Camino del Norte: Spain’s Northern Coast to Santiago

Arrive in San Sebastián, one of northern Spain’s most elegant coastal cities and a superb place to begin your Camino del Norte journey.

Set on the Bay of Biscay, the city is framed by La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, with a lively old town filled with historic churches, atmospheric streets and the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución. Spend the evening exploring its renowned food scene and sampling pintxos in the bars of the Parte Vieja.

You can also choose to begin your Camino in Irún, the traditional starting point of the Camino del Norte, or in nearby Hondarribia on the coast. This adds one night to the itinerary, with luggage transfer included. The walk from Irún to San Sebastián is approximately 27 km with 290 m of elevation gain; starting in Hondarribia shortens the stage by around 6 km.

A Parador stay in Hondarribia can also be arranged for an additional supplement and should be requested at the time of booking.

High Point: ~300m | Terrain: Coastal trails with climbs.

Leave San Sebastián and follow the Camino along the coast towards Orio, tackling a series of smaller climbs before descending to Zarautz. From here, follow the seaside promenade towards Getaria, a historic fishing village and the birthplace of fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Take time to enjoy the harbour, climb San Antón for panoramic coastal views, or relax with a glass of local txakoli wine after a rewarding first day on the Camino.

High Point: ~290m | Terrain: Undulating coastal trails with steady climbs.

Today's stage follows a demanding but scenic route through rolling coastal terrain and quieter inland sections.

Climb through the hills towards the sanctuary of Santa María de Itziar, an important landmark on the Camino del Norte, before beginning the descent towards Deba.

Finish beside the Cantabrian Sea in this attractive coastal town, with its broad beach and sweeping views along the rugged Basque coastline.

High Point: ~490m | Terrain: Challenging with frequent climbs and descents.

Leave the coast behind and head inland into the Arnoate mountains, where today's stage reveals a more rural side of the Basque Country.

The route rises and falls through forest, pastureland and quiet valleys, passing traditional farmhouses and small villages along the way. After the Valle de Olatz, tackle the steep climb to Alto de Arno before continuing through peaceful countryside towards Markina-Xemein.

This is a demanding but rewarding day, with classic Basque landscapes accompanying you throughout.

High Point: ~360m | Terrain: Undulating with sustained climbs and a steep descent.

Follow quiet country lanes and woodland paths through rural Basque countryside, with frequent climbs and descents throughout the day.

After Bolibar, ascend towards the Monastery of Zearruza (Ziortza), one of the historic landmarks of the Camino del Norte. From here, continue through forested hills before a sharper descent towards the river valley.

Finish in Gernika, set within the Urdaiabi Biosphere Reserve and one of the Basque Country's most historically significant towns.

Distance: 20 km | High Point: ~340m | Terrain: Challenging with frequent climbs and descents.

Continue inland through the hills and valleys of Biscay, following forest tracks and quiet rural lanes past farmhouses, meadows and small villages.

The toughest climb comes early, with a sustained ascent of around 300 metres over 3 km to Mount Billikario. From here, the route continues across rolling terrain towards Goikolexea.

The final stretch to Lezama is much gentler and largely flat, providing an easier finish after a demanding day.

High Point: ~330m | Terrain: Short but challenging with a sustained climb.

A shorter stage today, but still a rewarding one, with a long, steady ascent towards Mount Avril along an old medieval route.

From the high ground, enjoy sweeping views over Bilbao and the surrounding valley before descending past the Basilica de Begoña into the historic centre.

Bilbao is one of northern Spain's great cultural cities, with excellent food, lively neighbourhoods and world-class museums, including the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim. It is also an ideal place to add an optional rest day.

Distance: 20 km | Terrain: Urban and riverside walking with one steep climb.

Leave Bilbao and follow the Camino through the city's historic industrial districts before joining quieter paths beside the Cadagua River.

Cross the historic Devil's Bridge and continue towards the hermitage of Santa Águeda, where the route begins a steep climb to Barakaldo. From here, the walking becomes easier as you follow a riverside path along the Galindo River.

Finish in Portugalete, an important port town on the Nervión estuary and a natural gateway to the next coastal section of the Camino del Norte.

Leave the coast briefly and climb inland towards Otañes, where the higher ground opens up views back towards the rugged Cantabrian shoreline.

From here, the Camino follows forest tracks through quieter countryside towards Robredal and the Church of San Nicolás before turning back towards the sea.

Finish in Castro Urdiales, entering the town past the beach and bullring. This attractive coastal stop blends medieval landmarks with a lively modern waterfront and makes a rewarding end to the day.

Follow the Camino along a spectacular stretch of the Cantabrian coast, passing a medieval castle and lighthouse before continuing above dramatic sea cliffs.

