The Northern Way of the Coast has a route of more than 800 Kms, from its start in Irún to Santiago de Compostela. Within this, there are some sections that we consider more interesting and that we are delighted to expose to you so that you know them better before traversing them.
We know that this experience will be unique and one that you will remember forever. We will help you live this “adventure” your way and with the planning of your Way, based on our extensive experience.
You can start the way in any town along the route and finish it the same way.
You can start the Way wherever you want, in Santiago de Compostela or in another town along the Way – you decide.
The Northern Way, one of the most evocative routes to Santiago de Compostela, gets its name from its route along the north coast of Spain. This journey winds through landscapes where the sea and the mountain meet, offering pilgrims a unique experience due to its proximity to the Cantabrian Sea. Unlike other more traveled routes, the Northern Way offers an introspective and tranquil journey, crossing coastal towns, remote beaches, and green valleys, staying true to its name by guiding travelers along the northern edge of the country. This journey, full of history and natural beauty, is an invitation to explore the rich culture and stunning views that only the north of Spain can offer.
The Northern Ways have different origins. It is believed they were among the first routes to reach Santiago de Compostela. Spain around the year 1000, was still a great battlefield due to the Muslim invasion of the Peninsula, so the paths closest to the Cantabrian Sea were the safest and furthest from the Muslim invader. All this, favored by the infinity of fishing and commercial ports that dotted the entire Cantabrian coast since they allowed pilgrims from all over Europe, to land in the Peninsula, and from there, start their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Yes, it is possible to do the Northern Way, both by bicycle and on horseback. The bike route is a popular option for those looking for a different experience or have less time. They allow covering greater daily distances, although they require proper physical preparation.
However, special planning is needed regarding routes, accommodations, and logistics for the transport and care of the bicycle or horse.
There are several reasons why this route is one of the most popular of the many that end in Santiago, spanning a long journey that crosses the entire northern peninsula, parallel to the Cantabrian coast, through the communities of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. They are distinct from one another, yet share a similar climate and topography, where the green color of the landscape is a unifying identity feature.
The Northern Way along the Coast is not just a pilgrimage route; it’s a journey through the history and culture of Spain. With over 800 kilometers from Irún to Santiago de Compostela, this route stands out for its immense cultural, landscape, artistic, and gastronomic richness.
The route offers us, above all, lushness, a magnificent landscape where mountains and sea merge, with an abundance of forests, meadows, and agricultural lands, sections along the cliffs, and even across the sand of some beaches. It also offers pilgrims tranquility since this route is not yet overcrowded with pilgrims compared to other routes ending in Santiago.
Although it is impossible to mention all the monumental and artistic richness found along such a long route, we highlight some of the most important towns for their cultural, historical, and representative character of the route:
In Gipuzkoa, towns like the beautiful Easo (San Sebastián), which we will walk through its promenade, as well as Zarautz and Getaria, accompany us along the sea.
Now that you know what this route offers for the pilgrim, you might be envisioning the journey in your head. It sounds very nice, and it truly is, but for an excellent experience, it is essential to plan the Northern Way along the Coast.
Best Time to Walk the Northern Way
The choice of the best time to walk the French Way depends on various factors such as climate, the influx of pilgrims, and personal preferences. Traditionally, the busiest months are from May to September, taking advantage of the warmer climate and the longer days. However, each season has its own characteristics.
It's an ideal time for many. The landscape comes to life, with green fields and wildflowers. The temperatures are pleasant, although there may be rain. The influx is moderate, which allows for a quieter experience.
Although it is the high season, with more pilgrims on the way and greater activity in towns and cities, you should also consider the high temperatures.
Similar to spring in terms of weather, autumn offers a landscape with ochre tones and cooler temperatures. There are fewer pilgrims, allowing for a more introspective and peaceful experience.
