Camino del Norte
Camino del Norte, also known as the Coastal Way, crosses the northern coast of Spain and includes the regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia.
It is one of the most visited Pilgrims' Routes to Santiago de Compostela, second only to the French Way, and more interesting if you're looking to relax on the beach or do water sports. In the unlikely event that you have never heard of the Camino de Santiago, it is an ancient route where pilgrims from all over the world undertake a journey to the city of Santiago de Compostela, acquiring along the way unforgettable stories, unexpected friendships and lifelong memories.
Here we offer you an alternative route that you can do in a motorhome, where you can visit the main cities of the Camino del Norte, camp sites with sea views and enjoy the incredible coastal scenery in complete comfort.
The Camino del Norte makes it possible to experience:
- ...the best beaches of the Cantabrian Sea
- ...the pintxos of the Basque Country, the meats of Asturias, the anchovies of Cantabria, octopus Galician style
- ...natural caves, fishing villages and adventure sports
- ... campsites with sea views and a wide variety of leisure activities.
Type of route: Holiday, coastal
Topic: nature, spirituality, beaches, hiking, adventure, sport
Start/Finish: San Sebastian / Santiago de Compostela
Length: 742 km
States/Provinces: Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia
Holiday Regions: San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Llanes, Gijón, Ribadeo, Santiago de Compostela
Highlights of Camino del Norte
San Sebastian
We start our adventure in the coastal city of San Sebastian, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and a gastronomic capital with several Michelin Star restaurants.
Upon arrival, you can park your motorhome in the Berio motorhome area and enjoy the afternoon exploring the city and the emblematic La Concha beach. The city of San Sebastian is beautiful, we invite you to explore the old town and visit the Gothic church of San Vincente, the church of Santa Maria and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
You can't leave the city without first taking a pintxo route in "lo viejo", as the old quarter of the city is popularly known. Twenty minutes away from San Sebastian you will find Camping Zarautz, which apart from having spectacular views and being very close to the beach of Zarautz also offers many leisure activities, such as: surfing lessons, boat trips, visits to natural parks, wine cellars and much more.
Bilbao
Bilbao's dynamic atmosphere invites you to stroll through the vibrant city. You can walk from the Gran Vía to the Zubizuri Bridge where you will find a pleasant corridor along the estuary leading to the La Salve Bridge and the Guggenheim Museum. For parking, we recommend the Bilbao Motorhome Area, which offers drinking water, electricity, flushing and wifi.
In the old quarter of Bilbao, in the Plaza Nueva, you will discover the best pintxo bars and if you follow the Camino del Norte you will come across the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Begoña, the most emblematic religious symbol of Bilbao along with the Cathedral of Santiago and the Church of San Antón.
A plan that never fails in Bilbao is to visit the Artxanda Funicular, a funicular that is very characteristic in itself and when you get there you can enjoy not only incredible panoramic views but also an area with picnic areas, restaurants and leisure areas. If you have already toured the city and you fancy a day at the beach, twenty minutes from the motorhome area of Bilbao, you have the La Arena beach at your disposal where you can park.
Santander
The capital of Cantabria will leave you speechless with its beaches, palaces and gardens. The city has a rich history and those who are interested in discovering it can book a guided tour at the Interpretation Centre of the History of the city of Santander.
On this visit you will be able to see the medieval walls of Santander, the Church of Christ, the Cathedral of Santander and the bell tower. Another great tourist attraction is the Magdalena Palace and the Magdalena peninsula, which offer pleasant walks with views of the sea. It is also worth mentioning that the Sardinero district has the longest beaches in the city.
There is a car park for motorhomes on Calle Marino Fernández-Fontecha, we advise you to arrive early as there are not many spaces. However, shortly before arriving in Santander you can spend the night in the Suesa-Somo Motorhome Area, which is better equipped and only a few kilometres from Somo beach.
