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Camino del Norte landscape pilgrims

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Camino del Norte Route

The magnificent coasts of the Northern Way

The Camino del Norte, or the Northern Way, is also referred to as the Ruta de la Costa. This Camino was used for centuries by Spanish pilgrims. They made their way along the magnificent coasts of the Basque region and Asturias. From there they turned inland towards Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James.

The Camino del Norte is a unique journey, so it is no wonder that so many consider this their favourite Camino route. This Camino route maps out across some of the most spectacular scenery on Spain’s northern coast. It passes through superb cities such as San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo. Ultimately, this Camino joins the Camino Primitivo Route in Oviedo, which continues on to Santiago de Compostela.

Camino del Norte Map

466km

of walking trails

23+

days of walking

4

different stages

Camino del Norte Stages

This trip, starting from the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastien in the Basque Country and finishing in the Asturian city of Oviedo, extends across a stunning stretch of northern Spain. If you look at a Camino del Norte route map​, this walk spans three Spanish provinces and thousands of years of pilgrim history. The full Camino del Norte length​ is at least 481km, though this can customised to suit your needs. Each of the individual Camino del Norte stages​ have something unique to offer, from stunning beaches to quiet forests, making this Camino pilgrimage route truly special for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela.
This first section of the Camino del Norte takes you from the city of San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. San Sebastian makes a wonderful starting point for the Camino del Norte. Located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, San Sebastian is known for its beaches and waterfront promenade. Here you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine as well as the more informal dining experience of pintxos and wine pairings. This route will take you along the coast’s scenic beaches to Bilbao, the capital of Basque culture.
This second section connects two major cities in the north of Spain, Bilbao and Santander, and has you leave the Basque region for Cantabria. Bilbao is a wonderful mix of Basque traditions and contemporary architecture. Surrounded by green hills and right on the coast, there is much to see and do near the city. The first day of walking is predominantly through urban and industrial areas, before ascending to Portugalete. Passing through a forest, you will return on the same day to the coast and Castro Urdiales. A spectacular cliff walk will take you to the popular beach town of Laredo. A short, flat walk through Santoria’s marshland then takes you to Escalante – your last stop before Santander. Your final day on this section is via beaches where at the end of the day you have the option to take a traditional boat across the bay to the city centre of Santander.
Santander, another port city, not only boasts a historic centre and beaches but is also where the royal family of Spain use to take their summer breaks. This third section takes you through the western coast of Cantabria with a mixture of coast walking and inland, more hilly country. Leaving Santander, you will move inland passing through towns before coming back to the estuary and village of Arce. A hilly day, passing meadows and sleepy villages, will have you arrive into Santillana del Mar.
This final section of the Camino del Norte takes you from the coast inland to Oviedo (which is also the starting point of the Camino Primitivo). From Ribadesella you still get to enjoy the coastline as you go up and down to towns and beaches before passing a famous Knights Templar site and Benedictine Monastery of Santiago to arrive in Colunga. A relatively short day follows along the valley before climbing up the Cabanona Pass and coming back downhill to another valley and the town of Villaviciosa.

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