-
General
- Start
815km – 32 stages
As ancient as the French Way, this Camino del Norte was already used by the European Kings in medieval times.
When the southern regions were brought back to peace and it was no longer required to travel through this Northern Way, it lost a lot of popularity, however, The Camino del Norte is working on its return and is gaining popularity again. More than 800 km through wonderful places and a very nice (quieter) alternative to the French Way. However, there are less pilgrim albergues along the this way, so you better plan your walks carefully. In general the way is very well marked and combines higher altitudes with ahh, how nice: walking on the beach!
The Camino del Norte is a long trail. Here are some options for your starting point:
- Go all the way: start in Irún. Fly into San Sebastian or take the train or bus from any major city in Spain.
- Start in Ribadeo and enjoy the Playa de las Catedrales
- Start in Vilalba and walk the final ~122K and obtain your Compostela
27,6 km – 6 albergues
Km 0: Irun (All services)
Km 3: Ermita de Santiagotxo (Albergue at 650 m)
Km 4,7: Santuario de Guadalupe (Bar/Restaurant)
Km 16,7: Pasai Donibane/Pasajes de San Juan (Albergue, Bars, Shops, Medical centre, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 18,9: Faro de la Plata
Km 24,8: San Sebastián (All services)
Km 27,6: San Sebastián (Juvenile albergue) (All services)
25 km – 5 albergues
Km 0: Markina (All services)
Km 3,8: Iruzubieta (Bars)
Km 6,2: Bolibar (Bar, Shop, Inn Baketxe Baserria at 1,9 km)
Km 7,5: Monasterio de Zenarruza (Albergue)
Km 11,7: Munitibar (Bar, Shop)
Km 16,2: Berriondo (indicated is albergue Mendata at short distance with restaurant nearby)
Km 19,1: Elexalde
Km 23: Ajangiz
Km 25: Gernika (All services)
23,5 km – 1 albergue
Km 0: Pobeña (Albergue open in spring, summer, Rural apartments, Bar)
Km 6,1: Ontón (Bar-Shop)
Km 7,5: Baltezana (Bars)
Km 10: Alto de La Helguera
Km 13,8: Barrio de Los Corrales
Km 15,4: Santullán (Bars, Bakery)
Km 17,5: Sámano (Bar)
Km 22: Castro Urdiales – Centro (All services)
Km 23,5: Castro Urdiales (Albergue)
30,6 km – 6 albergues
Km 0: Castro Urdiales – Centro (All services)
Km 4,1: Cerdigo
Km 7,3: Islares (Albergue, Bar, Shop)
Km 11,6: Nocina (Albergue, Bar)
Km 13,4: Rioseco (Bar)
Km 14,6: El Puente (Bars, Shops, Health Center, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 24,5: Hazas (Liendo) (All services)
Km 30,6: Laredo (All services)
41,4 km – 6 albergues
Km 0: Santander (All services)
: Peñacastillo
: Santa Cruz de Bezana (Albergue, Pension)
: Boo de Piélagos (Albergue)
The best option is to take the train in Boo de Piélagos and to get off in Mogro: better then crossing the train bridge over the river Pas!
: Oruña
: Mogro
: Cudón
: Requejada (Albergues)
: Barreda
: Camplengo (Albergues)
Km 41,4: Queveda (Albergue)
26,4 km – 5 albergues
Km 0: Queveda (Albergue)
: Camplengo
: Santillana del Mar
This place lacks any way mark. You have to take the road called ‘Los Hornos’ from the center square to leave the village and get ‘back’ on the way-marked camino.
: Arroyo
: Oreña
: Alfoz de Lloredo
: Caborredondo
: San Martín de Cigüenza
: Cóbreces
: Venta del Tramalón
: Concha
: Pando
Km 26,4: Comillas (Albergues)
26,6 km – 3 albergues
Km 0: Comillas (Albergue)
: Santa María del Tejo
: San Vicente de la Barquera
: La Acebosa
: Pesués
Watch your way here. There are marks missing. After crossing the N-634 in Pesués, the way goes to Unquera via an ascending road that turns to the left to take a path through the forest. When you are on that path, there is a small portion without way-marks, watch your step and note that you can always return to take the N-634 to Unquera if you don’t want to get lost.
Km 26,6: Unquera
25,1 km – 7 albergues
Km 0: Unquera
: Capilla de Animas
: La Franca
: Colombres
When you get out of Colombres you’ll have a portion of the N-634 with a lot of traffic. When travelling in groups, be mindful and walk one after the other and never beside each other. Safety first!
: Buelna
: Pendueles
: Camping La Paz
: Bufones de Arenillas
: Mirador Río Purón
: Mirador La Ballota
: Andrín
Km 25,1: Llanes (Albergue)
33,9 km – 4 albergues
Km 0: Llanes (Albergues)
Km 2: Poo
Km 4,3: Celario
Km 8: Niembro
Km 12,3: Naves
Km 13,2: Villahormes
Km 16,1: Nueva
Km 18: Piñeres de Pría
Km 22,5: Ribadesella (albergue, shops)
Km 32,6: San Pedro
There’s a climb of only 100m long, that you’ll feet will hate. Take it easy and zig-zag to the top.
Km 33,9: San Esteban (Albergue)
41,3 km – 5 albergues
Km 0: Baamonde (Albergue)
Km 8: Digañe
Km 9,7: Service point for pilgrims (Carballedo) (internet, bar, sandwiches, camping possibility, albergue as of May 2015.
Km 13,5: Seixón
: Miraz (Albergue, Bar/Shop)
Km 25,6: A Roxica (Bar)
Km 29,4: Corteporcos
Km 32,5: Marco das Pias
Km 35,4: Mesón (Bar)
Km 36,6: Alto de Muradelo, Guitiza
Km 40: Laguna de Sobrado
Km 41,3: Sobrado dos Monxes (Albergues)

This post is also available in: Dutch