Camino del Norte

Day 4: Zarautz – Deba (approx. 21 km / approx. 6 hours / medium)
Today's stage also demands a great deal of effort from you, but rewards you with magnificent views. First, you follow the coast and walk directly along the sea to Getaria. The wide view over the ocean and the surrounding hills will help you quickly forget your everyday life. From Getaria, the path winds through vineyards before becoming rockier and more demanding. Zumaia is a good place to take a break and recharge your batteries. From here on, the route climbs steadily, offering fantastic views of the mountainous landscape of northern Spain. Dense forests, extensive meadows and green pastures line your path. Before Deba, the path becomes steeper and the descent into the idyllic resort on the river Ría del Deba opens up another highlight of your journey. Here, a dreamlike sandy beach and historical buildings invite you to linger.

Day 5: Deba – Markina (approx. 24 km / approx. 7 hours / challenging)
You leave the dramatic coastal landscape and enter the densely wooded hinterland near the coast. The route leads over hills and valleys, with some considerable climbs to be mastered. This is probably the most demanding and lonely section of the entire Camino del Norte. It is advisable to stock up on plenty of supplies and water, as there are hardly any opportunities to stop along this route. You will pass wells and water points where you can refill your bottles. The long ascents often take place in full sun and on dirt roads. Shortly before Markina Xemein, the road descends steeply again until you finally reach your destination for the day. In the evening, you will probably fall into bed proud of yourself, but with tired legs.

Day 6: Markina – Gernika  (approx. 25.4 km / approx. 7.5 hours / medium)
Even if you can still feel the efforts of the previous day, the journey continues today. An idyllic stream landscape with croaking frogs and twittering birds will accompany you on the first kilometers. As with yesterday, you should stock up on food and water, as there are only a few places to stop for refreshments. Along the way, you will pass stone houses adorned with flowers and a large, still-operational monastery that also has a souvenir shop. You might find a small keepsake here. The route continues through dense, wonderfully fragrant forests. As soon as you leave the forest, a breathtaking view of Gernika opens up. This city has a sad history: in 1937 it was almost completely destroyed by bombing by the German Condor Legion. This tragedy inspired Pablo Picasso's famous painting “Guernica”. You can see a reproduction of it in the city, and the Peace Museum is also worth a visit.

Day 7: Gernika – Lezama (approx. 19.8 km / approx. 6 hours / medium)
The route initially leads through forests before winding its way over stony and rough paths past meadows and fields. Flowers and fragrant herbs line the edge of the path. The ascent is gentle but steady. The small town of Larrabetzu is a good place to stop for lunch, as it has numerous bars and restaurants that also serve affordable meals for pilgrims. From here it is only 4 kilometers to Lezama, but this section is completely along the road.

Day 8: Lezama – Bilbao (approx. 11 km / approx. 3.5 hours / easy)
Today's hike begins along the road through an industrial area before crossing the highway. Then you will be surrounded by nature again. The ascent through the forest is a little strenuous, but the view that awaits you is worth the effort: from an idyllic park, which serves as a local recreation area for Bilbao, you have a fantastic view of the city. You've made it! Since this stage is relatively short, you have the afternoon to explore Bilbao. The center is an exciting mix of tradition and modernity. In addition to the lively old town, you will find futuristic buildings and skyscrapers designed by world-famous architects. An absolute highlight is the Guggenheim Museum by Frank O. Gehry, whose architecture attracts everyone's attention. In the evening, you can enjoy innovative Basque cuisine or delicious pinchos in one of the numerous pinchos bars.

Day 9: Bilbao – Portugalete (approx. 19.2 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
Today you have the choice between two routes. The shorter, but not signposted route is almost flat and leads through an industrial area directly along the river. The actual pilgrimage route, more scenic, runs on the other side of the river through gently wooded hills and quiet little suburbs. At the end of the stage, you will reach the transporter bridge that takes you across the river to Portugalete.

Day 10: Portugalete – Castro Urdiales (approx. 25.4 km / approx. 7.5 hours / medium)
At first, the Camino del Norte takes you comfortably along the beach. After a short but steep ascent, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the deep blue Atlantic. The path then runs almost flat on the cliffs, with constant sea views, until you reach the historic port city of Castro Urdiales. This medieval town with its fine beaches has retained the charm of a fishing village. Enjoy the evening in one of the cozy beach bars and let the day come to a relaxed close.

