35 Stages of the Camino del Norte: The Complete Stage-by-Stage Guide for Pilgrims

The Camino del Norte is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to trade flat gravel paths for steep coastal cliffs, the rewards are unmatched.

While the highly popular Camino Francés offers wide, sweeping plains and bustling pilgrim towns, the Northern Way is defined by the relentless, beautiful collision of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. You will walk along the edge of the world—crossing deep river estuaries, navigating rugged Basque sea-cliffs, resting in remote Asturian cider villages, and breathing in the solitude of Galician eucalyptus forests.

The 35 Stages — Master Table

Below is the complete Camino del Norte itinerary. Distances are approximate; the Northern Way features numerous official variants (especially coastal vs. inland routes in Asturias), which can alter your daily kilometers.

Stages Grouped by Region

The character of the Norte shifts dramatically as you cross through four distinct autonomous communities. Here is what to expect from the terrain, the culture, and the food in each phase.

Stages 1–9: The Basque Country (Euskadi)

Your journey begins in Irún and immediately hits you with some of the most physically demanding stages of the entire route. The Basque coastline is heavily folded; you will spend days climbing up steep headlands only to drop back down to sea level into historic fishing ports. The reward? World-class coastal vistas, the dramatic Zumaia flysch cliffs, and culinary capitals like San Sebastián and Bilbao. Fuel your intense hiking days with pintxos (Basque tapas) and local Txakoli wine.

Stages 10–14: Cantabria

As you cross from Portugalete into Castro Urdiales, the jagged Basque cliffs soften into the sweeping, golden beaches of Cantabria. This section involves more walking on asphalt and flat promenades, making it faster but occasionally harder on the joints. You will take small ferries across the estuaries at Laredo/Santoña and Somo/Santander. Highlights include the aristocratic elegance of Santander and the medieval cobblestones of Santillana del Mar. Read more in our Cantabria regional guide.

Stages 15–25: Asturias (The Green Coast)

Crossing the bridge into Colombres, you enter the cider-producing heartland of Spain. The Asturian stages are characterized by deep green valleys, the towering backdrop of the Picos de Europa, and a deeply rural, agrarian rhythm. Here, the trail frequently splits, offering pilgrims the choice between rugged coastal paths hugging the cliffs or historic inland tracks. Expect to drink plenty of natural cider poured from a height (escanciado) and eat hearty fabada bean stews. Dive deeper in our Asturias regional guide.

Stages 26–35: Galicia (The Celtic West)

At Ribadeo, the Camino del Norte finally turns its back on the Cantabrian Sea and heads southwest into the mystical, misty hills of Galicia. The coastal breezes are replaced by the scent of vast eucalyptus forests and damp earth. These stages cross remote, sparsely populated highlands (the Terra Chá) where you must plan your water and food stops carefully. At stage 33 (Arzúa), the Norte merges with the Camino Francés, and the quiet solitude of the past month gives way to a bustling, celebratory river of pilgrims flowing toward the Cathedral. Learn more in our Galicia regional guide.

Where to Stay: Accommodation by Budget

Unlike the Camino Francés, the Norte has fewer municipal albergues and longer stretches between villages. Advance planning is highly recommended, especially in July and August. For a comprehensive look, see our full guide on where to stay on the Camino del Norte.

• San Sebastián (Stage 1)
  • Albergue: Ulia Youth Hostel (€18–€22) — Basic dorms high on the hill.
  • Private/Hostal: Search accommodation in San Sebastián (€45–€80) — Private rooms in the old town.
  • Hotel: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (€150+) — Historic luxury right on La Concha beach.
• Bilbao (Stage 7)
  • Albergue: Bilbao Aterpetxea Hostel (€18–€25) — Large, modern facility outside the center.
  • Private/Hostal: Search accommodation in Bilbao (€50–€90) — Great for exploring Casco Viejo.
  • Hotel: Hotel Carlton (€120+) — Classic elegance in the city center.
• Santander (Stage 12)
  • Albergue: Hostel Santander (€20) — Clean, central bunk beds.
  • Private/Hostal: Search accommodation in Santander (€40–€70) — Cozy pensions near the bay.
  • Hotel: Hotel Bahía Santander (€90–€140) — Excellent views of the maritime station.
• Santillana del Mar (Stage 13)
  • Albergue: Albergue El Convento (€15) — Housed in a beautiful historic building.
  • Hotel: Parador de Santillana del Mar (€80–€130) — Traditional Cantabrian manor house luxury.
• Ribadesella (Stage 17)
  • Albergue: Roberto's Albergue (€15) — Welcoming, classic pilgrim stop.
  • Private/Hostal: Search accommodation in Ribadesella (€50–€80) — Overlooking the Sella estuary.
• Gijón (Stage 19)
  • Albergue: Gijón Surf Hostel (€20) — Lively atmosphere near the beach.
  • Private/Hostal: Search accommodation in Gijón (€45–€75) — Central locations in Cimadevilla.
• Ribadeo (Stage 26)
  • Albergue: Municipal Albergue of Ribadeo (€12) — Standard public dorms for pilgrims.
  • Hotel: Parador de Ribadeo (€90–€130) — Stunning views over the Eo River estuary.
• Santiago de Compostela (Stage 35)
  • Albergue: Seminario Menor (€15–€25) — Massive historic building with individual cubicles.
  • Private/Hostal: Search accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (€50–€90) — Pensions in the old town.
  • Hotel: Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos (€200+) — The ultimate pilgrim splurge right on the cathedral square.

