Camino del Norte
Camino del Norte
Spain
Essential 100
Easy
196KM
11 Days
A$2,030*
Walk 125km from Vilalba to Santiago across Galicia’s quiet inland trails.
Enjoy gentle hills, eucalyptus forests, and sleepy villages.
Finish in Santiago with fewer crowds and tranquil landscapes.
Camino del Norte
Spain
The Full Experience
Hard
870KM
37 Days
A$7,902*
Walk 870km along Spain’s spectacular northern coast from San Sebastián.
Trace rugged cliffs, surf beaches, and lush green hills.
Discover the quieter, wilder side of the Camino.
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Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 1 of 5
Moderate
127KM
8 Days
A$1,715*
Walk 127km from San Sebastián to Bilbao on the Camino del Norte.
Coastal cliffs and beaches give way to forested Basque hills via Deba, Markina-Xemein and Gernika.
Finish in Bilbao with riverfront strolls, the Guggenheim, and pintxos.
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Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 2 of 5
Easy
117KM
7 Days
A$1,560*
Walk 117 km from Bilbao to Santander on the Camino del Norte.
Follow coastal paths, forest tracks, and rolling farmland between port towns and quiet villages.
Experience Basque and Cantabrian culture, cuisine, and sweeping sea views.
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Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 3 of 5
Easy
221KM
11 Days
A$2,195*
Walk 221 km from Santander to Gijón on the Camino del Norte.
Coastal paths, beaches, wooded hills, and green farmland.
Mix of promenades, clifftop trails, farm tracks, and quiet roads.
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Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 4 of 5
Easy
149KM
9 Days
A$1,700*
Walk 149 km from Gijón to Ribadeo on the Camino del Norte.
Coastal paths, forest tracks, quiet lanes via Avilés, Luarca, Navia.
Finish at the Eo estuary, gateway to Galicia.
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Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 5 of 5
Easy
197KM
11 Days
A$2,030*
Walk 197 km from Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela.
Green Galician interior via Lourenzá, Vilalba, Sobrado dos Monxes, Arzúa.
Monasteries, oak–eucalyptus woods, stone hamlets.
Overview
Camino del Norte
The Camino del Norte, also known as the Northern Way, is one of the oldest and most scenic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Running along Spain’s northern coastline, it stretches roughly 825 kilometers from the Basque town of Irún near the French border, through Asturias and Cantabria, and into Galicia. This route offers a dramatic blend of coastal cliffs, green hills, and small fishing villages, making it a favorite for pilgrims seeking a quieter, more physically demanding path.
Unlike the more popular Camino Francés, the Camino del Norte remains less traveled, offering solitude and space to reflect. The route takes pilgrims through four culturally rich and linguistically distinct regions: the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. With its maritime heritage, ancient monasteries, and panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay, this Camino balances natural beauty with deep historical roots. Though more physically demanding, it rewards pilgrims with its authenticity, variety, and emotional impact.
Camino del Norte
Spain
Essential 100
A$2,030*
11 Days
196KM
Easy
Walk 125km from Vilalba to Santiago across Galicia’s quiet inland trails.
Enjoy gentle hills, eucalyptus forests, and sleepy villages.
Finish in Santiago with fewer crowds and tranquil landscapes.
Camino del Norte
Spain
The Full Experience
A$7,902*
37 Days
870KM
Hard
Walk 870km along Spain’s spectacular northern coast from San Sebastián.
Trace rugged cliffs, surf beaches, and lush green hills.
Discover the quieter, wilder side of the Camino.
Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 1 of 5
A$1,715*
8 Days
127KM
Moderate
Walk 127km from San Sebastián to Bilbao on the Camino del Norte.
Coastal cliffs and beaches give way to forested Basque hills via Deba, Markina-Xemein and Gernika.
Finish in Bilbao with riverfront strolls, the Guggenheim, and pintxos.
Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 2 of 5
A$1,560*
7 Days
117KM
Easy
Walk 117 km from Bilbao to Santander on the Camino del Norte.
Follow coastal paths, forest tracks, and rolling farmland between port towns and quiet villages.
Experience Basque and Cantabrian culture, cuisine, and sweeping sea views.
Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 3 of 5
A$2,195*
11 Days
221KM
Easy
Walk 221 km from Santander to Gijón on the Camino del Norte.
Coastal paths, beaches, wooded hills, and green farmland.
Mix of promenades, clifftop trails, farm tracks, and quiet roads.
