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Camino de Santiago del Norte from Ribadesella to Santiago

20 Days
259 miles | 417 Km
Ribadesella - Santiago
From
20 Days
259 miles | 417 Km
Ribadesella - Santiago
From
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Camino de Santiago del Norte from Ribadesella to Santiago

20 Days
259 miles | 417 Km
Ribadesella - Santiago
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
Get to know the beauty of natural landscapes on this 20-day tour of northern Spain on one of the most beautiful pilgrim routes that will accompany you from the town of Ribadesella to the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll start by touring the Asturian coast with its diverse landscape consisting of beaches, coasts, gulfs and much more. As you get closer to the monumental city of Santiago, you will have the opportunity to explore the rural interior of Galicia.
  • Discover the authentic gastronomic delights of Asturias and Galicia.
  • Surprise yourself with the old town in Ribadeo, declared an Area of Cultural Interest.
  • Admire the centuries-old trees in Villalba and Baamonde and the Monastery of Sobrado dos Monxes.
  • Wash in Lavacolla Creek, where pilgrims stripped off their dirty clothes before arriving in Santiago.
  • Arrive in time for the Pilgrim's Mass in the legendary Santiago de Compostela!
Furthermore, by booking your Camino de Santiago from Ribadesella with Orbis Ways, you will stay in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages and we will transfer your luggage between stages.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Ribadesella
Arrive in Ribadesella, from one of the nearest cities such as Gijon, Oviedo or Santander.

Start your route in Ribadesella, a cheerful village with a variety of restaurants. Tour the great estuary at the mouth of the River Sella, which separates the village in two: the old part from the modern part.

Overnight in Ribadesella

Hotel Villadesella

This typical Asturian country house is surrounded by large gardens and offers comfortable rooms with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy a menu of market cuisine with seasonal products in its restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Ribadesella to Colunga 12,4 miles | 20 km
Walk the paths along the coastal route until you reach the beach of La Espasa, in the middle of unique beauty on the mountain landscape and the coast.

Then take an old road to Bueno creek, and climb to the town of the same name before arriving in Colunga, where Paleolithic men and dinosaurs were thought to live, thanks to the study of the ichnitesfound (dinosaur footprints).

Don't forget to try typical Colunga cuisine, such as fish stew, hake and seafood.

Ascent: 295m (967ft) / Descent: 280m (918ft)

Overnight in Colunga

Hotel Villa de Colunga

Hotel Villa de Colunga is located in the town of Colunga and offers rooms with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
In addition you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and relax in its charming terrace.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Colunga to Villaviciosa 10,6 miles | 17 km
Today you will have some demanding ascents along the path parallel to the Cantabrian motorway to the village Castiellu de Lue. Admire its rural architecture and grandiose views of the Sueve Sierra and the Picos de Europa.

Continue the path and visit the Virgen de la Guia Chapel and the other Catholic and Romanesque parishes along the way. As you approach Villaviciosa, you will walk along the so-called Pre-Romanesque Route,where you can get to know the remains of great monuments from the Asturian pre-Romanesque period: The Church of San Salvador de Baldeis or that of San Salvador de Priesca.

Villaviciosa is recognized, next to Nava, as the capital of cider. Thanks to the abundance of apple orchards, you can try it in one of the stops.

Ascent: 293m (961ft) / Descent: 309m (1,013ft)

Overnight in Villaviciosa

Hotel Palacio Carlos I

It is located an old house-palace from the 17th century. It has rooms with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Villaviciosa to Gijon 18 miles | 29 km
Head back to the coast and go through a couple of strenuous ascents in Alto de la Cruz and Collanzo del Infanzon. If you dare, deviate a little to the south and get to know the Natural Reserve of the Lloviu Caves, the largest Asturian cavityformed in Jurassic limestone and with the presence of 5 species of bats.

Gijon, the capital of the Costa Verde, is located in a bay on the shores of the Cantabrian. Get to know its large marina and its magnificent urban beaches, its small old town and the Cimadevilla district, ideal to taste a "sidrina" (glass of cider).

Ascent: 672m (2,204ft) / Descent: 669m (2,194ft)

Overnight in Gijon

Hotel Central Gijón

This charming seaside hotel is located near the historic centre. It has rooms with heating, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Gijon to Aviles 15 miles | 24 km
Today, you will join two of the most important coastal cities of this section. First you will cross the industrial area and the seaport of Gijon towards The Plaza Padre Maximo. 

Arrive in the town of Verina where you will climb Mount Areo. On your descent you will reach the village of Santaolaya, in the Carreno Valley. If you wish, visit the Church of Santa Eulalia, which dates back to the 10th century.

