Camino del Norte · Stage 25

Luarca to La Caridad

From Luarca's lighthouse to the industrial town of Navia, with numerous service villages and N-634 crossings over a long stage.

Distance
30.5 km
Elevation
+521 m / −463 m
Time
About 7 h 30 min
Difficulty
Hard

Best season: Spring to autumn

Map

  • Luarca
  • La Caridad

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.

Download GPXTrack distance: 30.6 km

The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:

From Luarca to La Caridad is 30.5 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 25, with 521 m of ascent and 463 m of descent, completed in about 7 h 30 min. Difficulty: Hard.

A long stage to the region's industrial heart

The stage starts at Luarca's lighthouse, climbs past the Ermita de Nuestra Señora la Blanca and crosses the Río Negro. The route "constantly alternates between tracks and paths very close to the road" as it advances toward Navia, an industrial town of nearly ten thousand inhabitants that shapes the character of the day, around kilometre 20.

After crossing the bridge over the Navia river, the Camino continues through Barqueros, Jarrio, Cartavio and Arboces before reaching La Caridad, in the municipality of El Franco. The route crosses the N-634 road and the railway line several times, particularly near Villapedre and Piñera.

What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre

Terrain

A long stage with moderate but constant elevation change, on tracks and paths very close to the road.

Scenery

Passing through the industrial town of Navia, roughly at the midpoint, contrasts with the rest of the rural route.

Path type

Tracks and paths that constantly alternate with stretches alongside the N-634, with several road and railway crossings.

Villages

Otur, Villapedre, Piñera, Navia, Barqueros, Jarrio, Cartavio, Arboces and La Caridad.

Water points

Plentiful, thanks to the many villages with services along the stage.

Shade

Variable, scarce on the stretches alongside the road.

Traffic

Noticeable at the crossings with the N-634, especially near Villapedre and Piñera.

Key tip

This is one of the longest stages in Asturias: pace yourself well and make the most of Navia's services at the midpoint.

Accommodation in La Caridad

La Caridad has a modern, simple and quiet public albergue.

Reference albergue

Albergue de peregrinos de La Caridad

A public albergue with 18 beds, plus a camping and picnic area, as well as an auxiliary shelter for when it fills up. Exclusively for pilgrims with a credential, no bed reservations, open year-round. There's a small shop nearby for basic supplies.

Good options in Navia, at the midpoint

Navia, with nearly ten thousand inhabitants, is the best spot to stock up or eat at the midpoint.

Navia

Full urban offering

As a sizeable industrial town, Navia offers the best variety of bars and restaurants of the entire stage.

Stops with history on this stage

Luarca

Luarca lighthouse

The stage's starting point, with privileged views over the Asturian coast.

Leaving Luarca

Ermita de Nuestra Señora la Blanca

One of the first landmarks of the route, shortly after leaving Luarca.

Midway

Navia

An industrial town of nearly ten thousand inhabitants that shapes the character of this long day, with the bridge over the Navia river as a highlight.

Overview

Several villages along the way

The stage passes through several settlements with services, important points for pilgrims to resupply and rest.

Navia is a good place for a long stop: it's the last major town with full services before reaching La Caridad.

Getting here and getting back

Starting here: Luarca has a bus connection to Avilés, Oviedo and the rest of Asturias.

Heading back from La Caridad: there is a bus connection to Navia and the rest of the region.

Worth knowing before this stage

Prepare for a long stage

At 30.5 km and around 7.5 hours, it's among the most demanding by distance in Asturias.

Make the most of Navia's services

At the midpoint, it's the best spot to rest, eat and restock supplies.

Pay attention at the N-634 crossings

The route crosses the national road several times, especially near Villapedre and Piñera.

Carry your pilgrim credential

It's essential to access the exclusive albergue in La Caridad.

Don't ruin this stage

Underestimating the total distance

At 30.5 km, it's a long stage that requires good planning of timing and breaks.

Skipping Navia

It's the best service point of the entire stage: don't pass through without refueling.

Getting distracted at the road crossings

The multiple crossings with the N-634 require attention, especially near Villapedre and Piñera.

Forgetting your pilgrim credential

Without it you won't be able to access the La Caridad albergue, exclusive to pilgrims.

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.

See recommendations →

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.

Calculate my budget →

Everything you wonder before this stage

How many kilometres is it from Luarca to La Caridad?

About 30.5 km, with an accumulated elevation change of 521 m of ascent and 463 m of descent.

Is this stage hard?

Yes, mainly due to its length: 30.5 km with moderate but constant elevation change.

What town do you cross at the midpoint?

Navia, an industrial town of nearly ten thousand inhabitants with the best service offering of the whole day.

Where is the pilgrim albergue in La Caridad?

On Avenida de Asturias, with 18 public beds, €5–10 a night, no reservations, open year-round.

Does the route cross the road much on this stage?

Yes, the route crosses the N-634 and the railway line several times, especially near Villapedre and Piñera.

How long does this stage take?

About 7.5 hours, depending on pace.

Ideas for after you finish the Camino

See the full guide →

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.

See the menu

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