Attention: Route not available for walking between November 1 and January 15.
The Galician section of the Camino del Norte from Ribadeo starts off strong. You will start your pilgrimage in a small fishing village in the province of Lugo. Famous for having one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The Cathedrals Beach is a real work of art, a natural wonder that surprises with the arches and domes that the sea and the wind have been carved into the rock over the centuries.
The Camino del Norte is full of contrasts. You will say goodbye to the coastal landscape to enter the interior of the province of Lugo, passing through important historical towns such as Lourenzá or Mondoñedo, former capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. As you advance, the horizon softens as you enter the region of A Terra Chá, crossing an endless succession of tiny villages in a completely rural environment specialised in cattle and dairy farming.
A path that invites you to get lost and find yourself again, enjoying the solitude in an incomparable natural setting.
Photos
Accommodations
- Most popular
Pilgrim Essence (Hostel)
582 €
The most authentic accommodation on the Camino. Hostels are the ideal option for those traveling on a tight budget, solo pilgrims, or anyone who wants to experience the Camino de Santiago in its purest form. They are the perfect place to socialize, share stages, and connect with fellow walkers along this ancient route.
- Most popular
Accommodation (Guesthouse, B&B or Country Cottage)
860,50 €
The perfect balance between charm and comfort. Guesthouses, B&Bs and country houses await you in the villages along the Camino with private rooms, private bathrooms, TV, and daily cleaning service. Simple and welcoming, they are the ideal place to truly rest and enjoy the peaceful rural essence that only the Camino can offer.
Services
Included in all our routes
- Accommodation
11 days / 10 nights
- 11 days / 10 nights accommodation
- Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)
- Luggage transfer during the stages. (1 piece per person max 15 kgs)
- On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
- Pilgrim's Credential
- Travel insurance
Optional
- Extra night
- Supplement for single room
- Breakfast
- MP (Breakfast and dinner)
- Cancellation Insurance
Map of the Northern Way from Ribadeo
Stages
- day 1
Arrival at Ribadeo
We depart from La Caridad heading towards the village of San Pelayo to set our course for Ribadeo, first passing through Valdepares. At this point, we are presented with two options: take a detour along the coastal path to explore Cabo Blanco, la Atalaya, and the beach of Porcía, or continue straight to the center of Porcía. We undoubtedly recommend the coastal alternative.
After surpassing Porcía, we will have to decide again whether to continue the stage through Tapia de Casariego (coast) or through Tol (interior). The coastal variant passes through the beautiful towns of Salave, Tapia, Villamil, and Villadún, allowing us to enjoy the cliffs and beaches of the Cantabrian Sea. In contrast, the interior option goes through Brul, Tol, Barres, and Figueras, offering a final immersion in rural Asturias before entering Galicia through the municipality of Ribadeo.
Things to Consider
Some pilgrims choose to spend the night in Vegadeo instead of Ribadeo. If this is your case, after crossing the Tol River, you should take a detour to the left towards the center of that locality.
On the other hand, Playa de las Catedrales is one of the major tourist attractions in Galicia. Although it is located about 10 km off the official route of the Camino, the trip is worth it to admire the impressive rock formations sculpted by the sea. It is essential to plan this visit before leaving La Caridad, as it is a protected area that requires prior reservation and is dependent on the tides.
Places of Interest
- Port and Lighthouse of Tapia de Casariego
- Beach of Peñarronda
- Parish Church of San Esteban (Tapia de Casariego)
- Tower of los Moreno (Ribadeo)
- Beach of As Catedrais (Ribadeo)
Typical Dishes
- Octopus á feira
- Razor clams and squid from the estuary
- Fresh fish: grouper, bream, or sea bass
- Seafood rice
- Dessert: As Catedrais cake
- day 2
Stage 1. Ribadeo - Lourenzá (28.4 km)
We start our journey on the North road through Galician lands from Ponte dos Santos. We will leave the town of Ribadeo through San Lázaro street, entering into rural sections and forest paths, which separate us from the town of Lourenzá. The first landmark we will come across is the small church of Ove. Shortly after leaving Ribadeo, we will have to face the first hard point of the stage, the ascent to Ponte de Arante. It is worth mentioning that the ascent and subsequent path are made by a stretch of dirt track, which sometimes, if it rains a lot, can flood. For these reasons some pilgrims decide to continue along the local road.