Follow the route, pass the village of Tabaza, and later you will be in Aviles, listed as a medieval city in Asturias. You will get to know its old town – the best-conserved in the region and declared an Artistic Historic Site – the Plaza Mayor, the Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury or the Camposagrado Palace.

Ascent: 179m (587ft) / Descent: 187m (613ft)

Overnight in Avilés

Hotel Alda Palacio Valdés

This hotel combines a modern, comfortable and functional style. It has rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Aviles to El Pito 17,3 miles | 28 km
We leave the urban landscape to enter a natural environment, with small towns along the path. We'll cross the River Nalon at its mouth.

We will be surrounded by green meadows and the characteristic mountainous landscape of the north coast, until we reach El Pito, our destination for today. In this town, you cannot miss its Renaissance palaces and gardens.

It is also worth a visit to Cudillero, a bucolic fishing village, and one of the most beautiful in Asturias. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious seafood or visit the Plaza de la Marina, the viewpoints of La Atalaya or El Pico, or one of its 9 parishes.

Ascent: 535m (1,755ft) / Descent: 417m (1,368ft)

Overnight in El Pito

Hotel La Casona de Lupa

This hotel has a spectacular garden area, making it an ideal place to relax and forget the stresses of everyday life.
It also has a bar and a restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - El Pito to Ballota 15,5 miles | 25 km
Today, we have a long stage but with only some slight slopes. The trail takes us back through green meadows and forests near the coast and passes through numerous small villages. In San Martin de Luina you can visit the La Fontona cheese shop, where they make cheese and traditional dairy products from Asturias.

Today's stage ends in Ballota, where you can regain your strength for tomorrow's route.

Get to know the Ballota Church or relax on the beautiful beaches of Ballota, Rio Cabo or Las Cabrilleras. 

Ascent: 508m (1,666ft) / Descent: 496m (1,627ft)

Overnight in Ballota

Hotel Casa Fernando

You will enjoy heated rooms with a private bathroom and a TV. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Ballota to Luarca 13,7 miles | 22 km
Leaving Ballota, follow your way through forests such as Picu and Mediu, Ablaneu and El Cierru'l Cura to Tablizu. Later, near the coast, you will reach Cadavedo, where you can get to know the Tower of Villademoros, built in the Middle Ages.

You'll pass through places such as San Cristobal, Queruas and Chano de Careno, where the River Esva is located, and which is home to the largest otter community in Europe. You will arrive at Hotel Canero, where a steep ascent awaits you that takes you to the N-634 road.

This road will allow you to reach Luarca, a fishing village where you can get to know the Virgen Blanca Chapel, the Marquis of Ferrera Palace or enjoy the beautiful beaches in Luarca, Portizuelo, Salinas, Quintana or Touran.

Ascent: 258m (846ft) / Descent: 374m (1,227ft)

Overnight in Luarca

Hotel Dabeleira

Located in the town of Luarca, its comfortable rooms have flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Luarca to Navia 13 miles | 22 km
Cross the River Negro until you ascend to the village of Villuir. Follow the wooded and rural trails to Otur. On the descent, you will find El Bao and the River Barayo, which you must cross to Villapedre, a town that houses the Church of Santiago.

Go back to the road, pass the village of Villaoril and La Colorada, an industrial estate, and then reach Navia, located at the mouth of the river with the same name.

Among its main sites of interest are the neo-Gothic Temple of Nuestra senora de La Barca, Plaza del Ayuntamiento or the La Poza nature spot. 

Ascent: 211m (692ft) / Descent: 216m (708ft)

Overnight in Navia

Hotel Palacio Arias

Relax in this accommodation surrounded by large gardens, which offers spacious and elegant rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - Navia to Ribadeo 19,2 miles | 31 km
Take a taxi to reach La Caridad, parish and capital of the El Franco council area, and is surrounded by incredible beaches such as Pormenande. Leave the village and cross the Carballeiros stream until you ascend to Alto de los Morcegos.

In El Franco, visit the Valdepares Church and the Chapel of San Pelayo, and then descend towards the River Porcia. Here you can decide whether to follow the route to Tol or Tapia de Casariego, the second road has a walk of more than 900 metres.

Any option you choose will finally take you into Galicia, specifically Ribadeo. Visit its old quarter, declared in 2004 as a Place of Cultural Interest. Plaza Espana, The Church of Santa Maria del Campo, Torre de los Morenos or Playa de las Catedrales are some of its tourist spots.

