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Camino del Norte Coastal Stages

Camino del Norte Coastal Stages

The Camino del Norte Coastal follows Spain’s wild Atlantic edge through the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias before turning inland. At Follow the Camino, we divide it into 4 main stages so it’s easy to plan—walk one, link a couple together, or complete all four in a single coastal journey. If you’re unsure which suits you, our Camino specialists can guide you one-to-one.
How many stages are there on the Camino del Norte Coastal and which stage is the hardest?
There are 4 stages, each with distinct highlights:
  • Ribadesella → Gijón – Coastal paths and beaches of Asturias, cider country landscapes, and the lively city of Gijón.

  • Gijón → Navia – Scenic coastal walking along rugged cliffs and sandy coves, with fishing towns and estuaries along the way.

  • Navia → Vilalba – The longest section, continuing west into Galicia with rural countryside, forests, and rolling inland terrain before reaching Vilalba.

  • Vilalba → Santiago – Gentle Galician landscapes, Romanesque villages, and peaceful woodland paths leading into Santiago de Compostela.

Can you combine or split stages of the Camino del Norte Coastal?
Yes. You can walk any single stage, combine several back-to-back, or do the full Coastal route in one trip. We can also shorten or lengthen daily distances to match your pace and time.
What’s the minimum you must walk to get the Compostela on the Norte?
To earn the Compostela you must walk at least the last 100 km into Santiago and collect two stamps per day in your Pilgrim Passport. Our Norte Coastal itinerary’s last 100kms starts in Vilalba and finishes in Santiago!

Choose From Camino del Norte Coastal Stages

Full Camino del Norte Coastal

Traverse Spain’s Entire Northern Coastline from San Sebastián to Santiago

Starting from

2470

Starting from Ribadesella, this route sees pilgrims follow the Atlantic shoreline through Asturias into Galicia, before cutting inland across the lush countryside towards the city of Santiago de Compostela. The Full Camino del Norte Coastal traverses tidal estuaries, woodlands and small hills by the coast, as well as seaside towns and urban areas (particularly around the fringes of Gijón).

activity

370.9km

21 days

Comfort

Moderate plus

Moderate plus

Challenge

Jan
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Not Possible

Ribadesella to Gijon

Walk the Asturian Coast from Pretty Ribadesella to Vibrant Gijon

Starting from

580

This route from Ribadesella to Gijon is an alternative to the Ribadesella-Oviedo section of the Camino del Norte, continuing close to the coast from Ribadesella and going via the town of Villaviciosa to Asturias’ largest city, Gijon. This section is relatively short, with only three walking days. This section is the start of a route offering walkers the chance to see more of the northern coast.

Stage 1 of 4

activity

27.1km

5 days

Comfort

Moderate

Moderate

Challenge

Jan
Feb
Mar
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May
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Nov
Dec
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Good Time
Off/Low Season
Not Possible

Gijon to Navia

Walk Cantabria and Asturias’ Green Coastal Trails

Starting from

730

From Gijon to Navia, this route continues the journey along the northern coast of Spain through Asturias and up to the border with Galicia, the home of Santiago de Compostela. Sticking to well-worn paths, you will follow the route of the coastline, across tidal estuaries and skirting seaside towns, for a truly memorable walking experience.

Stage 2 of 4

activity

119.9km

7 days

Comfort

Moderate

Moderate

Challenge

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
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Not Possible

The Camino del Norte Coastal is a hilly route along the northern shoreline, with a mixture of tidal estuaries and countryside.

Navia to Vilalba

Explore Galicia’s Remote Coast and Lush Inland Paths

Starting from

668

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.

Stage 3 of 4

activity

103.8km

7 days

Comfort

Moderate

Moderate

Challenge

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Jun
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Dec
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Off/Low Season
Not Possible

Vilalba to Santiago

Finish Your Camino del Norte Journey Through Galicia to Santiago

Starting from

880

This final section of the Camino del Norte Coastal from Vilalba to Santiago takes you from northern Galicia through rolling countryside into the ultimate destination of all Camino pilgrimage routes, the Cathedral de Santiago. This final leg can be completed in 6 walking days, and gives pilgrims a new perspective on Galicia away from the busier trails on other Camino routes.

Stage 4 of 4

activity

120.1km

8 days

Comfort

Moderate

Moderate

Challenge

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Popular Time
Good Time
Off/Low Season
Not Possible

This final section of the Camino del Norte Coastal from Villalba to Santiago takes you from northern Galicia through rolling countryside.

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