The Camino Norte, or Northern Way, follows the northern coast of Spain through dynamic cities such Gijon, Ribadeo, Santander and Bilbao. 

Given its coastal route, the Camino is also referred to as the “Ruta de la Costa”, and it became an important way for Christian pilgrims when the Camino Frances became dangerous due to the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. Following the coast was also deemed easier than trying to traverse the Cantabrian Mountains and it provided a cooler option in summer.