Full Camino del Norte: San Sebastian to Santiago

San Sebastián is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning architecture. It is a stunning and chic seaside city, as well as a paradise for foodies. Stroll down the Playa de la Concha and treat yourself to one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

After your overnight in San Sebastián, you will follow the Camino route as it leaves the Bay of Biscay and winds along the coastline through beautiful pastures and gentle hills. You will see the Roman Church of San Martín de Tours before passing charming coastal villages. You will finish today in the beautiful seaside town of Zarautz. Make sure that you try the local Txakolí wine!

Walking for the day: 22.3km, 4-5h

After your night in Zarautz, you will move inland along a quiet rural road before arriving in Getaria with its lovely harbour. After Getaria, the path enters farmlands and passes the harbour town of Zumaia. Today’s section finishes in the lovely seaside village of Deba.

Walking for the day: 21.8km, 5h

After spending the night in Deba, your Camino trail leaves the coastline (you will reach it again in Bilbao) as you will head for the mountains. After crossing a river, the path climbs quickly into an area of thick vegetation before it reaches the chapel of El Calvario. The narrow footpath (GR-121) passes through several charming villages on the way before reaching today’s destination: Markina.

Walking for the day: 24km, 5-6h

Today the trail follows a quiet country lane, crossing the river in Bolibar before rising to the medieval monastery at Zenarruza. From here, the trail keeps climbing through sheltered woodland to the top of Gontzegarai and on to the hamlet of Gerrikaitz. After passing the Hermitage of Santiago, a sharp descent leads to a small river and the historic town of Guernica, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece.

Walking for the day: 24.6km, 6h

You will leave the town of Guernica and soon pass the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo, shortly before climbing towards a road. From here, a cobbled path continues climbing to the village of Morga, where you will begin a sharp descent through the hamlets of Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu and once again enter woodland before reaching today’s destination: Lezama.

Walking for the day: 20.8km, 4-5h

Today the path will take you through farmland to the town of Zamudio, the Roman church of San Martin and the Tower of Malpica. From here, there is a gradual climb to the top of Mount Avril, where your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of Bilbao and the valley below. As you enter the suburbs of Bilbao you should visit the delightful Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña. Your walk reaches its final point in the Plaza de Unamuno, in the old quarter of Bilbao. Bilbao (or Bilbo in Basque) has reinvented itself in the past 30 years, becoming host to some of the best art exhibitions in the country at the impressive Guggenheim Museum. Explore Bilbao’s old town with its quaint taverns and taste a few of the amazing pintxos! We also strongly recommend that you book an extra night in Bilbao.

Walking for the day: 10.8km, 3h

After your night (or two) in Bilbao, you will resume following the Camino del Norte trail as it leaves Bilbao. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and winds along the banks of the Cadagua River. You will cross the famous Devil’s Bridge before arriving at the Hermitage of Santa Águeda. After this, there is a steep climb to the small town of Barakaldo before arriving in Portugalete via a path along the banks of the Galindo River.

Walking for the day: 19.4km or 12.4km (along the river), 2-4h

The Northern Way continues along the beautiful rocky coastline. At La Arena you will cross a wonderful beach of fine red sand. There are some steep but short climbs as you follow the coast on your way to Castro Urdiales. Castro Urdiales has a good mix of modern and medieval architecture and as you enter the town you will pass the bullring and the beach.

Walking for the day: 27.6km, 7h

Today the Camino del Norte will take you along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle and lighthouse along the way. You will also pass the Chapel of Santa Isabel and the Church of La Magdalena on the way to Liendo. Here you have two route options for the rest of the stage to Laredo. You can either take a route across the valley, passing the Church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas, or you can take the alternative route, climbing to the Chapel of San Julián on the way to Laredo. Laredo itself is famous for its magnificent beaches, vibrant atmosphere and medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja).

Walking for the day: 26.6km, 6-7h

After your night in Laredo, your walk today will be mainly flat but with scenery that is nonetheless fantastic. From Laredo (from El Puntal), get the ferry to Santoña (every 10/15min) before continuing along the coastal path to Noja and then inland to Güemes. Alternatively, from Laredo, you have the option to follow the inland route, which is a bit more challenging (23km) but equally as beautiful.