Camino del Norte
Spain
Stage 4 of 5
A$1,700*
9 Days
149KM
Easy
Walk 149 km from Gijón to Ribadeo on the Camino del Norte.
Coastal paths, forest tracks, quiet lanes via Avilés, Luarca, Navia.
Finish at the Eo estuary, gateway to Galicia.
History
The Camino del Norte dates back to the early centuries of Christianity in Spain. During the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, pilgrims from northern Europe sought safer routes to Santiago that avoided the central territories under Islamic rule. The coastal path through the north remained under Christian control, making it a secure and sacred corridor for medieval pilgrims. Kings, nobles, and religious orders supported the route, helping to establish monasteries, churches, and hospitals along the way.
In the Basque Country, towns like San Sebastián and Bilbao developed as important pilgrimage stops. The Monastery of Zenarruza and the ancient town of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria served as spiritual and logistical waypoints. In Asturias, support for the pilgrimage grew under the Asturian monarchs, with cities like Oviedo offering connections to even older paths, such as the Camino Primitivo.
Although it was historically significant, the Camino del Norte declined in popularity as inland routes became better supported and more direct. For centuries it remained lesser-known, used mostly by locals or more adventurous pilgrims. In recent decades, however, there has been a revival of interest. Thanks to restoration efforts and modern infrastructure, the route has re-emerged as a compelling alternative to the more trafficked Francés. Today it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage extension of the Camino de Santiago network and offers a unique window into Spain’s coastal history.
The Route
The Camino del Norte begins in the Basque town of Irún, located near the French border, and traces Spain’s rugged northern coastline all the way to Santiago de Compostela. The route runs parallel to the Bay of Biscay, passing through four autonomous communities: the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. From Irún, pilgrims pass through San Sebastián, Zarautz, and Deba before reaching Bilbao, one of the largest and most culturally vibrant cities on the route. From there, the trail heads west toward Castro Urdiales and into Cantabria, moving through Laredo, Santoña, Santander, and Santillana del Mar.
After Cantabria, pilgrims enter Asturias, known for its lush green landscapes and mountain views. This section includes towns like Llanes, Ribadesella, Villaviciosa, and Gijón. From Gijón, walkers either continue along the coast or turn inland toward Oviedo, where they can optionally switch to the Camino Primitivo — the oldest known route to Santiago.
Those who stay on the Norte continue toward Avilés, Luarca, and eventually reach the Galician town of Ribadeo.
In Galicia, the trail veers inland, climbing through forested hills and rural hamlets before joining the Camino Francés or the Camino Primitivo in Arzúa. From there, it follows a common path to Santiago. The full Camino del Norte is approximately 825 kilometers and usually takes 32 to 37 days to complete. Due to the terrain, it can feel longer than other routes, but the trade-off is fewer crowds and stunning, ever-changing scenery.
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Best Time to Walk
The best time to walk the Camino del Norte is from late spring to early autumn—generally between May and September. During these months, the weather is most stable, with longer days, milder temperatures, and more open accommodations along the route. The coastal breezes also help to moderate the summer heat, making the Norte a cooler alternative to inland Caminos like the Francés or Vía de la Plata.
May and June are particularly attractive, offering blooming landscapes, fewer crowds, and ideal walking conditions. July and August are the most popular months, coinciding with European summer holidays. While the trail is still far less crowded than the Camino Francés, accommodations in popular coastal towns can fill up quickly during this period, so advance planning is helpful. These months also offer the added bonus of local festivals and longer daylight hours.
September is another excellent time to walk, with warm but not hot weather, thinning crowds, and early autumn colors appearing in the forests and hillsides. October can also be pleasant, although rain becomes more likely, particularly in Galicia. In the Basque Country and Asturias, autumn often brings vivid foliage and quieter trails.
Winter walking on the Camino del Norte is not recommended for most people. Northern Spain experiences heavy rainfall during the colder months, and the coastal route can be stormy, windy, and occasionally dangerous. Some albergues and services may close, especially in remote areas. That said, experienced hikers prepared for wet and cold conditions may still find solitude and beauty during the off-season.
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Scenery
The Camino del Norte is widely considered one of the most scenic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. It offers an ever-changing landscape that transitions from dramatic coastlines to lush inland forests, giving pilgrims a rich and immersive experience. In the Basque Country, the path hugs the cliffs above the Bay of Biscay, with views of crashing waves, golden beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. Towns like San Sebastián and Zarautz are framed by forested hills and turquoise waters, while inland detours wind through quiet farms and rolling countryside.
