The Complete Guide to Camino del Norte 2026
The Camino del Norte: The Coastal Route
The Camino del Norte is the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago, covering 824 km from Irún (French border) to Santiago de Compostela along the Cantabrian coast. It is considered one of the most beautiful and demanding Camino routes.
Why Choose the Camino del Norte?
If you seek dramatic landscapes, excellent gastronomy and fewer crowds than the Camino Francés, this is your route. You will pass through San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Gijón and Oviedo before turning toward Santiago.
Difficulty and Terrain
It is significantly more demanding than the Francés. The profile is constantly rolling with steep climbs and descents. Total accumulated elevation gain exceeds 15,000 meters. Good physical fitness is required.
Notable Stages
- Irún → San Sebastián (27 km): spectacular start along the Basque coast
- Bilbao → Portugalete (19 km): crossing the hanging bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Santander → Santillana del Mar (37 km): arrival at one of Spain's most beautiful villages
- Ribadesella → Villaviciosa (32 km): pure Asturian coastline
Budget
Slightly more expensive than the Francés due to the geographic area:
- Albergues: €8-15/night
- Meals: €12-18/day (northern gastronomy is exceptional)
- Total budget: €1,800-2,800 (34 days)
Best Time to Go
June-September. The Cantabrian climate is unpredictable: always carry a rain jacket. Temperatures are mild even in summer (18-25°C).