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The Whole Camino del Norte

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476.1km
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23 days
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The Camino del Norte is a hilly route along the northern coastline, with a mixture of coastline, countryside and hills before moving inland to Oviedo.

The Whole Camino del Norte Map
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.

Highlights

Nature Lovers

The Camino del Norte is perhaps the most scenic of all the Camino routes. Hugging the rugged Atlantic coastline, it takes pilgrims through some of Spain’s most lush regions – from the Basque country to Cantabria, Asturias and on to Galicia.

This route is the ideal escape for nature lovers, who want to take some time to reflect away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Breathe in the fresh sea air, stroll on sandy beaches or admire the view from a cliff top perch.  Intersperse the ocean views with rambles through the countryside and forests, passing by small sleepy villages that cling to a bygone way of living a quiet and simple life.

Cosmopolitan Cities

The Camino del Norte passes through some of the top cities to visit in Spain. The crown jewel is San Sebastian with its mixture of elegant architecture, sandy beaches and fine dining. A short distance along the coast you then find Bilbao the largest city of the Basque region and the hub of modern art. Further along the coast you then come to the third city, Santander. Once the summer destination of the Spanish Royal family, nowadays there is an eclectic mix of tapas bars and restaurants, busy shopping streets and sandy beaches all within easy walking distance of each other.

Cathedrals

Along the Camino del Norte there is a wealth of Cathedrals and Churches to visit.  In San Sebastian there is the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd dating from the late 19th Century and is known for its strong and dominating single spire. In Bilbao the Cathedral of Santiago despite being built in the 14th and 15th century only became a Cathedral in 1950 and as the name eludes is dedicated to St James. In Santander the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Santander, is on a site that has had a church here since the 8th Century. Unlike may Cathedrals the interior is relatively small and simple in style making for quite a contrast with the vast size of the external structure. The final Cathedral worthy of note is in Oviedo, the Cathedral of San Salvador. Originally built in the 8th century it has been rebuilt over the years with an array of architectural periods visible. Within you can find Holy Relics such as the Holy Chest, the Cross of los Ángeles and the Cross of la Victoria.

 

San Sebastian to Oviedo
Camino del Norte
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  • Premium Accommodation
  • Airport Pick-Up
  • Additional Nights
  • Dinners
  • Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel
  • Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest
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  • Drinks/Lunch

Itinerary

Day 1

SAN SEBASTIAN (Arrival)

Once you arrive you’ll be booked into a hotel in the heart of the town. San Sebastien is located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, and is a city known for its stunning beaches and waterfront promenade. Here, you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine as well as the more informal dining experience of pintxos and wine.


Day 2
26.07km

SAN SEBASTIAN
to
GETARIA

Leaving San Sebastian and the unspoiled Bay of Biscay, this route curves along the coastline through grassy fields and rolling hills. First, you’ll see the Church of San Martin de Tours, a lovingly restored national monument, before passing through some traditional whaling towns. Later, you arrive in the picturesque village of Getaria, perched on a rocky headland above a cute harbour.


Day 3
17.99km

GETARIA
to
DEBA

For Day 3 you’ll set out on a small country road hugging the coast, eventually arriving in Zarautz. From there, take the small footpath into farmlands until you reach the Church of Santa Maria la Real and birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the Earth in the 16th Century. Once you’ve stopped to admire the town, continue along the coast to the last stop for the day – the stunning beach town, Deba.


Day 4
24.32km

DEBA
to
MARKINA-XEMEIN

Today, we leave the sea behind for more mountainous landscapes and won’t see the coast again until Bilbao. The route crosses a river and starts climbing into dense scrub, until it reaches the Hermitage of El Calvario. From here, keep to the narrow footpath (GR-121), which passes through many secluded hamlets. Finally, the trail descends steeply into your destination, Markina. This is a village with a strong sense of history and Basque traditions.


Day 5
25.71km

MARKINA-XEMEIN
to
GERNIKA

Leaving Markina, the route follows an ancient cobbled road and crosses the river in Bolivar. It ascends to the 15th Century Monastery of Cenarruza, which contains a Gothic Renaissance church and mediaeval cloister. Leaving the monastic site, the path moves into dense woodland, up to Gontzegarai, and down again to Gerikaitz. At the Hermitage of Santiago, a steep footpath leads downhill to a creek and finally into the town of Gernika.


Day 6
19.95km

GERNIKA
to
LEZAMA

Setting out this morning you’ll leave Gernika by the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo. Shortly after, we’ll reach the road (PR-173) that will take us to Morga. Here, we leave the farmland and enter a forest, following a steep descent to the traditional villages of Goikoetxea, Larrabetzu, and finally, Lezama.


