The route
Here you can see a map of the entire route
Itinerary
You'll arrive in Hendaye and check into your first hotel.
Hotel (example): Hotel Santiago
Your first walk is from Hendaye to San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque), a stunning and chic seaside town and a gastronomic paradise. Take a stroll down Playa de la Concha and treat yourself to one of the city's many Michelin-starred restaurants before continuing your Camino! San Sebastián has 16 Michelin stars, the second highest number per square metre in the world (just behind Tokyo).
Hotel (example): Hotel Parma
After a night in San Sebastian, follow the Camino route that leaves San Sebastian and the Bay of Biscay and follows the coast through beautiful pastures and gentle hills. You'll see the Roman church of San Martín de Tours before passing charming coastal towns. You'll end the day in the beautiful coastal town of Zarautz. Be sure to try the local Txakolí wine.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Olatu
From Zarautz, you'll head inland along a quiet country road before arriving in Getaria with its beautiful harbour. After Getaria, the road enters farmland and passes the harbour town of Zumaia. The day's journey ends in the lovely coastal town of Deba.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Agroturismo Donibane
After spending the night in Deba, the Camino route leaves the coast for the last time (you'll reach it again in Bilbao) as you head towards the mountains. After crossing a river, the path quickly ascends into an area of dense vegetation before reaching the chapel of El Calvario. The narrow path (GR-121) passes through a number of charming villages along the way before reaching today's destination: Markina.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Antsotegi
From Markina, the trail follows a quiet country lane and crosses the river in Bolibar before ascending to the medieval monastery of Zenarruza. From here, the trail continues uphill through protected forest to the summit of Gontzegarai and on to the village of Gerrikaitz. After passing Santiago's Hermitage, a sharp descent leads to a small river and the historic town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso's masterpiece.
Hotel (example): Hotel Gernika
Leaving Gernika, you will soon pass the hermitage of Santa Luzia Zallo shortly before climbing towards a road (PR-173). From here, a cobbled path continues uphill to the village of Morga, where you begin a steep descent through the villages of Goikoletxea and Larrabetzu and again enter a wooded area before reaching your destination for the day: Lezama. Here you'll hop on the train to Bilbao where you'll spend the night. As you enter Bilbao, you should visit the lovely Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña and the old town of Bilbao.
Bilbao (or Bilbo in Basque) has reinvented itself in the last 30 years and has become host to some of the country's best art exhibitions at the impressive Guggenheim Museum. Explore Bilbao's old town with its quaint taverns and try some of the amazing ‘pintxos’!
Hotel (example): Hotel Bilbao Plaza
After breakfast in Bilbao, a transfer will take you to Zierbana from where the Camino continues along the beautiful rocky coastline. At La Arena you'll cross the wonderful beach with fine red sand. There are some small steep climbs as you hug the coast on your way to Castro Urdiales. Castro Urdiales has a good mix of modern and medieval architecture and as you enter the town, you'll pass the bullring and the beach.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Pension Ardigales 11
After spending the night in Castro Urdiales, the Camino will take you along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, passing a medieval castle/lighthouse along the way. You'll also pass the Santa Isabel Chapel and La Magdalena Church on your way to Liendo. Here you'll have two route options for the rest of the stage to Laredo. You can either take one route through the valley, passing the church of Nuestra Senora de Liendo in Hazas, or you can take the alternative route, climbing up to the San Julián Chapel on the way to Laredo. Laredo itself is famous for its magnificent beaches, energetic atmosphere and medieval neighbourhood (Puebla Vieja).
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Cosmopol
From Laredo, follow the route inland. You will pass through the towns of Colindres and San Mames de Meruelo before reaching Guemes.
Hotel (example): El Angel De La Guarda
From Guemes the hike continues. From Galizano to Somo you can either take a straight road into town (saving 2 kilometres) or follow the coast, which is a longer option but very scenic. To reach the final destination of Santander, you can take a traditional boat called ‘Pedreñera’ across the bay (saving you about 3.5 km) from the village of Somo (not included, about €3 per person, www.losreginas.com). Santander is the capital of Cantabria and is an elegant city with plenty of beaches, parks, nature, architecture and good food.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Chiqui
Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is an elegant city and a great place to add extra days if you want to extend your trip or want to rest. There are plenty of beaches, parks, nature, architecture and great food. What more could you ask for?
