Wildest · Hardest
Camino del Norte
The most demanding way to Santiago: constant coastal climbs, fewer pilgrims, thinner albergue coverage and weather that changes twice a day. This is the longest guide because this route needs the most planning.
820 km
total distance
32–36 days
walking time
Elevation profile
Difficulty
What's inside
Written only for this route.
- 36 stages with every climb, descent and water point mapped
- Coastal alternatives vs inland variants, day by day
- Where beds genuinely run out in July and August
- The Norte-to-Primitivo switch at Villaviciosa, explained
- Best for: Experienced walkers who want solitude, sea and real mountain days.
Why the Norte is harder
Daily elevation compared with the Francés, and the fitness you need before Irún.
The 36-stage plan
Distances, climbs, shops, bars and ferry crossings for every single day.
Beds on a thin route
Where to book ahead, where to gamble, and the towns with one albergue only.
Atlantic weather and gear
A rain-first packing list tested over three wet Septembers.
Buy this route alone
Camino del Norte, planned from first step to Santiago.
PDF, instant download, printable stage planner and free seasonal updates. Or take all four routes together for €29 instead of €60.
Other routes
Walking a different way?
Original
Camino Primitivo
The oldest way, through Asturian mountains and forest. Best if you only have two weeks.
€15
Most walked
Camino Francés
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port over the Pyrenees and across Castilla. The classic route, planned day by day.
€14
Gentlest
Camino Portugués
Lisbon through Porto along the Atlantic. Shorter stages, warmer weather, easier beds to find.
€12