Camino del Norte
Routes of the Camino de Santiago, Camino del Norte
The Camino del Norte is a highly sought-after pilgrimage route for those who want to experience the Camino de Santiago with a slightly more demanding physical level and through less-traveled areas than the Camino Francés, for example.
Throughout its various stages, pilgrims can explore the natural beauty of Spain’s northern coast and immerse themselves in its rich culture.
Routes of the Camino de Santiago, Camino del Norte
The Camino del Norte is a highly sought-after pilgrimage route for those who want to experience the Camino de Santiago with a slightly more demanding physical level and through less-traveled areas than the Camino Francés, for example.
Throughout its various stages, pilgrims can explore the natural beauty of Spain’s northern coast and immerse themselves in its rich culture.
Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Santiago
41 days / 40 nights
Starting at 3400 €
Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao
8 days / 7 nights
Starting at 775 €
Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
7 days / 6 nights
Starting at 665 €
Camino del Norte from Santander to Gijon
13 days / 12 nights
Starting at 1110 €
Camino del Norte from Gijon to Ribadeo
9 days / 8 nights
Starting at 700 €
Camino del Norte from Ribadeo to Santiago
12 days / 11 nights
Starting at 880 €
The Camino del Norte is an ancient route that is part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage network and attracts thousands of travelers each year to Compostela. This Camino del Norte along the Cantabrian coast offers a unique experience for those who wish to explore the beauty of northern Spain while following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims.
Booking a tailor-made Camino de Santiago is an increasingly popular option for pilgrims seeking a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
The Camino del Norte stretches along Spain’s northern coast, passing through picturesque towns, stunning beaches, and verdant landscapes. It consists of several stages, and you can divide it into sections if you don’t have time to tackle it all, each with its own charm and challenges. The stages of the Camino del Norte allow pilgrims to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of the regions they pass through, as well as enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Let’s not forget that we are in the north, a land of good food!
If you’re interested in booking your Camino de Santiago, we recommend planning ahead and considering this Camino del Norte option. This route gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of northern Spain while following a centuries-old pilgrimage tradition. Keep in mind that it’s one of the Caminos de Santiago on a physical level due to the area’s terrain. However, this is more than made up for by the incredible scenery.
Your Camino del Norte adventure starts here! Buen Camino!
We answer some of the most frequently asked
questions about the Camino del Norte
How many kilometers is the Camino del Norte?
The original and complete Camino del Norte starts in Irún and covers more than eight hundred kilometers to Santiago de Compostela.
Currently, many pilgrims begin their Camino del Norte from San Sebastián, which is 795 kilometers from Santiago.
What are the main stages of the Camino del Norte?
The Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela has several important stages for various reasons. Some of the most notable are:
- San Sebastián to Zarautz: This is the first stage of the Camino del Norte, but also the impressive landscape of the Basque coast and its passage through towns like Orio will make you love it.
- Bilbao to Portugalete: The Hanging Bridge of Portugalete, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable landmark for pilgrims on the Camino del Norte.
- Santander to Santillana del Mar: Departing from Santander with its beautiful bay and ending in the charming town of Santillana del Mar makes this stage magical.
- Llanes to Ribadesella: The stunning cliffs and pristine beaches along the Asturian coast are a must-see on our memories of the Camino del Norte.
- Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzúa: This stage begins at the location of the Sobrado dos Monxes Monastery, a beautiful piece of Cistercian architecture, and ends in Arzúa, famous for its delicious cheeses.
- Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela: The last stage, leading to the feet of Apostle James at the Cathedral of Compostela, is always the most exciting stage of the Camino de Santiago.
What is the hardest stage of the Camino del Norte?
Along the Camino del Norte, there are many tough stages. Let’s not forget that the Camino del Norte runs along the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, next to the Cantabrian Sea, and the terrain is very rugged.
Yes, the Camino del Norte has many elevation changes, and you will experience this throughout the journey until you reach Arzúa, especially in the stages before entering Galicia, with lots of ups and downs.
The advantage is that the landscape is absolutely spectacular and well worth the extra physical effort.
Can I do the Camino del Norte without carrying luggage?
Indeed, most pilgrims now hire luggage transfer services for the Camino del Norte so they only have to carry a small backpack between stages.
If you do your organized Camino del Norte with Rutas Meigas, it includes the transport of one piece of luggage per pilgrim, with a maximum weight of 20 kg. If you need to transport more pieces of luggage, they can be added for a very affordable price.
What is the most traveled stage of the Camino del Norte?
Possibly the most traveled stage of the Camino del Norte is from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo, as this is where the Camino del Norte joins the Camino Francés and also the Camino Primitivo.
Outside Galicia, the most traveled stage of the Camino del Norte is from San Sebastián to Zarauz.
Where can I stay other than hostels on the Camino del Norte?
The organized Camino del Norte with Rutas Meigas always includes accommodation in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. These can be hotels, guesthouses, hostels, or rural homes, depending on the availability in each stage.
How long does it take to complete the Camino del Norte?
If you walk the Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, it will take 36 days and 35 nights.
Many pilgrims, generally due to lack of time, decide to divide the entire Camino del Norte into several sections of about seven to eleven nights.
Still have questions about the Camino del Norte?