One of Spain's most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian/Donostia (in the Basque language) has a lot to offer. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the beaches of La Concha and Ondaretta are a main attraction. In the old town, you’ll find several churches and the Baroque balcony-lined Plaza de la Constitucion. Bar hop for some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in this multi-Michelin-starred city. There is the option to shorten the walk by one day by staying in Cudillero (on day 23): 28 km, Ballota (day 24): 23 km & Luarca (day 25): 25 km. See itinerary 2. This variant must be requested at time of booking.

Meals:  Nil

Your first day is a beautiful and quite challenging stage. From Playa de la Concha, head towards Mount Iguelda and up to Orio before reaching the charming fishing village of Getaria, the birthplace of couturier Balenciaga. This was once a whaling town, like many others along the coast. Enjoy great views from San Anton or relax with a glass of the local sparkling wine txakolis downtown. Distance: 27.5km/16.8mi

Meals:  B

Walk along the undulating coast via the shrine of Santa Maria de Itziar, a mandatory stop on the Camino Norte. Descend to Deba with its beautiful beach and views of the Cantabrian coast. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

Leave the coast today and head to the Arnoate mountains. There are continuous ascents and descents, including a steep ascent to the Alto de Arno after passing the Valle de Olatz. It's Basque rural life in its purest form. Walk along paths and country lanes, passing through villages on this beautiful stage to the town of Markina-Xemein. Distance: 25km/15.5mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is initially along a country lane and across a river, before the path climbs through woodland. After the town of Bolivar there is a steep ascent to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Zenarruza (Ziortza) and later, a sharp descent leads to a river and the town of Gernika (Guernica), famously portrayed by Picasso, in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai. Distance: 26km/16.1mi

Meals:  B

This stage continues away from the coast, traversing the interior of Biscay, with its mountains and valleys. On leaving Gernika, the most challenging ascent is at the beginning of the stage up Mount Billikario (300m elevation gain in in just 3 km). The final section between Goikolexea and Lezama is almost flat, along tracks and roads of great beauty which gradually lead to Lezama. Distance: 20km/12.2mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is between rural and urban areas. It is quite short but also marked by a progressive ascent to Mount Avril which separates you from Bilbao. You will be rewarded with fabulous views of Bilbao and the valley ahead. Finish today's walk at the Plaza de Unamuno in the old quarter of Bilbao. Distance: 11km/6.8mi

Meals:  B

This morning you will take the Metro from Bilbao to Portugalete (this takes between 35 and 50 minutes, approx 20km). The walk today will take you towards the Cantabrian coast and out of the Basque region. Walk towards La Arena, then as you head out of Pobena there is a surprisingly long flight of stairs, but the stunning walk following the coast line is worth the climb. Part of the route also follows the track-bed of the former railroad that carried iron ore to waiting ships. Castro Urdiales is a long-inhabited town, with human remains dating back to 12000 BCE. Be sure to visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion with its strange iconography on the main entrance's frieze, which dates from Templar times. Distance: 27km/16.7mi Option: It's possible instead of taking the Metro to walk this stage - this must be requested at time of booking as an extra night is required in Portugalete.

Meals:  B

You'll enjoy a picturesque route along the Cantabrian coast on this stage. As you leave this morning you will start heading uphill, following winding paths between cliffs and golden beaches, passing through small fishing villages including Islares. Here you can see the ruins of the 16th century Hospital de la Vera Cruz. Continue to La Magdelena and take a beautiful dirt path to Liendo. Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B

This morning you will head to Laredo, which was an important Roman site known as Portus Luliobrigensium. Today it is Cantabria’s largest resort town - its beach is around 5km long at low tide. Continue walking to the end of Laredo's peninsula, at El Puntal, following the signs to the Santona ferry. The cost of the ferry crossing is approximately EUR2.50 per person (takes about 10 mins). Continue north to the coast and the Playa de Berria, before ascending to the Punta del Brusco for impressive coastal views. Continue to the modern coastal resort town of Noja. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals:  B