The route then turns inland towards Guriezo and Rioseco, passing the Chapel of Santa Isabel before crossing the River Agüera and continuing to the Church of La Magdalena.

From Guriezo, the Camino carries on through quieter countryside towards Liendo, where you settle in for the night.

From Liendo, choose between two routes towards Laredo: one crossing the valley via Hazas and the Church of Nuestra Señora de Liendo, or a higher path past the Chapel of San Julián.

Continue into Laredo, known for its long beach, medieval old quarter and lively waterfront. From here, follow the maritime route to El Puntal and take the ferry across to Santoña.

The Camino then continues past Berria Beach, over Mount Brusco and along Trengandin Beach before a final short climb into Noja.

The ferry to Santoña is payable locally.

Continue through the quiet Cantabrian countryside, passing the villages of Arnuero and Molino de Bareyo on the way to Galizano.

The route alternates between rural lanes, farmland and small village roads before reaching this peaceful town set just inland from the coast.

Galizano is close to a beautiful sandy beach, making it an ideal place to relax after the day's walk.

Follow coastal cliff paths to Somo and board the local passenger boat across the Bay of Santander into the city center.

From Galizano, choose between the official Camino or a longer coastal alternative, which offers beautiful sea views in good weather.

Continue towards the Bay of Santander and cross by passenger boat into the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Santander's elegant waterfront, historic centre, cathedral, Sardinero Beach and Magdalena Palace.

In the evening, enjoy the city's lively food scene and sample local Cantabrian specialities before continuing your Camino tomorrow.

Begin with an included taxi transfer to Mogro-Ermita Virgen del Monte, shortening what would otherwise be a much longer stage.

From here, follow quiet country roads and village paths through Miengo, Cudón, Requejada, Viveda and Camplengo before reaching Santillana del Mar.

This beautifully preserved medieval town is one of the standout stops on the Camino del Norte, with stone streets, historic towers, Renaissance palaces and the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.

Continue west through open Cantabrian countryside, where quiet local roads cross rolling green fields and small villages including Oreña, Cóbreces, Trasierra and La Iglesia.

The route is gently undulating, with broad rural views and church towers punctuating the landscape as you make your way back towards the coast.

Finish in Comillas, an elegant seaside town known for its remarkable architecture, including the Sobrellano Palace, the Pontifical University and Gaudí's striking El Capricho.

Enjoy an easier walking day through rolling countryside, small villages and a series of marshes and estuaries crossed by local bridges.

From the higher sections of the route, take in wide coastal views with the Cantabrian Mountains and the peaks of the Picos de Europa rising in the distance.

Finish in San Vicente de la Barquera, a beautifully situated medieval town with a strong seafaring heritage. Explore its historic centre, including the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles, and enjoy the relaxed waterfront atmosphere before continuing west.

Leave San Vicente de la Barquera and its estuary behind as the Camino turns inland through quieter rural countryside.

Pass through small villages including La Acebosa, Hortigal and Serdio before continuing towards Pesues and Unquera, the final town in Cantabria.

Cross the River Deva to enter Asturias, then continue a short distance to Bustio for the night.

Breakfast is not included in Bustio; your hotel can recommend nearby cafes and local options.

Today's walk follows mainly paved roads through gently rolling terrain, with moderate climbs and descents along the way.

As you make your way west, enjoy a striking contrast of scenery, with coastal views on one side and the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa rising inland.

Finish in Llanes, a lively seaside town with a beautifully preserved historic centre and sections of its medieval walls still intact. Take time to explore the harbour and see the colourful Cubes of Memory installation on the breakwater.

Breakfast is not included this morning, but there are several local cafes and bars in Bustio where you can stop before setting out.

Today's longer stage follows gently undulating trails and quiet roads through small villages, open countryside and several historic religious sites.

Along the way, pass beautiful beaches including Palombina, Torimbia and San Antolin before the Camino turns inland through quieter rural landscapes.

Finish in Ribadesella, a lively coastal town known for its long sandy beach and the UNESCO-listed Tito Bustillo Cave, home to remarkable prehistoric cave art. The cave is around 2.2 km return from Plaza de Santa Ana.

Leave Ribadesella and head inland before the Camino returns to the coast for one of the final true seaside stretches of the journey.

Walk past a succession of beaches, green headlands and small Asturian villages, with wide views across the Cantabrian Sea along the way.

Finish in Colunga, an attractive market town known for its elegant modernist architecture and grand historic houses.

Leave the coast behind as the Camino turns inland through greener, more rolling Asturian countryside.

Pass through historic villages including Priesca, home to the 10th-century Church of San Salvador, before continuing through Sebrayo and its Church of Santa María.

