Camino del Norte Stages: Route, Distances & Map

All the Stages of the Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte is one of the most spectacular Camino de Santiago routes thanks to its combination of coastline, mountains and cities with a rich historical heritage. From Irún to Santiago de Compostela, the route crosses the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia before joining the Camino Francés in Arzúa.

Although it is traditionally divided into around 34 stages, there is no single way to walk it. The daily distance will depend on the time available, your fitness level and each pilgrim’s pace. Some choose to complete the entire route over five or six weeks, while others walk only certain sections or the last 100 kilometres of the Camino del Norte to obtain the Compostela.

In this guide, you’ll discover how the Camino del Norte is divided across the different autonomous communities, which are the must-do stages, which sections are the most challenging, and what tips can help you plan your pilgrimage more effectively. If you’re still deciding whether this is the right route for you, we recommend first reading our complete guide to the Camino del Norte, where we look at its difficulty, the best time to walk it and everything you need to know to plan your pilgrimage.

Key Facts About the Camino del Norte Stages

*The division into stages is for guidance only and may vary depending on each pilgrim’s fitness level, available time and itinerary.

How the Camino del Norte Stages Are Divided

One of the features that makes the Camino del Norte unique is the way the landscape constantly changes along the route. From Irún to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino crosses the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, offering a combination of cliffs, beaches, forests, mountains and small coastal towns that changes from one stage to the next.

Although the route always retains the essence of the Camino de Santiago, each autonomous community has its own distinct character. The first kilometres are marked by constant climbs and descents alongside the Cantabrian Sea, while the landscape becomes more rural and the elevation changes tend to become gentler as the route approaches Galicia. Understanding these differences will help you choose the section that best suits your fitness level, the time you have available and the experience you’re looking for.

Basque Country: the Most Challenging Start to the Camino del Norte

The first stages of the Camino del Norte are also among the most demanding of the entire route. From Irún to Markina-Xemein, the route combines constant climbs and descents with spectacular views over the Cantabrian Sea, passing through well-known towns and cities such as San Sebastián, Zarautz, Getaria and Deba. It is an ideal section for those who enjoy coastal scenery and don’t mind taking on a greater physical challenge from the very first day.

Cantabria: Stages Between Beaches and Coastal Towns

On entering Cantabria, the Camino retains its coastal character, although the stages become somewhat more balanced. The route passes through cities and towns with a rich historical heritage, including Castro Urdiales, Laredo, Santander, Santillana del Mar and Comillas, alternating seaside trails with rural paths and small local roads. It is one of the most varied sections of the route and offers an excellent combination of nature, culture and services for pilgrims.

Asturias: the Toughest Section of the Camino del Norte

Many pilgrims consider Asturias the most demanding part of the Camino del Norte. The constant climbs and descents, combined with spectacular scenery, turn each day into a real challenge. The route passes through Llanes, Ribadesella, Villaviciosa, Gijón, Avilés, Luarca and La Caridad, with the Cantabrian landscape and virtually untouched nature accompanying you throughout.

If you’d like to know in more detail which stages have the greatest elevation changes and how to prepare for them, read our guide to the difficulty of the Camino del Norte.

Galicia: the Final Stretch to Santiago

After crossing the bridge at Ribadeo, the Camino del Norte gradually leaves the coast behind and heads inland through Galicia. Forests, villages and rural paths replace the cliffs of the Cantabrian coast, offering a more peaceful route towards Santiago de Compostela. Highlights along this final section include Mondoñedo, Vilalba, Baamonde, Sobrado dos Monxes and Arzúa, where the Camino del Norte joins the Camino Francés for the final kilometres.

If you only have a few days and want to obtain the Compostela, one of the most popular options is to walk the Camino del Norte from Vilalba, which allows you to complete the official last 100 kilometres.

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The Most Spectacular Stages of the Camino del Norte

Although every pilgrim experiences the Camino del Norte differently, some stages stand out for the beauty of their landscapes, their heritage or the experience they offer. Below, we highlight some of the most representative sections of the route, those that best capture the essence of the Camino between the Cantabrian Sea and Santiago de Compostela.

Irún – San Sebastián: the Spectacular Start of the Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte begins in Irún, on the border between Spain and France, and from the very first kilometres it becomes clear that this is a different kind of route. The climb up Mount Jaizkibel defines the character of the stage with a demanding route, but also rewards pilgrims with some of the finest views over the Cantabrian Sea. After descending to Pasaia, the small ferry across the bay adds a very special moment before continuing along paths and through forests towards San Sebastián.

