Camino del Norte Hiking Trips

Planning to walk the Camino del Norte in 2026? A few things worth knowing. Santiago de Compostela airport (SCQ) is scheduled to close from 23 April to 27 May 2026 for runway works; if arriving or departing during this period, plan alternative transport to or from the city. The Camino del Norte continues to attract growing interest as the Camino Francés becomes more crowded, particularly among walkers seeking a quieter and more authentic pilgrimage experience. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) remain the best seasons; summer heat and humidity on coastal sections can make July and August challenging. The route’s waymarking and infrastructure continue to improve, with new pilgrim accommodation options opening along the Asturian coast.

The Camino del Norte is a pilgrimage route along the northern coast of Spain, stretching approximately 825km from Irún on the French border to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It passes through four autonomous regions: the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Major cities along the route include San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Gijón and Oviedo before the route turns inland to reach Santiago. Browse all Camino del Norte tours on 10Adventures, or explore all Spain tours for adventures across the Iberian Peninsula. For other Camino routes, discover self-guided Camino de Santiago walking tours including the self-guided Camino Primitivo hiking tours, and for broader Northern Spain adventures browse self-guided Northern Spain hiking tours.

The Camino del Norte is typically divided into five stages, each of which can be walked independently or combined into the complete route. Stage 1 runs from San Sebastián to Bilbao through the dramatic Basque coastline, passing the Guggenheim Museum and traditional fishing villages. Stage 2 continues from Bilbao to Santander along rocky bays and golden beaches. Stage 3 follows the Cantabrian coast from Santander to Gijón through Asturias, with views of the Picos de Europa. Stage 4 continues from Gijón to Ribadeo along the stunning Asturian coastline, including Playa de las Catedrales, one of Galicia’s most spectacular beaches. Stage 5 turns inland from Ribadeo through the rural landscapes of Galicia to Santiago de Compostela. Walkers who want to earn the Compostela certificate must walk a minimum of 100km into Santiago.

The Camino del Norte is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and challenging of the Camino de Santiago routes. Unlike the busy Camino Francés, the Norte sees far fewer pilgrims, offering a quieter and more contemplative walking experience. The route follows the Atlantic coastline for most of its length, providing dramatic sea views, fresh coastal air and a landscape of green hills, fishing villages and medieval towns that contrasts sharply with the drier interior routes. The Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias are among Spain’s most celebrated gastronomic regions; pintxos in San Sebastián, fresh seafood and cider culture in Asturias, and traditional Galician dishes in the final stages make the Norte a remarkable culinary journey as well as a spiritual one.

The Camino del Norte can be walked year-round, but the best seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Spring offers mild temperatures, green coastal landscapes and fewer pilgrims than summer. Autumn brings clear skies, comfortable walking conditions and spectacular colours in the Galician countryside. Summer (July and August) is the busiest season; coastal sections can be hot and accommodation should be booked well in advance. The Camino del Norte’s ‘Green Spain’ climate means rain is possible at any time of year, particularly in the Basque Country and Asturias; a lightweight rain jacket is essential regardless of season. Winter walking is possible but accommodation options are more limited and some stretches can be muddy.

The majority of 10Adventures tours on the Camino del Norte are self-guided, following the well-waymarked pilgrimage route with pre-booked accommodation and luggage transfers arranged. Self-guided walkers carry only a daypack while their main bag is transferred between stops, following provided route notes and GPS tracks at their own pace. This format is well-established on the Camino del Norte thanks to the route’s infrastructure of pilgrim accommodation (albergues), hotels and guesthouses throughout. Browse all self-guided Camino del Norte tours on 10Adventures.

Guided tours on the Camino del Norte are also available for those who prefer the company and local expertise of an English-speaking guide. A guide provides cultural and historical context for the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias, and helps navigate the route’s more complex sections. Browse all Camino del Norte tours on 10Adventures for both guided and self-guided options.