Itinerary
- Day 1
San Sebastián
You'll arrive in San Sebastián, a vibrant Basque coastal city where modern architecture sits alongside historic landmarks like the neoclassical Victoria Eugenia Theater and the contemporary Kursaal building. La Concha Bay forms a beautiful backdrop to the city skyline. Before you start the Camino tomorrow, there's time to wander the old town or sample local pintxos at nearby bars.
Optional Activities
- Pintxos tour to sample Basque gastronomy
- Visit San Telmo Museum
- Visit Buen Pastor Cathedral
- Visit Kursal building by Rafael Moneo
- Explore La Concha Bay area
Landmarks La Concha Bay San Telmo Museum Victoria Eugenia Theater Buen Pastor Cathedral Kursaal 
- Day 2
San Sebastián to Zarautz
Your Camino del Norte begins with a steep climb up Monte Igueldo, which rewards you with views across San Sebastián before you descend toward the coast. The stage follows beautiful coastal paths as you make your way through the fishing village of Orio, with its historic old town, eventually reaching Zarautz by evening.
Optional Activities
- Explore Orio old town and Church of San Nicolás de Bari
Landmarks Monte Igueldo Orio Church of San Nicolás de Bari - Day 3
Zarautz to Deba
Another day of hills and descents along the Cantabrian coast with wonderful sea views throughout. You'll face three climbs, with one notable descent from Itziar to Deba that needs caution, particularly if the terrain is wet and slippery. The route stays close to the water for much of the day.
Landmarks Itziar - Day 4
Deba to Markina-Xemein
The route shifts inland from coastal landscapes toward mountainous terrain. You'll pass through typical Basque valleys with scattered farmhouses dotting the landscape. This is a remote stage with limited towns, so you'll want to carry enough supplies before heading out.
- Day 5
Markina-Xemein to Gernika
Prepare for significant ups and downs today. The most challenging climb runs from Bolibar up to Ziortza, but it's manageable. Once you arrive at Ziortza, take time to visit the Zenarruza Monastery and walk through its cloister. Your destination offers a historic meeting house and the symbolic Guernika tree to explore.
Optional Activities
- Visit Zenarruza Monastery and cloister in Ziortza
- Visit the meeting house in Gernika
- Visit the Guernika tree
Landmarks Zenarruza Monastery Guernika Tree - Day 6
Gernika to Bilbao
Start with the day's major climb, gaining about 300 meters as you enter the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Take your time enjoying the natural landscapes around you. After passing through Larrabe, you'll find fine dining options including two Michelin-starred restaurants run by chef Eneko Atxa.
Optional Activities
- Dine at Azurmendi (2 Michelin stars) in Larrabe
- Dine at Eneko (1 Michelin star) in Larrabe
Landmarks Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Larrabe - Day 7
Bilbao
This is a notably shorter stage after several longer days. A single climb up Mount Avril (around 300 meters) with a gradual ascent makes it manageable. The descent passes the Basilica of Our Lady of Begonia and leads into Bilbao's historic center. There you can explore famous taverns for pintxo tours, check out the cathedral dedicated to Santiago Apostol, or see the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Optional Activities
- Visit Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña
- Explore Bilbao Cathedral dedicated to Santiago Apostol
- Visit Guggenheim Museum
- Pintxo tour in the old town taverns
Landmarks Mount Avril Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña Guggenheim Museum 
- Day 8
Bilbao to Portugalete
Today covers a large section of Bilbao as an urban part of the Camino. You have two options: the official longer route or a shorter path following the Nervión river that cuts several kilometers. Both are relatively easy and flat. The stage ends at Portugalete, where you'll cross the impressive Vizcaya bridge over the river.
Optional Activities
- Cross the Vizcaya bridge
Landmarks Vizcaya Bridge - Day 9
Portugalete to Castro Urdiales
You'll enter Cantabria today and return to coastal sections. When leaving Ontón, two route options appear: the official route or one following the national road, which is quieter thanks to a new highway. The national variant is shorter but requires care along road sections. End your day in Castro Urdiales, a beautiful fishing village.