After your night in Santander, your Camino heads inland through the towns of Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Piélagos. You'll cross the river at Boo de Piélagos and end today in the small village of Mogro.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Milagros Golf Hotel
Today's walk on the Camino takes you through the beautiful, hilly landscape of the north coast. You'll enter the Miengo area when you reach the town of Miengo. Suance is a beautiful little village and it will be worth taking the time to explore it. Today's destination is the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. You'll pass through lovely meadows and quiet villages on your way.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): La Casa Del Organista
From Santillana del Mar, continue along the wild, rugged coastline of Cantabria. On the way to Comillas you'll pass beautiful small villages like Cobreces with its Cistercian monastery. Comillas itself has stunning beaches and incredible architecture. You should take time to explore the city's sights such as the Pontifical University, the Sobrellano Palace with its Pantheon Chapel and not least the ‘Capricho de Gaudí’.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hostal Esmeralda
Today you will continue along the coast to Oyambre Nature Park. The park is of great importance for its wildlife and marine ecosystem, home to many bird, mollusc and fish species. From here, the Camino del Norte heads towards Colombres through green fields and woodlands, passing the town of San Vicente de la Barquera and a series of small estuaries.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Canal
Leaving Unquera, you'll enter Asturias and cross a bridge over the Deva River to Bustio. The beautiful town of Colombres is home to several impressive ‘Casas de Indianos’ built by local emigrants who made their fortune in America. From Colombres you walk down the Sierra de la Borbolla. The Camino then enters Pendueles along a narrow path that climbs up to the Jorcada pass after crossing the road to Andrín. There is another descent to La Portilla and today's destination: Llanes, a lively town nestled between the coast and the Picos de Europa.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Sablon
The first part of today's stage takes you along the coast and the stunning beaches of Palombina and Barro. After crossing the Niembro River, you begin the steady climb up to the church of San Pedro de Pria. The church sits on top of a hill overlooking the seven towns in the area. From here you descend to the Guadamía River, where you cross the medieval stone bridge.
You'll pass Sobares on your way to Ribadesella, a cosy little town worth exploring: Divided in two by the bridge, the eastern side is the charming medieval old town, while the western side has a beautiful beach and the town's famous Tito Bustillo cave, home to ancient cave art. Book early if you want to visit the caves as there is a maximum number of visitors allowed per day.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included for the day.
Hotel (example): Jardin de Eugenia
From the lively coastal town of Ribadesella, you'll head briefly inland towards San Esteban and then return to the coast, passing unique sandy beaches. You'll stop for the night in the lively market town of Colunga (San Cristóbal).
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Mar Del Sueve
Today is a fairly short walking day. You'll start from Colunga and pass many villages along the way. In Priesca you should stop to see the 10th-century church of San Salvador, one of the oldest on the Camino de Santiago.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Hotel (example): Hotel Casa Espana
Today is one of the longest and most challenging days on the Camino del Norte as you climb the Alto de la Cruz. Most of today's route takes you through lush countryside and you'll hit the coast again at Gijón. At Casquita there will be signs for pilgrims heading towards Gijón to continue on the Camino del Norte, but also signs for pilgrims heading towards Oviedo to continue on the Camino Primitivo. Take your time to explore the city of Gijón, which offers fantastic beaches, great gastronomy, history and heritage (including Roman baths) and where you'll find the bagpipe museum.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today's route takes you from the city of Gijón to the town of Avilés. You'll hike up Monte Areo, where you can enjoy some beautiful views and see a prehistoric dolmen. There aren't many facilities along the way, so bring a picnic!
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today you have quite a long day ahead of you, but as you leave the outskirts of Avilés, you'll come to interesting small towns. Your stop for the night is Muros de Nalon, here you will find an interesting Renaissance garden.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today's walk is one of the shorter ones, taking you from Muros de Nalon, through cosy towns to Soto de Luina.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
The journey from Soto de Luina winds through the countryside near the coast and through small villages to the beautifully situated town of Cadaveú, which in 2022 also won the award for the most exemplary town in the province of Austria.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
After Cadavedo, the path heads inland, but as you approach Luarca, you can see the sea again. You'll spend the night in the beautiful, traditional fishing village of Luarca. Enjoy some fresh seafood and a glass of cider!