Cantabria continues the coastal beauty with serene harbors, estuaries, and grassy hills that lead into charming medieval towns. The trail often weaves between sea and countryside, giving walkers long stretches of solitude broken by sudden views of the Atlantic or glimpses of distant mountains. The air is fresh and salty, and the rhythm of walking beside the sea adds a meditative quality to the journey.
As pilgrims enter Asturias, the terrain becomes more mountainous. Here, the trail winds through misty valleys, dense woodlands, and ancient stone villages. Cattle graze in high meadows, and streams run alongside forest paths. This region feels wilder and more remote, with stunning views across green ridgelines and deep gorges. The sea is never far away, but the landscape becomes more rugged and diverse.
In Galicia, the scenery turns verdant and mystical. The trail passes through eucalyptus forests, moss-covered stone walls, and rural farmlands. The air is cooler and damper, often filled with the scent of rain and greenery. Morning fog rises over hills and fields, adding a dreamlike quality to the final stages. This mix of coastline, mountain, and countryside makes the Camino del Norte a visually captivating route—one that invites walkers to slow down and soak in the landscape with every step.
Food
Food on the Camino del Norte is as rich and varied as the landscapes it crosses. Because the route passes through four distinct regions—Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia—pilgrims are treated to a wide range of regional specialties, from seafood to stews, artisan cheeses to cider. Each area has its own culinary identity, and discovering it along the way is one of the joys of walking this Camino.
In the Basque Country, food is elevated to an art form. Pintxos, the local version of tapas, are served on pieces of bread and topped with seafood, cured meats, vegetables, or cheese. Cod, anchovies, and squid are especially popular, and the region’s reputation for bold flavors and culinary innovation is well-earned. Meals here often include hearty soups, fresh fish, and local wines or cider.
Cantabria introduces more traditional mountain and coastal fare. Dishes like cocido montañés (a rich bean stew with pork) are common in inland villages, while anchovies from Santoña and fresh sardines are served in coastal towns. Artisan cheeses, such as Queso de Nata and smoked blue cheeses, are easy to find, and rustic restaurants often offer generous pilgrim menus at a reasonable price.
Asturias is famous for fabada asturiana, a hearty stew of white beans, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork. The region is also the spiritual home of Spanish cider, which is traditionally poured from height to release its natural bubbles. Game meats, cheeses, and crusty bread round out the local diet, making this one of the most nourishing parts of the trail.
In Galicia, the cuisine turns back to the sea. Pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika and olive oil), empanadas stuffed with meat or tuna, and creamy Tetilla cheese are staples. Albariño white wine from the nearby Rías Baixas region pairs beautifully with seafood. Pilgrims will also find the Menu del Peregrino widely available—a three-course meal typically including a starter, main dish, dessert, bread, and wine, all at a fixed low price.
Whether you eat in seaside taverns, lively city bars, or quiet village kitchens, food on the Camino del Norte is more than sustenance—it’s part of the cultural experience and one of the most memorable aspects of the journey.
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Sections
The Camino del Norte can be broken down into several distinct sections, each offering its own character, scenery, and pace. The full route from Irún to Santiago de Compostela is approximately 825 kilometers and typically takes 32 to 37 days to complete. Pilgrims often divide it into manageable stages of 20 to 30 kilometers per day, but it can also be walked in shorter segments depending on time and fitness.
The first section, from Irún to Bilbao, takes about 6 to 8 days and is known for its stunning coastal views and urban highlights. Walkers pass through San Sebastián, with its beautiful beaches and world-class food, and then on to Getaria, Deba, and the vibrant city of Bilbao. This stretch includes forested hills, rugged coastlines, and scenic fishing villages.
From Bilbao to Santander (roughly 5 to 6 days), the trail weaves through rural Cantabria. Pilgrims encounter rolling green landscapes, historic towns like Castro Urdiales and Laredo, and unique features like the ferry crossing into Santander. This section mixes inland countryside with stretches along estuaries and beaches.
The next leg, from Santander to Gijón, generally takes 8 to 10 days. The path continues along the coast, passing through small towns, cliffsides, and pastoral hills in Asturias. Highlights include Santillana del Mar, Llanes, and Ribadesella. The region’s strong cultural identity and mountainous terrain add a new dimension to the journey.
From Gijón to Ribadeo (about 5 to 7 days), the trail continues west with quieter paths and more remote villages. This stretch includes a mix of coastal and inland terrain, with fewer services in some areas but outstanding scenery and local hospitality.