It is the least crowded time. Some sections can be challenging due to cold, snow, or rain. However, it is ideal for those seeking solitude and reflection. It's crucial to check the availability of accommodations as many close during this season.
The distance to be covered varies significantly depending on the pilgrim and their planning. On average, you should walk between 20 and 25 kilometers per day, although you will always decide what you want to do. It's important to take into account the terrain conditions and the weather. Some stages can be more challenging due to steep terrain or adverse weather conditions, which could reduce the distance covered in a day. Planning ahead, taking these variables into consideration, ensures a more comfortable and satisfying experience. Finally, flexibility is key. Each pilgrim should adjust the daily distance according to their needs and abilities, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey.
The Northern Way is a safe itinerary for pilgrims thanks to good signage, established infrastructure, and the presence of other walkers and locals, who can help, guide, or advise on any need you may have. However, as with any trip, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, mainly knowing the places you will be passing through and the citizen assistance phone number (112), as well as having one of the numerous guides and applications that provide extensive information about the route. The route is well marked with the famous yellow arrows and scallop shells, and other types of signage, minimizing the risk of getting lost.
Although you decide your Way, the stages you take and the route will depend, to a large extent, on the time you have available to do it, the final destination, and the kilometers you want to walk per day.
As a guide, the “usual” stages tend to be 20 to 25 Kms per day.
However, there are some “typical” routes that the majority of pilgrims usually take, to some extent, because they coincide with localities that have acceptable services, both for accommodation and for food, health, etc.
We mention some of the most common stretches. that are usually done, depending on what was previously explained:
From Irun to Bilbao (8 days)
From Bilbao to Santander (7 days)
From Santander to Gijon (11 days)
From Gijon to Ribadeo (9 days)
From Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela (11 days) Way from Vilalba to Santiago de Compostela (7 days)
*You can design your route as you wish, both in terms of distance per stage and days on the Way.
Just like if you do the Way on foot, there are no totally defined stages if you want to do the Way by bicycle, as it will depend on what was previously exposed for the walking routes.
As a general rule, cyclists tend to cover stages of 40/60 Kms per day.
Stage from Irun to Zarautz (50.16 km)
Stage from Zarautz to Markina (43.8 km)
Stage from Markina to Bilbao (56 km)
Stage from Bilbao to Castro Urdiales (46.6 km)
Stage from Castro Urdiales to Santander (65 km)
Stage from Santander to Comillas (65 km)
Stage from Comillas to Llanes (51 km)
Stage from Llanes to Colunga (50 km)
Stage from Colunga to Gijon (45 km)
Stage from Gijon to El Pitu (51.5 km)
Stage from El Pitu to Luarca (48 km)
Stage from Luarca to Ribadeo (51 km)
Stage from Ribadeo to Abadin (52 km)
Stage from Abadin to Miraz (54 km)
Stage from Miraz to Arzua (47 km)
Stage from Arzua to Santiago de Compostela (40 km)
In case you still have doubts, we will answer the most common questions regarding the Northern Way.
The Northern Way offers several popular starting points. The most common are:
The best time to walk the Northern Way is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is milder, avoiding the intense heat of summer and the frequent rains of winter. Additionally, there are fewer pilgrims.
In summer, although temperatures are not as high as in other parts of Spain, there may be more pilgrims and services may be crowded in coastal areas. In winter, the Northern Way can be more difficult due to rain and adverse weather conditions in mountainous areas.
The Northern Way is more challenging than the French Way due to its varied and undulating terrain. Along the route, pilgrims must face continuous climbs and descents, both in coastal and mountainous areas. The steep slopes, especially in sections near the coast, require greater physical effort.
In addition, there are more remote sections, which can make pilgrims feel more isolated. However, the beauty of the landscapes, the proximity to the sea, and the tranquility that this route offers make up for the extra effort.
