Camino del Norte (Camino de Santiago alternative route)

Of the many routes used by pilgrims to the reputed burial-place of St James at Santiago de Compostela, the Camino del Norte is one of the less heavily-populated but arguably, at least in its western reaches, the most beautiful. Stunning coastal and mountain scenery carry this route some 825km along Spains north coast, starting at Irun, near the French border and passing through the western Basque, Guernica, Bilbao, Santander, Llanes, skirting the foothills of one of Europes great mountain wildernesses, the heavily-protected Picos de Europa and on along the coast before it swings inland through the hills of Galicia.

This is definitely a route for the more hardy walker, being both prone to rain, fog and generally harsh weather conditions dictated by its situation on the Bay of Biscay, and involving some steep climbs. It rewards with breathtaking vistas and uncrowded architectural gems at pretty much every corner, while on many stretches one can go the best part of a day without being troubled by other people.

The really hardy can take the inland trail, the Camino Primitivo, as it splits off at Villaviciosa and cuts through the high Galician mountain range. This is the original, ancient, pilgrim trail, but the church long since decided that a plenary indulgence could be qualified for by less energetic struggles. Supplies and accommodation along the route are occasionally sparse as a consequence, and care needs to be taken to make sure you come prepared; a tent is recommended.

This is rainy country and views can be lost in fog; you probably need to carry camping equipment if doing the whole route.

See Route below for extensive further information.

See our Camino de Santiago overview page to put the del Norte and other caminos into context.