Northern Way | Full Walk

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Walk the full Northern Way, from the Basque Country to Santiago

The Northern Way (or Northern Camino) is a memorable walk, that will allow all pilgrims to discover the diversity of Spain.

From breathtaking landscapes through mountains, to coastal routes… you will be able to enjoy some of the most genuine regions of Spain, such as the Basque Country, Cantabria or Asturias. From some of the most popular cities of Europe (such as San Sebastian or Bilbao) to the rural tracks in Asturias, for example.

The Northern Way spans more than 800 km, from Irún (right on the French border) following the coast to Ribadeo. From this point to Santigo de Compostela, the route will be inland.

It is considered to be a physically demanding Camino, particularly the first walking days through the Basque Country.

Those pilgrims looking for stunning views and physical challenges, should consider walking the Northern Way.

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Arrival in Irún, starting point of the Northern Way.

Irún – San Sebastián (26 km)

The first stretch of the Norther Way is considered the most spectacular one, offering stunning views of the sea. You will see Neolithic and medieval remains, castles… and the the view of the Bay of Biscay.

San Sebastián – Zarautz (18 km)

We will face ascents when leaving San Sebastian, some of the major challenges of the walk. Time to walk through green hills.

Zarautz - Deba (24 km)

The walk combines sea views, beaches, and quiet rural areas. It is the last stretch along the coast for a couple of days.

Deba – Markina Xemein (23 km)

Time to say goodbye to the coastal views for a couple of days, as this is an inland section. It features several churches: Church of the Assumption, Church of Santa María or the Sanctuary of San Miguel de Arretxinaga.

Markina – Gernika (25 km)

The route passes through the village of Bolivar and the Monastery of Zenarruza. Gernika is one of the most popular towns of the Northern Way.

Gernika - Lezama (21 km)

Some pilgrims walk all the way from Gernika to Bilbao in one day, but we recommend to stop in Lezama, since the walk can bee too strenuous.

Lezama – Bilbao (11 km)

After a long ascent that offers incredible views of Bilbao, the arrival in this amazing city will be downhill. What to do in Bilbao? Visit the Guggenheim Museum, the Gothic Basilica of Begoña and the historic center. We recommend to spend an extra day to discover the city.

Bilbao – Portugalete (10 km)

Leaving Bilbao is not the most beautiful part of this Camino, because of the industrial landscape. Some pilgrims avoid this section by taking public transport to the next place, but we always recommend to walk it, since it is also part of the experience.

Portugalete - Castro Urdiales (29 km)

The walk passes through the coastal hillside. There are alternative routes on the way, that can make the walk longer or shorter depending on which one you choose.

Castro Urdiales - Laredo (30 km)

This is quite a long walking day, but it offers a wide variety of landscapes. Green valleys, sea views, hilltops… are some examples of the views.

Laredo – Guemes (29 km)

The Beach of Berria, is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Northern Way. You will need to take the ferry from Laredo to Santoña (a town with monastic origins).

Guemes - Santander (17 km)

Guemes – Santander (17 km)

Santander – Arce (27 km)

Leaving Santander can be quite boring, since the path is all paved, straight and no particular highlights. It is possible to walk all the way from Santander to Santillana del Mar, but since the walk can be too long and challenging, we recommend to stay in Arce.

Arce - Santillana del Mar (23 km)

Santillana del Mar is a lovely town, with a really well preserved historical center. The popular caves of Altamira are 2 km far from the town center.

Santillana del Mar - Comillas (23 km)

The path will be mostly paved from Santilla del Mar to Comillas. One of the highlights of the day: San Martín de Cigüenza, a picturesque village, with the church and the river.

: Comillas – Colombres (28 km)

Last walking day in Cantabria region, right before reaching Asturias. The path goes through small villages, the biggest town of the day is San Vicente de la Barquera.

Colombres – Llanes (23 km)

The first part of the day will be trough paved roads, until reaching Pendueles. From this point up to Llanes, we will enjoy footpaths and coastal views.

Llanes - Ribadesella (30 km)

We will see different monasteries on the way from Llanes to Ribadesella. Ribadesella is a really nice coastal town, where you will be able to enjoy its beaches and the prehistoric cave paintings.

Ribadesella - Colunga (21 km)

The Camino will combine inland and coast. We recommend you to walk around the market town of Colunga.