Day 11: Castro Urdiales – Laredo (approx. 25.7 km / approx. 7.5 hours / medium)
A particularly varied stage awaits you today. The pilgrimage route leads along the wild and romantic Atlantic coast to the green, hilly hinterland. Shade-giving stone oak forests extend to the coast. You will walk past small streams and finally reach Laredo, a city with seemingly endless, wide bays and a vibrant old town.

Day 12: Laredo – Noja (approx. 13.9 km / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
The day begins with a relaxed walk along the wide golden beach. Take the ferry (not included in the price) to Santona. Continue along the coast before the path leads you over a rock massif into the coastal hinterland. The diverse landscape of northern Spain, characterized by coastal sections, forests and hills, accompanies you on this section.

Day 13: Noja – Santander (approx. 25 km / approx. 8 hours / demanding)
Today, you follow the Way of St. James markings along the coast and reach Santander with a short ferry ride frpm Pedreña (not included in the price). During the crossing, you can already enjoy the impressive panorama of the city from the sea.

Day 14: Santander - Arce (approx. 17 km / approx. 5 hours / medium)
After yesterday's arrival, we start the route with a somewhat shorter stage, which begins in an urban section without any particular features and ends in Arce, in the beautiful interior of the country.

Day 15: Arce - Santillana Del Mar (approx. 19.3 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
Today we will see one of the most monumental towns of the Cantabrian Sea, Santillana de Mar. The Altamira caves are located nearby and the museum is open to visitors.

Day 16: Santillana Del Mar - Comillas (approx. 22.2 km / approx. 6.5 hours / easy)
The route that awaits us today runs away from the sea and is mostly asphalted. Fortunately, part of the route has been reformed and now we arrive at Luaña Beach, where we enjoy a few kilometers from the coast. For those who prefer, they can choose the original route. In general, it is a stage with moderate climbs without significant difficulties. We pass through towns such as Cóbredes, where we can see the Cistercian monastery. The day ends when we reach Comillas. Comillas is a charming town, it is worth strolling through its streets to discover this beautiful town. Sights include Gaudi's Capricho and the Palace of Sobrellano.

Day 17: Comillas - San Vicente de la Barquera (approx. 11.1 km / approx. 3.5 hours / moderate)
On this day we experience the opposite of yesterday. Above all, we cross a completely rural environment and experience a walk through the Oyambre Nature Park near the coast towards San Vicente de la Barquera on a relaxed stage. As soon as we cross the Ría de San Vicente, we reach the fishing village, one of the biggest attacks of the day. We can go to the old town of San Vicente to see the church, the castle and the remains of the old wall. Meanwhile, we will notice that the unevenness at this stage is increasing more and more, although it is still not excessive.

Day 18: San Vicente de la Barquera - Colombres (approx. 16.9 km / approx. 5 hours / moderate)
Today we continue towards Unquera, gradually leaving Cantabria behind us. We cross the bridge over the river Deva to finish the stage in Colombres, already in the region of Asturias.

Day 19: Colombres - Llanes (approx. 22.9 km / approx. 7 hours / easy)
A day of beautiful landscapes awaits us. We walked the first few kilometers until we reach Pendueles, where, as in previous stages, we can choose between following the official route or taking the coastal path. This path is marked with red and white markings. We recommend following the path as it is much more beautiful at the landscape level. Today we will have the most difficult ascent when we pass Andrín. A few kilometers away is Llanes, the final destination of today's stage. Llanes has a monumental complex of special interest, but the “Cubes of Memory”, an artistic work located in the port, should also be highlighted as a mandatory stop.

Day 20: Llanes - Nueva (approx. 17.6 km / approx. 5.5 hrs / moderate)
We set off refreshed and replenished. We will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes again. The first half of the route takes us to the coast, where we pass beautiful beaches such as Torimbia and Barro. Before we reach the beaches, we also pass Celorio with its monastery.

Day 21: Nueva - Ribadesella (approx. 12.4 km / approx. 4 hours / moderate)
We cross the Bedón River and continue towards the second part of the day, which leads inland. The rural landscape dominates. The stage ends as soon as we arrive in Ribadesella, a fishing village at the mouth of the Sella River.

