About the Camino Norte

El Camino del Norte

How long is the Camino del Norte?

The Camino del Norte (the Camino North Route) is 835km from Irun to Santiago.

Ribadeo
Estevoei
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How many days does it take to walk the Camino del Norte?

On average, most people walk the Camino del Norte in around 31 or 32 days.

Museo Guggenheim - Bilbao
Jose Maria Ligero Loarte
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My Plans for the Camino del Norte

This will involve walking distances of between 25km and 35km every day. But, it is possible to walk less distance each day, and slow down your Camino. 

Why pick the Camino North Route?

Reasons the North route is really quite epic.

• coastal route, usually near the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic) with beautiful views
• Four very different Spanish provinces in Spain, each having unique foods, traditions and culture
• the Basque country
• Cantabria
• Asturias
• Galicia ( no plans to visit Galicia this year - have been there several times )
• quieter and more peaceful than the Frances and the Portuguese
• vibrant and interesting Spanish cities
• Bilbao
• Santander
• Ribadeo

Christopher Columbus' Caravels - Santander
Carlos Cuna
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History of the Camino del Norte

( Chat GPT Assisted )

The Camino del Norte, also known as the Northern Way or the Coastal Way, is one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Here's a brief history of the Camino del Norte:

1. Origins: The Camino de Santiago has been a significant pilgrimage route since the Middle Ages. While the French Way (Camino Francés) is the most famous route, the Camino del Norte has its own historical significance. It is believed that the origins of the Camino del Norte trace back to the arrival of Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula.

2. Medieval Pilgrimages: During the medieval period, when the Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula made inland travel dangerous, the northern coast provided a safer route for pilgrims. The Camino del Norte, following the coastline of the Bay of Biscay, became a popular alternative route for pilgrims from Northern Europe, particularly from countries like England, Scandinavia, and Germany.

3. Trade and Cultural Exchange: Along with pilgrims, the Camino del Norte facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the northern regions of Spain and the rest of Europe. Towns and cities along the route flourished due to the influx of pilgrims and travelers.

4. Decline and Revival: With the Reconquista and the subsequent decline of Muslim presence in Spain, the inland routes, particularly the French Way, regained popularity. The Camino del Norte experienced a decline in pilgrim traffic but continued to be used by locals and travelers. In recent years, however, there has been a revival of interest in the Camino del Norte among modern pilgrims seeking a quieter and more scenic route.

5. Modern Revival: Today, the Camino del Norte is increasingly popular among pilgrims looking for a more challenging and less crowded alternative to the French Way. The route offers stunning coastal landscapes, charming fishing villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Pilgrims typically start their journey from the Basque Country or Cantabria, following the coastline westward through Asturias and into Galicia, where they eventually join the Camino Francés in Arzúa or continue to Santiago along the coastal route.

Overall, the Camino del Norte has a long and diverse history, shaped by pilgrimage, trade, cultural exchange, and the natural beauty of the northern coast of Spain.