The stage, step by step
Leaving Ribadesella and the first climb
Leave Ribadesella with water and food sorted. The profile begins to gain height between km 1.1 and km 3.6, with 53 m of elevation gain, and climbs again between km 4.1 and km 5, where the average gradient reaches 6.7%.
Descent and climb towards the coast
After descending 45 m between km 5 and km 6, the route continues towards the coast. Between km 6.5 and km 7.5 you lose 69 m, then immediately face the most pronounced climb, gaining 89 m between km 7.5 and km 8.9.
Steep descent and the stretch towards La Espasa
The climb ends at km 8.9 and gives way to a 55 m descent to km 10.1. Another short rise follows before the steepest descent of the day, between km 11 and km 11.7, with 60 m of elevation loss at an average gradient of 8%.
La Espasa, La Isla and Colunga
The route continues towards La Espasa and La Isla, with a gentle 52 m climb between km 14.6 and km 18. From there, a gradual descent leads to Colunga. In La Espasa you will find Bar La Espasa and, on arrival, the village’s services become available again.
What to see on stage 18
Playa de Santa Marina
Playa de Santa Marina marks Ribadesella’s coastal exit. It is a good place to take in the sea before the route begins to climb.
Playa de La Vega and Arenal de Morís
Both beaches appear on the route towards Colunga and provide two clear landmarks within the coastal landscape. If you head down to the sand, keep an eye on your bearings and walking time.
Playa de La Espasa
La Espasa is one of the major landmarks in the latter part of the day. It also has Bar La Espasa as a possible stopping point before continuing towards La Isla.
La Isla
The village and its beach form one of the last notable coastal points before Colunga. It is also an alternative place to rest or spend the night if you do not want to complete the stage in one go.
Where to sleep in Colunga
Ribadesella has Albergue Juvenil Roberto Frassinelli for the previous night, and from there the options are well spread out: the pilgrims’ hostel in San Esteban de Leces shortly after the start, Surfcamp Vega Verde around kilometre 10 and Albergue de Peregrinos Duesos further on. La Isla, past kilometre 16, is where many people stop: it has Albergue Marejada and the pilgrims’ hostel in La Isla, with the beach beside it. If you continue to Colunga, Hotel El Mesón is the main arrival option. This coast fills with non-walking tourists in summer, so book ahead.
Where to eat and refuel
Ribadesella has the widest choice at the start: Restaurante El Volante, Sidrería La Guía and Restaurante Casa Juanito are specific options, and you can shop at Carrefour Express or Supermercados La Plaza. Along the route there are occasional stops such as Vega Beach Bar and Bar La Espasa. In Colunga you can finish at Bar La Bodeguina or shop at Alimerka and masymas.
Practical tips for this stage
Load up on water at the start
Leaving Ribadesella, La Fuentina and a drinking-water point are almost together, and Fuente della Cuestona appears around km 4.9; after that, there is nothing else until well into the final section. Even so, leave Ribadesella with enough water.
Take care on the ramps
The climbs between km 4.1 and km 5 and between km 7.5 and km 8.9 have average gradients of 6.7% and 6.6%. They are short, but noticeable if you push too hard at the beginning.
The 8% descent
Between km 11 and km 11.7 you descend 60 m at an average gradient of 8%. If the ground is wet, slow down and do not watch only the scenery as you descend.
Do not lose your bearings on the beaches
The route links several beaches, and it is easy to become disoriented when crossing them because sand can cover the waymarks and there is not always an obvious exit. Follow the Camino signs and set off early if you want plenty of time.
Frequently asked questions about stage 18
How long does it take to walk from Ribadesella to Colunga?
It is 20.1 km, with an average walking time of 4.5 hours. The terrain includes climbs and descents, with 329 m of ascent and 319 m of descent.
Which is the hardest climb?
The most significant climb is between km 7.5 and km 8.9: you gain 89 m at an average gradient of 6.6%. Before that, there is a 60 m climb between km 4.1 and km 5.
Where can I stop for food?
Ribadesella offers the greatest variety at the start. Further on you can find Vega Beach Bar and Bar La Espasa, followed by Bar La Bodeguina in Colunga, as well as supermarkets at both ends.
Is there accommodation before Colunga?
Yes. You can stop at the pilgrims’ hostel in San Esteban de Leces, Albergue de Peregrinos Duesos, Albergue Marejada or the pilgrims’ hostel in La Isla.