Camino del Norte from Markina-Xemein: 12 days by bike

Your Camino day by day

1. Day 1 Markina-Xemein → Bilbao 59.0 km · +1600 m / -1680 m

   This stage is a challenging 59 km trek, featuring steep climbs and descents as you make your way from Markina-Xemein to Bilbao. The landscape is a mix of lush green hills and charming villages, offering a glimpse into rural Basque life. A practical tip: start early to manage the long distance and elevation changes.

   Did you know that Bilbao is home to the famous Guggenheim Museum, which was inaugurated in 1997 and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture? The museum has transformed the city into a cultural hub and a popular destination for art lovers.

   

   Map of Bilbao: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Bilbao →

2. Day 2 Bilbao → Laredo 68.0 km · +950 m / -950 m

   Today's stage from Bilbao to Laredo spans a challenging 68 km, featuring a climb of 950 m and a descent of 950 m. Pilgrims will traverse diverse landscapes, from urban settings to serene coastal paths, passing through charming villages. A practical tip is to start early to manage the long distance comfortably.

   Did you know that Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum, which opened in 1997 and is renowned for its innovative design by architect Frank Gehry? This museum has significantly influenced the city's transformation into a cultural hub.

   

   Map of Laredo: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Laredo →

3. Day 3 Laredo → Santander 41.0 km · +500 m / -500 m

   Today's stage from Laredo to Santander is a long and rewarding 41 km, featuring gentle climbs and stunning coastal views. Pilgrims will pass through charming villages and lush landscapes, making it a memorable journey. A practical tip: start early to avoid the midday heat.

   Did you know that Santander is known for its beautiful beaches and was once a favourite summer retreat for Spanish royalty in the 19th century?

   

   Map of Santander: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Santander →

4. Day 4 Santander → Comillas 70.0 km · +1150 m / -1060 m

   Today's stage from Santander to Comillas spans 70 km, featuring a mix of coastal views and lush green landscapes. Pilgrims will pass through charming villages, making for a pleasant yet challenging trek with a significant climb. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

   Did you know that Comillas is home to the iconic El Capricho, a unique building designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí? This masterpiece, built in the late 19th century, showcases Gaudí's distinctive style and is a testament to his early work.

   

   Map of Comillas: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Comillas →

5. Day 5 Comillas → Llanes 53.0 km · +800 m / -760 m

   This stage of the Camino del Norte takes you through beautiful coastal landscapes and charming villages. The route spans 53 km with a climb of 800 m, making it a challenging yet rewarding trek. Be sure to start early to fully enjoy the scenery and avoid the afternoon heat.

   Did you know that Comillas is home to the Capricho de Gaudí, a stunning modernist villa designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí in 1885? This unique structure showcases Gaudí's distinctive style and is a popular attraction for visitors.

   

   Map of Llanes: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Llanes →

6. Day 6 Llanes → Villaviciosa 68.0 km · +1300 m / -1230 m

   Today's stage from Llanes to Villaviciosa covers a distance of 68 km, featuring a mix of coastal views and lush green landscapes. Pilgrims will pass through charming villages, with a moderate climb of 1300 m making it a challenging but rewarding day. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

   Did you know that Llanes is famous for its 'bufones', natural blowholes that create impressive water spouts during high tides? This coastal town also boasts a rich maritime history, evident in its beautiful old port and traditional fishing culture.

   

   Map of Villaviciosa: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Villaviciosa →

7. Day 7 Villaviciosa → Avilés 55.0 km · +630 m / -630 m

   The stage from Villaviciosa to Avilés spans 55 km through lush landscapes and charming villages. Pilgrims will encounter rolling hills and scenic coastal views, with a moderate climb of 630 m. A practical tip is to start early to make the most of the daylight hours.

   Did you know that Avilés is home to the Palacio de Valdecarzana, a stunning example of 15th-century Gothic architecture? This historic building reflects the town's rich maritime heritage and significance as a trading port.

   

   Map of Avilés: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Avilés →

8. Day 8 Avilés → Luarca 75.0 km · +1120 m / -1060 m

   Today's stage from Avilés to Luarca is a scenic 75 km journey along the northern coast of Spain, featuring lush landscapes and charming villages. The route includes a climb of 1120 m, making it moderately challenging. A practical tip is to start early to fully enjoy the day's beauty.

   Did you know that Luarca is known as the 'white town' due to its characteristic white houses that line the picturesque harbour? This coastal village is also famous for its seafood, particularly the locally caught bonito.

   

   Map of Luarca: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Luarca →

9. Day 9 Luarca → Ribadeo 53.0 km · +780 m / -780 m

   Today's stage from Luarca to Ribadeo is a challenging 53 km trek, featuring a mix of coastal views and lush green hills. Pilgrims will pass through small villages that offer a glimpse into local life. Ensure you stay hydrated and take breaks to enjoy the scenery.

   Did you know that Ribadeo is home to the famous Playa de las Catedrales, known for its impressive rock formations and arches? This beach is a protected natural monument and attracts visitors from all over the world.

   

   Map of Ribadeo: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Ribadeo →

10. Day 10 Ribadeo → Vilalba 73.0 km · +1550 m / -1470 m

    This stage of the Camino del Norte takes you through lush green landscapes and quaint villages, offering a mix of coastal views and inland paths. The journey covers 73 km with a notable climb of 1550 m, making it a challenging but rewarding trek. A practical tip is to start early to make the most of the daylight hours.

    Did you know that Ribadeo is home to the famous Playa de las Catedrales, known for its stunning natural rock formations and arches? This beach is a protected natural monument and attracts visitors from all over the world.

    

    Map of Vilalba: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Vilalba →

11. Day 11 Vilalba → Sobrado dos Monxes 61.0 km · +1250 m / -1190 m

    Today's stage from Vilalba to Sobrado dos Monxes is a challenging 61 km, featuring a significant climb of 1250 m and a descent of 1190 m. The route takes you through lush landscapes and quaint villages, providing a serene backdrop for reflection. Be sure to stay hydrated and pace yourself throughout the day.

    Did you know that Sobrado dos Monxes is home to the historic Sobrado Abbey, founded in the 10th century? This impressive structure is a significant example of Romanesque architecture in Galicia, attracting visitors for its beauty and rich history.

    

    Map of Sobrado dos Monxes: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Sobrado dos Monxes →

12. Day 12 Sobrado dos Monxes → Santiago de Compostela 61.0 km · +830 m / -860 m

    This stage is a long and challenging journey, spanning 61 kilometres with a total ascent of 830 metres. Pilgrims will traverse a mix of rural landscapes and charming villages, culminating in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. A practical tip is to start early to manage the distance comfortably.

    Did you know that Santiago de Compostela is home to the Cathedral of Santiago, which is believed to house the remains of Saint James, one of Jesus' apostles? This significant pilgrimage site attracts thousands of visitors each year, making it a focal point of Christian pilgrimage.

    

    Map of Santiago de Compostela: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Santiago de Compostela →

Another way to do it

Other starting points