The Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte, often called the Northern Way, is a mesmerising route part of the larger Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. This trail takes travellers along the breathtaking northern shoreline of Spain, often called ‘Green Spain.’ The route begins in the Basque Country and crosses through regions like Cantabria and Asturias, ultimately leading to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating cities, quaint fishing towns, and lovely sandy beaches, as well as indulge in scrumptious seafood.

Your adventure on the Camino del Norte could kick off from the sophisticated coastal city of San Sebastian, locally known as Donostia, in the Basque language. San Sebastian isn’t just a paradise for food enthusiasts; it’s also one of Europe’s top cities for Michelin-starred dining.

As you journey along the Northern Way, many spellbinding highlights are waiting for you. Noteworthy stops include the awe-striking Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the majestic royal palace in Santander, and the famous cider of Asturias. Additionally, you’ll find tranquillity at the serene Cathedrals Beach in Ribadeo and experience the medieval allure of the town of Mondoñedo.

It takes just over 5 weeks to walk the full Northern Way from San Sebastian to Santiago. The Camino del Norte last 100kms of the trail will take you all the way from the market town of Vilalba to historic Santiago de Compostela. You can also choose to start walking or cycling from different points along the way.

Suggested Routes

Highlights Of The Camino del Norte

The Northern Way has some of the best cities in Spain, from San Sebastian and its sea-front promenade to Bilbao and its vibrant art scene. Other highlights include Santander and its beaches, Gijon’s working harbour, the quaint fishing village of Ribadesella and the medieval feel of Vilalba.

The basque countryside has a distinct language and identity. The coastal walk between the sea and mountains into Galicia is so refreshing and the food is scrumptious.

Camino Ways Route Planner

For over 1000 years, pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino Ways across Europe in their quest for spirituality. Making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, they encountered a variety of people, cultures and beliefs, leading to friendship and new experiences. This continues today with the Camino de Santiago being the most well known and well-loved walk in the world. More than just a walk, the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable and unique journey for the body, mind and soul.

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What To Bring On The Camino del Norte?

Our Camino packing guide ebook is free to download. This will help you decide what to bring on your Camino. 

The Sections of the Camino del Norte

San Sebastian to Bilbao

The first section of the Camino del Norte (the Northern Way route of the St James Way) begins in the beautiful and sophisticated coastal city of San Sebastian, a gastronomic mecca home to several Michelin-star restaurants. From San Sebastian (or Donosti in Basque), the Northern Way travels west along the green hills of the Basque coastline. The trail passes the historic town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece and finishes in Bilbao, where you should visit the impressive Guggenheim Museum. The Basque Country is renowned for its cuisine, its ‘pintxos’ and some of the country’s best chefs so this Camino walk will be an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Bilbao to Santander

The Camino del norte from Bilbao to Santander, the Northern route of the Camino de Santiago, starts in the Basque city of Bilbao and finishes in the pretty coastal city of Santander, in Cantabria. Explore the old town in Bilbao and its magnificent Guggenheim Museum before you head west along the coast towards Santander. Along this section, you will walk by seaside towns, lovely beaches and rocky bays. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and you will be able to admire the contrast between modernity and tradition, in the many towns and historic stops along the way. The north coast in Spain is renowned for its cuisine so prepare for an unforgettable gastronomic experience on the Camino.

Santander to Ribadesella

This Camino trip will see you travel along the third section of the Northern Way. This section of the Camino de Santiago will see you begin in Santander and finish in the pleasant seaside resort of Ribadesella. The mountains of the north provide a spectacular contrast to the charming and picturesque coastline. This region is renowned for its cuisine and the walk will see you enjoy a high level of comfort and an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Ribadesella to Oviedo

The third section starts in the pretty seaside town of Ribadesella at the foot of the Picos de Europa, by the Cantabrian Sea. The trail takes pilgrims to the tranquil villages of rural Asturias where you can taste the delicious local food and famous cider, before finally arriving in the medieval city of Oviedo, the capital of the region. Asturias has excellent cuisine and is also famous for its cider. Oviedo marks the beginning of the Camino Primitivo, the original way to Santiago de Compostela, the most popular route until the 10th century.

Oviedo to Vilalba

This stretch along the coast is a true Gem. It is very quiet and there are not so many pilgrims visiting this section.

Villalba to Santiago

The last 100km of the Camino del Norte from Vilalba to Santiago de Compostela. This last stretch to Santiago de Compostela along the quiet lanes and dirt tracks into the heartland of Galicia.

A Brief History Of The Camino del Norte

Along with the Camino Primitivo (Original Camino), the Camino del Norte became a prominent pilgrimage route in the early history of the Camino, in the 9th and 10th centuries. While the Camino Frances then became the most travelled of all routes, the Camino del Norte still maintained a regular flow of pilgrims until the 18th century.

This Camino de Santiago route attracted not only pilgrims from the north of the Iberian Peninsula but also from overseas from faraway lands such as Scandinavia, England, Flanders, and Germany: many pilgrims would make the journey by sea to some of the ports of Northern Spain before continuing on foot to Santiago de Compostela. Many of them would also stop in Oviedo to visit the relics of San Salvador.

From Oviedo, you can actually continue your trip by joining the Camino Primitivo. The Northern Way joins the Camino Frances in Arzúa, a couple of days away from Santiago. Read more articles on our blog.

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