Camino del Norte

Route overview

The Camino del Norte, or Northern Way, is a pilgrimage route of approximately 825 kilometres from Irun on the French border to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It follows the northern coast of Spain through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery of any Camino route. The trail hugs the Cantabrian Sea for much of its length, passing through fishing villages, sandy beaches, and high cliffs. Inland sections cross the Basque mountains, the Picos de Europa foothills, and the green hills of Galicia. The route is more demanding than the Camino Francés, with more climbing and less infrastructure, but rewards walkers with quieter paths and spectacular ocean views. The Camino del Norte has gained popularity as an alternative to the increasingly crowded Camino Francés. It is well waymarked with yellow arrows and scallop shells. Accommodation is available in albergues, guesthouses, and small hotels.

The northern coastal route to Santiago, following the Cantabrian Sea through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia with dramatic cliff and beach scenery.

Trail facts

Country

Spain

Region

Northern Spain

Distance

c. 825 km

Typical duration

5–6 weeks

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation gain

c. 18,000 m cumulative

Best season

April–October

Trail type

Pilgrimage coastal route

Safety context

Coastal sections are exposed to Atlantic storms and high winds. Some beach sections require tide awareness. Mountain inland alternatives can be affected by fog and rain.

The route is less developed than the Camino Francés, with fewer albergues in some sections. The Basque and Asturian sections have significant climbing. Some road walking connects coastal villages.

Highlights

Irun and the Basque coast San Sebastián bay and old town Bilbao and the Guggenheim Santander cathedral and harbour Llanes and Asturian coastline Ribadeo and the Eo estuary Santiago de Compostela cathedral finish Picos de Europa coastal views

Why find a buddy

Five weeks of coastal and mountain walking through Basque, Cantabrian and Galician country — a companion shares the quieter Camino experience, the ocean views and the long approach to Santiago.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

Explore and prepare

Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.