Landmarks Ontón - Day 10
Cantabrian Coast to Laredo
You'll have two route options today as you move between the Cantabrian coast and inland valleys. The main path takes you through green forests with nice passages, though there's an alternative crossing at La Magdalena that cuts about three kilometers off the distance if you prefer something shorter. By the end of the day you'll reach Laredo, a coastal town with good beaches where you can stretch out after the walking.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Follow the official route for scenic passages between Cantabrian coast and inland valleys
- Take the alternative crossing at La Magdalena (saves approximately 3 kilometers)
Landmarks Laredo - Day 11
Laredo to Noja
From March through November, you can take a boat from Laredo (departing from El Puntal every 10-15 minutes) to Santonia. December to February requires taking the official road variant around the estuary and marshes. The Brusco hill presents the day's main challenge with nearly 100 meters of steep terrain needing careful footing when wet. An alternate path exists but misses great views. You'll finish at the beautiful beach of Noja.
Optional Activities
- Take boat from El Puntal (Laredo) to Santonia (March-November, every 10-15 minutes)
Landmarks Brusco Hill - Day 12
Noja to Santander
You'll return to inland areas today. From Galizano, choose between the official path or a longer coastal alternative with nice views. The inland route passes the 16th-century Nuestra Señora de Latas sanctuary. Both options lead to Somo, where you'll take a boat to Santander. In Cantabria's capital, there's the beach of Sardinero, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, or the elegant Magdalena Palace to explore.
Optional Activities
- Visit Nuestra Señora de Latas sanctuary (16th century) on inland route
- Explore Sardinero beach
- Visit Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Visit Magdalena Palace
Landmarks Nuestra Señora de Latas Sanctuary Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Magdalena Palace - Day 13
Santander to Arce
You'll hike northward today to the village of Arce, passing through typical Cantabrian countryside with moderate terrain.
- Day 14
Arce to Santillana de Mar
Today's hike takes you to Santillana de Mar, one of the most historic towns along the Cantabrian coast. The nearby Altamira caves, famous for their prehistoric art, have an open museum where you can see the works.
Optional Activities
- Visit Altamira caves museum
Landmarks Altamira Caves - Day 15
Santillana de Mar to Comillas
The route turns inland and is mostly asphalted. Recently reformed sections let you enjoy a few kilometers at Luana Beach before heading back inland, or you can follow the original route. It's generally moderate with no significant difficulties. You'll pass through towns like Cóbredes with its Cistercian monastery before reaching Comillas, worth exploring on foot. Gaudí's Capricho and the Palace of Sobrellano are worth seeing.
Optional Activities
- Visit Luaña Beach
- Visit Cistercian monastery in Cóbredes
- Visit Gaudí's Capricho in Comillas
- Visit Palace of Sobrellano in Comillas
Landmarks Luaña Beach Cistercian Monastery in Cóbredes Gaudí's Capricho Palace of Sobrellano - Day 16
Comillas to San Vicente de la Barquera
Today offers a dramatic shift from yesterday's urban areas as you traverse a completely rural environment. Start with a walk through Oyambre Natural Park near the coast heading toward San Vicente de la Barquera. Cross the Ría de San Vicente to reach this significant fishing village. The old town shows the church, castle, and remains of the old wall. Terrain becomes uneven throughout but stays manageable.
Optional Activities
- Walk through Oyambre Natural Park
- Explore San Vicente de la Barquera old town
- Visit church in San Vicente de la Barquera
- Visit castle in San Vicente de la Barquera
Landmarks Oyambre Natural Park Ría de San Vicente - Day 17
San Vicente de la Barquera to Colombres
You'll continue toward Unquera while gradually leaving Cantabria behind. Cross the bridge over the River Deba to finish this stage in Colombres, marking your entry into Asturian territory.
Landmarks River Deba - Day 18
Colombres to Llanes
Enjoy beautiful landscapes today. From the first kilometers to Pendueles, choose between the official path or the scenic coastal route marked in red and white. The coastal path is highly recommended for landscape beauty. The steepest ascent comes when passing Andrín. Llanes, your destination, features a notable monumental complex and the striking Cubes of Memory artistic installation in the port.
Optional Activities
- Walk coastal path through Pendueles
- Visit Cubes of Memory art installation in Llanes port
Landmarks Pendueles Andrín Cubes of Memory - Day 19
Llanes to Ribadesella
You'll start from Llanes rewarded with beautiful landscapes. The first half takes you toward the coast where you'll pass beautiful beaches including Torimbia and Barro along the way.
