Embark on Spain’s Enchanting Coastal Pilgrimage

Imagine walking along dramatic coastlines, dining on world-class cuisine, and immersing yourself in centuries of history and culture. The Camino del Norte offers all this and more on a breathtaking 254 km journey through northern Spain’s most captivating regions.

Andaspain’s “Best of the Camino del Norte” tour provides an 18-day adventure that takes travelers from the culinary paradise of San Sebastián to the spiritual center of Santiago de Compostela. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a transformative journey through four distinct autonomous regions, each with its own unique character, culture, and natural beauty.

Four Regions, One Unforgettable Experience

The pilgrimage begins in the Basque Country, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and strong cultural identity. From the moment travelers gather for orientation in San Sebastián, they’re in for something special. Walking along the Concha Promenade on the first day, with the Bay of Biscay sparkling beside them, sets the tone for the incredible scenery that awaits.

As the journey crosses into Cantabria, visitors are greeted by prehistoric landmarks and the perfectly preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar—the charmingly misnamed “Town of Three Lies” (it’s neither flat, nor by the sea, nor named after a saint). Wandering through its cobblestone streets, surrounded by flower-adorned stone houses, is like stepping back in time.

The natural drama intensifies in Asturias, where hikers trek atop stunning beaches dotted with marine geysers—natural fountains where the sea thunders through limestone passages and shoots upward more than 10 meters into the air! The sight of these explosive displays, combined with the misty sea spray, makes one wonder if dragons might actually exist.

The journey concludes in the rolling hills of Galicia, home to Santiago de Compostela and the final resting place of Saint James. The emotional moment of arriving at Plaza Obradoiro after walking nearly 160 miles creates memories to last a lifetime.

Beyond the Trail: Exclusive Experiences

What makes this tour truly exceptional are the curated experiences that complement the daily walks:

  • A private tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, where Frank Gehry’s revolutionary architecture houses world-class modern art
  • An excursion to the majestic Picos de Europa National Park and the Lakes of Covadonga, with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains
  • A visit to the Basilica de Covadonga and the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave), significant sites in Spain’s history and the reconquest from Moorish rule
  • Learning to pour Asturian cider the traditional way at a local cider mill—a skill that requires raising the bottle high above one’s head to aerate the drink as it cascades into the glass
  • Walking along the ancient Via Romana XIX, following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who made this journey over centuries

A Gastronomic Pilgrimage

If there’s one aspect of the Camino del Norte that rivals its scenery, it’s the food. Each region offers its own culinary treasures:

  • Basque pintxos in San Sebastián—sophisticated tapas that elevate bar food to an art form
  • Freshly-caught seafood along the Cantabrian coast
  • Pulpo a Feira (octopus with paprika and olive oil) in Melide, where the Primitive Way joins the French Way
  • Tetilla cheese in Arzúa—a creamy, cone-shaped delicacy that’s a Galician specialty
  • Regional wines, including the slightly effervescent white Txakoli from the Basque Country

Andaspain’s guides know exactly where to take travelers for authentic local cuisine, and the gourmet picnic lunches they prepare along the way are always a highlight—fresh, beautifully presented, and the perfect fuel for afternoon walks.

Comfort Along the Way

After walking 6-8 hours each day, comfortable accommodations are essential. Andaspain delivers with a thoughtfully selected collection of hotels, manor houses, and pazos (Galician country estates). Each property embodies the best of the region’s architecture, hospitality, and charm.

Particularly noteworthy is the two-night stay in a traditional pazo in Arzúa, where stone walls, wooden beams, and garden views provide the perfect atmosphere for reflecting on the journey as it nears its end.

The Rhythm of Pilgrimage

A typical day on the Camino del Norte with Andaspain follows a comfortable rhythm:

  • Breakfast at the accommodation
  • Transportation to the starting point (if needed)
  • Morning walk through varied landscapes—coastal paths, forest trails, ancient Roman roads
  • Lunch at a local restaurant or a picnic prepared by the guides
  • Afternoon walk to the destination
  • Free time to explore, rest, or socialize
  • Dinner with fellow pilgrims, sharing stories from the day

The support vehicle that meets travelers at various checkpoints throughout the day is a welcome sight, offering refreshments, snacks, and access to any personal items they might need. This thoughtful touch, along with the full luggage transport between accommodations, allows visitors to focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics.

The People Make the Pilgrimage

While the landscapes, food, and accommodations are exceptional, it’s the people who truly make this journey special. Andaspain’s bilingual guides share their deep knowledge of the Camino’s history, flora, fauna, and cultural significance at every step. Their passion is contagious, and their attention to detail ensures travelers never miss a hidden gem along the way.

Fellow pilgrims often become like family over those 18 days. Representing different countries, ages, and backgrounds, the Camino has a way of dissolving those differences and connecting people through shared experience. The conversations had while walking—sometimes profound, sometimes lighthearted—create bonds that continue long after receiving the Compostela in Santiago.

What to Expect

The Camino del Norte isn’t just a walk; it’s a journey through Spain’s soul. It challenges travelers physically with its hills and distances but rewards them with incomparable views, delicious food, rich history, and meaningful connections.

For those considering a Camino pilgrimage, the Northern Way offers an exceptional experience, especially with a company like Andaspain that handles all the logistics while preserving the authentic spirit of the pilgrimage. The Best of the Camino del Norte may be one of their longest tours, but those 18 days will feel simultaneously like a lifetime of experiences and a journey that ends all too soon.

As they say on the Camino, “Buen Camino!”—a phrase that means not just “have a good walk” but “have a good journey through life.” On the Camino del Norte, that blessing comes true in ways travelers never expect.

The Best of the Camino del Norte tour is available from Andaspain starting at 5,900 EUR per person (double occupancy) and includes 17 nights’ accommodation, most meals, guided tours, luggage transport, and bilingual guides. The next departure is June 5-22, 2025.