Camino del Norte

Length - The Camino del Norte stretches right across the north of Spain from San Sebastian in the Basque Country, through Cantabria, Asturias and into Galicia, 487 miles (783km) to the west. We have split the walk into 5 sections, or you can choose to do the full route.

The Waymarking is very good - Despite being one of the lesser-travelled Camino routes, the waymarking is still very good on the Camino del Norte, so you do not need to worry about getting lost. 

Peace and quiet - The Camino del Norte is the route taken by around just 6% of pilgrims so you if you are looking for some solitude then this is definitely the route for you.

Weather - with a large part of the route being on the coast, this Camino does not experience the high temperatures some other Camino's can do during the summer months. Also because of this, the weather can also be quite changeable - it became "Green Spain" for a reason! So be prepared with waterproofs for this one - although fingers crossed you won't need them! 

Links with the Camino Primitivo - for those looking for a longer trip or a bit more variety, it is possible to combine the Camino del Norte with the Camino Primitivo with a short de-tour south to Oviedo where you can continue on to Santiago. 

San Sebastian - birthplace of the pintxos and home to the second highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre in the world, this is THE place for any foodies! Book yourself an extra couple of nights here to experience some of the best food in the world!

Asturian Cheese - home to over 100 different types of cheese, Asturias is known as País de Quesos (the land of cheeses). Try a "tabla de quesos" if you wish to sample some of them.

Llanes Seafood -this small seaside town is home to some amazing seafood restaurants including El Cuerra, a traditional Asturian restaurant serving amazing fish!

Asturia Bean Soup - a hearty soup ideal for pilgrims, consisting of beans, potatoes, kale, ham and blood pudding. May not sound so nice, but it is a favourite in this region and very tasty!

Basque Cider (Sagardoa) - Cider houses are famous in the Basque Country  with the region producing over 13 million litres every year. If you are a big cider lover, you may wish to visit at the time of Txotx. This begins in January and finishes in April-May and the cider houses offer a traditional menu featuring cod omelette, fried cod, beef steak, cheese, sweet apple jelly and walnuts, accompanied by cider poured directly from the barrel!

Pulpo a la Gallega - we must not forget that the Camino del Norte not only passes through the Basque Country and Asturias, but also finishes in Galicia where you can look forward to trying some of that region's specialities - Pulpo a Feira (Octopus). Usually served boiled and sprinkled with some paprika, this tasty dish can be found in most traditional restaurants on the Galician part of the Camino del Norte.

At Macs Adventure, we make your Camino del Norte tour seamless and memorable:

Tried-and-tested itineraries: Enjoy expertly planned daily routes designed to accommodate your preferences. 

Turn-by-turn GPS navigation: Use our award-winning app with pre-loaded routes and local insights. 

Pre-booked accommodations: Relax in comfortable stays with breakfast included at the end of each walking day. 

Luggage transfers: Hike light with your bags transferred to the next destination. 

Local support: Benefit from our team’s in-depth knowledge and on-the-ground assistance. 

Pilgrim Pack included: Receive essential Camino travel documents, a pilgrim’s shell, pilgrim passport and download our handy guide to make your Camino unfortgettable.

1. Where does the Camino del Norte start?
   The Camino del Norte begins in San Sebastián, a vibrant city in Spain’s Basque Country known for its gastronomy and stunning beaches.
   
   
2. How long is the Camino del Norte? 
   The full Camino del Norte spans 487 miles (783 km) and takes around 6 weeks to complete, though it can be walked in shorter sections.
   
   
3. How difficult is the Camino del Norte? 
   This is one of the more challenging Camino de Santiago routes, featuring hilly terrain and coastal paths. Moderate fitness and good preparation are essential.
   
   
4. What is the best time to walk the Camino del Norte?
   May–June and September–October are the best times to hike, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
   
   
5. How many people walk the Camino del Norte? 
   Approximately 6% of Camino pilgrims choose the Northern Route Camino de Santiago, making it a quieter, more serene option. 
    

Start Your Camino del Norte Adventure Today! 

The Camino del Norte promises a unique and rewarding pilgrimage experience. With Macs Adventure, you’ll enjoy a self-guided journey packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion—minus the hassle. Whether you’re tackling one stage or walking the entire route, we’ll ensure your Camino del Norte is unforgettable. 
 
Contact our team of Camino experts to plan your perfect Northern Route Camino de Santiago adventure today!