Camino del Norte: Walking Spain’s Coastal Pilgrim Route

With over 249,000 people walking the Camino Francés every year, it’s by far the most popular route of the network, known for its strong sense of social camaraderie. Much of the French Way’s popularity is attributed to the route’s excellent infrastructure as well as cultural and historical significance. 

However, what many forget is that the Camino de Santiago network is much wider than this one route, with so many incredible options across Spain and Europe. And, although lesser-known, they carry just as much historical weight and natural beauty – only without the crowds. 

To help people find these trails, the European Union started its rurALLURE initiative, encouraging the spread of word about some of Europe’s most beautiful pilgrimages off the beaten track. So, today we’re turning the spotlight on Camino del Norte. 

Camino del Norte Route Breakdown

At roughly 820 kilometres from Irún to Santiago, the Camino del Norte is the second-longest of the network’s main routes, beaten only by the Vía de la Plata. It traces Spain’s northern coastline through four regions (Cantabria, Basque Country, Galicia and Asturias), before it eventually joins the French Way near Arzúa.

It’s a lot quieter than its infamous cousin, with only around 21,400 people walking its paths every year, but no less rich in history and heritage.

Choosing Your Starting Point

This is a particularly long route, with the full route from Irún requiring at least 36 days of pilgrimage. The Camino del Norte stages are made up of 34 main segments, covering over 100 villages along the trail. Of course, not everyone has 5 weeks spare, which is why the route can also be split into shorter chunks. 

Pilgrims starting in Bilbao will walk roughly 650 kilometres and 29 stages, taking approximately a month all in. Santander is a popular middle-ground start: 530 kilometres, 24 stages, around 26 days, while starting at Ribadesella offers 385 kilometres over 19 stages, taking about 3 weeks. 

If time is very tight, Ribadeo is a good starting point for a 10-day holiday, covering 190 kilometres in 9 stages, alongside Vilalba (120 kilometres and 6 stages in just over a week). These shorter routes still deliver a real taste of the coast and its final stretch into Galicia.

What the Terrain Has in Store

Day to day, Camino del Norte is not an easy, flat stroll. While it’s not the most difficult route from the network (Camino Primitivo holds that title), it certainly is a challenging pilgrimage, especially when paired with the long distance. Therefore, it’s a path that requires good physical preparation and a genuine desire for a personal challenge. 

Expect steep climbs, especially through the Basque Country and Asturias, where the path clings to cliffs before dropping back to sea level, sometimes twice in a single afternoon. Cantabria adds its own tests too, with ridges and ascents toward the Cantabrian Mountains breaking up the otherwise gentler coastal sections.

Some mornings you’ll be picking your way along clifftop paths with the sea crashing below, and others you’re inland through eucalyptus woods or quiet farm tracks. 

Main Attractions Along the Route

The Northern Way has no shortage of charming towns and villages, medieval churches, ancient roads, breathtaking viewpoints and golden beaches. Covering four vibrant regions and varying landscapes, from mountains to the sea, it’s a culturally significant route that showcases some of the best that Spain has to offer. Below are just some of the main attractions along the route.

• Major cities and towns: Santiago de Compostela, San Sebastián, Santander, Bilbao, Santillana del Mar, Gijón, Ribadeo, Llanes, Avilés, Arzúa.
• Historic and cultural sites: Miramar palace, modernist palaces of Comillas, Santoña Lighthouse, old town walls and tower of Llanes, historic quarter of Avilés, Guggenheim Museum.
• Churches and cathedrals: Cathedral of Santiago, Cathedral of San Salvador, Mondoñedo Cathedral, Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, Basilica of Begoña, Monastery of Zenarruza, Monastery of Santa María.
• Beaches: As Catedrais Beach, La Concha Beach, Zarautz Beach, San Lorenzo Beach, Gulpiyuri Beach, Loredo Beach, Andrín Beach.

Planning and the Practicalities

Summer (June to August) is the most popular time of year to walk the Northern Way, allowing you to enjoy the beaches in sunny weather and hike in the mountains more comfortably. But, if you’re worried about walking during the busiest and hottest period, then shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) may be preferable. 

Weather can be unpredictable in northern Spain, so pack enough layers that you can easily take off when it gets too hot. Whichever month you pick, prepare for rain regardless of season. This is especially the case if you’re doing the full route – you’re very likely to come across rain and wind in over a month of walking. 

Lastly, most pilgrims choose to book through a specialist Camino de Santiago agency. They are there to sort out all logistics for you, such as planning the itinerary, pre-booking accommodation for each night, sorting out luggage transfers between hotels and providing 24/7 support in case of emergencies. While it’s not a necessity, it gives you the peace of mind, leaving you to just enjoy the journey. 

Beyond the Well-trodden Path

The Camino del Norte is hard to beat if you’re looking for an authentic Camino experience without the crowds. This coastal alternative to Camino Francés is much quieter, more challenging and, some might argue, more spectacular too.