Sebrayo to Gijón
The longest stage of the entire Camino del Norte, with the Alto de la Cruz as the only demanding stretch before reaching the great Asturian city.
Best season: Spring and autumn, to face such a long stage with more comfortable temperatures
Map
- Sebrayo
- Gijón
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 Sebrayo to Gijón is 36.3 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 19, with 480 m of ascent and 460 m of descent, completed in about 8 h 30 min. Difficulty: Hard.
36.3 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 33.4 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.
The longest stage of the Camino del Norte
At 36.3 km, this is officially the longest stage of the entire Camino del Norte, which calls for good planning: start early, pace your effort, and carry enough supplies.
Unlike other stages in the Asturian stretch, the terrain presents no major difficulties until you reach the Niévares area, where the gradient steepens on the climb up the Alto de la Cruz de Peón, the only genuinely demanding stretch of the whole day. Past this point, the path descends gradually toward the coast.
The stage ends in Gijón, the largest city in Asturias, with an accommodation, dining, and leisure offering far superior to that of previous stages: a good place to take a longer rest stop if your body needs it after such a distance-demanding day.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Gentle terrain for most of the route, with the exception of the climb up the Alto de la Cruz de Peón near Niévares.
Landscape
Asturian rural landscape that gradually gives way to Gijón's urban surroundings.
Path type
A mix of rural tracks and paved stretches, more frequent near Gijón.
Villages
Several small rural settlements, including Niévares, before entering the Gijón metropolitan area.
Water points
Available in the villages along the way; carry an adequate supply given the total length.
Shade
Variable depending on the section, with open areas and others wooded.
Traffic
Low in the rural stretch, higher when approaching Gijón.
Key fact
This is the longest stage of the entire Camino del Norte (36.3 km): consider staying overnight at an intermediate point if you'd prefer a more comfortable day.
Staying in Gijón
Gijón, the largest city in Asturias, offers a good variety of pilgrim accommodation.
Albergue El Peregrin
Private, opened in 2015, just over 2 km from central Gijón, right on the Camino. 21 beds in rooms of up to 6 people. Private garden and picnic area.
Camping Deva Pilgrim Hostel
36 beds, open year-round, across several bungalows within Camping Deva Gijón (N-632, km 64).
Eating in Gijón
Gijón offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional cider houses to Asturian cuisine restaurants.
Cider houses in the center
The best way to refuel after the longest stage of the route, with fabada and other typical Asturian dishes.
The seafront promenade area
Numerous bars and restaurants with terraces facing the sea, ideal for relaxing after so many kilometers.
Historic stops on this stage
Alto de la Cruz de Peón
The only genuinely demanding stretch of the stage, with a climb that tests your legs after many kilometers already covered.
Gijón's historic center
Roman baths, Cerro de Santa Catalina with Chillida's Elogio del Horizonte sculpture, and a long seafront promenade that make you want to stay more than one night.
If you have time and energy, don't leave Gijón without climbing Cerro de Santa Catalina to see Elogio del Horizonte, Eduardo Chillida's sculpture facing the Cantabrian Sea.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Sebrayo has no transport of its own; the most practical option is to approach from Villaviciosa, which has bus connections.
If you need to return from Gijón: it has a train and bus station with connections across Spain, plus a nearby airport (Asturias).
What you should know before this stage
Start very early
With 36.3 km ahead, the sooner you start, the better you'll manage the fatigue accumulated by the end of the day.
Pace your water and food well
It's the longest stage of the route: don't wait until you're out of supplies to restock.
Consider splitting the stage
If you'd prefer a more relaxed day, there are intermediate settlements where you can stop before completing all 36 km in one go.
Use Gijón to rest
It's a good spot to stay an extra night if your body needs it after such a long stage.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the total distance
At 36.3 km, this is the longest stage of the Camino del Norte: plan your pace carefully.
Pushing the Alto de la Cruz de Peón with no reserves left
Arriving at the Niévares climb already exhausted makes this stretch feel much harder than it actually is.
Not making the most of arriving in a big city
Gijón offers much more than previous stages: it's worth enjoying, even with tired legs.
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 Sebrayo to Gijón?
Which is the hardest section?
Can this stage be split into two days?
What does Gijón offer that other stages don't?
Is there a public hostel in 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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