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Camino del Norte: the greenest route to Santiago

34 Stages | 820 km

An exciting adventure along the Cantabrian coast.

The second longest of the Camino de Santiago routes, only behind the Vía de la Plata. It begins in the Basque city of Irún and crosses the autonomous communities of the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias before entering the province of Lugo through the town of Ribadeo.

The Camino de Santiago del Norte is a fantastic route that will reveal some of the most beautiful beaches in the north, spectacular cliffs, idyllic rural areas and cities where you can enjoy the finest gastronomy in the country.

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Map of the Camino de Santiago del Norte

The map illustrates the full route of the Camino de Santiago del Norte, which begins in Irún, in the Basque Country, and stretches along the northern coast of Spain until reaching Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. This historic route, approximately 820 km long, crosses regions such as Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, connecting iconic cities and towns such as San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Gijón and Ribadeo.

At the bottom, the elevation profile of the route is shown, highlighting the characteristic elevation changes of the coastal and mountainous areas. Pilgrims face challenges such as the cliffs of the Cantabrian coast and the ascents towards the Cantabrian Mountains, alternating with flatter stretches. Each stage offers breathtaking views, a rich cultural heritage and the characteristic hospitality of northern Spain, making this route an unforgettable spiritual and physical experience.

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Information about the Camino de Santiago del Norte

Why choose the Camino del Norte?

All the flavor of the sea and the majesty of the Cantabrian mountains in a single route.

One of the main attractions of this route is its undeniable scenic charm. A journey that guides you through the imposing landscapes of the Cantabrian Sea coast, offering unforgettable views at every step of its majestic beaches, cliffs, mountains and rural areas. A path also designed to enjoy the charm of some of the most touristic fishing towns in these regions.

A route that has gained more followers over the years and stands as a great alternative to the French or Portuguese Way, which are much more crowded. Due to its recent rise in popularity, the network of hostels, accommodations and infrastructure available along the route has been strengthened in recent years, now more than sufficient to meet the demand of pilgrims traveling on foot or by bicycle.

What to see and do on the Camino de Santiago del Norte?

A route that combines heritage, nature and gastronomy.

  • Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao
  • Basilica of Begoña – Bilbao
  • Santiago Cathedral – Bilbao
  • Miramar Palace – San Sebastián
  • Castro Urdiales
  • Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana – Santillana del Mar
  • Modernist palaces of Comillas
  • Santoña Lighthouse
  • Santillana del Mar – Cantabria
  • Gulpiyuri Beach – Llanes
  • Old town walls and tower of Llanes
  • Historic quarter of Avilés
  • As Catedrais Beach – Ribadeo
  • Town of Ribadeo
  • Monastery of Santa María, in Sobrado dos Monxes
  • Mondoñedo Cathedral (Lugo)

Where to start the Camino del Norte?

From Irún

The Camino del Norte officially begins in the Basque Country, specifically in the city of Irún. From this point, the itinerary follows the Cantabrian coast until reaching Ribadeo, from where it heads inland into the province of Lugo until joining the French Way in Arzúa.

If you wish to walk the Camino del Norte from Irún, approximately 820 kilometers await you, divided into 34 stages; a journey that will require at least 36 days of pilgrimage. For now, you can begin with the Camino del Norte from Irún to Bilbao. And if you are a cycling enthusiast, the Camino del Norte by bike from Irún is your trip.

From Bilbao

The city of Bilbao is one of pilgrims’ favorite starting points for the Camino del Norte. And it’s no surprise, as this city offers endless possibilities; from visiting one of the most important museums in Spain to enjoying a fun “bar-hopping” route tasting its exquisite pintxos accompanied by a bottle of txakoli.

This northern itinerary from Bilbao covers 650 kilometers, which can be completed in 29 stages and approximately one month. The Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander continues the journey, taking you deeper into the heart of this route.

From Santander

Santander is a good alternative for those who do not have enough time to complete the entire route. The Cantabrian stretch includes highly touristic and urbanized areas that slightly diminish the charm of pilgrimaging through natural landscapes; however, it can be a very good option in summer, especially if you are looking to combine the route with leisure activities and beach time.

