Northern Way from 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.

• 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.
  • Villaviciosa - Gijón: Long stage with the demanding climb to the Alto de la Cruz before descending towards Gijón.

• 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.

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

  Yes. From Ribadeo you walk 193 km to Santiago, well above the minimum 100 km on foot required by the Pilgrim's Office. You just need to collect stamps in your Pilgrim's Credential (included in the trip) and show it at the Pilgrim's Office when you arrive in Santiago.

• Can I see As Catedrais beach if I start in Ribadeo?

  Yes, your arrival day in Ribadeo is ideal: As Catedrais beach is just a few kilometres away, with its rock arches around thirty metres high. You can only get down onto the sand at low tide, so check the tides beforehand, and see whether an online entry pass is needed for your date. If you can't get down, it's still impressive from the clifftop.

• Is the first stage of the Northern Way from Ribadeo hard?

  It's demanding: 28.4 km to Lourenzá, with constant undulations and the first serious climb, up to Ponte de Arante (if it has rained a lot, better take the road). You leave Ribadeo across the Ponte dos Santos bridge, between forest paths and cattle pastures. In Lourenzá its monastery and a good plate of fabas (beans) await you.

• Is it worth stopping in Mondoñedo?

  Definitely: it's the highlight of the 25.2 km Lourenzá–Abadín stage. Mondoñedo, one of Galicia's historic capitals, has a cathedral well worth visiting. You reach it from Lourenzá along the San Rosendo nature trail. Afterwards you choose between the official route through the Valiñadares valley or the mountain variant, and both end in Abadín.

• What is the Terra Chá?

  It means «flat land» and it's the inland district of Lugo you cross between Abadín and Baamonde, with Vilalba as its capital. It's a rural landscape of meadows and cattle farming, with small hamlets and lots of peace and quiet. Here the Northern Way leaves the sea behind and changes character: fewer pilgrims, more silence and good grilled meat.

• Where does the Northern Way join the French Way?

  In Arzúa, at the end of the stage from Sobrado dos Monxes. From there you share the last two stages with the French Way, via O Pedrouzo to Santiago, and you'll notice the change: suddenly there are many more pilgrims. After days of quiet Camino it's a good time to make friends, and to try Arzúa cheese.