If you are going to embark on the adventure of traveling the Camino del Norte, I am sure that these five recommendations interest you, and much
El Camino del Norte is a tough and demanding route, especially in its first sections, which cross the Basque Country; However, it is also an overwhelming path, which gives us access to unique corners within the whole set of Jacobean routes. The northern route runs through the north of the peninsula, starting from Irún and crossing Euskadi, Cantabria and Asturias, always with the sea to our right, to go into the interior, towards the province of Lugo, on the way to Santiago de Compostela. If you decide for her, you will find a route that has everything; beautiful mountain stretches, some of the best beaches in Spain, hospitable people and very good cuisine. In addition, the mild temperatures in summer are perfect for walking.
If you are going to decide this year for the Camino del Norte, being aware of the challenge, we recommend five of our favorite stages, the ones we have enjoyed the most along this incredible route, which more and more pilgrims choose (although it is still far from the figures of the Portuguese Way or the French). The Northern Way requires more than a month of time to complete it, which is why many pilgrims decide to divide their pilgrimage on several occasions, for example, traveling a stretch and continuing the following year.
This stage of about 22 kilometers, with the climb to Mount Igueldo included, is one of our favorites because of the beautiful and wide views of the Cantabrian coast that we will have bordering Mount Mendizorrotz and the magnificent view that we will find of the tourist and endless Zarauz beach after the hard climb to Talaimendi.
In this long inland stage, which can be divided into two, the pilgrim says goodbye to Euskadi, re-negotiating with the sea after several days without seeing it to enter Cantabria and discovering the beautiful Castro Urdiales, which has a harbor, a beautiful old town and a exceptional gastronomy that we can discover at the end of the stage. It is a quiet stage, as expected from a pilgrimage.
The one of Llanes - Ribadesella, of about 30 km, is a stage in which we will find beautiful beaches -which in summer are put up- although the good thing is that the road also turns towards the interior, towards rural areas much less crowded and with a more authentic flavor. The stage concludes in the magnificent Ribadesella, located at the mouth of the Sella River. It is a non-monotonous stage, very entertaining for the walker.
This stage of 23 km, which culminates in the tourist town of Llanes (with a great architectural and cultural heritage) and takes us into the ancient kingdom of Asturias, is full of beautiful landscapes that are enjoyed a lot due to its smooth profile. The stage, with its impressive surroundings, has several alternative routes, but they are well signposted.
A perfect stage to enjoy rural Galicia, nature and forests, visiting innumerable small villages in Lugo; As impresindible visits, we recommend knowing the Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado. Although it is not a stage with many steep slopes, the route becomes endless due to the distance (more than 40 km), so pilgrims who wish to, can divide it in two by staying overnight in Miraz.