The Northern Way Northern Way

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) 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 before you start your Camino! San Sebastián has 16 Michelin stars, the second highest number per square metre in the world (just after Tokyo).

Today, the Camino leaves San Sebastian and the Bay of Biscay and travels 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.The day ends in Getaría and its picturesque harbour. Make sure to try the local Txakolí wine.

Leaving Getaría you will follow the coast along a quiet rural road before arriving in Zarautz with its magnificent sandy beach, the longest in the Basque Country. After Zarautz, the path enters farmlands and passes the church of Santa María la Real and the village of Elcano. Today’s section finishes in the lovely seaside village of Deba.

Today, the Camino trail leaves the coastline for the last time (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 a number of charming villages on the way before reaching today’s destination: Markina.

The trail from Markina 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 Gernika, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece.

As you leave Gernika you will pass the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo shortly before climbing towards a road (PR-173). 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.

Your last day on the Camino is also the shortest. 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’!

The first day of the journey starts off with the shortest stage of the week, travelling through the historical part of Bilbao. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and travels along a peaceful route on the banks of the Cadagua River. You will cross the famous ‘Devils’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.

From Portugalete, the Camino continues along the beautiful rocky coastline. At La Arena you will cross the wonderful beach of fine red sand. There are some steep little climbs as you hug 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.

On your fourth day, the Camino will take you along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle/lighthouse along the way. You will also pass the Chapel of Santa Isabel and also the Church of La Magdalena on the way to Liendo. Here you are presented with two route options for the rest of the stage to Laredo. You can either take one 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, energetic atmosphere and the medieval quarter (Puebla Vieja).

Today’s walk is mainly flat but the scenery is nonetheless fantastic. From Laredo, get the ferry to Santoña, before continuing along the coastal path to Noja (14km).
Alternatively from Laredo you have the option to follow the inland route which is a bit more challenging (23km) but equally as beautiful. Pass through the towns of Colindres, Escalante and Barrio de Castillo where you can take in the beautiful views of the mountains and the coast before reaching Noja.

NB. If you wish to continue along the coastal trail to Noja it is important to take into account the ferry operating hours or any seasonal disruption before you leave Laredo which could impact the service and influence your choice of route. www.excursionesmaritimas.com/horarios15.htm

From Noja you will continue to San Miguel de Meruelo. In Bareyo you will find the magnificent Romanesque Church of Santa María. From 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, 2Eur, www.losreginas.com/)

The capital of Cantabria, Santander is an elegant city and fantastic place to relax for a couple of days after your walk: beaches, parks and nature, architecture and great food. What more could you ask for?

From Santander the 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 to the small village of Arce.

Today’s walk on the Camino hugs the beautiful, hilly landscape of the northern coast. You will 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.

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 town such as the Pontifical University, the Palace of Sobrellano with its pantheon chapel and most especially the ‘Capricho de Gaudí’.

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 bird, 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.

Upon leaving Unquera you will enter 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 fortune 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. After this there is another descent to La Portilla and today’s destination: Llanes, a lively town nestled between the coast and the Picos de Europa.

The first part of today’s stage travels along 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 which overlooks the seven towns of the area. From here you will descend to the river Guadamía where you will cross the medieval stone bridge. 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. Book early if you want to visit the caves, as they have a maximum number of visitors allowed per day.

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 exceptional sandy beaches. Your stop for the night is the bustling market town of Colunga (San Cristóbal).

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.

Today is one of the longest and most challenging days on the Camino del Norte, as you will walk up Alto de la Cruz. Most of today’s trail is in 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.

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 a prehistoric dolmen. There aren’t many services along the way so bring a picnic!

Today you have quite a long day ahead but after you leave the outskirts of Avilés, you will reach interesting 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.

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.

You will follow your path near the coast after Ballota. After Cadavedo, the trails 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!

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

Today will be your last day following the Cantabrian coast. It is also quite a long walking day so you talk to our team if you’d like to book a rest day in the lively town of Ribadeo. 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 ‘proper’ cathedral.

Today’s walk takes you inland from Ribadeo to the country town of Lourenzá, famous for its local beans. You will follow 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. You will be picked up to stay at a superb ‘country cottage’ property, 6km outside the village.

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. Make sure you explore Mondoñedo before you continue towards Abadín.

If you wish you can split the distance between Lourenza and Abadin by staying in Mondonedo.

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

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. In Baamonde, you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation for the night, a fantastic rural property in Miraz.

You will get a transfer from your accommodation back to Baamonde. Check out the medieval St James Church (Igrexa de Santiago) in Baamonde before you continue your journey across rural Galicia, following the Camino del Norte. Today is quite an easy walking day.

From Miraz, you will 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 monastery dates back to the 10th century originally, although the current facade is baroque. You will be picked up at the monastery and stay the night in Miraz.

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!

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 (310m).

Today is the last walking day of your Camino trip. Starting in the town of Pedrouzo. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mount of Joy’ 368m) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago. When you arrive in the city (264m, population 80,000), explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural mecca. The cathedral has a pilgrim mass everyday at noon.

Your tour of the Camino del Norte ends after breakfast. Explore the old town in Santiago de Compostela before you head home. Please ask the team if you’d like to stay additional nights, take a day tour of the historic centre or a day trips to Finisterre or the Cíes Islands.