Camino del Norte from Ribadeo to Santiago

The river Eo acts as a natural border between Asturias and Galicia and Ribadeo is the main town on this border shore. It is a pleasant stately city to walk through, both through the center and towards natural areas such as Illa Pancha, where we will have a beautiful view of the coast. Arrival in Ribadeo on behalf of the pilgrims.

Accommodation in Ribadeo.

Difficulty level: medium.

First day in Galicia. We move completely away from the coastal landscapes to start again with the mountainous arrangement. It is a short but intense stage. The first few kilometers of the day lead through flat terrain or with moderate slopes, but as soon as we reach A Ponte de Arante, we start a steep climb from 100 meters to almost 360 meters. As soon as we have overcome the ascent, we are only a few kilometers from today’s destination, Villamartin Grande.

Accommodation in Villamartin Grande

Difficulty level: easy.

The day begins with a flat descent to Gondán. After the day before, it will be an agreeable stage. We climb a bit to the church of San Xusto and continue on the Batán river to Vilanova de Lourenzá. We have an ascent again that leads us to Arroxo. The rest of the route has very moderate gradients. We finally arrive in Mondoñedo. The cathedral and old town of Mondoñedo have been declared a historical-artistic site.

Accommodation in Mondoñedo

Difficulty level: easy.

Today’s stage leads us through the inner plateau of Lugo, known as Terra Cha. On this day we only climbed moderately from 100 to over 500 meters, so that no great effort is required. On our way we pass small villages like O Vilar or Lousada until we reach Abadín.

Accommodation in Abadin.

Difficulty level: easy.

Pleasant stage through flat land, green meadows and forests that run parallel to a national road. The Anllo River and the Arnela River cross our path as well as small towns like As Paredes, Martiñan or O Campo do Cristo. We spend the night in Villalba, the capital of Terra Chá. It is very worth seeing, the Torreón de los Condes de Andrade (currently it is a Parador).

Accommodation in Vilalba

Difficulty: easy.

A peaceful, transitional stage. We walk along rural tracks, chestnut and eucalyptus forests, and fields dotted with hamlets. The pace is set by the landscape, ideal for a day of introspection. Baamonde has a rich artisan tradition and is known as the home of Galician sculptor Víctor Corral, whose house became a museum.

Accommodation in Bahamonde

Difficulty level: easy.

A short stage meant to be walked slowly. The path winds through tiny villages, traditional hórreos, old washing stations, and trails surrounded by nature. Miraz is a symbolic stop for many pilgrims: remote, humble, peaceful. A place to rediscover silence and reconnect with yourself and others on the Camino.

Accommodation in Miraz

Difficulty level: medium.

A long but spiritually rich stage. Sobrado dos Monxes is home to the most important Cistercian monastery on the Camino del Norte. The day unfolds through rural paths, gentle hills, and tiny hamlets. And at the end, the monastery rises among the trees like a beacon of peace. Many pilgrims choose to sleep inside the monastery for the full experience.

Accommodation in Sobrado dos Monxes.

Difficulty level: easy.

Last stage on the north route. We say goodbye with a simple tour without major complications. We leave the dirt roads that have accompanied us in the past few days to re-enter paved roads. The rural landscape that has guided us is also changing to make way for more urban areas. Our stage ends in Arzúa, where we should not miss the opportunity to try the famous cheeses.

Accommodation in Arzúa

Difficulty level: easy.

Today we start on the French way. We have a short and quiet stage ahead of us to record everything that was lived during the trip before arriving in Santiago the next day.

Accommodation in O Pedoruzo.

Difficulty level: easy.

Nerves on the surface. Strange sensations It is the last stage. We recommend leaving early to take part in the pilgrimage, which is celebrated at 12:00 p.m. First we reach Lavacolla and continue climbing Monte do Gozo, where we can catch a glimpse of the long-awaited cathedral from a distance. Finally the Plaza del Obradoiro and the well deserved personal satisfaction of having reached this point.

Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela

Buen Camino & see you next time!