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Camino Norte - Ribadeo to Santiago

The cathedral in Mondoñedo on Spain's Camino del Norte | Fernando Pascullo

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

A pilgrim admires the incredible architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

The cathedral in Mondoñedo on Spain's Camino del Norte | Fernando Pascullo

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

A pilgrim walking along the beach | Lachlan Baker

A pilgrim admires the incredible architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

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Duration

11 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

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

Meals

10 Breakfasts

Price

SPECIAL OFFER

$1190USD

Overview

Trip Code: CN6

Trip highlights

Walking the Camino Norte from Ribadeo to Santiago through a variety of landscapes in Galicia
Discovering Ribadeo, a town known for the iconic Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals)
Exploring small villages with medieval bridges, historic towers and typical Galician charm
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
Arriving in Santiago, attending the Pilgrims Mass and receiving your Compostela

'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. This walk starts from just inside Galicia, the region of Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The quieter trails offers a great alternative to the more popular French route.

Embarking on the Camino del Norte from Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela marks the continuation of a remarkable pilgrimage, weaving through the verdant landscapes and cultural heritage of the northern regions of Spain. This segment of the ancient Camino route traverses the picturesque landscapes of Galicia, with rolling hills, charming villages, and historic landmarks. From Ribadeo, enter the heart of Galicia, where the trail winds through lush forests, rural farmlands, and tranquil hamlets. This leg of the Camino promises not only the physical challenges of the journey but also the spiritual rewards that come from a profound connection with the centuries-old pilgrimage tradition. Pilgrims will traverse medieval towns, pass by centuries-old churches, and ultimately approach the revered destination of Santiago de Compostela, where the journey culminates at the sacred Cathedral, the final destination of this transformative pilgrimage.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Ribadeo

Arrive in Ribadeo in the Galicia region. The town is renowned for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course! After check in at your hotel, take some time to look around the compact centre.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk to Villamartin Grande, transfer to Ribadeo (5hrs)

The route today takes you through dense and fragrant eucalyptus groves. The villages in Galicia are often smaller than the ones you have previously encountered. Continue on to Villamartin Grande where an afternoon taxi will meet you at 3pm and transfer you back to Ribadeo where you will once again overnight. Distance: 17km/10.7mi

Meals: B

Day 3
Transfer back to Villamartin Grande, on foot to Mondonedo (5.5hrs)

This morning you will be transferred back to Villamartin Grande, so you can continue walking from where you left off yesterday. As you head out of Lourenza you will start walking up into the mountains. As you ascend there will be some fantastic views which make the climbs worthwhile. This afternoon you will walk down into Mondonedo, which was once one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia. Distance: 18km/11.3mi

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk to Abadin (4.5hrs)

Leaving Mondonedo you will follow a series of gravel tracks. There is also a sharp uphill climb as you exit the town. Continue on to the neighbouring towns of Gontan and Abadin. Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Vilalba (5.5hrs)

From Abadin you will walk through small villages en route to Vilalba. This medieval town had a cultural boom in the 20th century, emerging as a town with rich journalistic and literary activity. Distance: 22km/13.75mi

Meals: B

Day 6
To Seixón, transfer to Reguela (8hrs)

Continue walking through rural Galicia, along forest paths and past small villages en route to Seixón. At 4pm you will be transferred to Reguela and your accommodation. Distance: 32km/20mi

Meals: B

Day 7
Transfer to Seixón or Miraz, walk to Sobrado dos Monxes, (8hrs)

At 8.30am this morning a transfer will bring you back to Seixón to continue walking. There is an option to shorten the walk by extending the transfer to Miraz (just let the driver know where you would like to be dropped off). The trail today brings you to Sobrado dos Monxes, home to an impressive 10th century monastery. Distance walk: 32km/19.9mi or 23km/14.3mi

Meals: B

Day 8
Last stage on the Camino Norte as you walk to Arzua on the Camino Frances (5.5hrs)

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk the last part of the Camino Norte and join up with the Camino Frances. You can stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals: B

Day 9
On to Rua (6hrs)

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals: B

Day 10
Final stage to Santiago (5hrs)

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals: B

Day 11
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

10 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
10 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
Transfers on days 2, 3, 6 and 7
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes & maps
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Ribadeo and from Santiago de Compostela
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees unless listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate

The walking is graded moderate but it does have challenging and long stages. Daily walks are between 17 and 32km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat 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 19 Jun to 30 Sep - supplement applies.

Note:

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

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Priceper person from

$1190USD

Options & Supplements*

excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$130
Single Supplement - low seasonUSD$330
Single Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$390
Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonUSD$500
Solo Traveller Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$550

*Prices listed are per person

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