We continue along the dirt track straight on, until we reach an asphalted track and pass Fonte do Valín, Cubelas and Vilela.
From here, we continue along an uphill track until we reach Celeiros, where we will have the opportunity to contemplate landscapes of immense green meadows dedicated to livestock farming, one of the most important economic activities in the area. Afterwards we will cross the place of Vilar, arriving shortly after to Ponte de Arante, where we will have the opportunity to visit the church of Nosa Señora das Virtudes, which commemorates the battle of Arante against the French in 1809.
After resting for a while, we resume our walk along an ascending cobbled track that will take us to the village of Barreiros. After having climbed up, now it is our turn to go down, and we will do it towards Villamartín Pequeño. Later we will pass through the villages of Villamartín Grande, Gondán and San Xusto.
Once we have passed San Xusto, we will start the last climb of the stage towards Vilanova de Lourenzá. We will cross the Calvario mountain until we come across the church of Santa María de Lourenzá and we will descend towards Lourenzá, entering the village through the Ponte da Pedra.
To consider
The signposting in Asturias and Galicia is different. In Galicia, the open part of the scallop indicates the way to follow, in Asturias it is just the other way around. This is why from the moment we leave Ribadeo we are going to see the a new symbology of the road until we get to Lourenzá, and onwards.
Places of interest
- Monastery of San Salvador - Lourenzá
- Church of Santa María - Lourenzá
- Museum of Sacred Art - Lourenzá
- Parish Church of San Xurxo - Lourenzá
- Church of San Tomé - Lourenzá
Typical dishes
- Beans from Lourenzá
- Tripe
- Pot
- Galician stew
- Ribeira Sacra red wines
- day 3
Stage 2. Lourenzá - Abadín (25.2 km)
We begin the stage leaving Lourenzá via the avenue of Mondoñedo in direction to Abadín. We must be attentive to take the detour towards the natural path of San Rosendo, passing behind the cemetery. After almost 2 kilometers of walking, we will arrive at the place of Arroxo and subsequently at Ogrobe. After advancing about 5 kilometers passing through O Reguengo, San Paio, and the neighborhood of San Lorenzo, we will reach the historic city of Mondoñedo.
We recommend taking a break here to enjoy one of the most emblematic capitals of ancient Galicia. Once ready to continue, we will face the second part of the stage. To leave Mondoñedo, we must choose between the official route or the mountain variant at the fork of Fonte Vella.
Official Way: We take the detour to the left from Fonte Vella. The first kilometers run comfortably through the valley of Valiñadares, offering beautiful panoramas. The landmarks will be the hamlet of San Cayetano, Maariz, the chapel of San Vicente de Trigás, Lousada, and A Xesta.
Mountain Variant: Upon reaching Fonte Vella, we take the detour to the right. This section is a pure mountain route, without services or populations. Although it is somewhat shorter than the official alternative, the elevation changes are more pronounced, so the travel time tends to equalize. The highlight of this route is the Alto de la Calzada de Cabana Vella.
Things to Consider
In addition to the routes described from Lourenzá, there is an alternative via the road N-634 to reach Abadín. It is the most common option for cyclists and people with reduced mobility, as it avoids the more technical paths.
Places of Interest
- Catedral de Mondoñedo
- Plaza de España (Mondoñedo)
- Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
- Seminary of Santa Catalina
- Church of Santa María de Abadín
Typical dishes
- Grelos, Galician broth, and Galician stew
- Galician beef with D.O. Abadín
- Tetilla cheese and San Simón da Costa
- Artisanal bread from Mondoñedo
- Mondoñedo cake (the star dessert of the city)
- day 4
Stage 3. Abadín - Vilalba (20.7 km)
We leave Abadín heading towards Vilalba. We begin our march towards the place of As Paredes, which we will reach after crossing the Anllo River. Subsequently, after crossing the Arnela River, the path winds through charming landscapes along a traditional corredoira until we reach the place of Martiñán.
In Martiñán, we must exercise caution when crossing the national road to continue towards A Ponte Vella, a beautiful bridge dating back to the 17th century. Next to it, there is a pleasant rest area, ideal for a technical stop before continuing.