From Santander there are a total of 530 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela, which can be completed in 24 stages and 26 days. The Camino del Norte from Santander to Ribadesella will be the next stretch you encounter.

From Ribadesella

The Asturian town of Ribadesella is a truly idyllic place to begin the Camino del Norte. In addition, we encourage you to allow a few extra days and complement the route by enjoying the exciting descent of the Sella River by kayak. From here, you will travel through almost the entire Principality of Asturias, passing important fishing towns that will captivate you with their gastronomy, culture, history and tradition.

If you decide to start the northern route from Ribadesella, a total of 385 kilometers await you to Santiago de Compostela, which divided into 19 stages can be completed in approximately 21 days. The Camino del Norte from Ribadesella to Ribadeo marks your arrival and entry into Galicia.

From Ribadeo

In recent years, Ribadeo has become one of the busiest starting points for the Camino del Norte. This is due to the popularity of the Galician sections of the different Jacobean routes; in addition to offering landscapes of undeniable beauty, it is perfect for those who do not have enough time to complete the entire route.

On the Camino del Norte from Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela there is a total distance of 190 kilometers, which can be divided into 9 stages / 10 days.

From Vilalba

The town of Vilalba, in the province of Lugo, marks the famous final 120 kilometers of the Camino del Norte to Santiago de Compostela. A simple route, ideal for those looking for a first contact with the Camino but who do not have enough days to complete it in full.

On the Camino del Norte from Vilalba you will travel through the region of A Terra Chá, a fully rural environment specialized in cattle and dairy farming, until joining the French Way in Arzúa; from here you will notice a significant increase in the number of pilgrims until reaching Santiago de Compostela. You can complete this stretch in a total of 6 stages, for which you will need 8 days.

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Pilgrim’s bike in Obradoiro Square, Santiago de Compostela

Stages of the Camino del Norte

The Camino de Santiago del Norte is one of the most beautiful and charming Jacobean routes, combining stunning coastal landscapes with rich history and spirituality. Along its approximately 820 kilometers, from Irún to Santiago de Compostela, this route passes through iconic cities and towns such as San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Gijón and Ribadeo, offering a unique experience at every stage. Each section invites you to enjoy nature, from cliffs and beaches to green hills and forests. In these links, you will discover detailed information about the main stages, their distances, points of interest and practical advice to experience this unforgettable adventure.

Please note that upon reaching Arzúa, the Camino del Norte joins the French Way, so you will continue along the final stages of this renowned route until reaching Santiago de Compostela.

The villages of Northern Way

History of the Camino del Norte

A few brief historical notes will help us learn more about this route.

Origin and development

The origin of the Camino de Santiago along the Northern route dates back to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle James. Some claim it may be older than the Camino Francés, as it is logical to think it was the safest route during the time of the Muslim invasion, being farther from the conflicts of the Reconquista. In addition, it had the advantage of being connected by sea with northern Europe: pilgrims from all over the world arrived at its main ports and joined the Camino at different points of the French or Primitive Way. At the end of the 15th century, this coastal route experienced a revival, and pilgrim hospitals and churches dedicated to the Apostle began to flourish.

Decline

Like all the Camino de Santiago routes, the Camino del Norte also experienced a significant decline from the 15th and 16th centuries onward. The first major crisis was a consequence of the crisis of faith spreading across Europe, and the second was caused by the European secularization process that began after the French Revolution, along with the loss of accommodation infrastructure due to the 19th-century confiscations.

Revival

During the final years of the 20th century, it began to recover from oblivion thanks to the signposting of the itinerary and the construction of an extensive network of hostels.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Way

  • Why is the Camino de Santiago special?

    The Camino de Santiago is special for its spiritual significance, as an ancient route of Christian pilgrimage. In fact, in the Middle Ages, the city of Santiago de Compostela was considered one of the three most important centers of Christendom alongside Rome and Jerusalem.