Day 7
14.03km

LEZAMA
to
BILBAO

This is a relatively short stage through pastoral farmland. First, we pass Zamudio and the Roman Church of San Maarten, where the Tower of Malpica is visible above. Slowly climbing to reach the summit of Mount Avril, we’re rewarded with spectacular views of Bilbao and the valley below. On arrival in Bilbao, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Bego, as well as Place de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao.


Day 8
17.44km

BILBAO
to
PORTUGALETE

First, a relatively short stage going through the old industrialised neighbourhoods of Bilbao. After passing the suspension bridge, the Camino enters the industrial heart of the Basque Country; despite this, it is a place of peace and calm along the Cadagua River. Crossing the historical ‘Devil’s Bridge’, the Camino arrives at the hermitage of Santa Águeda. From there, we take a breath before the steep ascent to the town of Barakaldo. Following a footpath along the Galindo River, we arrive in Portugalete for a night’s rest.


Day 9
25.56km

PORTUGALETE
to
CASTRO URDIALES

The Camino now leaves the coast, ascending to Otañes with beautiful views of the craggy coast below. From here the Camino enters a forest track that brings us to Robredal and its church of San Nicholas. Finally, we arrive in the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, passing the bullring and the beach. Castro Urdiales is an interesting town with a mix of mediaeval and modern architecture.


Day 10
28.1km

CASTRO URDIALES
to
LAREDO

Today, the Camino passes a mediaeval castle and lighthouse and follows the coast along spectacular cliffs, overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Reaching Guriezo, we continue on the main Camino to Rioseco, passing the Chapel of Santa Isabel, crossing the bridge over the River Aguera and on to the Church of La Magdalena. From Guriezo the Camino continues to Liendo where there are two route choices to Laredo; either crossing the valley and passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas, or following paths up to the Chapel of St Julian. Laredo is a popular town reputed for its beautiful beaches, mediaeval quarter (Puebla Vieja), and lively seaside atmosphere.


Day 11
13.28km

LAREDO
to
ESCALANTE

The Camino continues from Laredo in the direction of Colindres (where it is possible to cross to Santona by boat). We continue by road, following Santoria’s Marshes. This marshland is of considerable importance to the migration and wintering of numerous aquatic birds from all over Europe. Although today’s walk is flat, the scenery is stimulating. Survey the coast and mountains as you continue towards Escalante.


Day 12
32.73km

ESCALANTE
to
SANTANDER

From Escalante, the Camino continues via the beaches of Berria and Helgueras until reaching Noja. From there, the Camino heads south towards San Miguel de Meruelo, or an alternative Camino can be taken that continues north along the coast to pass through the town of Isla. Both Caminos converge in Bareyo where it is worth stopping to admire the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria. From the village of Somo, you can catch a ‘pedrenera’, a traditional boat used to connect the two sides of the bay.


Day 13
19.56km

SANTANDER
to
ARCE

During this stage, the Camino moves slightly inland and passes through typical Cantabiran towns such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia, and Boo de Pielagos. The estuary of Boo de Pielagos leads to the village of Arce, where you will stop for the night.


Day 14
25.44km

ARCE
to
SANTILLANA DEL MAR

The Camino follows the pleasant, hilly landscape of the coast today. Coming to Miengo, we finally reach the Besaya region. Take your time while here to visit the charming little village of Suance. Passing meadows and sleepy villages, we eventually arrive in the mediaeval village of Santillana del Mar.


Day 15
22km

SANTILLANA DEL MAR
to
COMILLAS

This stage introduces the pilgrim to the wild western coast of Cantabria. The Camino passes villages of outstanding beauty like Cobreces, with its Cistercian monastery, and finally arrives in Comillas with its impressive beaches and remarkable architecture. Check out the spectacular ‘Capricho de Gaudi’, the Palace of Sobrellano with its pantheon chapel, and the Pontifical University.


Day 16
26.63km

COMILLAS
to
UNQUERA

From Comillas, the Camino continues along the coast, and comes to Oyambre Natural Park. Here you will have the chance to witness an outstanding marine ecosystem consisting of a large variety of birds, molluscs, and fish species. The Camino next reaches the town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Finally, passing estuaries, green pastures, and forests, we arrive in Unquera.


