Northern Way
A thrilling adventure along the Cantabrian Coast
The Camino del Norte is the second longest route of the Camino de Santiago, only behind the Vía de la Plata. It starts in the Basque city of Irún and crosses the autonomous communities of Euskadi, Cantabria, and Asturias to enter the province of Lugo through the town of Ribadeo. A fantastic route that will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the north, spectacular cliffs, bucolic rural areas, and cities where you can taste the best gastronomy in the country.
Our journeys of the Northern Way
8 days / 7 nights
11 days / 10 nights
Information of the Northern Way
Why choose the Camino del Norte?
One of the main attractions of this route is its undeniable scenic charm. A journey that takes you by the hand through the breathtaking scenery of the Cantabrian coast, giving you unforgettable views of its majestic beaches, cliffs, mountains, and rural areas at every step. A route also designed to enjoy the charm of some of the most touristy fishing villages in these communities.
A route that over the years is gaining more followers and is configured as a good alternative to the French or Portuguese Way, much more crowded. Due to the recent popularization, in recent years the network of hostels and accommodation and infrastructure available on the route has been strengthened, today more than enough to meet the demand of both pilgrims who make the route on foot and by bicycle.
What to see on the Camino de Santiago del Norte?
- Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao
- Begoña Basilica – Bilbao
- Santiago Cathedral – Bilbao
- Miramar Palace – San Sebastian
- Castro Urdiales
- Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana – Santillana del Mar
- Modernist palaces in Comillas
- Santoña Lighthouse
- Santillana del Mar – Cantabria
- Gulpiyuri Beach – Llanes
- Ancient wall and tower of Llanes
- Historic centre of Avilés
- Beach of As Catedrais – Ribadeo
- Town of Ribadeo
- Monastery of Santa María, in Sobrado dos Monxes
- Cathedral of Mondoñedo, Lugo
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Where to start the Northern Way?
The Northern Way officially begins in the Basque Country, specifically in the city of Irun. From this point the route runs along the Cantabrian coast until it reaches Ribadeo, from where it enters the interior of the province of Lugo until it joins the French Way in Arzúa.
If you want to do the complete route of the Northern route, you will need at least 36 days of pilgrimage to complete the journey.
The city of Bilbao is one of the favorite places for pilgrims to start the Northern Way. And it is not surprising, since this city offers endless possibilities to pilgrims; from visiting one of the most important museums in Spain to a fun “bar” route tasting its exquisite pintxos accompanied by a bottle of txakoli. This northern itinerary from Bilbao has 650 kilometers that can be completed in 29 stages and approximately one month.
From Santander, there is a total of 530 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela, which can be done in 24 stages and 26 days.
The Asturian town of Ribadesella is a truly idyllic place to start your Camino del Norte. In addition, we encourage you to have an extra day and complement the route doing the exciting descent of the river Sella in kayak. From here, you will travel through almost the entire Principality of Asturias, passing through important fishing villages that will make you fall in love with their gastronomy, culture, history and tradition.
If you decide to start the northern route from Ribadesella, a total of 385 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela await you, which divided into 19 stages can be done in approximately 21 days.
In recent years Ribadeo has become one of the most popular places to start the Camino del Norte. This is due to the popularity of the Galician sections of the different Jacobean routes; besides having landscapes of undeniable beauty, it is perfect for those pilgrims who do not have enough time to do the whole route.
From Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela there is a total distance of 190 kilometres that can be divided into 9 stages / 10 days.
The village of Vilalba in Lugo hosts the famous last 120 kilometres of the Northern Way to Santiago de Compostela. A simple route, ideal for those who are looking for a first contact with the Camino but do not have enough days to do it all.
From Vilalba, you will travel through the region of A Terra Chá, a fully rural environment specialised in cattle and dairy farming, until you join the French Way in Arzúa; from here you will notice a significant increase in the number of pilgrims until you reach Santiago de Compostela.
You will be able to do this section in a total of 6 stages for which you will need 8 days.
