Camino de Santiago del Norte from San Sebastian to Santiago

Tour the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa, 20 km from the border with France. Walk its French-influenced streets that gave it, despite its small size, the title in 2006 of European capital of Culture, next to the Polish city of Wroclaw.

Enjoy its fine, sandy urban beaches on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea: La Concha, Ondarreta in the Bay of La Concha and Zurriola on the other side of the River Urumea. Try the gastronomic range in which it is said, it is the city of the world with the highest number of Michelin stars per square metre, and the only one in the world, along with Paris, which houses 3 restaurants with 3 stars. 

Overnight in San Sebastian

Start the route along Paseo de la Concha and Ondarreta Gardens and head to Mount Igueldo at 181 m, one of the 3 peaks visible from the Bay of La Concha. Visit the San Martin Chapel and then descend to the old town of Orio. 

Climb stairs to the Chapel of San Pablo and then walk to Oribarzar Beach. Deviate to the right across the River Oria to enter the town of Zarautz, perfect for some surfing. Then continue between meadows and hamlets, to the Askizu district, where you will find the municipal hostel in Getaria.

Getaria is a coastal town known for being the birthplace of 2 celebrities: one being the sailor Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to navigate around the world. 

Overnight in Getaria

Start this tour through coastal mountains on ascents and descents, while admiring the views of the Cantabrian Sea and the ports of Getaria and Zumaia. 

Walk through the most rural area in the Basque Country to Itziar, where you can visit the sanctuary of worship of the black virgin from the early Middle Ages. Descend down a demanding path to the beach and the famous Deba park area.

Visit Ekain Cave, An Archaeological Heritage of Humanity site and its cave paintings from the Upper Paleolithic era. Walk through the Geopark, with more than 13 km of cliffs and admire the Flysch, cliffs with soft rocky layers (friable) and other hard rocks (cohesive).

Overnight in Deba

Say goodbye to the Basque coast leaving the Cantabrian Sea and the River Deba, to enter the Arnoate Mountains. Walk the beautiful mountainous and wooded part of the Basque Country, taking the road to the El Calvario Chapel, and then cross the paths of the valley to the Olatz Chapel.

Discover interior landscapes amid tupid pine forest and solitary paths, away from civilization in rural Biscay to Markina-Xemein.

Tour this village founded in the mid-14th century, its old town, the convent and the church dedicated to Maria del Carmen, the Sortalekua palaces (present-day town hall) Andonegi and Ansotegi, and the Antxia Tower.

Overnight in Markina

Walk to the idyllic village of Cenarrusa-Bolivar, named after the fifth grandfather of the liberator Simon Bolivar, known as Simon de Bolibar, the Elder. Visit the former Collegiate Church of Ziortza, witness for more than 9 centuries to pilgrims on their way to Santiago. 

Cross the Gorontzugaral forests before passing through the small villages of Munitibar or Zarra. Arrive at the historic town of Guernica, in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

Explore the streets of the historic capital city of Euskal Herria that inspired Pablo Picasso to paint his famous work, Guernica. 

Overnight in Gernika

Say goodbye to the mountain landscape by walking through the picturesque villages of rural Biscay, where the Juradera Route formerly completed by the Lords of Bizkaia passed through. Leave the beautiful Urdaibai landscape and climb the Bilikario path to cross the municipalities of Muxika and Morga.

Walk the same route of ancient kings on the old route that descends to the Asua Valley. Reach the so-called "Gran Bilbao" and head towards the Txorierri Valley to the municipality of Lezama.

Overnight in Lezama

Start the most challenging stretch of the route ascending Mount Avril, also called Iturritxualde, located along the River Nervion. Ascend on the Zamudianos path, an ancient royal road from Bermeo to Mount Avril.

 Walk up a slope of almost 300 m until you descend and reach the Basilica of Our Lady of Begona from the 16th century, patron saint of Biscay. Take Calle Andra Mari street, and walk along the steps on the Mallona pathways that lead to the busy Plaza Miguel de Unamuno square.

Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the old town of the Biscay capital, multi-awarded by different urban planning academies and the symbolic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Overnight in Bilbao

Cross through the industrial area of Bilbao, on the outskirts of the city, until reaching a further stretch and surrounded by nature. The route continues along the Bilbao Estuary or River Nervion, which you must cross over the famous Vizcaya Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge or Palace Bridge, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. 

Portugalete is a small fishing municipality of medieval origin in the province of Biscay, where you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria, or Torre Salazar built in the 14th century and Plaza de la Rancheria.

Overnight in Portugalete

On this day of walking, you will walk some wooded sections and others along the coast and cliffs, with gentle ascents and descents. Delight in the beautiful views of the Cantabrian Sea on Arena Beach before reaching the town of Pobena. 

Continue your way to Onton, where you will leave the Basque Country to enter the Autonomous Community of Cantabria. Following the official Camino de Santiago, you will get to know the villages of Baltezana, Otanes and Santullan, until finally reaching the coastal town of Castro Urdiales.

There, you can visit the Castro Urdiales Castle-Lighthouse, the Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion, the Medieval Bridge, the Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse or relax on Ostend Beach.

Overnight in Castro Urdiales

You will be accompanied throughout this day by the beautiful coastal landscape of the Cantabrian Sea, with steep cliffs and estuaries, and with magnificent sea views.