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today, follow a peaceful road inland from the fishing village of Luarca to the bustling riverside market town of Navia. Be sure to explore the town, see the medieval walls and enjoy a taste of the local cuisine.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today is your last day along the Cantabrian coast. It's also a fairly long walking day, so you can contact us if you want to book a rest day in the lively town of Ribadeo. You'll cross the Bridge of Saints over the River Eo to enter Galicia and reach Ribadeo. The town is famous for its cathedral beach (a short taxi ride away), Galicia's second most visited site after Santiago's ‘real’ cathedral.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today's walk takes you inland from Ribadeo to the village of Lourenzá, famous for its local beans. You'll follow rural paths that climb slightly as the terrain becomes progressively mountainous. You'll pass small villages and hamlets, but there aren't many shops or services, so be sure to bring snacks and water. You'll be taken to a stunning country estate six kilometres outside the village.
Today you'll travel from Lourenzá through Mondoñedo, which used to be one of the seven capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia. Here you'll get great views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to explore Mondoñedo before continuing towards Abadín.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today, the Camino del Norte winds through the forests, farmland and green pastures of ‘Terra Chá’ (the flat land) and leads you to the area's capital, the commercial city of Vilalba. Vilalba is the capital of Terra Chá. Sample the local delicacies, cheeses and other agricultural products before moving on!
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
From Vilalba, the Camino del Norte takes walkers through the heart of the Terra Chá region of Galicia. Forest trails, small farming villages and lush landscapes make up most of today's peaceful walk. In Baamonde you will be picked up and driven to your accommodation for the night in Friol.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
You'll be driven from your accommodation back to Baamonde. See the medieval Church of St James (Igrexa de Santiago) in Baamonde before continuing your journey through rural Galicia on the Camino del Norte. Today is a fairly easy walking day. At the end of your walk, you'll transfer back to Frimol where you'll have another night.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
After breakfast, you'll be driven back to Miraz from where you'll continue your Camino del Norte walk through Galicia. You'll reach the highest point of the trail at Marcela, so take a few minutes to enjoy the views. Your destination is Sobrado dos Monxes, home to an impressive monastery. The monastery originally dates back to the 10th century, although the current facade is Baroque. You will be picked up at the monastery and spend the night in Miraz.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
This morning you'll be driven back to Sobrado dos Monxes to continue your Camino journey. Today you'll walk the final stretch of the Camino del Norte before it joins the most popular Camino path, the Camino Francés, in Arzúa. Prepare to meet many pilgrims in this bustling market town. Arzúa is famous for its local cheese, so be sure to try it!
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today's Camino walk takes you through beautiful forests, sleepy villages and over streams for most of the day. Be sure to visit the Santa Irene Chapel with the unique statue of Santiago. You'll spend the night in the town of A Rua.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Today is the last walking day of your Camino tour. You'll start in the town of A Rua. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla on the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees border your journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mountain of Joy’ 368 metres), and it is from here that you'll catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago. Once you arrive in the city, explore the UNESCO World Heritage architecture and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural mecca. The cathedral has a pilgrimage mass every day at 12:00.
Dinner: If you opt for half board, dinner is included today.
Your Camino del Norte tour ends after breakfast. Explore the old town of Santiago de Compostela before heading home. It's also possible to choose extra nights in Santiago after the tour. This is selected on the booking form.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
- 36 nights in small hotels - always including private shower/toilet
- Breakfast every day
- Transfers from the hiking route to accommodation as mentioned in the programme.
- Luggage transport between hotels
- Detailed route descriptions (in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline
- Pilgrim passport
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a package holiday and is covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Package Travel Act - see what benefits this brings you - click here
- Handling fee (€20)
- Tourist tax (if due)
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to San Sebastian and from Santiago de Compostela and home from Santiago are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 8-10 working days)
- You arrange your transportation
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
Family-run hotels and guesthouses have been handpicked for their character and warm hospitality. The standard is 2-3 star tourist class. Hotels are centrally located in towns and close to the Pilgrimage Route, or with included transfers from the route to the accommodation and back (few places). All nights will be in real hotels in private rooms with bath/toilet in the room.
It is possible to buy rest days along the way. This is done on the order form, where the number of rest days is selected and the desired rest days are noted.
Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find lunch and dinner in the towns along the route.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This trip has difficulty level 2-3, which means that most hiking days are level 2, with a few at level 3.
Grade 2
Easier hikes on reasonably good trails. Daily hikes will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in generally good physical condition can participate. Luggage is transported, and you only carry a light daypack. Requires well-fitting footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an ESS or ETIAS authorization to enter EU nations. This system enhances border security while simplifying entry procedures. Ensure compliance by applying online before your trip to avoid delays.
You can read more about it here.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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