Arriving in San Sebastián is the perfect ending to a stage that combines nature, heritage and gastronomy like few others on the Camino de Santiago. Its seafront promenade, La Concha beach and historic centre invite you to enjoy the city before continuing your pilgrimage. It is a demanding stage, but also one of the most memorable for those walking the Camino del Norte, as it perfectly captures the essence of this route: spectacular scenery, constant elevation changes and a close connection with the sea.

Deba – Markina-Xemein: from the Coast to the Inland Countryside

The landscape changes completely during this stage. The Camino leaves the coast behind in Deba and heads inland through the Basque Country, crossing forests, traditional farmhouses and small rural paths that reveal a much quieter and more authentic side of the region. The demanding climb to Alto de Arno defines much of the day and makes this section one of the toughest during the first days of the pilgrimage.

Arriving in Markina-Xemein rewards the effort with a much more peaceful atmosphere than in the coastal towns. This dramatic change of scenery helps you appreciate the extraordinary diversity of the Camino del Norte, which can take you from the cliffs of the Cantabrian coast to the green inland valleys in just a few hours. It is a particularly popular stage among those who enjoy walking surrounded by nature and discovering one of the most authentic areas of the entire route.

Santander – Santillana del Mar: History and Heritage by the Cantabrian Sea

Heritage, nature and Camino tradition come together in one of the most enjoyable stages of the Camino del Norte. As the route leaves Santander behind, you pass small coastal towns, rural paths and some of Cantabria’s most characteristic landscapes.

The highlight of the day is the arrival in Santillana del Mar, considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana make the end of the stage an essential visit. It is one of those places that invites you to slow down for a few hours and enjoy the atmosphere, making this one of the most complete and pleasant stages of the entire Camino del Norte.

* This is one of the longest stages of the Camino del Norte. Many pilgrims prefer to divide it into two days so they can enjoy the route at a more relaxed pace.

Ribadesella – Colunga: the Essence of the Camino del Norte in Asturias

The Asturian coast takes centre stage once again on this section, which combines cliffs, meadows and small fishing villages. It is a very well-balanced stage that perfectly captures the character of the Camino del Norte as it crosses Asturias.

The arrival in Colunga, a peaceful town nestled between the sea and the mountains, provides the perfect ending to a very balanced day, ideal for enjoying the surroundings without the difficulty of some other Asturian stages. This section perfectly captures the charm of the Camino del Norte: nature, rural heritage and the feeling of walking surrounded by the green landscapes of northern Spain.

Sobrado dos Monxes – Arzúa: Where the Camino del Norte Meets the Camino Francés

The historic Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado dos Monxes marks the beginning of one of the most symbolic stages of the Camino del Norte. From here, the route crosses inland Galicia through forests, woodland tracks and small villages before reaching Arzúa, where it joins the Camino Francés.

Arriving in Arzúa is a very special moment for those walking the Camino del Norte. This is where the route joins the Camino Francés, sharing the final kilometres to Santiago de Compostela from this point onwards. The livelier pilgrim atmosphere and increased number of walkers are clear signs that the end of the Camino is getting closer, making this one of the most symbolic stages of the entire route.

Which Stages Should You Walk If You Only Have One Week?

Not everyone can dedicate five or six weeks to walking the more than 800 kilometres of the Camino del Norte. For this reason, many pilgrims choose to walk only the final section of the route, an option that allows you to experience the Camino while also meeting the requirements needed to obtain the Compostela.

To receive this certificate, you must walk at least the last 100 kilometres on foot and have your Pilgrim Passport correctly stamped along the route. On the Camino del Norte, one of the most popular options is to start in Vilalba, from where approximately five or six stages remain to Santiago de Compostela. This itinerary preserves the essence of the route, passes through forests, villages and rural Galician landscapes, and allows you to enjoy the Camino atmosphere of the final days of the pilgrimage.

Typical Route from Vilalba to Santiago

Tips for Walking the Camino del Norte Stages

The Camino del Norte requires slightly more careful planning than other Camino de Santiago routes. Its elevation changes, unpredictable weather and the distance between some services make it advisable to prepare each day in advance while still keeping enough flexibility to adapt the route to your own pace.

At Santiago Ways, we have been organising trips along the Camino del Norte for years and know first-hand the challenges presented by each stage. These are some of the recommendations we give our pilgrims so they can enjoy the route with greater peace of mind and safety.

