The Camino del Norte is an absolutely stunning route steeped in beauty, culture and history. The Northern Way starts in Irún and there are 35 sections and 820 kilometres before you arrive in Santiago de Compostela. This route crosses the whole of the north of Spain. It´s an absolute gem, following the Cantabrian coastline from France to Galicia. Historically it was a particularly popular route during the Reconquest as it provided safe passage for European nobility and pilgrims crossing Spain to visit the tomb of St James. Once Spain was safely under Christian rule again this route fell out of favour and the French Way took over as the most popular pilgrimage route.
Unsurprisingly the Northern Way is now gaining in popularity as pilgrims discover the beauty of the journey along the north of Spain coastline. You may also hear it referred to as the Camino de la Costa. Starting in Irun, the Spanish border town with France it cuts across the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias before entering Galicia through the wonderful town of Ribadeo. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that the first stretch is tougher than other stretches of the Camino with a fair amount of up and down walking. But don´t be put off, it is seriously worth it, the journey is stunning. We were rained out one day and arrived in San Sebastian very soggy! Nothing that a hot shower, dry clothes, some Pintxos (local tapas) and the very city of San Sebastian didn´t sort out. The walking along The Camino taking in the sights of the surfing beach of Zarautz, El Sardinero beach in Santander and La Concha in San Sebastian are truly unforgettable. There are the joys of the medieval town of Santillana del Mar and Gaudi´s Capricho in Comillas as you pass through Cantabria. When you arrive in Asturias you will join the Primitive Way in Sebrayo where you have two choices. You can carry on to Oviedo along 14 stages of the Primitive Way or continue along the Cantabrian coast to Gijon. After more than 780km since starting in Irun, you will arrive in Arzua, where The Northern Way joins The French Way to complete the journey to Santiago de Compostela.
The Northern Way is the second longest way after the Via de la Plata. Whether you are a peregrino or bicigrino (walking pilgrim or cycling pilgrim), The Way Experiences team would be delighted to put together an itinerary for you for whichever stretch of the Northern Way you would like to do. Put aside 40 days walking if you want to do it from start to finish. Otherwise savour the experience and do it in bit sized chunks.
The Camino del Norte is an absolutely stunning route steeped in beauty, culture and history. The Northern Way starts in Irún and there are 35 sections and 820 kilometres before you arrive in Santiago de Compostela. This route crosses the whole of the north of Spain. It´s an absolute gem, following the Cantabrian coastline from France to Galicia.
Often overshadowed by the more popular and transited French and Portuguese Way, The Camino del Norte is an absolute gem of a route. The Camino de Santiago originated in ancient times as a pilgrimage taking Christians to visit the tomb of Saint James (Santiago). All routes take you to the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, and more specifically Santiago Cathedral.
The Jubilee or Jacobean year (Xacobeo) is the year when the day of St James the Apostle (25th of July) falls on a Sunday. This happens about 14 times each century. Every 6, 5, 6 and 11 years apparently. This was decreed by Pope Calixtus II in 1126 and coincided with the laying of the last stone at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
The Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim´s Passport is a small booklet that you carry with you and get stamped along The Way. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages when the booklet was used quite literally as a passport to provide safe passage to pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela.
Sustainable travel and tourism is at the forefront of everyone´s minds so I wanted to share with you here some observations about the Camino de Santiago and sustainable tourism in rural Galicia. Operating in the most environmentally responsible manner possible is really important to us here at The Way Experiences. We are not a mass market tour operator.
As you make your way along The Camino you will be struck by the variety of the gastronomy on offer. Not just as you travel through the different regions of Spain but even down to the towns and villages you pass through. Here is a taster of a few things to expect and look out for if you are doing the final stretch of The Camino.
