![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Mundiplus.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Northern Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago del Norte)<\/b> stretches for just over 800 km<\/b> (around 820 km in total) from Ir\u00fan (on the French border) to Santiago de Compostela, crossing the Spanish regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Because of its considerable length, completing it usually takes around 34 stages<\/b> or days of walking \u2014 which translates into roughly five weeks of travel if done in one go. However, the exact duration varies depending on the pilgrim\u2019s pace, rest days, route planning, and whether they choose to complete the entire route or only a section of it.<\/p>\n
Below, we\u2019ll take a closer look at how long it takes to walk the Northern Way<\/b> \u2014 both in its entirety and when divided into more manageable sections.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cuantos-dias-se-tarda-en-hacer-el-Camino-del-Norte-Mundiplus.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Although, as mentioned, the route is generally divided into around 34 walking stages<\/b>, not all pilgrims take the same number of days. What determines the exact duration?<\/b> Mainly the following factors:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that we know the full route takes roughly a month to complete, it\u2019s useful to compare it with other pilgrimage routes, which differ in length and duration. Overall, the Northern Way is among the longest<\/b> both in distance and days required \u2014 surpassed only by the Via de la Plata in total length. Let\u2019s look at some comparisons:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Finally, it\u2019s worth noting that regardless of the chosen route, you can always rely on professionals to help plan your pilgrimage. If travellers wish to avoid logistical concerns (accommodation, luggage transfer, etc.), they can turn to the services of a Camino de Santiago travel agency<\/b><\/a> specialising in tailor-made arrangements.<\/p>\n While this doesn\u2019t change the number of walking days<\/b>, it does make it easier to adapt the route to fit the pilgrim\u2019s available time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As mentioned earlier, a very popular strategy to tackle the long Northern Way is to walk it in separate sections<\/b>. This allows pilgrims to enjoy each part calmly and fit it into one- or two-week holidays. Practically speaking, it\u2019s usually divided into five main sections<\/b>, corresponding to the different regions along the route. These sections and their approximate durations are as follows:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Together, these segments add up to around 36 days on the Northern Way (34 walking stages plus a couple of travel days).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In around six days, you\u2019ll pass through iconic locations such as San Sebasti\u00e1n<\/b>, Zarautz, Getaria<\/b>, Markina-Xemein, Gernika<\/b> and Bilbao<\/b>.<\/p>\n It is possible to shorten some days by using public transport (for example, skipping the entrance to Bilbao if you are running out of time, taking the underground or bus on the outskirts). Conversely, if any stage proves to be difficult (such as Ir\u00fan-San Sebasti\u00e1n, which is quite hilly), you can stay overnight before finishing it.<\/p>\n Accommodation availability is good, with options at almost every stage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Highlights of this segment: Portugalete Hanging Bridge<\/b>, Eastern Cantabrian Coast<\/b> (Castro Urdiales, Laredo, and Santo\u00f1a) and Santander<\/b>.<\/p>\n On the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander<\/b><\/a> there is some flexibility: for example, some itineraries do it in 6 days including an extra stop in Noja or G\u00fcemes to shorten daily stages. The stages here are not excessively long<\/b> (many around 20\u201325 km), so a fit pilgrim could combine them if in a hurry, potentially reducing it to 4 days. However, it is recommended to enjoy the route calmly, savouring the Cantabrian towns and beaches.<\/p>\n The company of other pilgrims begins to be somewhat more dispersed than in the Basque Country (as some finish in Bilbao), but there is still a steady flow. Accommodation services are likewise sufficient.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Main features<\/b>: Western Cantabria<\/b> (towns like Santillana del Mar, Comillas, or San Vicente de la Barquera) and Eastern Asturias<\/b>, with a succession of unforgettable coastal landscapes. You walk with the Cantabrian Sea on one side and often the Picos de Europa to the south, a unique contrast. You pass through Ribadesella, Colunga, Villaviciosa, Llanes before reaching Gij\u00f3n.<\/p>\n Since Santander to Gij\u00f3n is almost 300 km, completing it in 9 stages implies averaging somewhat long stages<\/b> (30+ km in some cases). This section requires careful planning of stops<\/b>: especially in Asturias, accommodation density is lower and sometimes it is necessary to walk a little further to reach the next place to stay.<\/p>\n In terms of difficulty, western Cantabria and eastern Asturias have medium difficulty stages<\/b>, with some elevation but nothing extreme. The main challenge may be cumulative duration<\/b>: after several consecutive days, fatigue is noticeable. It is therefore recommended to listen to your body and, if necessary, take a rest (for example, enjoy an extra afternoon in Llanes or Ribadesella).<\/p>\n The Camino from Santander to Gij\u00f3n<\/b><\/a> offers a lot of camaraderie among pilgrims: as it is a long section, it is common to meet the same people over several days, creating the typical family-like atmosphere<\/i>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Route highlights<\/b>: You will pass through Avil\u00e9s<\/b> and experience rural western Asturias<\/b> with towns such as Cudillero, Luarca, Navia, and Tapia de Casariego. The environment combines green meadows, eucalyptus forests, and views of the Cantabrian Sea from cliff tops. You finish in Ribadeo<\/b>.<\/p>\n It is also possible to adjust the Camino del Norte from Gij\u00f3n to Ribadeo<\/b><\/a>. Some split this section into 8 stages to avoid rushing, as there are some long days (for example, the stage to Luarca can exceed 30 km depending on the starting point). Conversely, for those in a hurry, there are minor road variants to shorten distances.<\/p>\n This section is quiet and less crowded<\/b>. It is common to walk alone for stretches and enjoy more silence, encountering company mainly upon reaching the evening stop. This can promote quality interactions, as conversations tend to be closer with the few pilgrims you meet, forming a tight-knit group.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Key itinerary points<\/b>: A Mari\u00f1a lucense (Lourenz\u00e1<\/b> and Mondo\u00f1edo<\/b>), other small villages like Abad\u00edn<\/b>, Vilalba<\/b>, and Baamonde<\/b> in a less touristy part of Galicia, with chestnut and oak forests, and the typical humid, green atmosphere; the Monastery of Sobrado<\/b>.<\/p>\n Once you reach Arz\u00faa<\/b>, you meet hundreds of pilgrims from the French route coming from Sarria, creating a much busier atmosphere. From here to Santiago is just under 40 km, typically done in two final stages. And of course, Santiago de Compostela.<\/p>\n This Galician section allows you to enjoy rural Galicia at a relaxed pace<\/b>. Many pilgrims greatly value the peace of the first stages in Lugo, where the route is still very lightly trafficked and authentic<\/i>, inviting introspection. The atmosphere changes in Arz\u00faa: for some, it is a shock to see so many people, but for others it is an injection of energy and excitement feeling the proximity of the goal.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Comparison: duration of the Northern Way versus other Camino routes<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
The Northern Way by sections: stages and duration of each part<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Section Ir\u00fan \u2013 Bilbao <\/b>(6 stages)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cuantos-dias-se-tarda-en-hacer-el-Camino-del-Norte-Bilbao-Mundiplus.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
Section Bilbao \u2013 Santander <\/b>(5 stages)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cuantos-dias-se-tarda-en-hacer-el-Camino-del-Norte-Santander-Mundiplus.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
Section Santander \u2013 Gij\u00f3n <\/b>(9 stages)<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
Section Gij\u00f3n \u2013 Ribadeo <\/b>(7 stages)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cuantos-dias-se-tarda-en-hacer-el-Camino-del-Norte-Ribadeo-Mundiplus.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
Section Ribadeo \u2013 Santiago de Compostela <\/b>(9 stages)<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n