Camino del Norte from Villaviciosa: 18 days on foot, shorter stages

Your Camino day by day

1. Day 1 Villaviciosa → Gijón 30.0 km · +350 m / -360 m

   Today's stage from Villaviciosa to Gijón covers 30 km, with a moderate climb of 350 m. The route takes you through lush landscapes and charming villages, providing a mix of nature and culture. A practical tip: ensure you have enough water, as some stretches can be quite remote.

   Did you know that Gijón is home to the Evaristo Valle Museum, which showcases a collection of contemporary art and is located in a stunning early 20th-century mansion? This museum reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit.

   

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

2. Day 2 Gijón → Avilés 25.0 km · +350 m / -360 m

   This stage takes you from the coastal city of Gijón to the historic town of Avilés, covering 25 km with a gentle climb. Pilgrims will enjoy beautiful views of the coastline and pass through small villages along the way. A practical tip is to carry enough water, as some stretches have limited services.

   Did you know that Avilés is home to the historic Church of San Nicolás de Bari, which dates back to the 12th century and showcases stunning Romanesque architecture? This church is one of the oldest in the Asturias region, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage.

   

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

3. Day 3 Avilés → Cudillero 28.0 km · +350 m / -360 m

   Today's stage from Avilés to Cudillero spans 28 kilometres, featuring gently rolling hills and stunning coastal views. Pilgrims will pass through charming villages and lush landscapes, with a moderate climb of 400 metres. A practical tip is to start early to enjoy the cooler morning temperatures.

   Did you know that Cudillero is known for its colourful houses that cling to the cliffs overlooking the sea? This picturesque fishing village was once a vital port for the region's fishing industry.

   

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

4. Day 4 Cudillero → Soto de Luiña 16.0 km · +350 m / -360 m

   Today's stage from Cudillero to Soto de Luiña covers 16 km with a gentle climb and descent, making it manageable for most pilgrims. The route takes you through lush green landscapes and charming villages, offering a taste of the local culture. A practical tip: keep an eye out for the waymarkers to stay on track.

   Did you know that Cudillero is known for its vividly painted houses that cling to the cliffs? This fishing village has a rich maritime history, making it a popular spot for seafood lovers.

   

   Map of Soto de Luiña: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Soto de Luiña →

5. Day 5 Soto de Luiña → Luarca 35.0 km · +350 m / -360 m

   Today's stage takes you through scenic coastal landscapes and charming villages, making the 35 km trek enjoyable despite its moderate climbs. Expect some ups and downs, but the beautiful views along the way are worth the effort. A practical tip: stay hydrated and take breaks to fully appreciate the surroundings.

   Did you know that Luarca is known for its whitewashed houses and rich fishing history? The town is also famous for its seafood, particularly the locally caught tuna, which has been celebrated in the region for centuries.

   

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

6. Day 6 Luarca → Navia 22.0 km · +380 m / -400 m

   The stage from Luarca to Navia covers 22 km through lush green landscapes and charming villages. Pilgrims will experience a moderate climb of 400 meters, making it a rewarding day. A practical tip is to start early to enjoy the tranquility of the morning.

   Did you know that Luarca is known for its stunning whitewashed houses and is often referred to as the 'White Town' of Asturias? This picturesque fishing village has a rich maritime history, celebrated in its local seafood cuisine.

   

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

7. Day 7 Navia → Tapia de Casariego 16.0 km · +380 m / -400 m

   Today's stage takes you along the beautiful Asturian coastline, with lush green hills and charming villages like Villanueva and Barres. The route is moderately challenging, featuring a climb of 380 metres and a descent of 400 metres over 16 kilometres. A practical tip: keep an eye out for the waymarkers, as some sections can be less well signposted.

   Did you know that Tapia de Casariego is renowned for its seafood, particularly its octopus dishes? The town has a vibrant fishing port that has been in operation for centuries, contributing to its rich maritime heritage.

   

   Map of Tapia de Casariego: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Tapia de Casariego →

8. Day 8 Tapia de Casariego → Ribadeo 15.0 km · +380 m / -400 m

   Today's walk from Tapia de Casariego to Ribadeo is a scenic 15 km stretch along the northern coast of Spain, featuring beautiful sea views and charming villages. The route includes a moderate climb of 380 m, making it a manageable yet rewarding hike. A practical tip is to carry enough water, as some stretches between villages can be quite exposed.

   Did you know that Ribadeo is home to the famous Playa de las Catedrales, known for its stunning rock formations and natural arches? This beach is a protected natural monument and attracts many visitors, especially during low tide.

   

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

9. Day 9 Ribadeo → Lourenzá 28.0 km · +400 m / -380 m

   Today's stage from Ribadeo to Lourenzá offers a mix of coastal views and lush countryside. Pilgrims will traverse charming villages and encounter a moderate climb of 500m over the 28km journey. Remember to stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.