Adapt the Distance of Each Stage to Your Fitness Level

The usual stage divisions are a useful reference, but you do not have to follow them strictly. During the first few days, it is best to avoid overly long stages and allow your body to adapt gradually to the physical effort. If a stage is beyond your fitness level or includes significant elevation changes, you can shorten it or add an overnight stop along the way.

Before deciding on your itinerary, read our guide to the difficulty of the Camino del Norte, where we analyse the most demanding sections and the factors you should take into account.

Book Accommodation in Sections with Fewer Options

The Camino del Norte has sufficient services overall, but accommodation is more limited in some rural areas of the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia. During the high season, booking in advance will help you avoid unnecessary detours and plan the distance of each stage more effectively.

This precaution is especially important if you are travelling in a group, looking for private rooms or planning to walk the route on specific dates.

Pack for a Route with Changing Conditions

Its proximity to the Cantabrian Sea means that the weather can change quickly, even in summer. It is advisable to carry technical clothing, a waterproof layer and several lightweight layers that you can combine depending on the temperature. At the same time, avoid carrying items you are unlikely to use.

To organise your backpack, read our guide on what to pack for the Camino de Santiago, where you’ll find practical recommendations for travelling with only what you really need.

Wear Suitable, Broken-In Footwear

Dirt paths, wet sections, steep gradients and some paved stretches require comfortable footwear with good support that can handle varied terrain. Never start the Camino wearing brand-new boots or shoes: use them beforehand during training sessions and walks lasting several hours.

In our guide to footwear for the Camino de Santiago, we explain which features to consider depending on the time of year and the type of route.

Consider Luggage Transfers Between Stages

Carrying your backpack for more than 800 kilometres can increase fatigue and discomfort in your back, knees and feet. Using a luggage transfer service on the Camino de Santiago allows you to walk with only a small daypack and tackle the elevation changes more comfortably.

It is an especially useful option for pilgrims walking long stages, those with joint discomfort or anyone who simply prefers to focus on enjoying the scenery.

Check Each Stage Before Setting Off

Before you start walking, check the distance, elevation profile, weather forecast and the points where you can find water or food. On some sections there are long distances between towns, so it is advisable to start with enough water and some food without carrying more than necessary.

It is also a good idea to start each day early. This gives you more time to walk at a relaxed pace, deal with possible weather changes and reach your accommodation before the end of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Camino del Norte Stages

How many stages does the Camino del Norte have?

The Camino del Norte is usually divided into around 34 stages, although there is no official stage distribution. Many pilgrims adapt each day’s distance according to their fitness level, the time available and their chosen accommodation.

How many kilometres is the Camino del Norte?

The complete route from Irún to Santiago de Compostela is approximately 825 kilometres. The distance may vary slightly depending on any detours or alternative routes taken during the pilgrimage.

How long does it take to walk the Camino del Norte?

Most pilgrims complete the Camino del Norte in five or six weeks. If you have less time available, you can walk only the last 100 kilometres to obtain the Compostela.

What is the hardest stage of the Camino del Norte?

The first stages in the Basque Country and much of the route through Asturias contain the greatest elevation changes. Sections such as Irún – San Sebastián and Deba – Markina-Xemein are generally considered among the most physically demanding.

What is the most beautiful stage of the Camino del Norte?

There is no single answer, but many pilgrims highlight stages such as Irún – San Sebastián, for the views from Mount Jaizkibel, or Ribadesella – Colunga, where the landscape combines coastline, meadows and small Asturian villages.

Can the Camino del Norte stages be modified?

Yes. The division into stages is only a guideline, and every pilgrim can adapt it according to their own pace, accommodation availability or the time they have to complete the Camino.

Where should I start if I only have one week?

One of the most popular options is to start in Vilalba. From there, you can walk approximately the last 100 kilometres, complete the Camino in five or six stages and obtain the Compostela if you meet the official requirements.

What is the best time of year to walk the Camino del Norte?

Spring and autumn usually offer the best walking conditions, with pleasant temperatures and fewer pilgrims. Summer offers a livelier atmosphere and more daylight hours, although accommodation occupancy is also higher.

Where can I find a complete guide to the Camino del Norte?

If, in addition to the stages, you would like to learn about the history of the route, its difficulty, the best time to walk it or how to organise your pilgrimage, read our Complete Guide to the Camino del Norte. You’ll find everything you need to plan the route from start to finish.