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Camino Norte - Gijon to Ribadeo

Cathedral's beach in Ribadeo is one of the most-visited places in Galicia | Mediocre Studio

Gijon | Lachlan Baker

Walking the Camino del Norte | José Antonio Gil Martínez

Make new friends on the Camino del Norte | Lachlan Baker

The Camino del Norte route follows the Spanish coast | Lachlan Baker

Cathedral's beach in Ribadeo is one of the most-visited places in Galicia | Mediocre Studio

Gijon | Lachlan Baker

Walking the Camino del Norte | José Antonio Gil Martínez

Make new friends on the Camino del Norte | Lachlan Baker

The Camino del Norte route follows the Spanish coast | Lachlan Baker

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

SPECIAL OFFER

$890USD

Overview

Trip Code: CN5

Trip highlights

Traversing the Camino Norte from Gijon to Ribadeo
Discovering the historic coastal city of Gijón, Luarca the "White Town on the Green Coast" and Ribadeo, a town known for the iconic Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals)
Reaching the northernmost point of Asturias, Cabo de Peñas, offering breathtaking coastal views and a lighthouse.
Walking through a variety of landscapes, including the dramatic coastline of the Asturias region
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
Visiting traditional cider houses
Swimming at beaches along the route

'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua.

Embarking on the Camino del Norte from Gijón to Ribadeo traces a path through the northern reaches of Spain. This leg of the journey weaves through the dynamic landscape of Asturias, showcasing a blend of coastal wonders, rustic villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Beginning in the lively city of Gijón, discover the the rugged coastline, historic towns, sandy shores, and green hillsides that characterize the region. Reach the northernmost point of Asturias, Cabo de Peñas, offering breathtaking coastal views and a lighthouse and end in Ribadeo where you can discoverthe Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals), a stunning beach with natural rock formations. All along the journey, stay in comfortable accommodation with welcoming hosts and experience the best of Asturian cuisine.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Gijon

On arrival in Gijon, make your way to the joining hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the sights in the historic centre.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
To Aviles (6hrs)

The walk today does include some stretches through an industrial area and along the highway, but you will also walk through the Monte Areo recreational area, which features a prehistoric dolmen (you will need to detour slightly to visit the Dolmen de San Pablo). Aviles was a prominent naval town in the Middle Ages and has lots to see for those interested in architecture. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals: B

Day 3
On to Cudillero (8hrs)

Today is a longer day as you continue on to the fishing village of Cudillero which is slightly off the pilgrim trail but allows for a more manageable day. The middle of this stage takes you through some interesting villages including El Pito with its 19th Century Quinta de Selgas palace and gardens. Distance: 25km/15.6mi

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk to Ballota (6.5hrs)

This morning you will walk along a picturesque footpath that takes you through forested hills and down through more small villages. In Soto de Luina a former pilgrims' hospital is now used as a cultural centre. Continue on to the coastal town of Ballota. Distance: 27km/16.8mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Head inland to Luarca (5.5hrs)

En route today you will pass through the medieval whaling port of Cadavedo before heading inland to Luarca. The walk into Luarca includes a steep descent, which involves many steps, you will then cross a bridge over the River Negro before arriving into the small fishing town where you will overnight. This afternoon you can take a stroll around the rectangular harbour. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals: B

Day 6
To Navia (5-6hrs)

This morning will start with a climb as you head out of Luarca, before the path levels out for the rest of the day. Continue through the countryside before arriving in the lively market town of Navia. Distance: 19km/11.8mi

Meals: B

Day 7
Transfer to La Caridad and walk to Ribadeo (5-6hrs)

Transfer to La Caridad where you continue the walk. You could walk this section and forgo the transfer however it does add 10km to the day. Today will be your last day walking close to the coast. Much of the walking will be done slightly inland so you won't have a real sea view although there is an alternative route which hugs closer to the coast. When you cross the bridge of the Saints over the River Eo to enter Galicia, the last region of the walk, you will arrive in Ribadeo. The town is renowned for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course! Distance: 22km/13.8mi

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Transfer on day 7
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Gijon and from Ribadeo
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Entrance fees
Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Transfers not listed as included
Travel insurance
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 18 and 29km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season is Easter Period and from 23 Jun to 30 Sep - supplement applies.

Note:

Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during during local festivals and events

Note:

Due to limited accommodation, return transfers may need to be booked to other overnight locations at an additional cost.

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Priceper person from

$890USD

Options & Supplements*

excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$150
Single Supplement - low seasonUSD$280
Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonUSD$330
Single Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$360
Solo Traveller Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$430

*Prices listed are per person

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