Ascent: 294m (964ft) / Descent: 257m (843ft)

Overnight in Ribadeo

La Casona de Lazurtegui

This accommodation is located in an old colonial house from the 20th century. It offers rooms with flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast served daily in its cafeteria.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 11 - Ribadeo to Lourenza 16,8 miles | 27 km
Before you go, explore Ribadeo, the medieval town known as the “Puerta de Galicia”, (The door to Galicia) on the natural border with Asturias. Venture onto the Aguas Santas Beach (or Playa de Las Catedrales), by the appearance of its cliffs, declared a natural monument by the Xunta de Galicia.


Today the Camino takes us away from the coastal landscape to enter an inland rural area, full of green meadows. Beans are a typical crop found in this area.


We will walk through the middle of forests with masses of eucalyptus trees and along small villages.


At Ponte de Pedra, we'll enter Lourenza, where we'll spend the night.


Ascent: 498m (1,633ft) / Descent: 483m (1,584ft)

Overnight in Lourenza

Residencia Casa Gloria

This country house is located on the outskirts of Lourenza, in natural surroundings near the River Baos. It has rooms with all the comforts to relax and rest.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 12 - Lourenza to Abadin 15 miles | 24 km
Today's route, in addition to being carried through a landscape of green meadows, passes through the town of Mondonedo, the present capital of the La Marina Central region and formerly one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia.

The architectural landscape found in Mondonedo is very rich, so it is worth making a stop to visit its old town to see the Cathedral, the Church of Santiago or the Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios.

As we leave Mondonedo, the Camino continues to Abadin, our destination today.

Ascent: 791m (2,595ft) / Descent: 339m (1,112ft)

Overnight in Abadin

Casa Goás

This charming family-run accommodation features rooms with flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a lovely terrace.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 13 - Abadin to Villalba 12,4 miles | 20 km
Leaving Abadin, after a taxi transfer, take the ascending road to Fernandano. Cross the River Abadin, climb Ponterroxal and then to O Rei and Plazas. Descend and cross the River Santa Baia and from Leiras to Martinan.

You will be walking through the Lugo plains or A Terra Cha, in Galician, the largest plain in Galicia, green meadows and crossed by numerous rivers and lagoons.

Soon you will arrive in Goiriz to visit the Church of Santiago and the Chapel of Fatima. Take the path until you can see Villalba, where you can explore the Castle and the Church of Santa Maria.

Ascent: 174m (570ft) / Descent: 199m (652ft)

Overnight in Villalba

Hotel Vila Do Alba

Located in the municipality of Villalba, this accommodation has rooms equipped with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 14 - Villalba to Baamonde 12,4 miles | 20 km
Leaving Vilalba, we will enter the region of Terra Cha, which means "flat land", because it is a region characterized by its plains and being the most extensive in all of Galicia.

The trail will take us through agricultural and livestock villages and along forest paths until we reach Baamonde.

Ascent: 152m (498ft) / Descent: 219m (718ft)

Overnight in Baamonde

Km101 Gourmet Corner

Enjoy a beautiful garden and an appetizing terrace where you can relax and rest.
This accommodation has rooms with flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 15 - Baamonde to Miraz 9,3 miles | 15 km
Before leaving Baamonde, it is worth visiting the millennial tree,which has on its trunk, a chapel-shaped carving with a virgin, made by the local sculptor Victor Corral.

We will continue the journey through rural Galicia to the parish of Santiago de Miraz, belonging to the municipality of Friol, where we can visit the fortress with its 12-metre high tower, or the church, both medieval.

Ascent: 132m (433ft) / Descent: 90m (295ft)

Overnight in Miraz

Parga Natura Alojamiento

Located on a hillside and just a few metres from the Parga River, it offers heated rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 16 - Miraz to Sobrado dos Monxes 17,4 miles | 28 km
Start the longest stretch of the route after a taxi transfer to Santa Leocadia. Walk the slopes and paths that cross farms and small villages.

Border the lagoon in Sobrado and admire the spectacular towers of the Monastery of Sobrado dos Monxes, one of the most important landmarks on the Camino de Santiago. 

Visit its Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria, a pilgrim's refuge; the Ciudadela Roman Camp and the artificial lagoon in Sobrado, built in 1500 by the monks. You will need to continue to Boimil, where your accommodation is located.

Ascent: 374m (1,227ft) / Descent: 302m (991ft)

Overnight in Sobrado dos Monxes

Hotel San Marcus

Enjoy this comfortable hotel which features a garden, terrace and rooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodation.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 17 - Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzua 13,7 miles | 22 km
Start this placid stretch that joins the Camino Frances, going to the village of Vilarchao. Take the forest trail to O Peruxil and O Castro.Head to the hostel in Boimorto, which allows you to enjoy a little more of the Camino del Norte at Santa Irene.