Optional Activities
- Explore Torimbia beach
- Explore Barro beach
Landmarks Torimbia Beach Barro Beach - Day 20
Ribadesella
Cross the Bedón river and move inland where rural landscapes take over. You'll arrive in Ribadesella, a fishing village situated at the mouth of the River Sella.
Landmarks River Bedón River Sella - Day 21
Ribadesella to Colunga
Starting by crossing the River Sella toward Santa Marina Beach, you'll then walk along multiple beaches as the route continues. From there the path heads uphill to Vega de Ribadesella, and after crossing the Vega River you'll reach La Vega Beach. You'll keep going through Berbes and walk past Arenal de Morís Beach and Playa de la Espasa before finishing in Colunga, which is just a few kilometers further along.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Santa Marina Beach La Vega Beach Arenal de Morís Beach Playa de la Espasa Colunga - Day 22
Colunga to Villaviciosa
This is one of the shortest stages of the entire trip, practically a break day. You'll leave the coast entirely for an inland tour combining northern mountains with asphalt roads. The most significant climb runs from Pernás to Priesca, though elevation gain stays moderate. End in Villaviciosa, known as the Comarca de la Sidra or Cider Region.
- Day 23
Niévares to Gijón
This is one of the harder days with serious elevation changes. You'll start with a climb over 300 meters at Alto de la Cruz near Niévares, then down to Peón before another climb at Collado del Infanzón around 200 meters. After that you'll head to Deba and finish in Gijón, Asturias's largest city. Take time to walk through the old town, check out Plaza Mayor, Casa Museo de Jovellanos, the Church of San Pedro, and Palacio de Revillagigedo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Gijón's old town
- Visit Plaza Mayor
- Visit Casa Museo de Jovellanos
- Visit the Church of San Pedro
- Visit Palacio de Revillagigedo
Landmarks Alto de la Cruz Collado del Infanzón Deba Plaza Mayor Casa Museo de Jovellanos Church of San Pedro Palacio de Revillagigedo Gijón - Day 24
Gijón to Avilés
You'll leave Gijón for green, rural landscapes. The day's profile is quite easy with minimal elevation change. Pass through small towns like Pavierna and Santa Eulalia, where the Church of Santa Eulalia stands out. The route largely follows the course of Ría de Avilés. Arrive in Avilés, an industrial town with an interesting old town featuring Plaza de España with the town hall, the Marquis of Ferrera's palace, Church of San Nicolás de Bari, and Palacio de García Pumarino.
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of Santa Eulalia in Santa Eulalia
- Explore Avilés old town and Plaza de España
- Visit Church of San Nicolás de Bari
- Visit Palacio de García Pumarino
Landmarks Church of Santa Eulalia Church of San Nicolás de Bari Palacio de García Pumarino - Day 25
Avilés to Salinas
For the first few kilometers, you'll approach the coast at Salinas, but almost the entire route runs inland on asphalt roads. Several rivers cross your path throughout the day.
Landmarks Salinas - Day 26
Salinas to Soto de Luiña
Today's stage continues to the tranquil town of Soto de Luiña through pleasant countryside.
- Day 27
Soto de Luiña to Ballota
The hike continues from Soto de Luiña near the coast through beautiful green landscapes without major elevation gains. The section is well-marked with numerous towns and access to impressive beaches. Elevation changes remain frequent but moderate throughout a day full of natural beauty. End in Ballota.
Optional Activities
- Explore beaches along the route
- Day 28
Ballota to Luarca
The first kilometers take you close to the coast with views of beaches and towering cliffs as far as Cadavevo. From there, return to walking through interior landscapes. It's a quiet and easy stage passing through small towns like San Cristóbal and Quería. The only notable difficulty is a short, steep climb at the Hotel Canero exit near Chano de Canero. After this, the remainder is straightforward. Arrive in Luarca, a small but charming fishing village.
Landmarks Cadavevo - Day 29
Luarca to Navia
The first kilometers from Luarca are uphill but moderate. Cross the Barayo River and descend to Villapedre. The stage stays far from the coast, passing numerous towns and spending much of the route near a national highway. Rivers continue as your travel companions throughout. Arrive in Navia.
