Camino del Norte to Santiago: stages to Arzúa and practical guide

The Camino del Norte is the Cantabrian coast route: it starts in Irún and crosses the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia over roughly 820 km. It is quieter than the Camino Francés and, on reaching Arzúa, joins it for the last 39 km to Santiago.

The Camino del Norte in four facts

About 820 km

From Irún to Santiago, split into around 36 stages averaging 23 km.

Four regions

Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, with sea, cliffs, beaches and mountains.

Demanding

It has steep climbs, especially in the Basque Country and Asturias.

Compostela

To earn it you only need to walk the last 100 km; from Vilalba it is about 122 km.

The Galician stages to Arzúa

These are the Galician sections that cross the interior up to Arzúa.

Infographic Camino del Norte Ribadeo Vilalba
Leg 1

Ribadeo – Vilalba

  • Ribadeo – Lourenzá: about 28 km
  • Lourenzá – Abadín (via Mondoñedo): about 25 km
  • Abadín – Vilalba: about 21 km
  • Mondoñedo was once one of the old capitals of Galicia and its cathedral is worth a stop.
Infographic Camino del Norte Vilalba Sobrado
Leg 2

Vilalba – Sobrado dos Monxes

  • Vilalba – Baamonde: about 20 km
  • Baamonde – Miraz: about 15 km
  • Miraz – Sobrado dos Monxes: about 26 km
  • Sobrado is known for its great Cistercian monastery.
Infographic Camino del Norte Sobrado Arzúa
Leg 3

Sobrado – Arzúa and the finish

  • Sobrado – Arzúa: about 22 km
  • At Arzúa it joins the Camino Francés.
  • Arzúa – O Pedrouzo: about 19 km
  • O Pedrouzo – Santiago: about 20 km

Tips for the Camino del Norte

  • Book your accommodation in advance. There is less choice than on the Camino Francés, especially on the long inland stages.
  • Be ready for rain. The Atlantic climate is damp: bring a waterproof layer and shoes that can handle mud.
  • Leave some slack in your stages. Some days are long and hilly; it is better to have a spare day.
  • Carry your credential and stamp it every day so you can ask for the Compostela in Santiago.
  • Pack light. See our Camino Francés guide for the kit list and the 10 % weight rule.

Arriving in Arzúa

Arzúa is where the Camino del Norte and the Camino Francés meet. Rest here before the last two stages.

Where to stay in Arzúa →A whole house 400 m from the centre, for pilgrims, groups and families.Where to eat in Arzúa →Octopus, Arzúa-Ulloa cheese and Galician cooking.Stage Arzúa – O Pedrouzo →The next stage, already shared with the Camino Francés.Camino Primitivo guide →The other route that joins the Francés before Arzúa, at Melide.Camino Francés guide →Stages, gear and preparation up to Arzúa.

Rest with us in Arzúa

We would love to welcome you at Casa Buen Camino: an entire house for up to 8 people, 400 m from the centre of Arzúa. You get in with a code, we confirm your booking within 60 minutes and, if you book directly with us, it is 10 % cheaper.

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