Camino del Norte
Coast and mountains along the Cantabrian Sea: 34 stages, around 821 km, starting in Irún.
The most demanding, least crowded Camino
The Camino del Norte covers around 821 km from Irún to Santiago de Compostela, following the Cantabrian coast through the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias before entering Galicia at Ribadeo and joining the French Way at Arzúa for the final stretch into the city.
Along with the Vía de la Plata, it's one of the toughest Ways of St James: there's plenty of elevation gain day after day, and several stages run past 30 km. In exchange, it offers cliffs, beaches and green mountains, with far fewer crowds than the French Way.
All 34 stages of the Camino del Norte
Typical distances from Irún (there's no single official stage division for this route).
The whole Camino del Norte, at a glance
Explore the full route and the waypoints of every stage.
Map
- Irún
- 1. San Sebastián
- 2. Zarautz
- 3. Deba
- 4. Markina
- 5. Gernika
- 6. Lezama
- 7. Bilbao
- 8. Portugalete
- 9. Castro Urdiales
- 10. Laredo
- 11. Güemes
- 12. Santander
- 13. Santillana del Mar
- 14. Comillas
- 15. Colombres
- 16. Llanes
- 17. Ribadesella
- 18. Sebrayo
- 19. Gijón
- 20. Avilés
- 21. Muros de Nalón
- 22. Soto de Luiña
- 23. Cadavedo
- 24. Luarca
- 25. La Caridad
- 26. Ribadeo
- 27. Lourenzá
- 28. Gontán
- 29. Vilalba
- 30. Baamonde
- 31. Sobrado dos Monxes
- 32. Arzúa
- 33. O Pedrouzo
- 34. Santiago de Compostela
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
Does not include access from the track to: Lezama, Güemes, Gijón.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Things to do and day trips in Santiago de Compostela
The most-booked experiences among pilgrims at the finish line. Worth booking ahead, especially in high season.
Small-group walking tour of the old town
A small-group walk through Santiago's old quarter with a local guide.
Secrets of the Cathedral (night tour)
A night-time walk through the lesser-known corners of the Cathedral, outside normal visiting hours.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
Galicia's traditional flaming drink, explained and tasted in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in a single full day from Santiago.
Rías Baixas boat trip and winery
A boat ride along the estuary followed by a visit to an albariño winery. Ideal for a rest day.
Cíes Islands
The Atlantic archipelago with some of Galicia's best beaches, on a full-day excursion.
Praia das Catedrais (Cathedral Beach)
A full-day excursion to Lugo, Ribadeo and the spectacular Praia das Catedrais.
A Coruña and Betanzos
The Tower of Hercules, A Coruña's old town and the medieval town of Betanzos, on a full-day excursion from Santiago.
Massage for pilgrims
Give your legs a break after the Camino with a massage right in the centre of Santiago.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, Guía del Camino de Santiago may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy