Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo
Considered one of the most beautiful stages of the entire Camino del Norte: cliffs, hidden beaches, and the birthplace of poet Ramón de Campoamor.
Best season: Year-round; the Cadavedo hostel only opens from April 11 to September 30
Map
- Soto de Luiña
- Cadavedo
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 Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo is 18.5 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 23, with 582 m of ascent and 512 m of descent, completed in about 5 h. Difficulty: Moderate.
18.5 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 21.2 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.
One of the most beautiful stages of the Camino del Norte
The stage offers two route options. The coastal route via Las Ballotas, chosen by most pilgrims, follows an easy path with gentle undulations, beach access and constant views over the Asturian cliffs, well marked and with services. The mountain alternative via the Sierra de Las Palancas, more demanding and with more elevation gain, is a historic route restored in 2016, only recommended in good weather and for pilgrims in good physical shape.
Whichever route you choose, the landscape is one of the great highlights of the entire Camino del Norte: sheer cliffs dropping into the Cantabrian Sea, hidden beaches with tricky access, and small rural settlements barely touched by tourism.
The stage ends in Cadavedo, birthplace of poet Ramón de Campoamor, with a wide, peaceful beach and a beautifully kept rural setting. Important: the pilgrim hostel only opens from April 11 to September 30.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Constant undulations on the coastal route (about 130 m of ascent); the mountain alternative is considerably more demanding (over 600 m).
Landscape
Among the best of the entire route: cliffs, hidden beaches and Asturian farmland.
Path type
Camín Real de Las Ballotas on the coastal route, well marked; mountain trail on the Las Palancas alternative.
Villages
Novellana and Ballota before reaching Cadavedo.
Water points
Available in the rural settlements along the way.
Shade
Variable; plenty of shade in the wooded sections, scarce on the open cliffs.
Traffic
Very low on both routes.
Key fact
The mountain alternative via Las Palancas may be in poor condition (overgrowth, damaged signage); the coastal route is recommended unless you have experience and guaranteed good weather.
Staying in Cadavedo
Cadavedo has just one accommodation option, so it's worth planning your date carefully.
Cadavedo Pilgrim Hostel
12 beds across three dormitories, with disposable sheets, a kitchen with microwave and fridge. 2026 season: April 11 to September 30. No booking, credential required. Outside those dates there is no accommodation in Cadavedo itself: plan to reach Luarca (a further 15.3 km) or stop earlier.
Eating in Cadavedo
Options are limited but enough to refuel.
Village bars and cider houses
With typical Asturian products, an ideal spot to try the local cider after the stage.
The beach area
One of the calmest beaches on the route, a good place to rest after the walk.
Historic stops on this stage
The coastal route cliffs
One of the most photogenic sections of the Camino del Norte, with uninterrupted views over the Cantabrian Sea.
Birthplace of Ramón de Campoamor
The famous 19th-century Asturian poet and politician was born in this village, which keeps a beautifully preserved rural atmosphere.
Cadavedo Beach
Wide and peaceful, a fitting reward after a coastal stage as visually demanding as it is rewarding.
If the weather cooperates, the coastal route via Las Ballotas offers some of the best Cantabrian Sea viewpoints of the entire Camino del Norte: take your time on this stretch.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Soto de Luiña has a bus stop on the N-632 road, connecting to Cudillero and Avilés.
If you need to return from Cadavedo: there is a bus stop connecting to Luarca and Avilés.
What you should know before this stage
Confirm the hostel dates
It only opens from April 11 to September 30; outside the season, plan to reach Luarca.
Choose your route based on the weather
The Las Palancas mountain alternative is only advisable with good weather and experience; when in doubt, take the coast.
Keep your camera handy
This stage is considered one of the most photogenic of the entire Camino del Norte.
Enjoy the hidden beaches
There are several access points to little-visited coves along the coastal route.
Don't ruin this stage
Arriving in Cadavedo out of season without a backup plan
The hostel closes outside April 11-September 30; without a private accommodation booking, you could run into trouble.
Taking the mountain alternative without checking its condition
There have been reports of overgrowth and damaged signage; check before deciding.
Rushing through the cliffs
This is one of the most beautiful stages of the route: it's worth walking it at a relaxed pace.
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 Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo?
Which route is better, coastal or mountain?
When is the Cadavedo hostel open?
Why is this stage famous?
Who was Ramón de Campoamor?
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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