Northern Way from Ribadesella to Ribadeo

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.

• 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.

• I need to cancel my reservation.

  You can cancel your trip free of charge up to 15 days before the start date, with no need to give any explanation.

  • 15 days or more in advance → refund of 100 % of the amount paid, with no penalty. The refund is processed within a maximum of 7 days.
  • Less than 15 days → Between 15 and 8 days before: 50 % of the total amount. 7 days or less → 100 % of the total amount.
  • No-show → no right to a refund.

  If you have taken out the Cancellation Insurance, you must inform us regardless of how many days' notice you give, but you have to handle the refund process with the insurer yourself.

  Transfer of the booking: if you cannot travel, you can transfer it to another person at no cost; we only need you to let us know far enough in advance for us to arrange it. In that case, payments are settled directly between clients.

  The client is responsible for any additional cost arising from the cancellation.

  ⚠️ IMPORTANT: every cancellation must be notified by email: info@viajescaminodesantiago.com (cancellations are not processed by phone).

  👉 More info: Booking conditions.

• What is luggage transport and how does it work?

  Luggage transport is included in group trips, trips with a dog and VIP trips; on all other trips it is an optional service you can add when booking. With it you can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival.   Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase.   Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

• Where do the Northern Way and the Primitive Way split?

  On the Villaviciosa to Gijón stage, a few kilometres after setting off, in the hamlet of Casquita: the Northern Way carries on to Gijón and the Primitive Way branches off towards Oviedo. It's one of the hardest stages of this section because of the total climb. The ascent to the Alto de la Cruz gives views over the Valdediós valley, the «valley of monasteries». It's 29.8 km.

• Does the Northern Way from Ribadesella to Ribadeo qualify for the Compostela?

  Not on its own. The Pilgrim's Office awards the Compostela to those who walk at least the last 100 km to Santiago, and this section ends in Ribadeo. What you do get is stamps in your Pilgrim's Credential, which you can use to continue the Northern Way on another trip. To earn the Compostela you'll need to walk those last 100 km to Santiago, for example from Vilalba (118 km).

• Are there short stages to rest on the Northern Way from Ribadesella to Ribadeo?

  Yes, and it's worth making the most of them. Colunga–Villaviciosa is an easy 17.2 km, almost a rest day. Muros de Nalón–Soto de Luiña and Cadavedo–Luarca are around 15 km each. They balance out the long ones: Villaviciosa–Gijón (29.8 km), Luarca–La Caridad (30.5 km) and La Caridad–Ribadeo (29.6 km). With 10 stages and 225 km, pacing yourself is key.

• Is it worth the detour to Cudillero?

  Yes, if you feel like it: the Muros de Nalón to Soto de Luiña stage is short (15.3 km), so there's time to detour to Cudillero, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Asturias, with its colourful houses facing the sea. Then you continue past Concha de Artedo beach and along very green paths to Soto de Luiña.

• Ruta de las Palancas or Camino Real de las Ballotas?

  They're the two options on the 18.5 km Soto de Luiña–Cadavedo stage. The Palancas route goes over the hills: it's a bit harder, but you get a bird's-eye view of the Asturian cliffs. The Ballotas route follows the coast, with signposted access to beaches like Playa del Silencio, and it's the one most people choose. Both end in Cadavedo.

• Are there road sections between Luarca and La Caridad?

  Yes. It's a long 30.5 km stage that alternates easy rural paths with quite a few stretches alongside the road, so walk carefully and make yourself visible. The highlight is Navia, where you cross its river, one of the major rivers of the Cantabrian coast, before continuing via Jarrio and Cartavio to La Caridad.

• Which way into Ribadeo: via Castropol or Tapia de Casariego?

  On the last stage from La Caridad (29.6 km) there are several options. Most pilgrims take the Castropol variant, but if you want to see Tapia de Casariego you can follow the coastal route. In Ribadeo you enter Galicia across the Eo estuary, and As Catedrais beach is very close: it's best seen at low tide, so check the tides and whether you need to book an entry pass for your date.