Is the Camino del Norte right for you?

The Camino del Norte (817 km), also called the Northern Way, winds through four distinct regions of Spain: the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. Known for its dramatic coastlines, diverse landscapes, delicious cuisine, and quieter trails, this route offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience for those looking to escape the crowds.

While the rewards of hiking the Camino del Norte are numerous, this trail should not be approached half-heartedly. With its hilly terrain, longer daily distances, unpredictable weather, fewer amenities, and varying walking surfaces, the Camino del Norte is more challenging than other Camino routes. It is best suited for seasoned hikers or those who are confident in their ability to prepare for the physical demands of the trail.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key challenges you may encounter and offer practical advice on how to navigate them. If this feels like a lot to consider, think of it as a checklist to help you prepare for your journey. However, if some aspects of the Camino del Norte don’t match what you were expecting, it may be worth considering another Camino route that better suits your preferences and abilities.

Here’s everything you need to know.

1. The terrain is challenging and the walking days are long

One of the hallmarks of the Camino del Norte is its long walking days and hilly terrain along coastal landscapes. Pilgrims typically cover 25–30km per day, with some days exceeding 30km, often across varying terrain and changing elevations. Some stages, especially in the Basque Country, feature steeper climbs and descents, with the most challenging stretch between San Sebastián and Llanes, where elevation changes can exceed 500m in a single day. Due to the limited infrastructure along the route, walking distances cannot be shortened or altered, so it’s important to be prepared for the physical demands of the trail.

Training and preparation

To ensure you’re fully prepared, we recommend starting a training program at least 3 months before your Camino. This will significantly enhance your ability to tackle the challenging terrain and long days ahead. National parks and areas with diverse terrains are ideal for training, as they provide the hills and varied surfaces you’ll encounter on the trail. Our Camino Trek Training Guide offers tailored advice and exercises to help you get ready for your Camino del Norte adventure.

Consider adding extra rest days

One effective way to manage the physical demands of the Camino del Norte is by adding extra rest days. We’ve included rest days in major towns in most of our itineraries, which offer great services for resupplying and are popular tourist spots. However, it can also be beneficial to add extra rest days at the start of your journey to give your body time to adjust to the physical demands of the trail. Many smaller towns along the route are worth spending an extra night in, especially those near scenic beaches or historic landmarks. Taking these breaks helps your body recover and adapt to the daily walking, which can make a big difference, especially on more challenging stretches like the San Sebastián to Llanes section.

• Read more about the towns and iconic villages scattered long the route
  

Know local transport options

If you find a particular walking day too long or difficult, local transport offers a practical solution. We recommend downloading the Renfe (trains) and ALSA (buses) apps on your phone, as many towns along the Camino are well-connected by public transportation. If you find yourself needing to shorten a particularly long walking day, it can be helpful to look at the route in advance and identify towns along the route with transport links. This way, you can easily cut 10–15km from your walking day. Tickets can be purchased directly through the app, making it super easy to hop on a train or bus. Be sure to check the transport schedules the night before to decide whether you’d prefer a morning boost or to catch a bus or train later in the day. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your plans and manage the trail at your own pace.

2. Expect unpredictable weather conditions

Because much of the Camino del Norte follows the coastline, the weather can change rapidly, often bringing all four seasons in a single day. Hikers should be prepared for a variety of conditions, including rain, which is common in certain areas, even during the summer months of June through September. Despite the high-season weather, it’s crucial to carry ample wet-weather gear, as rain can be frequent, especially in the northern regions. Additionally, because the trail is close to the coast, it tends to be cooler compared to other parts of Spain, particularly in the summer. If you’re planning to hike during the shoulder seasons (Apr, May, October), you’ll need to ensure you have everything required to stay warm and dry.

Plan ahead

For a better understanding of what kind of weather to expect for your walk, you can check the Spanish weather link, where you can view temperature and conditions for each section of the Camino. Adjusting the destination and month will give you weather averages for different times of the year.