It is important to take into account the ferry operating hours or any seasonal disruptions before you leave Laredo as this could influence your choice of route: https://www.excursionesmaritimas.com/horario.htm

Walking for the day: 29km, 8h

Today, once you reach Galizano to Somo, you can either take a straight road into town (saving 2km) or follow the coastline, which is a longer option but very scenic. To reach the final destination of Santander, you can take a traditional boat called ‘Pedreñera’ across the bay (saving you approximately 3.5km) from the village of Somo (not included, 2 EUR pp, www.losreginas.com/). The capital of Cantabria, Santander, is an elegant city with plenty of beaches, parks, nature, architecture and great food.

Walking for the day: 11.8km, 3h

After your night in Santander, your Camino heads inland through the towns of Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Piélagos. You will follow the estuary at Boo de Piélagos, finishing today in the small village of Arce. Enter the Miengo region as you reach the town of Miengo. Suance is a beautiful little village, and it would be well worth taking some time to explore. Your destination for today is the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. You will walk through lovely meadows and tranquil villages on your way.

Walking for the day: 37km, 9h

From Santillana del Mar, you will continue along the wild, rugged coastline of Cantabria. On your way to Comillas, you will pass gorgeous little villages such as Cobreces with its Cistercian monastery. Comillas itself has fantastic beaches and incredible architecture. You should take some time to explore the sights in the town, such as the Pontifical University, the Palace of Sobrellano with its pantheon chapel and the Capricho de Gaudí.

Walking for the day: 22.1km, 5h

Today you will continue along the coast to Oyambre Natural Park. The park is of huge importance for its wildlife and marine ecosystem, home to many species of birds, molluscs and fish. From here, the Camino del Norte heads for Colombres through green fields and woodland, passing the town of San Vicente de la Barquera and a number of small estuaries.

Walking for the day: 29km, 7h

Upon leaving Unquera, you will enter the Asturias, crossing a bridge over the river Deva into Bustio. The pretty town of Colombres is home to several impressive Casas de Indianos built by local emigrants who made fortunes in America. From Colombres, you will descend along the Sierra de la Borbolla. The Camino then enters Pendueles along a narrow path that climbs to the Jorcada Pass after crossing the road to Andrín. Finally, there is another descent to La Portilla and today’s destination: Llanes, a lively town nestled between the coast and the Picos de Europa.

Walking for the day: 23.2km, 5h

The first part of today’s stage follows the coast and the fantastic beaches of Palombina and Barro. After crossing the river Niembro, you will start the steady climb up to the Church of San Pedro de Pria. The church sits on top of a hill that overlooks the seven towns of the area. From here, you will descend to the river Guadamía where you will cross the medieval stone bridge. Next, you will pass through Sobares on your way to Ribadesella, a nice little town worth exploring: divided in two by the bridge, the east side is home to the charming medieval old town, while the west side has a gorgeous beach and the town’s famous Tito Bustillo cave, home to ancient cave art.

Walking for the day: 30km, 7-8h

From the lively seaside town of Ribadesella, you will head inland briefly towards San Esteban and then return to the coast, where you will pass some beautiful sandy beaches. Your stop for the night is the bustling market town of Colunga (San Cristóbal).

Walking for the day: 21km, 4-5h

Today is quite a short walking day. Starting from Colunga, you will pass many villages along the way. In Priesca, you should stop to check out the 10th-century Church of San Salvador, one of the oldest on the Camino de Santiago.

Walking for the day: 17km, 4h

Today is one of the longest and most challenging days on the Camino del Norte, as you will walk up Alto de la Cruz. Today’s trail goes through lush countryside, and you will hit the coast again at Gijón. At Casquita, there will be signs for pilgrims heading for Gijón and continuing on the Camino del Norte, but also signs for those pilgrims heading towards Oviedo to continue on the Camino Primitivo. Take your time to explore the city of Gijón, home to fantastic beaches, great gastronomy, history and heritage (including Roman baths) and where you will find the Bagpipe Museum. We recommend booking an extra night here.

Walking for the day: 30km

Today’s trail takes you from the city of Gijón to the city of Avilés. You will be walking up Monte Areo, where you will be able to enjoy some nice views and see prehistoric dolmen. There aren’t many services along the way so bring a picnic!