Finish in Villaviciosa, a lively town at the heart of Asturias' cider country. Take time to sample local sidra in one of the traditional cider houses and discover the region's rich pre-Romanesque heritage.

Today is a more demanding stage as the Camino crosses the Asturian interior before returning to the coast, with two notable climbs of around 340m and 200m.

At Casquita, the route divides, with some pilgrims turning towards Oviedo while the Camino del Norte continues west towards Gijón. From here, descend gradually towards the city and the Cantabrian Sea.

Finish in lively Gijón, where you can explore the historic Cimadevilla quarter, stroll along San Lorenzo Beach and discover traces of the city's Roman past.

Enjoy a well-earned rest day in Gijón, with time to relax by the coast and explore the city at your own pace.

Wander through the historic Cimadevilla quarter, stroll along San Lorenzo Beach, visit the Roman baths or simply settle into a local café and enjoy the city's relaxed Asturian atmosphere. It's an ideal place to recharge before continuing west on the Camino.

High Point: ~190m | Terrain: Mixed urban, rural and woodland paths.

Leave Gijón on a varied stage that initially passes through some industrial and roadside sections before the Camino reaches quieter countryside.

Continue through the Monte Areo recreational area, where a short detour leads to the prehistoric Dolmen de San Pablo. From here, the route becomes more rural as you make your way towards Avilés.

Finish in this historic town, once an important medieval port and now known for its attractive old quarter and distinctive architecture.

Elevation Gain: 560m | Descent: 450m | Terrain: Rolling coastal countryside.

Continue west through a varied Asturian landscape of quiet lanes, traditional villages and frequent but manageable climbs.

Several sections open up to broad views of the Cantabrian coast before the route turns towards the Nalon River. One of the day's standout sights is the hilltop Castle of San Martín, overlooking the river and surrounding countryside.

Finish in Muros de Nalon after a rewarding day of coastal and rural walking.

Elevation Gain: 430m | Descent: 540m | Terrain: Gentle rolling countryside.

Leave Muros de Nalon and head inland through peaceful Asturian countryside, following quiet lanes and rolling rural paths towards Soto de Luina.

The stage is relatively short, with steady but manageable climbs and descents. Along the way, pass the elegant La Quinta de Selgas estate and briefly return towards the coast near Concha de Artedo.

Finish in Soto de Luina, a quiet village surrounded by green hills. If you still have energy, San Pedro Beach lies around 2.2km away.

Elevation Gain: 580m | Descent: 510m | Terrain: Undulating coastal trails.

Follow the Camín Real de las Ballotas on one of the most scenic coastal stages of the Camino del Norte.

The route passes a string of small villages including Albuerne, Novellana, Castañeras, Santa Marina and Ballota, with frequent views across the cliffs and Cantabrian Sea. A highlight is the beautiful Playa del Silencio, one of Asturias' most striking beaches.

After Ballota, descend to cross the River Cabo by an old stone bridge before continuing to Cadavedo, a peaceful village surrounded by green countryside and dramatic coastline.

Elevation Gain: 220m | Descent: 300m | Terrain: Mostly gentle with one notable climb.

Enjoy a shorter stage today as the Camino continues through green Asturian countryside towards Luarca.

Cross the River Esva before tackling the day's main climb from El Canero, gaining around 140 metres over 1.6 km. From here, the route becomes gentler as you continue towards the coast.

The final approach rewards you with beautiful views over Luarca, a picturesque fishing town of whitewashed houses, a sheltered harbour and strong maritime character.

Leave Luarca and head slightly inland through quiet countryside, following gentle tracks and rural paths between wooded hills and small villages.

Pass through Hervedosas before continuing towards Casa Carmina, where pilgrims can stop for water, then make your way through Villapedre and the surrounding farmland.

Finish in Navia, a lively coastal town with a working harbour and a strong maritime character.

Elevation Gain: 280m | Descent: 280m | Terrain: Gentle coastal walking.

Continue west along a relaxed coastal stage, passing quiet beaches, open countryside and a string of small Asturian villages.

The route offers frequent views across the Cantabrian Sea before reaching Tapia de Casariego, a traditional fishing town with an attractive harbour and strong maritime character.

Settle in for the evening and enjoy a slower pace after another rewarding day on the Camino.

Elevation Gain: 110m | Descent: 100m | Terrain: Easy coastal walking.

Follow one of the final coastal stretches of the Camino del Norte, with sweeping views across cliffs, beaches and the Cantabrian Sea.

Pass Peñaronda Beach and Arnao Beach, known for its natural tidal pool and exposed fossil formations, before continuing towards the River Eo.