Landmarks Barayo River - Day 30
Navia to Ribadeo
You'll choose your route today: Tapias de Casariego (coastal path with more towns and services) or Tol (inland path). Both have minimal elevation changes. The coastal Tapias option is recommended for better access to services and because it's a charming fishing village with a beautiful port. Either route requires crossing Ría del Eo to reach Ribadeo, where you'll spend your first night in Galicia.
Optional Activities
- Take coastal route through Tapias de Casariego
Landmarks Tapias de Casariego Ría del Eo - Day 31
Ribadeo to Villamartín Grande
Your first day in Galicia moves away from coastal landscapes to return to mountainous terrain. It's a short but intense stage. The first kilometers traverse flat terrain or moderate slopes, but once you reach A Ponte de Arante, begin a steep 100-meter climb to nearly 360 meters elevation. After overcoming this climb, Villamartín Grande lies just a few kilometers ahead.
Landmarks A Ponte de Arante - Day 32
Villamartín Grande to Mondoñedo
Begin with a flat descent to Gondo. After yesterday's intensity, this will be a pleasant stage. Climb slightly to the Church of San Xusto and continue along the Batlán river to Vilanova de Lourenzá. Another moderate climb takes you to Arroxo. The rest of the route features very gentle slopes. Arrive in Mondoñedo, whose cathedral and old town have been declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of San Xusto
- Explore Mondoñedo cathedral
- Explore Mondoñedo old town
Landmarks Church of San Xusto Mondoñedo Cathedral - Day 33
Terra Chá
You're crossing Terra Chá, the inner plateau of Lugo, with moderate elevation changes ranging from 100 to over 500 meters. The terrain isn't particularly demanding though. You'll pass through small villages like O Vilar and Lousada on your way to Abadín.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Terra Chá O Vilar Lousada Abadín - Day 34
Abadín to Villalba
Today's a pleasant walk through flat countryside with green meadows and forests, and a national road running nearby. You'll cross the Anllo and Arnela rivers and walk through small towns including As Paredes, Martiñan, and O Campo do Cristo. By evening you'll reach Villalba, the main town of Terra Chá. The Torreón de los Condes de Andrade, now operating as a parador, is definitely worth a visit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Torreón de los Condes de Andrade (currently a parador)
Landmarks Anllo River Arnela River As Paredes Martiñan O Campo do Cristo Torreón de los Condes de Andrade Villalba - Day 35
Villalba
Today's stage presents itself without difficulty, featuring few elevation changes and pleasant rural surroundings as you continue through Galicia.
- Day 36
Villalba to Miraz
Today's stage leads to Miraz through typical Galician countryside.
- Day 37
Miraz to Sobrado dos Monxes
Following the pattern of recent days, rural surroundings continue to accompany you. On this stage, you reach the maximum altitude of the entire northern route at 700 meters. From there, head to O Mesón and begin the descent to Sobrado dos Monxes. Don't miss the jewel of this town: the Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado.
Optional Activities
- Visit Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado
Landmarks Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado - Day 38
Northern Route to Arzúa
This stage is the last section on the northern route and fairly straightforward without major obstacles. You'll leave the dirt roads behind and get back on paved routes as the landscape shifts from rural to more built-up areas. When you reach Arzúa, don't skip trying the local cheeses, which are really good.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Typical Galician cheese tasting in a cheese dairy in Arzúa (Mon-Sat, 10:00-13:30 / 17:00-20:30)
Landmarks Arzúa - Day 39
Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela
Begin the French Way with a short and quiet stage. Take time to process everything you've experienced on your journey before arriving in Santiago tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Guided tour through the old town of Santiago de Compostela
- Typical Galician cheese tasting in a cheese dairy in the old town of Santiago de Compostela
- Day 40
Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela
This is the final stage, so head out early if you want to catch the pilgrims' mass at 12:00. First you'll get to Lavacolla, then climb Monte do Gozo where you'll see the cathedral for the first time in the distance. From there it's on to Plaza del Obradoiro, where your pilgrimage journey comes to an end.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tour through the old town of Santiago de Compostela with guide
- Typical Galician cheese tasting in a cheese dairy in the old town of Santiago de Compostela (Mon-Sat, 10:00-13:30 / 17:00-20:30)
Optional Activities
- Attend pilgrims' mass at 12:00
Landmarks Lavacolla Monte do Gozo Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Plaza del Obradoiro - Day 41
Santiago de Compostela
Check out and end of tour services.
