Camino del Norte

Day 3: Zarautz – Deba (22 km)
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.

4. Day: Deba – Markina (24 km)
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 5: Markina – Gernika (25 km)
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 6: Gernika – Lezama (21 km)
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 7: Lezama – Bilbao (11 km)
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 8: Bilbao – Portugalete (20 km)
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.

9. Day: Portugalete – Castro Urdiales (27 km)
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 10: Castro Urdiales – Laredo (27 km)
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.

11. Day: Laredo – Güemes (29 km)
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 12: Güemes – Santander (12 km)
Today you can look forward to an easy stage without any major efforts. You follow the Way of St. James markings along the coast and reach Santander with a short ferry ride (not included in the price). During the crossing, you can already enjoy the impressive panorama of the city from the sea. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this magnificent city or simply relax on the beach – that's also part of the Way of St. James.

Day 13: Santander – Santillana de Mar (37 km)
Your hike begins through rather unspectacular landscapes and takes you along some arterial roads. But in the afternoon, you will be richly rewarded for your efforts! Along the wild and romantic coast, the Camino del Norte finally leads you to the fairytale town of Santillana del Mar. As you stroll through the old, cobblestone streets, the narrow lanes and past the medieval palaces, you will quickly realize why this charming town is known as the “Rothenburg ob der Tauber of Spain”.

Day 14: Santillana de Mar – Comillas (22 km)
Today you can expect a particularly beautiful route that is pleasant to hike. Lonely paths lead through varied landscapes. You will enjoy alternating views of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of the Picos de Europa. On this stage of the Way of St. James, you will encounter a large number of churches and monasteries. At the end of the day, you will reach Comillas, where you can admire the impressive building “El Capricho de Gaudí”. In this small, lively university town, you are sure to meet other pilgrims in the evening.

Day 15: Comillas – Colombres (29 km)
The day begins with the soothing sound of the sea in your ears as you start your walk on a dreamlike sandy beach. You have the choice between two routes: a coastal variant or a route through the coastal hinterland. Both paths lead through picturesque fishing villages with stone bridges spanning small rivers. Continue through rolling hills and pastures, with the impressive mountain backdrop of the Picos de Europa always in the background.

Day 16: Colombres – Llanes (23 km)
Today's hike will definitely take you along the coast, where you will experience a unique natural spectacle. At the Bufones, natural chimneys near the sea, you can hear the rumbling of the sea and, at high tide, geyser-like fountains of water arise. Another highlight awaits you in Llanes. A canal runs through Llanes, with many private boats and fishing boats moored along it, giving this place a special charm and appeal. In the small, historic old town, you will find numerous small shops, cafes and bars that invite you to linger. Enjoy your evening in this charming town!

Day 17: Llanes – Ribadesella (31 km)
Today will be another day that is hard to put into words – it will be unbelievably beautiful! The picturesque rock formations and idyllic sandy coves make this stretch of coast one of the most beautiful in northern Spain. The Way of St. James takes you past monastery ruins and always close to the mountains, through small villages that invite you to take a break. In Ribadesella, you should definitely try freshly caught salmon and trout. If you like caves, be sure to take time to visit the Tito Bustillo Cave with its famous cave paintings.

Day 18: Ribadesella – Colunga (20 km)
Today you will first continue along the coast and then take the pilgrimage route inland. Here you will experience nature in all its glory: wide meadows and dense forests characterize the landscape. You will be on the famous dinosaur route to Colunga. A visit to the dinosaur museum here is highly recommended!

Day 19: Colunga – Villaviciosa (17 km)
Make sure you stock up on provisions and water this morning, as there are no places to stop for refreshments on this stage. You will walk through secluded forests and past fragrant vegetable fields. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the natural beauty of this route as you approach your next destination.

Day 20: Villaviciosa – Gijón (29 km)
Today's stage begins with a picturesque route along a sparkling river. You will have to cross the highway several times before it gets more challenging. Steep ascents and descents await you on the pilgrimage route. Gijón, an industrial city, offers many charming restaurants, bars and cafes where you can end your evening in style, despite its industrial character.

Day 21: Gijón – Avilés (25 km)
Pack your backpack and off you go! Your hike will take you through the old town of Gijón and along the harbor. On your way, you will pass old industrial plants and steelworks again and again. After leaving the suburbs behind, the Way of St. James leads you through agricultural areas and fragrant groves, constantly uphill and downhill. The old town of Avilés has been declared a Historic Ensemble and invites you to discover its attractions. In the restaurants, you should try the fresh fish, which is ubiquitous here.

Day 22: Avilés – Cudillero (30 km)
This stage involves a long hike that takes you up and down throughout, with some noticeable inclines. There are only a few places to stop for refreshments, mainly in small villages without a town center. It is therefore advisable to stock up on enough provisions and water in the morning. At the end of the stage, you will pass through an extensive, intensely fragrant eucalyptus forest, through which the sea shimmers in the distance.

