Northern Way from Bilbao to Santander

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many stages are there on the Northern Way?

  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.

• How many kilometres is the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago?

  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.

• Is it easy to walk 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.

• How many days to walk the Northern Way?

  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.

• Which are the most beautiful stages of the Northern Way?

  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.

• Where does the Pilgrims' Route to Northern Way begin?

  The Northern Way of Saint James begins in the city of Irun, located in the Basque Country, on the border between Spain and France.

• What are the hardest stages of the Northern Way?

  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.

• What are the stages of the Northern Way?

  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.

• Which Camino is harder: the Primitive or the Northern Way?

  The Primitive Way is harder than the Northern Way because of its short but intense stages, with steep slopes and mountainous terrain. Although the Camino del Norte also presents challenges, it alternates mountainous sections with flatter stages along the coast.