Walking for the day: 25km, 5-6h

Today you have quite a long day ahead, but after you leave the outskirts of Avilés, you will pass through some nice small towns. Your stop for the night is El Pito, home to interesting Renaissance gardens and grand palaces. Just down the hill, you can visit the picturesque fishing village of Cudillero.

Walking for the day: 30km, 7h

Today, you will leave El Pito and its majestic residences behind. While part of the path is along roads today, you will follow many old paths and pass some stunning beaches and green countryside along the way.

Walking for the day: 22.8km, 5h

You will follow the path near the coast after Ballota. After Cadavedo, the trail heads inland, but as you approach Luarca, you will be able to spot the sea again. Your stop for the night is the pretty, traditional fishing town of Luarca. Enjoy some of the fresh seafood and a glass of cider!

Walking for the day: 22km, 5h

Today you will follow a peaceful inland trail from the fishing town of Luarca to the busy market town of Navia, located on the riverbank. Make sure you explore the town, check out the medieval walls and enjoy a taste of the local cuisine.

Walking for the day: 22km, 5h

Today will be your last day following the Cantabrian coast. You will cross the bridge of the Saints over the River Eo to enter Galicia and reach Ribadeo. The town is famous for the Cathedrals Beach (a short taxi ride away), Galicia’s second most visited site after Santiago’s cathedral. As the walk is quite long today, we recommend booking an extra night in Ribadeo.

Walking for the day: 31km, 7-8h

Today’s walk follows rural paths, climbing slightly as the terrain becomes gradually mountainous. You will pass small villages and hamlets, but not many shops or services, so make sure you pack snacks and water. The first few kilometres of the day lead through flat terrain or with moderate slopes, but as soon as you reach A Ponte de Arante, we start a steep climb from 100m to almost 360m. As soon as we have overcome the ascent, we are only a few kilometres from today’s destination, Villamartin Grande.

Walking for the day: 18.6km, 4h

Today, you will be climbing from Lourenzá towards Mondoñedo, which used to be one of the seven capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia. You will get amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the Sanctuary of Remedios and the Cathedral.

Walking for the day: 17.9km, 4h

Heading out of Mondoñedo the Camino brings you uphill via some pretty villages like O Vilar or Lousada to Gontan and then Abadin.

Walking for the day: 16.6km, 4h

Today, the Camino del Norte meanders among the forests, farmland and green pastures of the Terra Chá (flatlands), leading you to the area’s capital, the market town of Vilalba. Try the local delicacies, cheeses and other farm products.

Walking for the day: 20km, 4-5h

From Vilalba, the Camino del Norte takes walkers through the heart of the Terra Chá region of Galicia. Forest paths, small farming villages and lush countryside make most of today’s peaceful walk.

Walking for the day: 30km, 7h

Continue on your Camino del Norte journey across rural Galicia. You will reach the highest point of the trail at Marcela, so take a few minutes to enjoy the views. Your destination is Sobrado dos Monxes, home to an impressive monastery. The original monastery dates back to the 10th century, although the current facade is baroque. You will be picked up at the monastery and stay the night in Miraz.

Walking for the day: 27.6km, 7h

This morning you will be taken back to Sobrado dos Monxes to continue your Camino journey. Today you will walk the last stretch of the Camino del Norte before it joins the most popular Camino trail, Camino Francés, in Arzúa. Prepare yourself to meet many pilgrims in this busy market town. Arzúa is famous for its local cheese so make sure you give it a try!

Walking for the day: 22km, 5h

Today’s Camino walk will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams most of the day. Make sure you visit the chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago. You will stay the night in the town of Pedrouzo.

Walking for the day: 18km, 4-5h

Your final stage! You will walk mostly through rural settings and eucalyptus groves. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo, and it is from here that you will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago.

After visiting Santiago Cathedral and recovering from your walk, take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its old town will enchant you. In Santiago the Compostela, you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students enjoying a few bites and socialising over a glass of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.

Walking for the day: 21km, 4-5h

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to the airport. We highly recommend booking additional nights in Santiago de Compostela to explore this fantastic city.