   Did you know that Ribadeo is home to the stunning Playa de las Catedrales, known for its impressive rock formations and natural arches? This beach is a protected natural monument and attracts many visitors for its unique landscape.

   

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

10. Day 10 Lourenzá → Mondoñedo 8.0 km · +180 m / -160 m

    This short stage offers a pleasant walk through lush green landscapes, with a gentle ascent and descent. Pilgrims will pass through the quaint village of Mondoñedo, known for its historical significance. A practical tip is to take a moment to enjoy the views before descending into the town.

    Did you know that Mondoñedo is home to the Cathedral of Santa María, which dates back to the 12th century and is a prime example of Romanesque architecture in Galicia?

    

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

11. Day 11 Mondoñedo → Abadín 17.0 km · +420 m / -400 m

    Today's stage from Mondoñedo to Abadín covers 17 km and involves a climb of 500 m, making it moderately challenging. The route takes you through lush landscapes and charming villages, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. A practical tip: carry enough water, as some stretches may have limited access to supplies.

    Did you know that Mondoñedo is home to the Cathedral of Mondoñedo, which dates back to the 12th century and is a fine example of Romanesque architecture in Galicia?

    

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

12. Day 12 Abadín → Vilalba 20.0 km · +300 m / -280 m

    This stage from Abadín to Vilalba covers 20 km through rolling landscapes and small villages, offering a gentle climb of 350 metres. Expect a pleasant mix of rural scenery and local culture along the way. A practical tip is to refill your water bottles in the village of Villanueva.

    Did you know that Vilalba is famous for its traditional cheese, known as 'Queso de San Simón'? This cheese is made from cow's milk and has a distinctive smoked flavour, celebrated in local cuisine.

    

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

13. Day 13 Vilalba → Baamonde 20.0 km · +320 m / -300 m

    Today's stage from Vilalba to Baamonde covers 20 km with a climb of 380 m, making it moderately challenging. The route takes you through lush green landscapes and small villages, offering a glimpse into rural Galician life. A practical tip is to carry enough water, as some stretches may have limited services.

    Did you know that the town of Baamonde is home to the historic Church of Santa María, which dates back to the 12th century and is known for its stunning Romanesque architecture?

    

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

14. Day 14 Baamonde → Miraz 15.0 km · +350 m / -330 m

    Today’s stage from Baamonde to Miraz covers 15 km with a climb of 420 m, offering a mix of gentle hills and picturesque landscapes. You will pass through small villages that showcase the charm of rural Galicia. A practical tip: keep an eye out for waymarkers to stay on track, as some paths can be less clearly defined.

    Did you know that the Church of Santa María in Miraz dates back to the 12th century and is a fine example of Romanesque architecture? This historic site is a reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage.

    

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

15. Day 15 Miraz → Sobrado dos Monxes 26.0 km · +380 m / -360 m

    Today's stage takes you through lush green landscapes and charming villages, making it a picturesque journey. The 26 km trek features a moderate climb, ideal for those prepared for a day of walking. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks to enjoy the scenery.

    Did you know that Sobrado dos Monxes is home to a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, which is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Galicia?

    

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

16. Day 16 Sobrado dos Monxes → Arzúa 22.0 km · +250 m / -270 m

    Today's stage takes you through lush green landscapes and charming villages, covering 22 km with a moderate climb of 300 m. The route is relatively straightforward but be prepared for some gentle ups and downs. A practical tip is to fill up your water bottle at the fountains in the villages along the way.

    Did you know that Arzúa is famous for its cheese, known as Arzúa-Ulloa? This creamy cheese has been produced in the region for centuries and is a staple of Galician cuisine.

    

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

17. Day 17 Arzúa → O Pedrouzo 18.0 km · +230 m / -260 m

    Today's stage from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo offers a blend of lush green landscapes and quaint villages. The route is moderately challenging with a distance of 18 km and a gentle climb of 280 m. A practical tip is to refill your water bottle in the village of O Pedrouzo before the last stretch.

    Did you know that O Pedrouzo is a popular stop for pilgrims because it is just a few kilometres away from Santiago de Compostela? It has a rich history as a resting place for those making their way to the final destination of the Camino.

    

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

18. Day 18 O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela 21.0 km · +200 m / -180 m

    Today's stage is a rewarding 21 km walk into Santiago de Compostela, with a gentle climb of 250 metres. Pilgrims will pass through lush landscapes and charming villages, soaking in the final moments of their journey. A practical tip: keep an eye out for the yellow arrows guiding your way.

    Did you know that Santiago de Compostela is home to the Cathedral of Santiago, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture? It is believed to be the burial site of Saint James, one of Jesus' apostles, making it a significant pilgrimage destination.

    

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

Another way to do it

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