Day 22: Ribadesella - Colunga (approx. 20.1 km/approx. 6 hours/easy)
We cross the Sella River towards Santa Marina Beach. Today's tour passes by many beaches. We go uphill towards Vega de Ribadesella. We cross the Vega River and find La Vega Beach. We pass Berbes and follow the path through Arenal de Morís beach and La Espasa beach. Our destination today is Colunga, a few kilometers away.

Day 23: Colunga - Villaviciosa (approx. 17.7 km / approx. 5.5 hours / easy)
One of the shortest stages of the entire journey, with just a few kilometers, is practically a rest day today. We leave the coast completely to take a tour inland and combine the mountainous landscape of the north with asphalt roads. The most important ascent of the stage takes us from Pernús to Priesca. Nevertheless, there is no significant difference. The day ends in Villaviciosa, a town called Comarca de la Sidra.

Day 24: Villaviciosa - Gijon (approx. 29.8 km / approx. 9 hours / difficult)
After the short “break” the day before, we are now facing one of the most difficult stages of the entire trip. This is because there are two important actions. The first is a few kilometers before the start of the stage in Niévares, Alto de la Cruz, where we have to climb more than 300 meters. The second, the Collado del Infanzón, immediately after descending to Peón, where we ascend again, this time only 200 meters, a more pleasant and easy ascent. We continue on our way to Deba and walk the last few kilometers to Gijón. Gijón is the most populous city in Asturias. It is worth getting lost in the old town and enjoying the Plaza Mayor, the Casa Museo de Jovellanos, the church of San Pedro and the Palacio de Revillagigedo.

Day 25: Gijon - Aviles (approx. 25.4 km / approx. 7.5 hours / easy)
We leave Gijón to enter a green and rural landscape. The profile of the stage is quite easy, without much effort. We walk through small towns like Pavierna and Santa Eulalia, where the church of Santa Eulalia is located. The rest of the route follows the course of the Ría de Avilés. Avilés ended today's stage. It is an industrial city, but it also has an interesting old town. We can mention the Plaza de España, with the town hall and the palace of the Marquis of Ferrera (currently a hotel), the church of San Nicolás de Bari and the palace of García Pumarino.

Day 26: Aviles - Soto del Barco (approx. 19 km/approx. 6 hours/easy)
We approach the coast at Salinas for the first few kilometers, but almost the entire route runs inland and on asphalt roads. Several rivers cross our path.

Day 27: Soto del Barco - Soto de Luiña (approx. 19.5 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
First we cross the river Nalón to Muros de Nalón. Once we have crossed the river, we go inland again. As we reach Soto de Luiña, the profile changes completely.

Day 28: Soto de Luiña - Ballota (approx. 11.5 km / approx. 3.5 hours / moderate)
Near the coast, we walk through beautiful green landscapes without much unevenness, a well-marked section with numerous towns and access to impressive beaches. The unevenness is frequent again, but moderate. It is a day full of natural beauty. The day ends in Ballota.

Day 29: Ballota - Luarca (approx. 22.3 km / approx. 6.5 hours / easy)
As at the end of the previous day, the first kilometers of this new day take us near the coast, with views of the beaches and towering cliffs, all the way to Cadavevo. From here we return to go through more inland landscapes. It is a fairly quiet and easy stage, passing through small towns like San Cristóbal or Querúa. The only noteworthy difficulty on this stage is the short but steep ascent at the exit of the Hotel Canero, which once passed the small town of Chano de Canero. Once this ascent is over, the rest is a breeze. We are a few kilometers from the end of the stage, Luarca. It is a small but beautiful fishing village.

Day 30: Luarca - Navia (approx. 20.1 km / approx. 6 hours / moderate)
The first kilometers from Luarca are uphill, but moderate. We cross the Barayo River and descend to Villapedre. The stage is far from the coast, we pass through numerous towns and spend a large part of the route near a national road. Nevertheless, the rivers will continue to be our travel companions. Our destination today is Navia.

Day 30: Navia - Ribadeo (approx. 31.7 km / approx. 9.5 hours / very easy)
Today's stage begins with a choice: Tol or Tapias de Casariego? The Tapias de Casariego option takes us along the coast, while Tol takes us inland. Both itineraries have no problems with unevenness, but it is advisable to choose Tapias de Casariego because this option offers more towns and thus more services. In addition, Tapias de Casariego is a fishing village with a beautiful harbor. On either route, we will have to cross the Eo estuary to get to Ribadeo and spend our first night in Galicia. We are getting closer.

