Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour

Arrive in Asturias and settle into the historic city of Oviedo, the traditional starting point of the Camino. Take time to visit the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, an important pilgrimage site that has welcomed travelers for centuries. In the evening, explore the charming streets of the old town, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and sample traditional Asturian cider in one of the city’s many sidrerías.

After a relaxed morning in Oviedo, with time to visit the Cathedral or one of the city’s museums, you begin cycling north toward the coast. Leaving the Asturian capital behind, the route passes through the foothills of Mount Naranco, alternating between urban edges and increasingly rural scenery.

As you approach Avilés, traces of its industrial past are visible, reflecting the region’s mining heritage. However, the city surprises visitors with a well-preserved historic center, lively plazas, and the striking Niemeyer Cultural Centre. Avilés offers a pleasant contrast between tradition, industry, and contemporary architecture.

Today’s ride follows the coastline, offering expansive sea views and passing through villages that showcase traditional Asturian architecture. The route is varied, with rolling terrain and steady climbs that reward you with scenic perspectives over cliffs and beaches.

One of the highlights comes near the banks of the Nalón River, where San Martín Castle stands watch from its promontory. After climbing toward Muros de Nalón, the route continues along coastal ridges before descending into Cudillero - a picturesque fishing village known for its colorful houses cascading toward the harbor and its strong maritime character.

Leaving the harbor of Cudillero behind, you cycle through scenic Asturian countryside on what is considered one of the most beautiful stages of the Camino del Norte. The route passes through Soto de Luiña before joining the historic Camín Real de las Ballotas, a coastal track with access to beaches and small services along the way.

Continuing toward Cadavedo, the landscape alternates between green hills and dramatic coastal viewpoints. The final challenge of the day is the climb after Canero, a steady ascent that rewards you with sweeping views before descending into Luarca. Known for its whitewashed houses clustered around a fishing harbor, Luarca provides a charming setting to conclude the day.

Departing Luarca, the route briefly moves inland along comfortable secondary roads and tracks with moderate gradients, passing through small towns and wooded hills before reaching Navia. From here, the Camino gradually returns toward the coast, heading through Tapia de Casariego, a small seaside town known for its harbor and coastal views.

You continue past the dramatic cliffs and wide sands of Penarronda Beach before reaching the River Eo. Crossing this broad estuary marks your transition from Asturias into Galicia. The day ends in Ribadeo, a lively town overlooking the estuary, known for its maritime character and elegant architecture.

Leaving Ribadeo, you turn away from the coast and head into the green interior of Galicia. The landscape becomes more rural and mountainous, with quiet roads passing through small villages and open countryside.

The most demanding climb of the day comes between A Ponte de Arante and Gondán, gaining around 260 meters over 5 km. Along the way, you pass Vilanova de Lourenzá, where the impressive monastery church stands as a reminder of the region’s rich heritage. The stage concludes in Mondoñedo, a historic town that has been an episcopal seat since the Middle Ages. Its cathedral, originally built in 1246 and later modified, dominates the old quarter, which is recognized as a National Historic-Artistic Site.

Today you climb from the historic streets of Mondoñedo up to Terra Chá, the broad inland plateau of Lugo. The ascent takes you from approximately 140 meters above sea level to around 560 meters, marking a clear transition from coastal hills to open highland landscapes.

The route passes through the valleys of Valiñadares and Lousada, crossing quiet rural roads and farmland before reaching Abadín. From there, you continue across gently rolling terrain toward Vilalba, a town known for its medieval heritage and its well-preserved tower, a remnant of the former Andrade fortress.

Today’s stage follows a variety of rural tracks, including dirt roads, forest paths, and traditional corredoiras (narrow tractor ruts), offering an authentic experience of Galicia’s countryside. The terrain is mostly gentle, with rolling landscapes that allow you to fully appreciate the quiet, agricultural surroundings.

You may wish to stop in Baamonde for refreshments before entering a more remote and wooded stretch of the route. Eventually, you reach Sobrado dos Monxes, named after its impressive monastery founded in 951. The monastery remains the focal point of the village and marks a memorable end to the day.

Leaving Sobrado dos Monxes, the route gradually becomes busier as you approach Santiago de Compostela. In Arzúa, your path joins the Camino Francés, bringing a noticeable increase in fellow pilgrims along the way.

Although this final stage is more developed and at times more urban, it carries a strong sense of anticipation. Tradition holds that pilgrims once paused at Monte do Gozo for their first distant view of the cathedral’s towers, before continuing toward the historic center. Upon entering Santiago, you make your way to the Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - the symbolic and spiritual culmination of your journey.

After breakfast, your Camino journey comes to an end. You may choose to depart today or extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela to further explore its historic center, museums, and lively plazas.