This section of the Camino del Norte Coastal from Navia to Vilalba turns you away from the coast and into the Galician countryside. Watch as the rolling waves turn to rolling hills and know that your approach to the city of Santiago de Compostela is one step closer! Enjoy the unique blend of Asturian and Galician culture as you cross this quiet region.
Navia
Navia is centred in an area called ‘The Historical Park of the River of Navia’. In the western region of Asturias bordering Galicia, this place is full of Celtic and Roman legends. This port town has long been a rest point for people on the Northern Way to Santiago de Compostela.
Monasterio de San Salvador
This Benedectine monastery is still standing despite being founded in the 10th Century, with the town of Lourenza founded around this ancient monument. Today it stands as a museum for religious art. The monastery’s Baroque facade was created by the same architect responsible for designing the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela – a nod to the Camino’s influence across the regions it passes through.
Vilalba
Vilalba is a truly old town, with evidence of a great many palaeolithic and megalithic sites, as well as a Roman presence and rich mediaeval history. Must-see places include the Church of San Roque, the Square of Santa María, and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology (housed in what was once the municipal prison). The famous San Simón cheese, which is shaped like a spinning top and smoked, is also made here.
NAVIA
VILALBA
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
NAVIA
Before you begin your walk, take time to explore this port town and see the main architectural highlights, such as the old mediaeval town walls and the Arias Palace.
Day
31.3 km
NAVIA RIBADEO
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!
Day
27.1 km
RIBADEO LOURENZA
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.
Day
km
LOURENZA MONDONEDO
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.
Day
km
MONDONEDO ABADIN
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.
Day
20.3 km
ABADIN VILALBA
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.
Day
km
VILALBA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. There is plenty to experience in Vilalba, including seeing the architecture of the Church of Santa María and learning about regional history in the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology. For cheese lovers, the famous San Simón smoked cheese is also something that cannot be missed!
Getting to Navia, Spain
It is best to fly into Asturias Airport near Oviedo to get to Navia.
Fly into Oviedo
Getting home from Vilalba, Spain
To get home from Vilalba, you can travel to the airport at Santiago de Compostela.
Fly from Santiago
Start Planning your Adventure Now
Walk the Camino to experience what is set to be the biggest Camino experience of the
century so far. Embrace your freedom to explore and challenge yourself to walk the Camino.
| Off season | |
| February | Off season |
| March | Off season |
| April | Good time |
| May | Popular time |
| June | Popular time |
| July | Good time |
| August | Good time |
| September | Popular time |
| October | Good time |
| November | Off season |
| December | Off season |