Day 23: Cudillero – Ballota (22 km)
Your hike begins on a country road in the small, charming harbor town of Cudillero. The varied Way of St. James sometimes leads you along the rugged coast and sometimes over the mountain ranges of the nearby mountain range. Today, you should also stock up on enough provisions and water early on, as there are no food options along this route.

Day 24: Ballota – Luarca (24 km)
A pleasant day with only a few inclines awaits you. On the way, you are bound to meet some pilgrims again whom you met on earlier stages – it is fascinating to see where all the people come from! The route runs through lush green meadows, romantic river valleys, light forests and along the windswept coast. You will reach the picturesque village of Luarca, nestled between steep cliffs, via small alleys and stairs. Let the evening come to a relaxed close on the harbor promenade.

Day 25: Luarca – Navia (20 km)
After a last look at the picturesque harbor of Luarca, you will continue your hike. Once you have conquered the steep ascent on the Way of St. James, a relaxed stage without major differences in altitude awaits you. You will pass through rural areas before reaching Navia, a charming town situated directly on the river of the same name.

Day 26: Navia – Ribadeo (31 km)
This day is quite a challenge and is one of your longest stages. A large part of the route takes you along the spectacular Atlantic coast, where you can enjoy the last views of this magnificent landscape and the fresh sea air. Once you arrive in Ribadeo, you should definitely visit the famous beach As Catedrais. The rock formations there form impressive natural arches and create a magical backdrop reminiscent of a cathedral. The sight changes constantly with the tides.

Day 27: Ribadeo – Villamartín Grande (19 km)
Today you will say goodbye to the rugged coastal landscape and immerse yourself in the green nature of Galicia, which will accompany you from now on. The Way of St. James leads you through an unspoilt landscape, slowly but steadily uphill, until you reach the hilltops and finally today's destination.

Day 28: Villamartín Grande – Mondoñedo (18 km)
The pilgrimage route winds through fields, meadows and quiet villages. Longer ascents lead you up to a hill from which you can enjoy an impressive panorama. Soon you will reach the picturesque old town of Mondoñedo with its imposing cathedral. A stroll through the former bishop's see reveals numerous historical buildings and there will certainly be opportunities to chat with other pilgrims.

Day 29: Mondoñedo – Abadín (18 km)
Today's short stage is quite a challenge as you will be hiking uphill continuously. But eventually, Abadín will appear on the horizon and you can relax after a strenuous stretch.

Day 30: Abadín – Villalba (21 km)
The strenuous climbs are now behind you, and you can fully enjoy the diversity of the Galician landscape. Lush green meadows and sparse forests alternate as you walk along small roads and unpaved pilgrimage paths through idyllic villages. The region's typical smoked cheese is offered everywhere – you should not miss out on a taste of this as an appetizer or dessert.

Day 31: Villalba – Seixón (31 km)
This stage is characterized by slight inclines and flat areas on high plateaus, while you repeatedly cross highways. In Baamonde, you will cross the magical 100-kilometer mark to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 32: Seixón – Sobrado dos Monxes (29 km)
On this stage, you will be walking far away from the main roads and will enter a lonely plateau with a rough heath landscape. In this pristine, silent natural environment, only the gentle wind will keep you company. Your pilgrimage route will take you past old churches, stone crosses and an artificial lake. Finally, you will reach Sobrado dos Monxes, a small town with a large monastery complex that is still in use. The monks invite you to share in monastic life, to attend a service or to seek a conversation with them.

Day 33: Sobrado dos Monxes – Arzúa (24 km)
Over the next few kilometers, you can consciously enjoy the tranquility of the path once again, because the solitude ends here. The Camino del Norte joins the busy Camino Francés, so you will now cross paths with significantly more pilgrims and hikers. It will be more sociable, and you will have the opportunity to meet many interesting people. On an almost flat path you will reach the lively town of Arzúa. Here you should definitely try the famous Queso Arzúa-Ulla, which is only produced in this region.

Day 34: Arzúa – O Pedrouzo (22 km)
As soon as you leave Arzúa, the Way of St. James becomes quieter again. The landscape changes from green meadows and pastures to eucalyptus groves and pine forests. The fresh colors and the scent of the young eucalyptus leaves will accompany you on your hike through the gentle Galician nature.

Day 35: O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela (22 km)
Today is all about the final destination of your pilgrimage. Enjoy the magic of Galicia one last time. There are numerous places worth seeing along the way. From Monte del Gozo, the “Mountain of Joy”, you will catch a first glimpse of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It's not far anymore! You will pass stone crosses, city gates and palaces before you reach the famous Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral, where you can celebrate your arrival.

Day 36: Extension or departure from Santiago de Compostela
Today you will start your journey home with a sense of melancholy, or you can extend your stay in Santiago for a few days to let your journey come to a relaxed end. Visit museums, stroll through the picturesque streets of the city or take a day trip to Finisterre, the legendary “end of the world”.