Stay flexible

If you find walking in the rain particularly taxing, check the Renfe (trains) and ALSA (buses) apps to see if there is a town along the route where you can easily hop on a bus or train to skip a section or make an impromptu rest day. As a hiking guide, I always reminded my guests that there are no medals awarded at the end of your day, so if trudging through the rain is an unpleasant experience, remember you have the means to change that! Flexibility like this can help you manage your experience and make the trail more enjoyable, no matter the weather.

3. Prepare for diverse terrain

The Camino del Norte boasts a rich variety of landscapes, from breathtaking coastal paths and enchanting forest trails to rolling countryside. However, some of these scenic sections can be quite rugged, with uneven and rough surfaces underfoot. Additionally, stretches of road walking – particularly when entering or leaving major cities – are also part of the experience. In some areas, the trail is made up of compact dirt paths, which can become slippery and muddy, especially after rainfall. While the route is generally well-maintained, there are sections where maintenance may be less frequent, making the terrain more rugged and requiring extra care and attention.

Gear and equipment

To ensure a smoother, safer experience, it’s essential to have the right gear for the varying surfaces of the Camino del Norte. During road-walking sections, visibility is crucial for your safety. Wearing bright-coloured clothing or attaching a safety triangle to your backpack can alert vehicles to your presence, helping ensure you have ample space on the road. This is especially important in areas of low visibility, such as around bends or during rain or fog. The key is to make yourself as visible as possible at all times.

Hiking poles can be incredibly useful for stability, especially when navigating tricky, muddy, or slippery sections. If you’re new to using hiking poles, we recommend borrowing a pair or asking a friend to let you try theirs at home to get a feel for the fit and size. Experiment with one or two poles to see what works best for you. Trying them before you buy can help you make the right choice and hopefully save you money.

4. There are limited resources

Unlike the Camino Francés, where services like cafes, restaurants, and pharmacies are frequent along the trail, the Camino del Norte has more remote stretches. These areas often have limited services, with fewer places to stop for lunch or refill your water. It’s crucial to come well-prepared, carrying enough supplies each day to tackle the challenges, especially in the more isolated sections of the route.

I recommend to guests to always review the trail notes on your RAW Travel app and guidebook for the following day’s hike the night before. This helps you understand what options are available along the route, and it will guide you in preparing accordingly – whether you’ll pass through towns with cafes or need to stock up on supplies before setting out in the morning.

It’s important to carry an ample supply of snacks with you for an impromptu energy boost. Salty potato chips and peanut M&M’s are my guilty pleasures that keep me fuelled and energised on the trail. For healthier options, salted nuts, fruits like bananas or apples, and energy bars are great, easy-to-carry choices. The good news is that these items can typically be found at local grocery stores along the way, so it’s easy to stock up as needed.

Water replenishment is particularly important. I suggest always topping up your water whenever you have the opportunity – whether it’s at cafes, grocery stores, restaurants, or community water fountains. Just make sure the sign indicates the water is drinkable! Many stores in Spain also carry electrolyte powders, which can be a great way to keep your energy and hydration levels up throughout the day. If you have a preferred brand, you can often find single-use packets that you can easily add to your water as needed. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining your energy throughout the day.

5. You’ll encounter fewer hikers on the trail

The Camino del Norte tends to attract fewer hikers compared to more popular routes like the Camino Francés or the Camino Portugués. If you’re seeking the classic Camino experience of hiking alongside many fellow pilgrims and possibly forming a ‘Camino family,’ this may not be the best choice, as there are often days when you might not encounter other hikers on the trail. Solo hikers should feel confident and comfortable hiking alone, as the route is more remote and less trafficked, offering a quieter, more solitary experience.

Staying connected

Given its isolated sections, hikers should carry a mobile phone with connectivity set up before they start. While service is generally reliable along most parts of the Camino, there are areas where reception can be limited. It’s always good to be prepared, and you can refer to our guide on “Setting up your phone for travel” for tips on staying connected.

