Explore the Emerald Coast
The Camino del Norte
The Camino del Norte (Northern Way) is one of the most stunning and historically significant routes of the Camino de Santiago. It follows the dramatic, rugged coastline of northern Spain, often called the "Green Coast," offering pilgrims spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay. This route was historically preferred during the Middle Ages as it was considered safer than inland paths. It is known for its intense beauty and its unique blend of coastal scenery, mountainous terrain, and world-class regional gastronomy.
The traditional starting point for the full route is Irún in the Basque Country, right on the Spanish-French border.
The route then traces the northern coast across four unique regions:
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Basque Country (Euskadi): Passing through cosmopolitan cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao.
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Cantabria: Featuring beautiful beaches and coastal towns like Santander.
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Asturias: Known for its wild cliffs, green valleys, and famous cider, with major stops like Gijón.
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Galicia: Where the path eventually turns inland near Ribadeo to join the Camino Francés at Arzúa for the final stages to the destination.
The journey concludes at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
How long is the journey?
The full Camino del Norte is approximately
825–865 kilometers (≈ 510–535 miles) long.
Walking the entire route typically takes around 32 to 36 days (about 5 weeks).
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Difficulty: The Camino del Norte is generally considered more physically demanding than the Francés due to its frequent, steep ascents and descents as it traverses the coastal mountains and cliffs.
Why do people walk the Camino del Norte?
While it sees fewer pilgrims than the French Way, the Norte offers a distinctive experience that attracts a certain type of adventurer:
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Unparalleled Scenery: The primary draw is the breathtaking natural beauty. Pilgrims walk along cliff-top paths, past quiet beaches, and through lush, green countryside—often with the ocean in view. The chance to swim in the Atlantic after a long day of walking is a unique appeal!
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The Physical Challenge: Its undulating terrain makes it ideal for hikers seeking a greater physical challenge and more rugged walking.
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A Quieter Path: It offers more solitude and a less crowded experience, appealing to those who desire a deeper sense of reflection and escape from the bustle.
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World-Class Gastronomy: The route passes through the gastronomic heartlands of the Basque Country and Asturias, allowing pilgrims to indulge in pintxos (Basque tapas) and fresh seafood.
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Cultural Highlights: It provides the opportunity to visit major, modern cultural centers like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the famed beaches of San Sebastián.
The Best of the Camino del norte
Fully Guided.
Ready for a life-changing walk, but prefer to leave the planning to us?
We offer the perfect balance of support and adventure.
We limit our group sizes to ensure a personalized and intimate experience—you won't get lost in the crowd.
With a bilingual guide by your side every step of the way, you're free to relax, discover, and build connections with fellow travelers walking the Way.
Just arrive, and start walking.
Private Guided Group Journey on the Camino del norte
(Custom Dates & Needs)
Enjoy all the support of a guided tour with the absolute freedom of a private, custom itinerary.
We start from scratch, building a tour around your specific requirements:
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Pacing: Need shorter walking days or more rest days? We adjust the itinerary.
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Accommodation: Request a specific type of lodging, from luxury hotels to unique rural stays.
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Your Guide: You receive a private, dedicated, bilingual guide focused solely on your group's experience, safety, and cultural immersion.
Self-Guided Tour on the Camino del norte
(Custom Dates & Needs)
You choose your dates, your itinerary, and your daily walking distance. We take care of everything else:
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Premium Accommodation: We book you into hand-selected hotels, charming casas rurales, and historic pazos
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Daily Luggage Transfer: Walk light! Your bag moves safely and reliably from one accommodation to the next each day.
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24/7 Support: You'll have access to our local emergency line for peace of mind.
This is the perfect blend of independence and guaranteed comfort.
Walk, Reflect, and Transform
Group Travel with Workshop
Combine your pilgrimage with a program designed for deep personal growth and transformation. Led by a bilingual Camino guide and a professional facilitator, these small-group tours integrate walking with structured daily workshops (e.g., mindfulness, creative writing). This focused format allows you to explore inner themes while experiencing the Way’s physical and spiritual challenge. It’s the perfect, supportive path for profound, lasting self-discovery.
Walk with purpose
Your inner journey starts here.