The final section, from Ribadeo to Santiago (roughly 7 to 9 days), leads inland through Galicia’s wooded hills and stone-built hamlets. Pilgrims pass through places like Mondoñedo, Vilalba, and Arzúa before joining the Camino Francés for the last two days into Santiago. This part of the route brings the classic Galician atmosphere of eucalyptus forests, misty mornings, and ancient stone pathways.
Some pilgrims opt to switch to the Camino Primitivo at Oviedo for a more mountainous and historic alternative. Others complete the Norte in full, savoring the coast and the solitude all the way to Santiago. No matter how it’s approached, the Camino del Norte offers flexibility, variety, and deeply rewarding stages from beginning to end.
Trail Conditions
The Camino del Norte is known for being one of the more physically demanding routes to Santiago de Compostela, primarily due to its rugged terrain, frequent elevation changes, and longer distances between services in some areas. It combines coastal cliffs, forest paths, cobblestone streets, and rural backroads, creating a route that is both beautiful and challenging.
In the Basque Country, the path is particularly steep and narrow, with multiple climbs and descents through wooded hills and cliffside trails. Wet weather can make the trail slippery, especially in early spring or late autumn, so good footwear and trekking poles are highly recommended. In some stretches, the trail runs along paved roads or urban sidewalks as it passes through coastal towns and cities.
Cantabria and Asturias offer more remote sections with a mix of shaded forest trails, country lanes, and farmland. Elevation is moderate but steady, and pilgrims should be prepared for occasional long stretches without shops or cafés. While these regions are well-marked and generally safe, it’s important to plan for food and water in advance on less populated days.
The route is well waymarked throughout, with yellow arrows, stone markers, and scallop shell signs guiding pilgrims through every turn. Navigation is rarely an issue, but physical endurance becomes more important, especially on stages that exceed 25 or 30 kilometers over hilly terrain.
In Galicia, the trail shifts to softer paths through forests and pastures. Mud can be an issue during rainy periods, and Galicia is known for its frequent showers. That said, this final section is also among the most peaceful and picturesque, with charming villages, historic churches, and plenty of accommodation.
Overall, the Camino del Norte is suitable for experienced walkers or those seeking a physical challenge. It rewards preparation and perseverance with some of the most stunning views and authentic experiences of any Camino route.
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Other Highlights
The Camino del Norte can be broken down into several distinct sections, each offering its own character, scenery, and pace. The full route from Irún to Santiago de Compostela is approximately 825 kilometers and typically takes 32 to 37 days to complete. Pilgrims often divide it into manageable stages of 20 to 30 kilometers per day, but it can also be walked in shorter segments depending on time and fitness.
The first section, from Irún to Bilbao, takes about 6 to 8 days and is known for its stunning coastal views and urban highlights. Walkers pass through San Sebastián, with its beautiful beaches and world-class food, and then on to Getaria, Deba, and the vibrant city of Bilbao. This stretch includes forested hills, rugged coastlines, and scenic fishing villages.
From Bilbao to Santander (roughly 5 to 6 days), the trail weaves through rural Cantabria. Pilgrims encounter rolling green landscapes, historic towns like Castro Urdiales and Laredo, and unique features like the ferry crossing into Santander. This section mixes inland countryside with stretches along estuaries and beaches.
The next leg, from Santander to Gijón, generally takes 8 to 10 days. The path continues along the coast, passing through small towns, cliffsides, and pastoral hills in Asturias. Highlights include Santillana del Mar, Llanes, and Ribadesella. The region’s strong cultural identity and mountainous terrain add a new dimension to the journey.
From Gijón to Ribadeo (about 5 to 7 days), the trail continues west with quieter paths and more remote villages. This stretch includes a mix of coastal and inland terrain, with fewer services in some areas but outstanding scenery and local hospitality.
The final section, from Ribadeo to Santiago (roughly 7 to 9 days), leads inland through Galicia’s wooded hills and stone-built hamlets. Pilgrims pass through places like Mondoñedo, Vilalba, and Arzúa before joining the Camino Francés for the last two days into Santiago. This part of the route brings the classic Galician atmosphere of eucalyptus forests, misty mornings, and ancient stone pathways.
Some pilgrims opt to switch to the Camino Primitivo at Oviedo for a more mountainous and historic alternative. Others complete the Norte in full, savoring the coast and the solitude all the way to Santiago. No matter how it’s approached, the Camino del Norte offers flexibility, variety, and deeply rewarding stages from beginning to end.