Full Camino del Norte Coastal

You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of Ribadesella. The town is known for its prehistoric cave, Tito Bustillo (open to visitors all year round), as well as the International Sella River Descent, where kayakers from all over the world gather to attempt the final 20 km of the Sella River on the first weekend of August each year.

The Camino continues uphill towards the village of Vega, at the foot of the impressive Monte Redondo. Reaching Vegas beach, we cross the Regatu del Acebu and climb to the charming village of Berbes. Then, the Camino goes downhill to the beach of El Arenal de Mons, where you can see the mouth of the River de los Romeros. After passing a well-known Knights Templar site and the Benedictine Monastery of Santiago (founded in the 11th Century), we arrive in Colunga.

From Colunga, the Camino continues along the valley of the river Llovones, passing small villages along the way. As we leave the valley the track leads uphill to the Cabanona Pass, where we can get superb views of the coast. The Camino continues downhill to Priesca, past the Church of San Salvador, which was consecrated in the year 921 AD. If the church is open, have a look at the paintings inside. Now, on the left bank of the river Sebrayu, the Camino follows the Nabla river valley to reach Villaviciosa.

Departing Villaviciosa, you will head along forested trails through the Asturian countryside. The path is flat and easy to follow. You will alternate between small woods and open fields. As you near the suburbs of Gijon, your surroundings will get more built up.

Although the walk today is often seen as the least scenic section of the Camino del Norte as you pass through Gijon’s industrial suburbs out of the city, the route still delivers some sights. Outside Gijon you will ascend the stunning Monte Areo (the perfect picnic stop), before descending and following a highway into the lively, fashionable town of Aviles.

Departing from Aviles you will follow minor roads through a series of suburbs. Towards the middle of this long walking day you will pass through a series of notable towns, including El Castillo. Here, be sure to check out the old fortress. As you approach your stop for the night, you pass through El Pito’s Renaissance gardens – a charming way to end your day!

Much of the route today follows the winding highway west through the Asturian countryside. However, given the road is reasonably quiet and lined with many shady trees, this is a surprisingly peaceful section of the Camino del Norte. There are also many secluded beaches you can go for a swim at along the way, before your stop in Cadavedo for the night.

The walk today is one of the shorter routes along the Camino del Norte and you should be able to comfortably complete this walk by the early afternoon. This gives you plenty of time to explore the charming port of Luarca and get some well-earned seafood for lunch!

While the climb out of Luarca can be a tough start to the day, once you are past this point the walk is generally flat with some scenic views over the countryside and on to the sea. The final destination for this leg of the Camino del Norte is the energetic market town of Navia.

The walk from Navia to Ribadeo is the culmination of your route along the Atlantic coastline. Expect some spectacular views of the cliffs, sea, and swell as you navigate your way into Ribadeo. Crossing the inlet that Ribadeo is built around, you pass from Asturias into Galicia!

Leaving Ribadeo behind, you will ascend through gentle hills on woodland paths lined with eucalyptus, the fragrance of these trees filling the Galician air. You will pass through remote hamlets and quiet roads as you head for Lourenza. On arrival in the town, you can see the beautiful monastery still standing here after hundreds of years and get a good night’s rest.

Today’s walk into the low mountains bordering Galicia offers stunning views over the rich countryside. While the ascent can be challenging, the paths are mostly a mix of gravel and brick roads, making the climb a little easier. Your destination is Mondonedo, one of the seven capitals of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia, and the site of notable Bronze Age excavations.

Out of Mondonedo, you will follow the Rua Rigueira uphill and onto gravel tracks. There is construction along this route which may necessitate minor detours, but these are well waymarked. You will pass through the town of Gotan before stopping at the much larger Abadin. Abadin has many shops and facilities, so is a good place to restock your supplies.

Pass Abadin’s notable fountain as you leave the town and start a minor ascent by the highway. The route from here meanders easily along rural roads through forests and farming villages, and you will regularly criss-cross the N-634 highway. Your destination is Vilalba, the largest settlement on this section of the Camino del Norte.

As you leave Vilalba, you will pass the famous Church of Santa Maria and cross onto a dirt track. From there, you will cross highways, alternating between dirt tracks and minor roads, before getting to San Xaon de Alba and its 14th Century church. Going along more dirt tracks and minor roads, you will pass Ferreira before reaching the town of Baamonde.

Today’s walk is short, and while not the most spectacular, is emblematic of typical quiet Galician countryside. At Raposeira (a well-known pilgrim stop) you can get a mid-morning coffee or snack, though this is one of the only places to get supplies before reaching Miraz. Miraz offers accommodation run by the British Confraternity of St James organisation.

The first 4km out of Miraz offers some of the most scenic parts of the Camino del Norte. You will also climb to a steady 710m, the Northern Way’s highest point, in this time. Your stop for the night is the town of Sobrado dos Monxes and its stunning monastery of the same name.

By the end of the day, the Camino del Norte links with the Camino Frances in Arzua. To start, you will depart Sobrado dos Monxes and follow minor paved roads through small towns such as Vilarchao and Castro. From there, you will pass from gravel to paved roads and back as you make your way south west, passing Boimil and Boimorto, before a slight ascent as you make your way into Arzua. Prepare to meet many more pilgrims than you’ve seen so far!

This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams, and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua-O Pino is on a quiet country road. Rua (at an elevation of 310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.

You’re nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo (an elevation of 368m), or Mount of Joy. From here, you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city you’ll be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:

– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago

– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!

– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses, operated by Monbus, depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.