Camino del Norte Walking Holidays

Camino del Norte: a Complete Guide to the Northern Way

The Camino del Norte route, also called the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago, stretches over 800 kilometres (around 825 km) along the Bay of Biscay, crossing the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia before reaching Santiago de Compostela. This coastal Camino route offers dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and constant views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second oldest Camino de Santiago route after the Camino Primitivo, and has seen a steady rise in popularity in recent years, attracting around 6% of all pilgrims who arrive in Santiago. The Northern Way offers a very different experience from the Camino Frances: the landscapes are greener, the terrain more demanding, and the sense of solitude more profound. For walkers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path pilgrimage, the Camino del Norte is an outstanding choice.

Key Stages of the Camino del Norte Route

The Camino del Norte can be walked in full or in sections. Here are the main stages we offer as self-guided walking holidays.

Hendaye to Bilbao (approx. 190 km)

The journey begins on the French-Spanish border at Hendaye, crossing into the Basque Country. After a first day along the coast to San Sebastian, the route follows clifftop paths, fishing villages and green hills through Zarautz, Deba and Gernika before reaching the vibrant city of Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. This section is a feast for the senses: world-class pintxos, txakoli wine and dramatic ocean views at every turn. Discover our Hendaye to Bilbao walking holiday.

Bilbao to Santillana del Mar (approx. 180 km)

From Bilbao, the Camino del Norte continues west along the Cantabrian coast. The route passes through charming coastal towns, quiet fishing harbours and long sandy beaches before reaching Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria. A few more days of walking bring you to the perfectly preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar, one of the most beautiful stops on the entire Northern Way. Discover our Bilbao to Santillana walking holiday.

Santillana del Mar to Oviedo (approx. 200 km)

This section takes you deeper into "Green Spain". The coastline becomes wilder, the villages more remote, and the hills steeper as you cross from Cantabria into Asturias. Highlights include the seaside town of Llanes, the cider culture of Asturias, and the approach to Oviedo, a historic city with a stunning pre-Romanesque cathedral. From Oviedo, walkers can choose to continue on the Camino del Norte or join the Camino Primitivo, the oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago. Discover our Santillana del Mar to Oviedo walking holiday.

Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela (approx. 200 km)

The final section of the Camino del Norte enters Galicia at the town of Ribadeo, famous for its spectacular Cathedral Beach (Praia das Catedrais). From here, the route turns inland, winding through eucalyptus forests, quiet stone villages and rolling green countryside before joining the Camino Frances for the final approach to Santiago de Compostela. Discover our Ribadeo to Santiago walking holiday.

The Camino Primitivo: from Oviedo to Santiago (approx. 320 km)

The Camino Primitivo is the original pilgrimage route to Santiago, first walked by King Alfonso II in the 9th century. Starting in Oviedo, it heads inland through the rugged mountains of Asturias and Galicia. This is the most physically demanding of the main Camino routes, but also one of the most rewarding, with dramatic mountain scenery and a deep sense of history. Discover our Camino Primitivo walking holiday.

Landscapes and Regions of the Camino del Norte

The Northern Way crosses four distinct regions of Spain, each with its own landscape, culture and culinary traditions.

Basque Country (Pais Vasco)

Green hills, dramatic coastline and a world-renowned food scene. San Sebastian, Zarautz and Bilbao are the cultural highlights of this fiercely proud region. The Basque stages of the Camino del Norte are among the most scenic of the entire route.

Cantabria

Long sandy beaches, quiet fishing villages and the elegant city of Santander define this stretch. The medieval village of Santillana del Mar is a highlight, along with the prehistoric caves of Altamira nearby.

Asturias

Known as "Green Spain", Asturias offers lush countryside, a wild coastline and a strong cider-drinking tradition. The historic city of Oviedo, with its pre-Romanesque churches (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is the gateway to the Camino Primitivo.

Galicia

The final region before Santiago. Misty forests, stone-walled lanes and a deep-rooted pilgrimage tradition characterise this ancient land. The last days of walking into Santiago de Compostela are among the most emotional of any Camino route.

Why Walk the Camino del Norte with Walks in France?

With over 35 years of experience organising self-guided Camino walking holidays, Walks in France is one of Europe's most established Camino specialists. Here is what we offer on the Camino del Norte:

• Daily luggage transfer between your accommodations. You walk with just a light daypack.
• Quality accommodation carefully selected at every stage, from welcoming guesthouses to coastal hotels.
• A detailed route book with maps, directions and practical tips for each day.
• Tailor-made itineraries adapted to your pace, your fitness level and your available time.
• Phone support available throughout your trip.

Whether you walk the full Northern Way or a single section, we design your Camino del Norte walking holiday around your needs. Request your free quote.

Practical Tips for Your Camino del Norte Walking Holiday

Best time to walk the Camino del Norte

The northern coast of Spain enjoys a milder climate than the interior, but rain is common. The best months to walk are May to October, with June and September offering the best balance of warm weather and manageable trail conditions. July and August are busiest in the coastal towns.

How long does it take?

The full Camino del Norte from Hendaye to Santiago de Compostela takes approximately 35 days. The Camino Primitivo from Oviedo adds around 14 days. Our self-guided walking holidays are available as individual sections of 8 to 16 days, and many clients return year after year to complete the full route.

Is the Camino del Norte difficult?

The Camino del Norte is more physically demanding than the Camino Frances, with more frequent ascents and descents along the coastal terrain. A reasonable level of fitness and some previous walking experience are recommended. Our team will help you choose stages that match your abilities.

Camino del Norte vs Camino Frances

The Camino Frances is flatter, busier and has more infrastructure. The Camino del Norte is hillier, quieter and more scenic, with fewer pilgrims on the trail. Both lead to Santiago de Compostela. If you enjoy coastal scenery, solitude and a physical challenge, the Northern Way is the route for you.

Everything You Should Know About the Camino de Santiago

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo?

Yes. Many pilgrims walk the Camino del Norte from Hendaye to Oviedo, then switch to the Camino Primitivo for the final section to Santiago. We can design a combined itinerary that suits your schedule and fitness level.

What is included in a Camino del Norte walking holiday with Walks in France?

All our packages include accommodation with breakfast (half-board on most stages), daily luggage transfer, a detailed route book, a pilgrim passport and phone support throughout your trip.

How much does a Camino del Norte walking holiday cost?

Prices depend on the section and duration. Our Camino del Norte self-guided walking holidays start from €830 for an 8-day section and go up to €1,550+ for longer itineraries. Get in touch for a personalised quote.

Is the Camino del Norte suitable for beginners?

The Camino del Norte is more challenging than the Camino Frances, but some sections are suitable for fit beginners. We recommend starting with a shorter, less hilly section and can advise you on the best stages for your level.