The Northern Way offers a great variety of terrains, from beaches and cliffs to forests and mountains. Pilgrims will encounter:
The most physically demanding sections are those near the coast in the Basque Country, where pilgrims must face steep climbs and descents. There are also coastal sections in Asturias that feature a combination of cliffs and rugged terrain.
For pilgrims who want to enjoy the Cantabrian coast, the following stages are particularly recommended:
You only need your passport or identity document, especially if you’re traveling from outside the country.
Schengen Area. Additionally, it’s crucial to carry the Pilgrim’s Credential, a document that…
identifies you and gets stamped at each stage of the journey and is necessary to obtain the Compostela,
upon reaching Santiago de Compostela.
It’s also advisable to carry a medical insurance card to cover any eventualities of
health during the journey.
You only need your passport or identity document, especially if you’re traveling from outside the country.
Schengen Area. Additionally, it’s crucial to carry the Pilgrim’s Credential, a document that…
identifies you and gets stamped at each stage of the journey and is necessary to obtain the Compostela,
upon reaching Santiago de Compostela.
It’s also advisable to carry a medical insurance card to cover any eventualities of
health during the journey.
On the Norte way, los peregrinos tienen una amplia variedad de opciones de alojamiento. The most traditional are the pilgrim hostels, which offer basic facilities at economical prices. These can be public or private, with shared dormitories and often kitchens and common areas.
In addition, there are hostels, guesthouses, country houses, and hotels for those seeking more comforts and privacy. In some
In some locations, you can also find rural houses and bed and breakfasts, offering a more intimate and cozy experience.
On the Northern Way, pilgrims have a wide variety of accommodation options. The most traditional are the pilgrim hostels, which offer basic facilities at affordable prices. These can be public or private, with shared dormitories and often kitchens and common areas.
Additionally, there are hostels, guesthouses, rural houses, and hotels for those looking for more comfort and privacy.
In some towns, you can also find rural houses and bed and breakfasts, providing a more intimate and cozy experience.
The Northern Way is full of historical and cultural points of great importance. Some of the most notable are:
It is essential to carry light and functional luggage. Include:
Comfortable clothing suitable for different climates, preferably quick-drying.
Well-fitted hiking footwear is crucial.
Do not forget a waterproof jacket, cap, and sunscreen.
Also, carry a refillable water bottle, snacks, a basic first aid kit, and a flashlight or headlamp.
On the Northern Way, the average daily distance varies between 20 and 25 kilometers. However, this can vary depending on the preferences and physical condition of each pilgrim. Some coastal or mountainous sections may require more effort, so it is advisable to plan with flexibility and adjust the stages according to the terrain.
It is important to plan ahead, considering the elevation, the physical condition of the pilgrim, and the availability of accommodation at each stage. Beginners should start with shorter stages to avoid exhaustion.
To obtain the Compostela, you must have traveled at least the last 100 kilometers on foot or
horseback, or 200 kilometers by bicycle. During your journey, use the Pilgrim’s Credential
to obtain stamps at each stage, demonstrating your progress.
Once in Santiago, present your stamped Credential at the Pilgrim’s Office. There
There, they will verify your stamps, and if you meet the requirements, they will give you the Compostela.
Yes, the Camino del Norte is flexible in terms of the number of days that can be dedicated to traveling it. Although the complete route from Irún to Santiago de Compostela covers approximately 820 kilometers, the route can be adapted according to the availability and needs of each pilgrim.
For those who prefer to take the route more slowly, it is possible to divide the stages into shorter sections, about 15 to 20 kilometers per day, or even less in some more challenging parts. This allows you to enjoy the landscape more, visit places of interest with peace of mind, and rest adequately.
For those who have less time, you can opt for longer stages of 30 to 35 kilometers per day, which speeds up the pace of the tour.
Another option is to start at intermediate points, such as Santander or Ribadeo, to travel only the last stages and still obtain the Compostela.
Flexibility in planning allows both those looking for a slower experience and those with time constraints to enjoy the Camino del Norte at their own pace.