Day 31: Ribadeo - Villamartin Grande (approx. 18.6 km / approx. 5.5 hours / moderate)
First day in Galicia. We move away completely from the coastal landscapes to start the mountainous configuration again. It is a short but intense stage. The first kilometers of the day are flat or with moderate slopes, but as soon as we reach A Ponte de Arante, we begin a steep ascent of 100 meters to almost 360 meters. Once we have climbed the hill, we are only a few kilometers away from today's destination, Villamartin Grande.

Day 32: Villamartin Grande - Mondoñedo (approx. 17.9 km / approx. 5.5 hours / very easy)
The day begins with a flat descent to Gondán. After the day before, it will be a pleasant stage. We ascend a bit to the church of San Xusto and continue along the Batán river to Vilanova de Lourenzá. We have another ascent that leads us to Arroxo. The rest of the route has very moderate inclines. We finally arrive in Mondoñedo. The cathedral and the old town of Mondoñedo have been declared a historical-artistic site.

Day 34: Mondoñedo - Abadín (approx. 16.6 km / approx. 5 hours / easy)
Today's stage takes us through the inner plateau of Lugo, known as Terra Cha. Today we have only climbed moderately from 100 to over 500 meters, so no great effort is required. On our way, we pass through small villages such as O Vilar or Lousada until we reach Abadín.

Day 35: Abadín - Villalba (approx. 20.8 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
Pleasant stage through flat land, green meadows and forests, running parallel to a national road. The rivers Anllo and Arnela cross our path, as do small towns such as As Paredes, Martiñan and O Campo do Cristo. We spend the night in Villalba, the capital of Terra Chá. The Torreón de los Condes de Andrade (currently a Parador) is well worth seeing.

Day 36: Villalba - Baamonde (approx. 18.5 km / approx. 5.5 hours / very easy)
Today's stage is presented to us without difficulties, with a few bumps and a pleasant rural setting. The road takes us on unpaved roads; today we no longer tread on solid asphalt. The end of the stage is in Baamonde.

Day 37: Baamonde - Miraz (approx. 14.9 km / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
We have completely changed the profile of the route; today, unevenness is the order of the day. Although moderate, it is continuous, which makes the stage somewhat difficult. In line with the last few days, the environment that accompanies us is rural.

Day 38: Miraz - Sobrado Dox Monxes (approx. 24.9 km / approx. 7.5 hours / easy)
Shortly after today's stage starts, the route climbs steadily and after about 15 km we reach the maximum altitude of the entire northern route of 700 meters. Then we go to O Mesón and start the descent to Sobrado dos Monxes. In Sobrado dos Monxes, we must not miss its jewel, the Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Sobrado.

Day 39: Sobrado Dox Monxes - Arzua (approx. 22 km / approx. 6.5 hours / easy)
Last stage on the northern route. We say goodbye with an easy tour without major complications. We leave the dirt roads that have accompanied us in recent days to get back on paved roads. The rural landscape that has accompanied us is also changing, giving way to more urban areas. Our stage ends in Arzúa, where we should not miss the opportunity to taste the famous cheeses.

Day 40: Arzua - O Pedrouzo (approx. 19.3 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
Again, eucalyptus forests and scenic, varied sections accompany us on narrow, mostly unpaved paths that lead us ever closer to Santiago. Many nice bars and cafes line the way, but also many pilgrims who are traveling on this section.

Day 41: O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (approx. 19.4 km/approx. 6 hours/easy)
The last stage – once again the scent of eucalyptus, before we walk through suburbs first to Monte do Gozo and past the famous pilgrims' monument, perhaps taking a last break up there before we proudly and happily reach Santiago via Rúa dos Concheiros, enter the old town through Porta do Camino and finally stand in front of Catedral de Santiago de Compostela.

Day 42: Departure & end of our services
Today it is time to say goodbye. If possible, enjoy the journey back home slowly.
Alternatively, we recommend continuing your Camino to the so-called end of the world - to Cape Finisterre, which, however, is not quite the westernmost point of Europe.