Most populated sections

If you’re looking for sections with a better chance of meeting other hikers, the most popular stretch of the Camino del Norte is between San Sebastián and Bilbao in the Basque Country, where you’re more likely to encounter fellow pilgrims. For those who want a balance of solitude and social interaction, a great option to consider is our hike from Ribadeo to Santiago. This allows you to enjoy several days of peaceful, solitary walking on the Norte before connecting with the Camino Francés in Arzúa, where the trail becomes busier, and you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with more pilgrims as you make your way to Santiago.

6. Hikers have multiple trail options and increased responsibility

It’s ultimately up to each hiker to determine what’s best for them on any given day of the Camino del Norte. Some days offer multiple trail options, such as coastal routes or inland paths, and hikers can choose based on how they’re feeling in terms of distance, energy, and weather conditions. The flexibility to adjust your route as you go allows for a more personalised experience, but it’s important to consider factors like weather – exposed coastal routes might be less ideal in rough or rainy weather.

To help navigate these choices, our exclusive app is a valuable tool, providing all your trip information and route guidance in one convenient place. However, even with the app, self-reliance is key. Experience has taught us that a combination of road and trail signs, a backup paper map or guidebook, along with our app, ensures the best results. While our app can confirm if you’re on the right trail, we recommend using it selectively – there’s no need to be glued to your screen the entire time. Remember, part of the Camino experience is disconnecting and enjoying the peace of the journey, so use the app to confirm your path when needed and embrace the adventure of navigating this beautiful trail.

7. Accommodation on the Camino del Norte

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “What is the accommodation like on the trail?” While we understand that accommodation is an important part of everyone’s trip, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations and understand what is available along the Camino del Norte.

The Camino’s infrastructure was originally designed to support pilgrims on their journey to Santiago, with accommodations historically provided by churches and pilgrim-focused lodgings offering basic shelter and food for the night. These accommodations were never intended to be the central focus of the pilgrimage but rather a place to rest and recuperate for the next day’s walk. Given their origins in religious or rural settings, these lodgings were modest and simple in nature. In larger cities or hubs of commerce, such as royal towns, there were more options available, offering a wider range of price points and standards.

Over time, the quality of accommodation has improved, but the spirit of simplicity and functionality remains. In larger cities along the route, you’ll find a greater variety of accommodation options, ranging from boutique hotels to modern establishments. In more remote stretches or smaller villages, however, the lodgings tend to be more modest, often in converted farmhouses, small B&Bs, or family-run guesthouses.

One important thing to note about the Camino del Norte is that it receives fewer pilgrims compared to more popular routes like the Camino Francés or Camino Portugués. This means there are fewer accommodation options in towns and villages along the route. As a result, some accommodations may be located off the main trail, though they are generally within walking distance or accessible by shuttle services if they are farther away. On occasion, if a town is fully booked, we may need to arrange two nights in one place and organise a shuttle. Rest assured, any additional shuttle fees are included at no extra charge.

We will always ensure that you are booked into the best available accommodation, with a private room and an en-suite bathroom for your comfort and privacy.

It’s important to remember that while the accommodations along the Camino del Norte will provide a place to rest, the focus of your experience should be on the journey itself. The true spirit of the Camino is in the landscapes, the culture, and the sense of connection with the road, rather than the luxury of your lodging.

In conclusion…

This may seem like a lot to consider, and if you feel overwhelmed by the list, think of it as a checklist for your trail preparations. Alternatively, it could serve as an indicator that there might be another Camino route better suited to your preferences and abilities. Our goal is to help you choose the best trail based on what you’re looking for and your abilities. Proper preparation is essential for an enjoyable experience. If you have any further questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our destination specialists – we’re here to help!

Why choose RAW Travel for your Camino?

RAW Travel is Australia’s leading Camino operator. We take care of all the details: accommodation, luggage transfers, maps, breakfasts and transport. You can just relax and concentrate on your Camino knowing you have a secure booking each night with luggage transfers, so all you carry is your daypack. We have our own ground managers in-country at key points along the Camino to give you any assistance you might need it. We can vary the length of stages and find the accommodation that best suits your individual needs and budget.

• View all our walks on Spain’s Camino del Norte