This stage goes from the Cantabrian Sea to the Güemes Valley. You will walk past the towns of Castillo Siete Villas and San Miguel de Meruelo, then continue along quiet country roads to Guemes. From here the route leads northwest to the town of Galizano. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

From Galizano you head straight to the coastline and the path follows the cliff’s edge. You will reach Somo, from where you will catch the ferry to Santander. The ferry runs every half hour on weekdays and hourly on weekends and costs approximately EUR3 per person. Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disaster explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax after a day on the Camino. Distance: 14km/8.75m

Meals:  B

Today starts with a taxi transfer to the Ermita de la Virgen del Monte in Mogro to shorten the stage. From here you continue on foot to Santillana which is one of the most picturesque towns along the Camino Norte. Take some time this afternoon to explore the well-preserved medieval village and the cloister in the Collegiate Church. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:  B

Continue to Comillas passing through a landscape of grassy fields with sprawling vistas, broken periodically by church towers. The walking is mostly on local roads on undulating terrain through the towns of Oreña, Cóbreces, Trasierra and La Iglesia (Ruiloba). Arriving into Comillas signals your return to the coast. Here you can visit the Capricho de Gaudi, the Palacio de Sobrellano and the Pontifical Seminary. Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals:  B

The walk today takes in a mix of trails and roads with few gradients and through quaint villages. There are also several bridges to cross, over marshes and estuaries. From the highest points you can enjoy spectacular views of the coast and the Cantabrian mountain range, where the Picos de Europa massif stands out. Today's destination is the medieval gem San Vicente de la Barquera, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exquisite culinary delights. The Santa Maria de los Angeles church, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, holds the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio del Corro. Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B

On this more rural stage you leave the coast and Cantabria and cross into Asturias. Walking over rolling green hills you'll pass rural townships including La Acebosa, Serdio, Pesués and Unquera. Arrive at your destination, Bustio in Asturias. Dinner and breakfast are not included at Bustio, you can ask the hotel staff for suggestions. Distance: 16km/10mi

Meals:  B

Breakfast is not included today, you can try one of the local bars. You continue walking on mainly paved roads. The views are spectacular, with the coast on one side and the Picos de Europa on the other. Llanes is a lively and popular coastal town with a long history, evident by the remnants of its 800 year old city walls. Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals:  Nil

Today you will walk past several fascinating monasteries. The path is generally flat following a mix of trail and road, taking you through small villages and countryside. At first the route passes through beaches such as Palombina and San Antolín, which are beautiful and very popular in summer, then heads inland again through rural areas that are less touristy. This afternoon you will arrive in Ribadesella, known for its beaches and prehistoric cave paintings. Distance: 28km/17.4mi

Meals:  B

The route today cuts inland shortly, before returning to the coastline. This is the last real stretch along the coast for some time - via several beaches and small villages - so be sure to appreciate the views. The walk ends in the picturesque market town of Colunga. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

Continue through small and historical villages, including Priesca which is home to one of the oldest churches on the Camino - the Church of San Salvador, built in 921. The route takes you away from the coast, through more mountainous terrain. There are three different crossings. Villaviciosa is known as the 'apple capital' of Spain and these can be sampled in one of the town's many cider distilleries. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B

The trail today leads you to Gijon, the largest city you will have seen in a week. There are few walkers on this section and the route is peaceful as you move through the Asturian countryside. Along the way, you’ll tackle two notable climbs (of 340m and 200m) as the path heads to the coast. In the small village of Casquita, the Camino Primitivo branches off toward Oviedo, but you’ll stay on the Norte, continuing to the vibrant city of Gijón. Distance: 30km/18.7mi

Meals:  B

Today includes some stretches through an industrial area and along the highway, but you will also walk through the Monte Areo recreational area, which features a prehistoric dolmen (you will need to detour slightly to visit the Dolmen de San Pablo). The central part of the stage runs through a beautiful rural environment and by villages with a maritime-agricultural tradition. Aviles was a prominent naval town in the Middle Ages and has lots to see for those interested in architecture. Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B