We continue our route towards the center of O Campo do Cristo, from where only 5 kilometers remain to the destination. The last landmarks before completing the stage will be the Vilalba pilgrim shelter and the path of Camporredondo, which leads us into the urban area.
Things to consider
During the 20 kilometers that separate Abadín from Vilalba, services are scarce in the intermediate areas. Therefore, it is advisable to set out well supplied with water and some food to complete the day without setbacks.
Places of interest
- Tower of Andrade (Current Parador de Turismo) – Vilalba
- Church of Santa María – Vilalba
- Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology – Vilalba
Typical dishes
- Capón de Vilalba (famous for its traditional fair)
- Cheese from San Simón da Costa (smoked and pear-shaped)
- Roscón and roscas from Vilalba
- day 5
Stage 4. Vilalba - Baamonde (18.5 km)
Today we say goodbye to Vilalba leaving from the Plaza de Santa María in the direction of Baamonde. In this first stretch we will cross two bridges, the first one over the river Madalena and the second one over the river Trimaz, the Ponte Rodriguez. From here we continue to San Xoán de Alba.
Once we have passed San Xoán de Alba, watch out, a milestone indicates a crossroads on the national road that takes a small detour through a chapel. Our recommendation is to skip this detour, and continue straight on along the shoulder of the road until we enter a dirt road that will take us to Pedrouzos.
From Pedrouzos, we will continue walking, passing through a beautiful wooded path. Our first point of reference in this section will be the Ponte de Saa, a beautiful medieval bridge that crosses the river Labrada. Progressively, we will overcome the places of Lamela, As Penas, Casasnovas, Casa Muiño and Castiñeira, to soon after arrive at Baamonde, the end of the stage.
To consider
In the 18 kilometres from Vilalba, we will gradually enter a quiet, natural and rural stretch of the route, with hardly any towns or services until Baamonde. The next stage will be dominated by tranquillity and contact with nature.
Places of interest
- Chapel of San Nicolás - A Torre (Vilalba)
- Víctor Corral House Museum - Baamonde
- Tower of Camarasa - Baamonde
- Ancient Chestnut Tree - Baamonde
Typical dishes
- Sausages: sausages and androllas
- Cheeses of San Simón
- Lacón with turnip tops
- Roxós and filloas
- Broth
- Empanadas
- Threads
- day 6
Stage 5. Baamonde - Miraz (15 km)
We leave Baamonde following the route of the N-VI towards A Coruña until we reach a level crossing over the train tracks and, subsequently, a beautiful medieval bridge. After crossing the Parga River, we enter a charming carballeira (oak grove) that shelters the chapel of San Alberte, a place of great scenic and spiritual value.
Shortly after passing the chapel, we will find a fork to continue the path towards Sobrado dos Monxes. We should choose the alternative that goes through Miraz, where we will spend the night. After taking this detour, we will cross the nuclei of Carballedo, Seixón, and A Lagoa before reaching our destination in Miraz.
Things to consider
Completing the stage from Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes involves a journey of more than 30 kilometers, which can be excessive for the body. Although some pilgrims choose to do it in one go, our recommendation is to divide the effort and spend the night in Miraz to better enjoy the surroundings.
Places of interest
- Chapel of San Alberte
- Cruceiro and Renaissance fountain (Carballeira de San Alberte)
- House of the Saavedra (Tower of Miraz)
Typical dishes
- Artisanal cheese from Abeleiras (Sobrado dos Monxes)
- D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
- Artisanal dulce de leche
- Galician beef
- Mountain-style trout
- day 7
Stage 6. Miraz - Sobrado dos Monxes (24.9 km)
The departure from Miraz to the place of A Braña is composed of a magical natural environment, which will be the dominant tone in our way to Sobrado dos Monxes. In this stretch, we will enjoy an unprecedented tranquility and connection with nature, traversing paths that were once traveled by the ancient Galician Celtic tribes.
From A Braña, we continue walking uphill until we reach the Alto da Mámoa. Subsequently, we will pass through the place of A Roxica before entering the town of A Cabana. We proceed through the places of A Marcela and Corteporcos; it is here that we touch the peak of the Northern Way, reaching an altitude of 710 meters.