Arrive in Corredoiras, the first village in the Boimorto district, where you can visit the Parish Church of Santa Maria de Sendelle, a Romanesque church that houses restored frescoes.

Head along the path from Vilar to Viladavil. Advance to O Viso and reach Arzua, known as the "land of cheese".

Ascent: 209m (685ft) / Descent: 336m (1,102ft)

Overnight in Arzua

Casa Brandariz

This rural lodging offers excellent cuisine in its restaurant, common areas, and free Wi-Fi throughout its facilities.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 18 - Arzua to Amenal 14,3 miles | 23 km
On the Camino today you will find Santa Irene, a village of great natural and historical heritage. Here is the well-known Chapel consecrated to St. Peter.

In this same chapel is the Fountain of St. Irene, of which legend says, had powers to eliminate pests from crops.

We will continue walking along rural trails until we reach Amenal, where you will have your overnight stay.

Ascent: 349m (1,145ft) / Descent: 491m (1,611ft)

Overnight in Amenal

Hotel Amenal

Located in Amenal, this country hotel offers fully equipped rooms with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a garden and a terrace.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 19 - Amenal to Santiago de Compostela 13 miles | 21 km
When leaving the village of Amenal, our next destination will be Lavacolla, a town on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela, where the most important airport in Galicia is located. According to tradition, pilgrims usually wash in the river to prepare before their arrival in the city of Santiago de Compostela.

The last walk on this route along the Camino de Santiago Primitivo will be at 380 m high, on the Monte de Gozo, which has at its top a monument made in commemoration to pilgrims and their joy when arriving at this significant spot, just 5 km from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Ascent: 244m (1,145ft) / Descent: 390m (1,279ft)

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

Hospedería San Martin Pinario

This historic monastery is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, combining Galician tradition with maximum comfort.
Enjoy its rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 20 - Santiago de Compostela
For your return, take a bus or taxi to the city's airport.

End of our services.

Itinerary Map

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    Services

    Included

    • Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
    • Daily Breakfasts
    • Luggage transfers between accommodations
    • Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
    • Information dossier with maps and routes
    • 24-hour telephone support
    • Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
    • Travel insurance
    • Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
    • Taxes

    Extras

    • Cancellation insurance
    • Additional nights
    • Picknicks

    Accomodation

    General information


    The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.

    Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.

    The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.

    We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.

    The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.

    Room types


    It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.

    All rooms have private bathrooms.

    Travel & Transfers

    Our recommendation is to fly to Asturias Airport (OVD), the closest airport to Ribadesella. From there, you can take a bus to Ribadesella, operated by the company "ALSA".

    At the end of your trip in Santiago de Compostela, we recommend flying from Santiago de Compostela airport (SCQ), only 15 minutes from the city center. As there are taxis and bus lines running every 10 minutes to the airport, you will be able to return easily.

    FAQs

    Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
    Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
    • Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
    • Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
    • Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
    • Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
    The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.
    What should my physical preparation be?
    We recommend you to have an active lifestyle and be in good physical condition as this route is qualified as of medium-high difficulty, and is mostly completed on demanding ascents and descents. On average, the walks are 20 km per day, amid coastal trails, agricultural fields and arid terrain. We suggest preparing the months before starting the route by walking daily.  
    What is the best time of year to complete this route?
    Any time between March and October will give you an amazing experience. May is undoubtedly one of the best months to complete the route, as the temperatures are moderate, as is the influx of pilgrims. In spring, mornings and evenings are usually cool and during the day, temperatures are pleasant, with a sun that is not as scorching as in summer. However, at this time and in autumn, especially in the north where the ocean climate predominates, there are frequent rains, so we suggest you check the weather forecast.
    Is this walking holiday for me?
    It is ideal for you if you are passionate about pilgrimage walks surrounded by art and culture, walking trails along the coast and in towns and cities that preserve the spiritual roots of the old continent.
    How far in advance should I book my trip?
    We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
    What equipment do I need to bring?
    Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
    How do I get the pilgrim's credential?
    The pilgrim's credential can be found upon arrival at your first accommodation. This credential must be stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels during your journey on the Camino de Santiago. At the end of the trip in the city of Santiago, you can obtain the Compostela that certifies you as a pilgrim.
    Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
    Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
    • Comillas to Unquera (with overnight in San Vicente de la Barquera).
    • Llanes to Ribadesella (with overnight in Nueva).
    There are some stages that cannot be divided as our quality department has determined that it is not recommended based on our standards. This is because luggage cannot be transported or there are no accommodations available. For the stages you find longer, you can take a taxi in the morning after breakfast, to drop you off at a point along the way where you can guarantee to finish the stage. This is the most popular option with walkers. You can also take a look at these other options of the Camino del Norte.

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