Practical Pilgrim Information

If you are deciding between routes, read our comparison of the Camino del Norte vs Camino Primitivo. If you are committed to the coast, here is the practical intel you need:

• Daily Budget:
  • Albergue Style: €35–€50 per day (Public beds, supermarket lunches, pilgrim menu dinners).
  • Private Room Style: €80–€120+ per day (Private hostals, restaurant meals, occasional luggage transfer).
• The Pilgrim Credential: You can obtain your credencial at the pilgrim office or major churches in Irún. You must collect at least one stamp (sello) per day, and two stamps per day for the final 100 km in Galicia.
• The Compostela: To earn the official certificate in Santiago, you must walk at least the last 100 km. On the Norte, this means you must start your walk in or before Baamonde.
• Luggage Transfer: Yes, you can walk backpack-free. The Spanish Postal Service (Correos) and private companies like Jacotrans offer daily bag transfers for approximately €5 to €8 per stage.
• Best Months to Walk: May, June, September, and early October are ideal. The weather is mild, and the trail is peaceful. July and August are incredibly busy with Spanish holidaymakers hitting the northern beaches, which causes intense competition for beds.
• Waymarking & Apps: The trail is well marked with the traditional yellow arrows and scallop shells. However, due to the many coastal variants and intersections, downloading the Wise Pilgrim or Buen Camino app for live GPS tracking is highly recommended.
• Water & Food: Unlike the Francés which has cafes every 5 km, the Norte has stretches where you will walk 10–15 km without services. Always carry 1.5 liters of water and emergency snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Camino del Norte take?

Most pilgrims take between 33 and 36 days to walk the full 820 kilometers from Irún to Santiago de Compostela. If you include rest days in major cities like San Sebastián, Bilbao, or Santander, plan for about 38 to 40 days in total.

Is the Camino del Norte harder than the Camino Francés?

Yes. The Norte is significantly more physically demanding due to continuous elevation changes. You are constantly climbing up out of river valleys and dropping back down to sea level, particularly in the Basque Country and western Asturias.

How many km do you walk per day on the Norte?

An average stage is roughly 23 to 25 kilometers (14 to 15.5 miles). However, you have the freedom to customize your stages. Some days can be pushed to 30+ km on flat terrain in Cantabria, while you might prefer to stop at 15 km during steep Basque mountain crossings.

What is the best time of year to walk?

Late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September) are the best times. You avoid the fierce heat of southern Spain, but you also bypass the peak summer vacation crowds (July/August) that flood the northern beaches and book up all the affordable coastal accommodation.

How much does the Camino del Norte cost per day?

A frugal pilgrim staying in municipal albergues and cooking their own food can survive on €30–€40 a day. A mid-range traveler staying in private hostals and eating at restaurants should budget €80–€100 per day.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

If you are walking in July or August, advance booking is almost mandatory as pilgrims compete with beach-going tourists. In the shoulder seasons (May/September), you can usually book just one or two days in advance, allowing for more flexibility.

Can I walk the Camino del Norte in sections?

Absolutely. Many Europeans walk one week of the trail each year. Popular one-week sections include Irún to Bilbao, or Santander to Ribadesella. If you only have one week and want the Compostela certificate, you must start in Baamonde or Vilalba.

Can I get my luggage transferred between stages?

Yes. The Spanish postal service (Correos) runs a dedicated "Paq Mochila" service from April to October. You leave your bag at reception in the morning, and for around €6, they deliver it to your next accommodation by the afternoon.

How do I get to the start in Irún?

Irún is located on the French-Spanish border. You can fly into San Sebastián Airport (EAS), which is actually located right next to Irún, or fly into Biarritz (France) or Bilbao and take an ALSA bus or Euskotren directly to Irún.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

While English is spoken in the major hubs (San Sebastián, Bilbao), the Camino del Norte is much more rural than the Francés, and English proficiency drops sharply in the small villages of Cantabria and Asturias. Knowing basic Spanish greetings and food vocabulary is highly recommended.