Camino de Santiago del Norte from Ribadesella to Villalba
Camino de Santiago del Norte from Ribadesella to Villalba
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In this incredible 14-day experience you will discover the most beautiful towns in northern Spain. First, you will travel along the idyllic coast of Asturias and then move on into the interior of Galicia amid the beauty of lush forests, along mountain trails and landscapes with traditional Galician architecture.
On this route of the Camino del Norte, also known as Camino de la Costa, you will get to know beautiful cities, such as Ribadesella, Gijón, Ribadeo, as well as charming villages that hide natural beauties, medieval stories and World Heritage Sites as declared by UNESCO.
- Try the gastronomic delights in the different Spanish provinces.
- Surprise yourself with towns like Villaviciosa, Aviles, Ballota, Luarca and many more.
- Get to know the beauty of Ribadeo and its historic old quarter, declared a Place of Cultural Interest.
- Explore a variety of natural scenery: beaches, coastlines, gulfs, mountains, valleys, lakes and more.
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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.
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 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)
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 11 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)
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)
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)
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 Aviles
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 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)
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 16 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)
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 14 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)
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 | 21 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)
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 miles | 31 km
Head for La Caridad, the parish and capital of the El Franco council area, which 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)
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 17 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)
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 miles | 20 km
Leaving Abadin, 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)
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
We invite you not to miss the last stretch of the Camino de Santiago del Norte, from Villalba to Santiago de Compostela.
If you prefer to return home, remember that from Villalba the nearest options are A Coruna, about 50 minutes by car, or Santiago Airport,1 hour and a half away. You can take a bus from Villalba to either city.
End of our services.
If you prefer to return home, remember that from Villalba the nearest options are A Coruna, about 50 minutes by car, or Santiago Airport,1 hour and a half away. You can take a bus from Villalba to either city.
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). From the airport, the most convenient option to reach Ribadesella is by taking the bus operated by “Alsa”, which connects the airport to Ribadesella. Buses operate with varying frequencies depending on the season. You can find more details on their website.
If you arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), you can take a direct train to Ribadesella from the "Madrid-Chamartín" station. The train company operating this line is “Renfe”.
At the end of your trip in Villalba, you can take a bus to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), operated by the company "Arriva”.
If you arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), you can take a direct train to Ribadesella from the "Madrid-Chamartín" station. The train company operating this line is “Renfe”.
At the end of your trip in Villalba, you can take a bus to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), operated by the company "Arriva”.
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).
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).
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