The walk today begins in the Plaza de España in Avilés, passing through the historic centre before gradually leaving the city. The route crosses the villages of San Miguel and Piedras Blancas and passes by the Church of Santiago del Monte. From there, you walk along the main road until reaching Soto del Barco. This stage is mainly on paved roads, with moderate but continuous inclines, with typical waymarks of the Camino to show the way. Distance 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B

Leaving Soto del Barco, you gradually reach the Plaza Marqués in Muros de Nalón. There are well-trodden dirt paths and paved roads, leading to El Pitu and Cudillero, from where the path ascends along a trail parallel to the highway. You then continue toward La Magdalena and descend along the road to Concha de Artedo Beach. Cross through forests on either side of the small town of Mumayor then follow the road to Soto de Luiña. This stage has moderate elevation changes. Enjoy the scenery and the stops along the way. This and tomorrow's stages are some of the most beautiful of the Camino Norte, with the coastal route offering impressive views over the cliffs and access to the beaches. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

Starting from Soto de Luiña, the route follows a quiet secondary road with little traffic, passing through the villages of Novellana and Santa Marina until it reaches Ballota. From here, you ascend along a path to Río Cabo Beach and then pass through the village of Tablizo. Finally, an uphill stretch on a paved road leads to the medieval whaling port of Cadavedo. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

After crossing the village of Cadavedo, this shorter stage continues along a road that soon becomes a trail. Passing through fields and forests, you arrive at Querúas and then cross the village of Chano de Canero. From here, follow the VA1 road towards the port of Luarca. After skirting the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora la Blanca, descend to the Paseo del Muelle in Luarca. This afternoon you can take a stroll around the rectangular harbour. Distance: 18km/11.25mi

Meals:  B

This morning will start with a climb as you head out of Luarca. The route moves away from the coast and through countryside and small villages before arriving in the lively market town of Navia. There are moderate slopes through the day, as you follow the road on paths and paved tracks between houses and crop fields. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

Transfer to La Caridad to continue the walk. You can walk this section and forgo the transfer however it adds 10km to the day. Today will be your last day close to the coast. The second part of the walk from Tapia de Casariego to Ribadeo runs along paths that wind between steep cliffs and fine golden sandy beaches. Cross the ‘Ponte dos Santos’ bridge over the River Eo to enter Galicia, the last region on the Camino, and arrive in Ribadeo. The town is renowned for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course! Distance: 22km/13.8mi

Meals:  B

Today's scenic route today takes you through dense and fragrant eucalyptus groves. The villages in Galicia are often smaller than those previously encountered. There is a steep climb from A Ponte to Villamartín Grande, where a taxi will meet you (at 3pm) and transfer you back to Ribadeo for your overnight stay. Distance: 17km/10.7mi

Meals:  B

This morning you will be transferred back to Villamartin Grande to continue walking. You'll first reach Gondan, and from Lourenza the trail takes you up into the mountains. There will be some fantastic views which make the climbs worthwhile. This afternoon you will walk down into Mondonedo, which was once one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia. Distance: 18km/11.3mi

Meals:  B

Leaving Mondonedo you will gently ascend through the Valiñadares Valley to the plateau of Terra Chá. The trail combines dirt roads with paved sections, offering splendid views and a gradual ascent towards Abadín. Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B

From Abadin you will walk through small villages en route to Vilalba. It's a relatively flat stage on dirt and paved paths that wind through rural landscapes and native forests. San Simón da Costa cheese with D.O.P. and Vilalba's roscón (cake) stand out as local delights. Vilalba, capital of A Terra Cha, is a medieval town that had a cultural boom in the 20th century, emerging with rich journalistic and literary activity. Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals:  B

Continue walking through rural Galicia, along forest paths and past small villages en route to Seixón de Abaixo. From here you will be transferred at 4pm to your accommodation. Distance: 28km/20mi

Meals:  B

At 9am a transfer will take you back to Seixón to continue walking. There is an option to shorten the walk by extending the transfer to Miraz (just let the driver know where you would like to be dropped off). The trail today brings you to Sobrado dos Monxes for your overnight accommodation. It is home to an impressive 10th century monastery. Distance walk: 28km/17.5mi

Meals:  B

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk the last part of the Camino Norte and join the Camino Frances. You can stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña. Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do, or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B