Day 17
26.37km

UNQUERA
to
LLANES

The Camino de Santiago enters Asturias, crossing a bridge over the river Deva and continuing into Bustio. Before Colombres, we have to climb the ‘Cuesta la Cantu’. Then we go downhill along the Sierra de La Borbolla. The Way now enters Pendueles. Here, the Camino take a narrow footpath that crosses the road to Andrin and climbs up to the Jorcada pass. The Camino drops to La Portilla and continues to Llanes, where we stay for the night.


Day 18
29.08km

LLANES
to
RIBADESELLA

Passing the beautiful beaches of Palombina and Barro, the Camino crosses the river Niembro. Climbing steadily uphill, we reach the Church of San Pedro de Pria, set on a hill overlooking the district’s seven main towns. Then, the Camino continues downhill to the mediaeval stone bridge over the river Gua­damia, it crosses the railway and continues on to Sobares and Ribadesella. Ribadesella is a fascinating town and well worth a stroll around.


Day 19
19.96km

RIBADESELLA
to
COLUNGA

The Camino continues uphill towards the village of Vega, at the foot of the impressive Monte Redondo. Reaching Vegas beach, we cross the Regatu del Acebu and climb to the charming village of Berbes. Then, the Camino goes downhill to the beach of El Arenal de Mons, where you can see the mouth of the River de los Romeros. After passing a well-known Knights Templar site and the Benedictine Monastery of Santiago (founded in the 11th Century), we arrive in Colunga.


Day 20
18.07km

COLUNGA
to
VILLAVICIOSA

From Colunga, the Camino continues along the valley of the river Llovones, passing small villages along the way. As we leave the valley the track leads uphill to the Cabanona Pass, where we can get superb views of the coast. The Camino continues downhill to Priesca, past the Church of San Salvador, which was consecrated in the year 921 AD. If the church is open, have a look at the paintings inside. Now, on the left bank of the river Sebrayu, the Camino follows the Nabla river valley to reach Villaviciosa.


Day 21
25.43km

VILLAVICIOSA
to
POLA DE SIERO

From Villaviciosa, we follow the Camino until we reach the village of La Casquita. Here, we leave the coast taking the southern way of the Camino Norte. On the Camino, don’t miss the Church of San Juan de Amandi, and the marvellous Pre-Romanesque Church known as El Conventin. We cross the river Valdedio and continue to Camoca to the Alto La Campa, enjoying superb views over the Sariego Valley. We finally descend to Figares and continue walking towards La Carcabada until we come to Pola de Siero.


Day 22
18.35km

POLA DE SIERO
to
OVIEDO

The Camino passes El Rayu, famous in the 18th Century for its ceramics, and we head towards Carbayal, Fonciello, Meres, and Granda. This area has a semi-urban character. Passing the small village of El Llugarin, we come to the mediaeval bridge of Colloto, entering Oviedo via Cerdeno and Calles de la Tenderina Alta and Baja.


Day 23

OVIEDO

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. In the Middle Ages, Oviedo was one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the Camino. Don’t miss the Cathedral of San Salvador and the relics and treasures in the Holy Chamber while you are here.


The Whole Camino del Norte Elevation


How to Get There

Getting to San Sebastian, Spain

It is best to fly to France (Biarritz or Paris), or Spain (Bilbao or Santander).

Fly into Biarritz, France

Ryanair, easyJet, Air France (via Orly). Biarritz airport info.

Train to Hendaye (45mins), several trains a day. Then bus to San Sebastian (45mins), several buses a day.

Fly into Paris, France

Virtually all companies fly to Paris.

Fly into Bilbao, Spain

A large amount of the passenger traffic at Bilbao Airport comes from internal flights and you can fly from Bilbao to any of the following Spanish Airports: A Coruna, Alicante, Barcelona, Badajoz, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Jerez, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia and Vigo. European flights to Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Milan, Munich, Paris, and Stuttgart are also available.  At the moment, EasyJet, Iberia and Aer Lingus fly from the UK and Ireland to Bilbao. EasyJet offers daily flights to Bilbao from London Stansted Airport, Iberia flies from Gatwick or Heathrow via Madrid and AerLingus operates out of Dublin.

Bus to San Sebastian (takes 1hr15), several buses a day.

Fly into Santander, Spain

Ryanair is the only low-cost airline that currently offers direct flights to Santander. They offer flights from London Stansted and now Dublin, Frankfurt, Milan and Rome, as well as Reus and Madrid in Spain. Iberia offers a good selection of internal flights from Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville and Valencia.

Bus to Bilbao 1hr, several buses a day. Then take a bus to San Sebastian (1hr15), several buses a day.

Getting home from Oviedo, Spain

Fly from Santander

There is a bus from Oviedo to Santander (2h20). Alternatively, you can take the train (4h).



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