Map of Northern Way
Stages of the Northern Way of Santiago
History of the Northern Way
The origin of the Camino de Santiago by its northern route dates back to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle St. James. Some say that it may be older than the French Way, as it is logical to think that it was the safest route in times of the Muslim invasion, being further away from the struggles of the Reconquest. However, other historians agree that this route was later and less frequented due to the orographic difficulties.
To its main ports came walkers from all over the world who joined at other points of the French or Primitive Way. At the end of the 15th century, this coastal route was revived, and pilgrims’ hospitals and temples dedicated to the Apostle began to proliferate.
Like all the other Pilgrims’ Routes to Santiago, the Northern Way also experienced a significant decline from the 15th and 16th centuries onwards. The first great crisis was a consequence of the crisis of faith that was experienced throughout Europe, and the second was caused by the process of European secularization that began after the French Revolution and the loss of the housing infrastructure due to the disentailments of the 19th century.
During the last years of the 20th century, it began to recover from oblivion thanks to the signposting of the route and the construction of a wide network of hostels.
Frequently asked questions about the Northern Way
The Camino del Norte is not easy because of its 860 km of steep slopes, especially in the Basque Country and Asturias. Although it offers spectacular scenery, its mountainous and coastal terrain requires good physical preparation.
The total kilometres of the Northern Way are about 860 km from Irún. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative routes that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.
The Northern Way, with 860 km, is covered in 36 days, divided into 36 stages. The duration can vary according to the pace and physical condition of the pilgrim, with the possibility of adjusting the stages according to the needs.
The Northern Way of Saint James is divided into 36 stages. It starts in Irún and has ahead 860 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative routes that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.
Each stage would be the distance you cover in one day, from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
Some of the most beautiful stages of the Camino del Norte are:
- San Sebastian – Zarautz: Breathtaking coastal views and the promenade of Zarautz.
- Deba – Markina-Xemein: Green and mountainous landscapes with forests and meadows.
- Llanes – Ribadesella: Cliffs, beaches and hidden coves with a seafaring finish in Ribadesella.
- Ribadesella – Colunga: Contrast of mountains and sea, with Vega Beach standing out.
- Ribadeo – Lourenzá: Entrance to Galicia with landscapes of hills, forests and picturesque villages.
- Gijón – Avilés: Combines the Asturian coast with the rich architecture of Avilés.
The Northern Way of Saint James begins in the city of Irun, located in the Basque Country, on the border between Spain and France.
The hardest stages of the Northern Way are:
- Irun – San Sebastian: Initial stage with constant ups and downs, especially on Mount Jaizkibel.
- Deba – Markina-Xemein: Mountainous terrain with narrow paths and the tough ascent of Mount Arno.
- Gernika – Lezama: Significant gradients and unpredictable weather in the Basque Country.
- Llanes – Ribadesella: Long coastal stage with rugged terrain and frequent changes in altitude.
- Ribadeo – Lourenzá: Entry into Galicia with demanding climbs, especially to O Fiouco mountain.
- Vega de Sariego – Gijón: Section with significant gradients and demanding climbs towards Gijón.
Along its approximately 820 kilometers, the Northern Way is divided into the following 36 stages:
- Irun – San Sebastian (24.8 km).
