Ribadesella to Sebrayo
One of the longest stages of the entire Camino del Norte, following the Cantabrian coast between Ribadesella and the tiny hamlet of Sebrayo.
Best season: Spring and autumn, to avoid the heat on such a long stage
Map
- Ribadesella
- Sebrayo
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.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Ribadesella to Sebrayo is 31.3 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 18, with 650 m of ascent and 600 m of descent, completed in about 8 h. Difficulty: Hard.
31.3 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 30.3 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
A long day along the Asturian coast
This is, along with the next one, one of the longest stages of the entire Camino del Norte. The route follows the Cantabrian coast without sparing much elevation change, passing through Caravia and Colunga, with constant sea views between inland stretches.
Near Colunga, after crossing the Libardón river, the route briefly heads inland before continuing toward Villaviciosa, the capital of Asturian cider, where many pilgrims take a long break to refuel.
The stage ends in Sebrayo, a tiny hamlet belonging to the municipality of Villaviciosa, with virtually no services of its own, whose only draw is a pilgrim hostel with one distinguishing feature: it's one of the first energy self-sufficient hostels on the entire Camino del Norte.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Undulating profile without major single climbs, but with accumulated fatigue from the long distance.
Landscape
Almost constant Cantabrian coastline, with a brief inland detour near Colunga.
Path type
A mix of tracks, coastal trail, and the occasional paved stretch in villages.
Villages
Caravia, Colunga, and Villaviciosa, the capital of Asturian cider, before reaching Sebrayo.
Water points
Good availability in the villages along the way, though it's worth pacing yourself given the stage's length.
Shade
Irregular, with open stretches along the coast and others sheltered by vegetation.
Traffic
Generally low, somewhat higher when crossing the larger population centers.
Key fact
A very long stage (31.3 km): start early and consider staying overnight in Villaviciosa if you'd prefer a shorter day.
Staying in Sebrayo
Sebrayo is a tiny hamlet with just one accommodation option.
Sebrayo Pilgrim Hostel
Open as a hostel since 1998, housed in the village's old school building, right on the Camino. Renovated in 2024: it's one of the first energy self-sufficient hostels on the entire Camino del Norte, with six charging points for electric bikes. Basic but clean, with a kitchen and hot/cold drink vending machines. Owned by the Villaviciosa municipality.
Eating in Sebrayo
Sebrayo has no services of its own: it's essential to buy supplies in Villaviciosa before arriving.
Sebrayo has no shops or restaurants
Stock up in Villaviciosa, the last town with a wide range of options before the end of the stage.
Capital of Asturian cider
A good spot for a long break with typical products, before completing the last kilometers to Sebrayo.
Historic stops on this stage
The coastline between Ribadesella and Colunga
Continuous views of the Cantabrian Sea, one of the great highlights of this long stage.
The cider capital
A town with rich heritage and the epicenter of Asturian cider production; a good place to stay overnight if you'd rather split the stage.
The self-sufficient hostel
Renovated in 2024 with its own power supply, it's a pioneering example of sustainability among Camino del Norte hostels.
If the total distance feels like too much, consider splitting the stage by staying overnight in Villaviciosa: it has far more accommodation and dining options than Sebrayo.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Ribadesella has a FEVE train station, connecting to Oviedo and Santander.
If you need to return from Sebrayo: the most practical option is to head to Villaviciosa, which has bus connections to Gijón and Oviedo.
What you should know before this stage
Start very early
With over 31 km ahead, the sooner you start, the more margin you'll have to finish in daylight and without rushing.
Shop in Villaviciosa
It's the last town with full services before the end in Sebrayo.
Consider splitting the stage
Villaviciosa, roughly halfway, is an excellent option for breaking up this long day into two more comfortable days.
Don't ruin this stage
Starting late with over 31 km ahead
This is one of the longest stages of the route; starting late may force you to rush the last few hours.
Arriving in Sebrayo without having bought food
The hamlet has no shops or restaurants of its own.
Passing through Villaviciosa without trying the cider
It's the cider capital of Asturias: a food stop well worth taking.
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 want to know before this stage
How many kilometers are there from Ribadesella to Sebrayo?
Is this stage very difficult?
Is there anywhere to eat in Sebrayo?
Can this stage be split up?
What's special about the Sebrayo hostel?
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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