Colunga – Villaviciosa (17 km)

Today you can walk all the way to Gijón, but we recommend you to stay in Villaviciosa. Not only because the walk can be too strenuous, but also because Villaviciosa is a lovely town to discover.

Villaviciosa - Gijón (30 km)

Gijón is the first big city after a couple of through small villages and rural areas. Once in Gijn, the caminos split: you can continue through the Northern Way, or take the Primitive Way (or Original Way) up to Santiago de Compostela.

Gijón – Avilés (24 km)

Gijón and Avilés are amazing towns, but unfortunately the walk connecting them is not the most enjoyable of the Camino del Norte. The views from Monte Areo and its recreational area, can be considered the highlight of the walk.

Avilés – El Pito (28 km)

Leaving Avilés will mean walking through suburbs, before reaching rural areas. We recommend the Reinassance gardes of El Pito.

El Pito - Ballota (25 km)

The path follows the national road for a while, but is quiet with little traffic.

Ballota - Luarca (22 km)

Pilgrims will not enjoy the coastal views from Ballota to Luarca. But the landscape of the countryside in Asturias is very pleasant.

Luarca – Navia (22 km)

The walk is mainly through the countryside of Asturias, and offers really nice and quiet views.

Navia - Ribadeo (31 km)

Last walking day in Asturias region, before reaching Galicia, and also last day on the coast. Ribadeo is one of the main towns of the Northern Way, as it marks the beginning of the final section of the walk.

Ribadeo – Vilanova de Lourenzá (27 km)

Time to say goodbye to the coast for the rest of the walk. From this point, you may see the signs both in Galego (the language spoken in Galicia region) and Spanish. This a rural walking day. We recommend to visit the Monastery once in Vilanova de Lourenzá.

TripAdvisor

mariaelena1964
25/02/23 - TripAdvisor
Un Camino Maravilloso Muy buena experiencia buenísimos alojamiento abundante comida un 10 mucha limpieza teléfono de emergencia operativo se preocupan por el peregrino cumplen con todo la información escrita sin duda los mejores repetiremos
rociofastias9
16/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Repetir es la mejor reseña No hay mejor opinión que repetir la experiencia. Mi primera experiencia con ellos fue en marzo y ahora en septiembre repetí y volveré a hacerlo. Atentos, cumplen todo, modifican lo que les pidas a capricho
Saminunez
04/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy recomendable Todo perfectamente organizado. Los alojamientos acordes y muy limpios. La comunicaciòn y gestiòn con Galiwonders estupenda. Recomiendo totalmente
miriamaE4821GN
26/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy buena La experiencia está siendo muy buena, en general los alojamientos están muy bien a excepción de alguno que cambiaríamos. Muy recomendable.
estrella19642
11/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Equipo profesional y eficaz Ha sido mi primer camino con mi pareja y no será el último; una experiencia irrepetible. La organización de Galiwonders ha sido perfecta. La elección de los alojamientos muy acertada y ha superado nuestras espectativas. Volveremos el año que viene a hacer otro camino con Galiwonders ¡¡seguro!!
Pablo_Arc
03/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Perfecta para tener un Buen Camino Muy buena experiencia, nos organizaron el camino francés desde Sarria tal y como les pedimos saliendo todo perfecto y según lo esperado.

Destacar que fuimos con un bebé y en todo alojamiento contamos con cuna tal y como habíamos pedido.

Sin duda, para repetir experiencia.
B3784JBnicolas
23/07/22 - TripAdvisor
Profesionales y flexibles Lo que se busca de una agencia de viajes: profesionalidad y flexibilidad. Muchas gracias por todo el trabajo.
miguelvL6639MT
14/06/22 - TripAdvisor
experiencia muy positiva Hice el camino frances desde sarria, todo muy bien organizado, a media pension,
tanto hoteles y pensiones bastante correctas.
algunos de ellos tenian restaurante, y desde luego es una ventaja, ya que al termino de la etapa del dia podias comer alli,
y sino te hacen un vale para comer muy cerca del alojamiento.
desde luego muy recomendable.
789claudion
11/06/22 - TripAdvisor
Espectacular Excelente 100% recomendable realizá la experiencia y solo preocúpate por caminar y disfrutar, el resto se ocupa Galiwonders