Gijón to Avilés
From the industrial edges of Gijón to the peaceful rural interior of Monte Areo and Carreño, ending at the restored old town of Avilés.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Gijón
- Avilés
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: Gijón.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Gijón to Avilés is 25.4 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 20, with 258 m of ascent and 253 m of descent, completed in about 6 h 30 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
From Asturias' steel industry to Avilés' old town
Gronze.com describes this stage as linking "the two great hubs of what was once a powerful Asturian steel industry." The Camino leaves Gijón along the long avenues of Galicia and Argentina, crosses industrial suburbs, then enters a fully rural stretch, with the day's main climb coming after leaving Veriña toward Monte Areo.
After the rural stretch through Carreño (Santolaya, La Maquila, La Torre), the Camino returns to industrial areas before entering Avilés via Avenida de Gijón and Calle Rivero. The big reward is the old town, "magnificently restored", one of the best-preserved historic quarters in Asturias.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Urban and industrial start and finish, with a fully rural central stretch and the main climb toward Monte Areo.
Scenery
A contrast between industrial estates and the peaceful rural valley of Carreño, at Monte Areo.
Path type
Urban avenues leaving Gijón, then rural tracks and paths until the industrial approach to Avilés.
Villages
Veriña, Monte Areo, Santolaya, La Maquila, La Torre, Tamón, Tabaza and Trasona.
Water points
Good in the urban stretches of Gijón and Avilés; more moderate in the rural interior of Carreño.
Shade
Scarce in the industrial stretches, somewhat better in the rural valley of Monte Areo.
Traffic
Noticeable on the entry and exit avenues, practically none on the central rural stretch.
Key tip
The Avilés albergue reopened in 2026 and may have relocated: confirm the current access point before arriving.
Accommodation in Avilés
Avilés, with its restored old town, offers good albergue options.
Albergue de peregrinos "Pedro Solís"
A 56-bed municipal albergue, open year-round. It reopened in 2026 after renovation, so it's worth confirming the current access address, as outdated information may still circulate.
Good food options in Avilés
Avilés' well-restored old town concentrates a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Asturian cooking in the old town
Numerous bars and restaurants in the restored historic quarter, ideal for refueling after the stage.
Stops with history on this stage
Monte Areo and the Carreño valley
The quietest, most rural stretch of the stage, featuring the day's main climb.
Restored old town
Described by Gronze as "magnificently restored", one of the best-kept historic quarters in Asturias.
Legacy of the steel industry
Gijón and Avilés were the two great hubs of the Asturian steel industry; the stage connects both industrial legacies.
Set aside some time for a leisurely walk through Avilés' old town: it's one of the pleasant surprises of the Asturian section of the Camino.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Gijón has a train station (Renfe and FEVE) and bus connections across Asturias and the rest of Spain.
Heading back from Avilés: there are train (Renfe and FEVE) and bus connections to Gijón, Oviedo and the rest of Asturias.
Worth knowing before this stage
Confirm the Avilés albergue location
It reopened in 2026 after works: check the current address rather than relying on older information.
Don't be put off by the industrial start
The first kilometres are urban, but the central Monte Areo stretch is fully rural and peaceful.
It's an accessible stage
With moderate elevation change and just over 25 km, it's among the more manageable days in Asturias.
Set aside time for the old town
Avilés' historic centre deserves a leisurely walk on arrival, beyond just finding a bed.
Don't ruin this stage
Trusting outdated albergue information
After the 2026 renovation, confirm the exact location of the "Pedro Solís" albergue before arriving.
Judging the stage by its first kilometres
The industrial exit from Gijón isn't representative: the Monte Areo stretch is very different and far more pleasant.
Rushing past Avilés' old town
It's one of the best-restored historic quarters in Asturias — don't miss it.
Not taking advantage of a shorter day
At just 25.4 km, it's a good day to explore Avilés more slowly than on other stages.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
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.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Gijón to Avilés?
Is this stage hard?
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Avilés?
What can you see in Avilés?
What is the central stretch of the stage like?
Are there bars along the way, or should I stock up before leaving Gijón?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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