    Nowadays, the Camino de Santiago is special for offering a unique experience of personal reflection, whether religious or spiritual, in addition to being an excellent alternative for active, cultural, and natural tourism.

    It is perhaps for all these reasons that the Council of Europe distinguished the Camino de Santiago as the First Cultural Itinerary in 1987. Furthermore, since 1993 the French Way, and since 2015 four routes of the Northern Ways of Santiago in Spain, have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 stages does the Camino de Santiago have?
    The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes with varying lengths and durations, and each route can have more or fewer stages. Here’s a breakdown of how many stages each of the main Camino routes has:
    • French Way: 33 stages.
    • Portuguese Way: 27 stages.
    • Portuguese Coastal Way: 12 stages.
    • Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino: 4 stages.
    • Finisterre and Muxía Way: 5 stages.
    • Northern Way: 36 stages.
    • Primitive Way: 14 stages.
    • English Way: 5 stages from Ferrol, 4 from A Coruña.
    • Sanabrian Way: 13 stages.
    • Vía de la Plata: 38 stages via the French Way, 36 stages via the Sanabrian Way.
    • Winter Way: 10 stages.
    Keep in mind that each pilgrim can make a personalized division of stages, though there is a standard division that many follow.

  • 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.

  • Where does the Camino de Santiago begin and where does it end?
    Each Jacobean itinerary has its starting point in a different place. The French Way starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port (France), the Northern Way in Irun, the Primitive Way starts in Oviedo, the English Way starts in Ferrol. The Silver Route starts from Seville, the Central Portuguese Route from Lisbon and the Portuguese Coastal Route from Oporto.   The Camino de Santiago ends in Santiago de Compostela, with the obligatory visit to the Cathedral and the tomb of St. James the Apostle. However, there is a Jacobean route in which Santiago is the beginning and not the goal, it is the Camino a Finisterre, whose goal is to reach the "End of the World",  located in the lighthouse of Finisterre.

All the Camino de Santiago routes

  • Map of the The French Way route

    The French Way

    124 Stages 768 Kms

    From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Follow the most recommended route of the Camino.

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  • Map of the The Portuguese Way route

    The Portuguese Way

    45 Stages 620 Kms

    From Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a Camino through the basins of the Tagus, Douro, and Miño rivers.

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  • Map of the The Portuguese Way along the coast route

    The Portuguese Way along the coast

    38 Stages 194 Kms

    From Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The Atlantic Ocean will guide your steps along the Portuguese and Galician coastline.

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  • Map of the Portuguese Way: spiritual variant route

    Portuguese Way: spiritual variant

    7 Stages 81 Kms

    From Pontevedra to Padrón. Relive the final stretch of the Apostle Saint James’s posthumous journey.

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  • Map of the Route to Finisterre and Muxía route

    Route to Finisterre and Muxía

    19 Stages 120 Kms

    From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth.

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  • Map of the Northern Way route

    Northern Way

    58 Stages 820 Kms

    From Irún to Santiago de Compostela. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking landscapes.

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  • Map of the The Primitive Way route

    The Primitive Way

    30 Stages 268 Kms

    From Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It follows the first Camino de Santiago, tracing the footsteps of Alfonso II.

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  • Map of the The English Way route

    The English Way

    13 Stages 113 Kms

    From Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Immerse yourself in the naval and historical heritage of a truly unique Camino.

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  • Map of the The Sanabrian Way route

    The Sanabrian Way

    15 Stages 265 Kms

    From Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the region of Sanabria and the mountains of Ourense.

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  • Map of the Silver Route route

    Silver Route

    55 Stages 689 Kms

    From Seville to Astorga. Total 689 km - 27 stages

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  • Map of the The Winter Way route

    The Winter Way

    0 Stages 120 Kms

    From Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela., through the regions of Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra.

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  • Map of the Father Sarmiento Way route

    Father Sarmiento Way

    9 Stages 142 Kms

    The Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes.

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  • Map of the Way of the Lighthouses route

    Way of the Lighthouses

    9 Stages 200 Kms

    From Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometre journey along the coast and through the wildest nature.

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