- San Sebastian – Zarautz (22.2 km)
- Zarautz – Deba (21.8 km)
- Deba – Markina-Xemein (24 km)
- Markina-Xemein – Gernika (24.6 km)
- Gernika – Lezama (20.8 km)
- Lezama – Bilbao (10.8 km)
- Bilbao – Portugalete (19.2 km)
- Portugalete – Castro Urdiales (27.6 km)
- Castro Urdiales – Laredo (26.6 km)
- Laredo – Güemes (29 km)
- Güemes – Santander (15.3 km)
- Santander – Santillana del Mar (37.1 km)
- Santillana del Mar – Comillas (22.1 km)
- Comillas – Colombres (29 km)
- Colombres – Llanes (23.2 km)
- Llanes – Ribadesella (31.4 km)
- Ribadesella – Colunga (20.1 km)
- Colunga – Villaviciosa (17.2 km)
- Villaviciosa – Gijón (29.8 km)
- Gijón – Avilés (25.4 km)
- Avilés – Muros de Nalón (23.2 km)
- Muros de Nalón – Soto de Luiña (15.3 km)
- Soto de Luiña – Cadavedo (18.5 km)
- Cadavedo – Luarca (15.3 km)
- Luarca – La Caridad (30.5 km)
- La Caridad – Ribadeo (29.6 km)
- Ribadeo – Lourenzá (28.4 km)
- Lourenzá – Abadín (25.2 km)
- Abadín – Vilalba (20.7 km)
- Vilalba – Baamonde (18.5 km)
- Baamonde – Miraz (15 km)
- Miraz – Sobrado dos Monxes (24 km)
- Sobrado dos Monxes – Arzúa (22 km)
- Arzúa – Pedrouzo (19 km)
- Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela (19 km)
This division can be modified, depending on the preferences and possibilities of each one, always taking into account having a place to spend the night.
Of these stages, the main stages or sections, or the most popular with pilgrims, are the following:
- Irun to San Sebastian (27 km): The initial stage from Irun is one of the most emblematic, with spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea and the opportunity to explore the coastal city of San Sebastian, known for its beauty and famous gastronomy.
- San Sebastian to Zarautz (21 km): This stage follows the coastline and offers breathtaking views, as well as the opportunity to visit Zarautz, a town famous for its long beach and surfing atmosphere.
- Bilbao to Portugalete (19 km): After touring Bilbao and its impressive Guggenheim Museum, this stage takes you through an urban and industrial route to Portugalete, crossing the famous Hanging Bridge, a World Heritage Site.
- Santillana del Mar to Comillas (22 km): One of the most picturesque stages, connecting two of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria. Santillana del Mar is famous for its cobbled streets and its Collegiate Church, while Comillas stands out for its modernist architecture.
- Ribadesella to Colunga (21 km): This stretch in Asturias offers stunning coastal and mountain scenery, with the opportunity to enjoy the Playa de la Vega beach and a visit to Colunga, known for its proximity to the Picos de Europa.
- Gijón to Avilés (25 km): A stage that takes you from the vibrant city of Gijón to Avilés, a city with a well-preserved historic center and a rich industrial heritage.
- Luarca to La Caridad (29 km): Luarca, known as the White Village of the Costa Verde, is the starting point of this stage that offers a rural route overlooking the sea, ideal for enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
- Vilalba to Baamonde (21 km): Already in Galicia, this stage introduces you to the Galician rural landscape, with green meadows and lush forests that accompany pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
- Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela (40 km): The final stretch of the Northern Way culminates reaching Monte do Gozo and with the subsequent arrival at the Obradoiro square and the mythical Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the goal of all pilgrims.
Posts related to the Northern Way
Other routes of the Camino de Santiago
English Way
From Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Delve into the culture of villages of great military, naval and historical importance. 5 Etapas | 125 km
Father Sarmiento Way
The Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes. 6 stages | 142 km
Finisterre and Muxía Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth 5 stages | 120 km
French Way
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, trace Charlemagne’s path through the Pyrenees and trek 800 km on the French Way. 33 stages | 768 km
Northern Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery 34 Stages | 820 km
Portuguese Way
Starts in Lisbon and leads to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through charming towns, coastal views, and culture. 27 stages | 620 km
Portuguese Way along the coast
From Oporto to Santiago de Compostela. Total 194 km - 8 stages 8 Stages | 194 km
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
From Pontevedra to Padrón. Total 81 km - 3 stages 3 stages | 81 km
Sanabrian Way
From Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Total 365 km - 13 stages 13 stages | 365 km
Way of the Lighthouses
From Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometer journey along the coast and through the wildest of nature 8 stages | 195 km
