On average, you should find at least basic services every 5.9 km. The Camino de Santiago Northern Route from Irún to Arzúa passes through 133 villages, towns, and cities over the 784 km route. Galicia, being the final stage, is waymarked expertly. In Asturias, the marking is correct for the most part but can be confusing in some sections, for example, Monte Areo (10 km past Gijón) and also between Luarca and Villapedre. The waymarking in the Basque Country is excellent and easy to follow, while in Cantabria, it can be a bit unclear, so check the route well the day before. The Camino is waymarked with the traditional yellow arrow, which is in some coastal parts accompanied by the red and white bars of a long-distance GR footpath. Right after arriving in Galicia, the route abandons the coast descending southwest through green, scarcely inhabited Galician hills and pastures. Although asphalt roads are still on the table, they are significantly more natural paths and dirt roads than in Cantabria. The terrain in Asturias turns mountainous and rural again but not as physically demanding as in the Basque Country. The highlights of this region are several lovely beaches and valleys such as Liendo and Güemes. However, the price is often a few added kilometers. A few sections offer asphalt-free alternatives. As you enter Cantabria, the way is mostly composed of asphalt roads and often leads along the highways. Count on numerous climbs and drops ranging from 300-500 m.

The Basque Country stands out for its mountainous terrain that takes you through green, humid valleys and extensive forests. Nonetheless, the impressive panoramas are worth it. The added weight of your backpack makes Camino del Norte particularly hard on the knees. Since the route winds parallel the northern coast, the terrain is wrinkled with rivers entering the sea, giving the pilgrims a full dose of descents and ascents. Some pilgrims prefer to deviate from the coastal route midway and turn inland in Villaviciosa, joining the Camino Primitivo in the capital of Asturias, Oviedo. There are a lot of stages where the sea is nowhere to be seen. The distance from Irún to Santiago is 825 km and can be conquered comfortably in 32 stages.Īlthough it is called the coastal route, it does not always stick to the shore. Starting in the small border town of Irún, the route winds along the coast until reaching Galicia, where it turns inland and joins Camino Frances for the last stage in Arzúa. Overview of Camino del Norte RouteĬamino del Norte passes through four autonomous regions: Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. It is a great alternative for first-time pilgrims who strive to get away from the crowd while benefiting from the well-developed service infrastructure. Today, the Camino del Norte is the third most popular way to Santiago, according to information gathered by the pilgrim’s office in Santiago. However, as the Spanish began regaining their land, this route was slowly abandoned in favor of the less challenging options such as Camino Frances.

When the remains of Saint James were first discovered, Muslim occupation had spread to many northern territories, making it the safest passage for pilgrims.

Camino del norte route map