Coastal Way – Camino del Norte
Which sections of the Camino del Norte does MICAMI offer?
- Full route: Irún/Hondarribia – Santiago (approx. 820 km)
- Irún/Hondarribia – Bilbao (approx. 140 km)
- Bilbao – Santander (approx. 100 km)
- Santander – Gijón (approx. 200 km)
- Gijón – Ribadeo (approx. 180 km)
- Ribadeo – Santiago (approx. 200 km)
- Extension to Fisterra and Muxía
✓ The Camino del Norte is approx. 820 km long and runs along Spain’s northern coast, from Hondarribia or Irún to Santiago de Compostela.
It passes through cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, and Gijón. Many charming coastal towns invite you to take a break along the way.
✓ Less crowded than other routes
✓ Spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, and green mountains
✓ Authentic, peaceful and close to nature route.
✓ Medium to high difficulty (the Hondarribia – Bilbao section in the Basque Country is the most challenging)
✓ Unique views of the Atlantic Ocean
✓ You pass through four regions, each with its own culture and cuisine:
Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia
✓ Summer (June–August) and early autumn (September, October)
✓ April & May: unstable weather, frequent rain
✓ Many bars, supermarkets, and restaurants are only open seasonally – usually from June to September
✓ There are many beaches along the Coastal Way up to Ribadeo.
Best time for swimming in the Atlantic: June to October
✓ July and August: higher prices along the coast due to summer tourism
✓ This coastal route has a cooler climate and a lower risk of rain in the summer compared to spring or autumn.
