria particularly clear.
Castro Urdiales
The arrival in Castro Urdiales brings a long coastal day to an end. The town has the places to rest, eat and stay that you need to recover your strength.
Where to sleep in Castro Urdiales
Portugalete offers several possible starting points: Albergue de Peregrinos de Portugalete and Albergue Bide Ona are useful landmarks. If you need to shorten the stage, there is Albergue de pelegrinos in Pobeña; further on, you will find Albergue Público de Peregrinos de Santullán. At the destination, there is Albergue de Peregrinos de Castro Urdiales. Booking ahead is advisable because this is a long stage and many pilgrims aim to sleep in Castro.
Where to eat and refuel
You can leave Portugalete well supplied: Carrefour Express, BM and Eroski are useful for filling your rucksack, while Café Bambata, Cafeteria Kaixo, Casa Vicente and Las Llanas are all close to the start for an unhurried breakfast. Make the most of it, because the day is not a continuous succession of bars: the industrial crossing of the left bank and the coastal section include long gaps with nowhere open, especially if you set off early. Pobeña is the obvious place to sit down mid-morning, and afterwards it is sensible to carry food and water for the afternoon climb towards Sámano. Castro Urdiales, at the end, is a seaside town with a harbour and plenty of choice; by then, the problem will not be finding a table but arriving with enough energy to sit down at it.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off very early
It is 32.1 km and the average walking time is 7.1 hours. The advice to leave early is practical: you need enough time for breaks and to tackle the climb between km 18.3 and km 22.3 in daylight.
Do not reach Pobeña on empty
Buy supplies in Portugalete and use the services at the start. The route then opens out, while the hardest section comes late, so save food for the coast and the 233 m climb.
Make your decision in Pobeña
If you are short on time or energy, Pobeña allows you to consider splitting the stage. The inland alternative along the N-634 adds 7 km, so it is not a shortcut; choose it only if you need to change the coastal route.
Take care on the cliffs
Between Pobeña and Ontón, the path runs along a steep cliff. Stay alert, particularly in windy conditions or when fatigue has built up, and do not let the views tempt you into walking too quickly.
Frequently asked questions about stage 9
How long does it take to walk from Portugalete to Castro Urdiales?
The stage is 32.1 km and takes an average of 7.1 hours. It is a hilly day, with 417 m of ascent and 440 m of descent.
Where is the toughest climb?
The main climb is between km 18.3 and km 22.3. It gains 233 m with an average gradient of 5.8%, after several hours of walking.
Can I split the stage in Pobeña?
Yes. Albergue de pelegrinos is available in Pobeña, so you can consider staying there if you do not want to complete the 32.1 km to Castro Urdiales.
Does the N-634 alternative shorten the route?
No. The inland alternative along the N-634 adds 7 km. If you choose it, do so because of the type of terrain or the weather, not to reduce the distance.