Once we have arrived at O Mesón, we will be just 5 kilometers away from our final destination: Sobrado dos Monxes, famous for its impressive monastic heritage.
Things to keep in mind
Almost without realizing it, today we leave the province of Lugo after departing from Miraz to enter A Coruña just before arriving at Sobrado dos Monxes. On the next day, we will join our steps with the pilgrims of the French Way in Arzúa. The goal is very close!
Places of interest
- Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado (Gems of Galician Baroque)
- Lagoa de Sobrado (Wetland of great ecological value)
- Roman camp of Ciadella
Typical dishes
- Artisanal cheese from Abeleiras (Sobrado dos Monxes)
- D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
- Doce de Leite (Artisanal dulce de leche)
- Galician Veal
- Mountain-style Trout
- day 8
Stage 7. Sobrado dos Monxes - Arzúa (22 km)
We say goodbye to Sobrado dos Monxes, leaving the town from its monumental monastery, and follow the AC-934 road towards Arzúa. Afterwards, we will take a detour between wooded stretches and asphalted tracks, passing through the places of Vilarchao, O Castro, Madelos and As Corredoidas.
From As Corredoiras we must be extremely careful when crossing the road to Betanzos in the direction of Boimil. After Boimil, we will reconnect with the AC-934 and continue walking to A Gándara (Boimorto), where we will have the opportunity to see an ancient Roman milestone, used to mark the roads.
Once we have crossed A Gándara, we will continue towards Sendelle, where we can stop to visit its magnificent church of Santa María and make a stop on the way. Now we face the last part of the North road, culminating the stage in the town of Arzúa, famous for its cheeses.
To consider
Sobrado dos Monxes is the last start of the North Way stage, and from here, the route continues along the French Way itinerary, so when you get to Arzúa you will notice a greater influx of pilgrims.
Places of interest
- Chapel and Convent of the Magdalena - Arzúa
- A Fonte Santa - Arzúa
- Chapel of A Mota - Arzúa
Typical dishes
- Raxo
- Zorza
- Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese
- day 9
Stage 8. Arzúa - O Pedrouzo (19 km)
This stage is a pleasant walk on flat and comfortable terrain, with plenty of bars and restaurants that will encourage you to take it easy. You will alternate between villages and pine and eucalyptus forests. Small towns like Salceda mark the halfway point of the stage, a perfect stop to recharge your batteries before the last kilometres of the stage. - day 10
Stage 9. O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19 km)
At last the last stage of your journey is here. As we said before, the sooner you start walking today the better, because the sooner you will get to Santiago de Compostela. Once you arrive at Monte do Gozo, you will discover that pleasant sensation when you first see the towers of the cathedral. A perfect panoramic view before savouring your last kilometres and making the triumphal entrance to the Plaza del Obradoiro. - day 11
End of the Camino
After arriving... End of the Camino
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is on-the-road telephone assistance?
In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.
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What is travel insurance?
It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries! -
What does the private transfer service consist of?
We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage. The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us. -
Where are the accommodations located?
In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location. As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns. For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning. In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking. -
What coverage does the travel insurance have?
The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.
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How do I make a reservation?
To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:
- Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
- By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to info@viajecaminodesantiago.com. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.
It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to info@viajescaminodesantiago.com.
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Can I choose the dates I want?
Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available. -
What does Camino de Santiago on your own mean?
In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience. -
What is luggage transport and how does it work?
Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request 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. -
What services are included in the Camino de Santiago on your own?
The Camino de Santiago at your own pace includes the following services:
- Accommodation for resting.
- Luggage transport so you do not have to carry it.
- An informative dossier with details about the stages.
- The Pilgrim Passport.
- A 24-hour assistance phone number available at all times.
- A travel insurance for your peace of mind.
Additionally, you have the option to customize your experience by adding extra services:
- You can choose whether to include breakfast or half board.
- We offer private transfers to take you to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela, from its airport, or any other point.
- We can take your vehicle from the starting point to the end of your Camino.
- You have the option to book extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip.
Unlike group trips, we do not include a guide or support vehicle between stages. However, we provide you with a 24-hour assistance phone number to resolve any issues or unforeseen events you may encounter on your journey.
Northern Way from Ribadeo
From 582 €
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