On this stage that runs along the coast, you will find several historical religious buildings, such as the Chapel of Santa Isabel and also the Church of the Magdalene on the way to Liendo.

To get to Laredo, your destination for today, you have two alternatives: you can choose whether to take the route through the valley or climb up to the Chapel of San Julian. Both will take you to Laredo, a picturesque village with an extensive beachthat attracts many tourists every summer.

Overnight in Laredo

Today's stage presents a path without any slopes, surrounded by an emblematic landscape. You will pass through Colindres, where you will have the possibility to take a boat to cross to Santona.

The Santona marshes will be on your route today. On this journey, you will come across a wide variety of species that take refuge there at different times of the year and are a part of the National Tourist Heritage Interest site.

The Cantabrian landscape will continue to accompany you until your arrival in Escalante.

Overnight in Escalante

Today the Camino will take you along some of the best beaches in the north of the peninsula. On the way to Noja, you will pass along the beaches of Berria and Helgueras.

This time, you'll have two alternatives to choose from. You can go north, bordering the coast until you reach Isla, or to the south, to San Miguel de Meruelo. Both routes will take you to Bareyo. You will continue along the path to Somo, where you can take a'Pedrenera', a traditional boat, to reach your destination today: the city of Santander.

*The distance indicated is from Escalante to Somo.

Overnight in Santander

Explore the capital of Cantabria and one of the most beautiful and popular cities on the northern coast of Spain. We invite you to taste the delicious local dishes of mountain stew and rabas (fried squid). 

Visit some of its tourist attractions such as the Pereda Gardens, The Palacio de la Magdalena, Sardinero Beach or Santander Cathedral.

When leaving Santander, the road today takes us away from the urban landscape to take us to the interior of Cantabria. We will pass through several villages, such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Pielagos.

Afterwards, we continue along the River Pas estuary in Boo de Pielagos and finally head towards Arce, where we will rest overnight.

Overnight in Arce

This day begins in Arce and will take us through the spectacular mountainous landscape on the Cantabrian coast. Along today's route, we'll stop by charming villages like Miengo and Suances, which are worth visiting.

We will cross the River Saja and then the path continues through green meadows until we reach the medieval village Santillana del Mar, known as the town of the three lies: “ni es santa, ni es llana, ni tiene mar”, ("it is neither holy, nor flat, nor has sea"), although its municipality does have the latter. It was founded in the 9thcentury by monks, who brought the relics of St. Juliana to the church, which you can visit. 

Explore the Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a natural cavity in the rock that preserves paintings and engravings from the Magdalenian, Solutrean, Gravettian and early Aurignacian periods.

Overnight in Santillana del Mar

Cross the small towns of Orena with its approximately 1,000 inhabitants; Ciguenza, which in prehistoric times was inhabited by Autorigones or Cantabrians; and Casasola with the Portillo Cave and its Neolithic shell site.

You arrive in Comillas, a Cantabrian village in the West Coast zone. Relax on its beautiful beach and admire the magnificent views of cliffs and rocks that surround it. 

Discover the medieval and Baroque heritage of its buildings and the architectural relics of Catalan artists, such as the original Pontifical University of Comillas, which is now in Madrid, the Sobrellano Palace, and the work 'El Capricho', by Antoni Gaudí.

Overnight in Comillas

The path today will take us around the Cantabrian coast passing through the Natural Park of Oyambre. Dunes, meadows, steep cliffs and beaches form a vast, rich landscape that in turn houses a wide variety of vegetation and fauna, such as waterfowl, molluscs and fish.

Then the road will take us through fields and forests until we reach Unquera.

Overnight in Unquera

Today our trail takes us back to skirt along the north coast. We will leave the autonomous community of Cantabria to enter Asturias. Just outside Unquera, we will cross the River Deva over a bridge that takes us to Bustio.

The road continues to climb to 'Cuesta'l Cant' and then downhill through the Sierra de la Borbolla. We will pass through the town of Pendueles, by a narrow road that continues to ascend until the Jorcada Pass, after crossing the Andrin road. The trail continues downhill to La Portilla.

We continue on to Llanes, where we will stay overnight: a beautiful town surrounded by the Picos de Europa mountains and the north coast.

Overnight in Llanes

Cross Llanes until you link with the old Po path and continue to the Monastery of San Salvador de Celorio to go around Palombina Beach. 

In the midst of easier trails, you will find several parishes, chapels and monasteries, such as the Chapel of Santin in Barruor the Monastery of San Antolin de Bedon in Amelladeru.

Cross the railway track through Toriellu, Sobares, Argunadieyu and La Espina, before entering 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

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 ichnites found (dinosaur footprints). 

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

Overnight in Colunga

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.

Overnight in Villaviciosa

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).

Overnight in Gijon

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.

Overnight in Aviles

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.

Overnight in El Pito

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. 

Overnight in Ballota

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.

Overnight in Luarca

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. 

Overnight in Navia

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.

Overnight in Ribadeo

Overnight in Lourenza

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.

Overnight in Abadin

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.

Overnight in Villalba

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.

Overnight in Baamonde

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.

Overnight in Miraz

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.

Overnight in Sobrado dos Monxes

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".

Overnight in Arzua

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. 

Overnight in Amenal

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.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

For your return, take a bus or taxi to the city's airport.

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