Cross into Galicia and arrive in Ribadeo, a lively estuary town marking your transition into the final region of the Camino and a rewarding place to finish the day.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Ribadeo, set on the estuary where Asturias meets Galicia.

Take time to explore the old town, stroll along the waterfront and marina, or simply enjoy the slower pace before continuing inland on the Camino. If you feel like venturing further, the dramatic beaches and cliffs of the surrounding coast make for an easy optional excursion.

Distance: 18 km | High Point: ~400m | Terrain: Gradual climbing with one steeper ascent.

Leave Ribadeo and head inland through quiet Galician countryside, following rural lanes and paths through eucalyptus woodland and small villages.

The route climbs gradually for much of the day, with the steepest section between A Ponte and Villamartín Grande. From the higher ground, enjoy a more peaceful rural landscape as the Camino moves away from the coast.

At 3:00 PM, an included taxi transfer returns you to Ribadeo for a second night.

Walk to Lourenzá (famous for local beans) and historic Mondoñedo.

Distance: 18 km | High Point: ~250m | Terrain: Rolling countryside with steady climbs

An included 8:30 AM transfer returns you to Villamartín Grande to rejoin the Camino.

Continue through peaceful Galician countryside to Lourenzá, where the impressive Baroque monastery is one of the day's highlights. From here, the route climbs into rolling hills, with wide views rewarding the effort along the way.

Finish in Mondoñedo, a historic town once associated with the old Kingdom of Galicia. Take time to explore its atmospheric centre and traditional streets before settling in for the evening.

High Point: ~600m | Terrain: Gradual climbing on paved and unpaved paths.

Leave Mondoñedo and climb steadily through the Valiñadares Valley towards the broad plateau of Terra Chá.

The route follows a mix of quiet roads and rural tracks, with wide views opening up as you gain height towards Abadín. The walking is gradual rather than steep, with peaceful countryside throughout.

On arrival in Abadín, an included transfer returns you to Mondoñedo for a second night.

Walk across the flat dairy plains of Terra Chá into Vilalba.

High Point: ~540m | Terrain: Gentle rural walking through forest and farmland.

An included morning transfer returns you to Abadín to rejoin the Camino.

From here, follow quiet paths through rural landscapes, farmland and native woodland, with sections running parallel to the national road as you make your way towards Vilalba.

Finish in this historic Galician town, known for its literary and cultural traditions as well as local specialities including San Simon da Costa cheese and the traditional Vilalba roscón.

Distance: 31 km | High Point: ~500m | Terrain: Long rural stage through rolling countryside.

Continue through the quiet landscapes of rural Galicia, following country lanes and woodland paths between small villages and farmland.

Today is a longer stage, but the terrain remains generally gentle as you make your way towards Seixón de Abaixo through peaceful countryside.

Transfer takes you to your accommodation in Friol for the night.

Walk to the grand 10th-century Cistercian Monastery of Sobrado. (5:00 PM transfer back to Reguela).

High Point: ~680m | Terrain: Long and moderately challenging.

Transfer returns you to Seixón de Abaixo to rejoin the Camino. If you prefer a shorter day, you can ask the driver to continue to Miraz, reducing the walk to around 23km.

From here, follow quiet rural tracks through rolling Galician countryside and scattered villages as the route gradually climbs towards Sobrado dos Monxes.

Finish in this historic town, home to an impressive monastery with origins dating back to the 10th century, where you'll stay overnight.

Today's walking is gentler as you complete the final section of the Camino del Norte and join the Camino Francés.

Follow quiet rural paths through a succession of small Galician villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way. Cross the River Seco over the Magdalena Bridge and continue through Furelos before making your way towards Arzúa.

Finish in this lively Camino town, where pilgrims from several routes come together for the final journey towards Santiago.

Elevation Gain: 200m | Descent: 230m | Terrain: Gentle rolling countryside.

Enjoy a shorter stage today as the Camino winds through woodland, small villages and quiet country lanes towards Rúa or O Pedrouzo.

As Santiago draws closer, you'll notice a growing sense of anticipation among fellow pilgrims making their final approach. The walking is relatively gentle, leaving plenty of time to relax on arrival and prepare for tomorrow's memorable final stage into Santiago.

Elevation Gain: 350m | Descent: 370m | Terrain: Gentle countryside with an urban finish.

Your final stage gradually leaves rural Galicia behind as the Camino approaches Santiago, crossing roads, rail lines and the outskirts of the city.

Pass through Lavacolla before climbing to Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims traditionally caught their first glimpse of Santiago. From here, descend towards the historic centre as the excitement builds with every kilometre.

Follow the Camino through the old streets to Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela — a memorable and emotional end to your journey.