Arrive in Gijón to kick off stage 4 of the Camino del Norte. Settle in near San Lorenzo beach, wander the Cimavilla old quarter, and soak up the Asturian vibe. Stamp your credencial, stock up on essentials, and review tomorrow’s route. Fuel up on local sidra and pintxos—your camino begins here.

Leave the coast behind temporarily as you exit Gijón, walking through a mix of industrial outskirts and quieter rural roads. The trail improves as you move westward, returning to forested paths, soft green valleys, and small hamlets. Arrive in Avilés, an underrated city with a charming old town and a striking riverside cultural centre designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The walk is steady, with a few climbs early in the day and a mostly flat finish through suburban parks and riverwalks.

Today’s stage leaves Avilés on quiet paths and lanes, soon giving way to rolling farmland and pockets of eucalyptus and oak. Expect gentle ups and downs, firm tracks underfoot, and occasional glimpses of the Cantabrian coast depending on your variant. The route threads small Asturian hamlets and shaded woods before opening toward the Río Nalón estuary. A final easy descent brings you to Soto del Barco, a peaceful riverside spot to rest, refuel, and watch the water.

Today’s stage leaves Soto del Barco and turns coastal, with rolling lanes through farms and eucalyptus before climbing toward Muros de Nalón. Expect a mix of shaded tracks and short, steep stair pitches on the Ruta de los Miradores near Playa de Aguilar, rewarding you with cliff-top viewpoints and ocean air. After undulating woodland and quiet hamlets, the way eases inland for a gentle approach into Soto de Luiña, a tranquil valley stop with a historic pilgrim past.

Today’s stage rolls west from Soto de Luiña on country lanes and forest tracks, undulating through eucalyptus and pasture with steady, moderate gradients. Ocean glimpses return on the bluffs; choose the coastal variant via Oviñana for a rewarding detour to Cabo Vidio, or keep to the official way through classic hamlets like Novellana and Ballota. Underfoot is mostly firm with a few short, steep ramps and stretches of quiet road. The day winds down with a gentle approach into Cadavéu, a sleepy village of stone houses and hórreos.

This short but beautiful stage follows the dramatic Asturian coastline, offering frequent views of cliffs, green fields, and the blue sweep of the Bay of Biscay. The path undulates gently through forests and farmland, passing quiet villages and small chapels. Arrive in Luarca, a picturesque fishing town with whitewashed houses cascading down to the harbour and a tranquil seafront promenade. Terrain is mild with short climbs and a mix of gravel paths, coastal trails, and local roads.

Leave Luarca and walk westward through farmland and eucalyptus groves, gradually descending toward the river plain. The route today is more rural, dotted with small hamlets and occasional ocean views. Enter Navia, a lively town near the mouth of the Navia River, known for its historical centre and beautiful riverside setting. The walk is comfortable, with rolling terrain, forested tracks, and long stretches of quiet asphalt road.

One of the longest stages of the journey, this day takes you out of Asturias and into Galicia. Begin on country roads and lanes, then follow the coastal ridge inland before eventually descending toward the Eo Estuary. Cross the impressive Puente de los Santos into Ribadeo, a charming Galician town with a busy harbour and elegant buildings. The terrain is long but steady, with gently rolling countryside and a combination of forest paths, paved tracks, and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Satge 4 concludes in Ribadeo, overlooking the Eo estuary. Wander the harbor and old town, stamp your credencial, and toast the journey with fresh Galician seafood or a glass of sidra. If time allows, consider a quick visit to Praia das Catedrais for its famed sea arches.