Before continuing to the next stage of the route, we invite you to visit the charming Caravaning Oyambre campsite located between Santander and Llanes. This campsite has bungalows, cabins, swimming pool, restaurant and is next to one of the best beaches in Cantabria. From here, and only 8 minutes away by car, you can visit El Capricho de Gaudí which, like all of Gaudí's works, is a fantasy come true.
El Camino del Norte
Llanes
On the edge of the Cantabrian Sea and close to the Picos de Europa, Llanes has many natural spots of extraordinary beauty and a remarkable historical heritage.
Llanes was a confirmed point of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and as it is part of the Camino de Santiago, there are usually many pilgrims as well as tourists. Park your motorhome in the Llanes motorhome area near the Paseo de San Pedro and explore the various sights of the coastal town, such as the Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa María, the chapel of Magdalena, the palace of Gastañaga and the palace of the Dukes of Estrada.
A day in Llanes flies by as you explore the old town, take the San Pedro walk and enjoy the views of the cliffs, you'll find it's a good idea to get an early start. Delight in the Asturian cuisine, with its typical dishes such as fabadas and cachopo, and if you can get into a cider house, you won't regret it. A good option is the Troenzo campsite, which is 9 minutes from Llanes and is ideally located, just a stone's throw from Troenzo and Borizo beaches, with spectacular views.
Gijón
There are cities that have it all... Gijón is one of them. Surfing, museums, cider bars, promenades, palaces and all kinds of services as it is one of the most important cities in Asturias.
If you want to get to know the city of Gijón, the Cimadevilla neighbourhood is a good starting point. It is a historic neighbourhood that contains everything from Roman remains to Gothic palaces and modern works such as the Elogio al Horizonte. The city has several museums such as the Jovellanos Museum, the Barjola Museum and the Nicanor Piñole Museum. One of the most important architectural works in Gijón is the Universidad Laboral de Gijón, which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and offers guided tours.
The city has five urban beaches, including the San Lorenzo beach, which is 3 km long and has all kinds of services. And if you are interested in discovering the local flora and fauna, we recommend a visit to the Atlantic Botanical Garden. In the Polígono Puerto Musel you can park your motorhome and as a camping recommendation, the Buena Vista campsite in Perlora is a great option for those who want to enjoy not only the nearby beaches but also hiking routes.
Ribadeo
On the Way of St. James, the stage through the lands of Ribadeo is not very long. However, this Galician town has a singular charm that conquers the hearts of all its visitors.
The architecture of the town is quite eclectic. The Casas Indianas, constructions of Galician emigrants who returned enriched from their journeys to the American continent, stand out.
The beach of Las Catedrales is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain and has been declared a Natural Monument by the Galician Regional Government's Department of the Environment.
Octopus, razor clams and squid from the estuary have a different flavour in Galicia. The historic quarter of the city, San Roque street and Pancha Island are not to be missed on your route. Camping Ribadeo is a quiet place that offers a supermarket, barbecue area, swimming pool, Wifi access and where you can ask for tourist information about the many leisure activities that can be done in the area.
Santiago de Compostela
It is said that pilgrims arrive at the Obradoiro square with their strength at a minimum and their morale through the roof. If you have done your route in the comfort of your motorhome, this statement may not correspond to you, but that does not mean that you cannot enjoy an unforgettable experience in Santiago de Compostela.
When you arrive in Santiago, you can park your motorhome in Costa de San Marcos. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the apostle St. James was discovered in the 9th century, is accessed from the Plaza de las Platerías (o praza das praterias), however, the main façade can be seen from the Plaza de Obradorio (o Praza do Obradoiro), where you will see many pilgrims arriving from their long journey.
Other major landmarks of Santiago are: the Puerta Santa, the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the Palacio de Gelmírez and the Alameda. You can also visit the Mercado de Abastos and taste the city's freshest local produce. For camping, Camping As Cancelas is a very good option, as it is very close to the city and includes laundry services, swimming pool, restaurant and cafeteria.
Route guidance with parking space information
For more information on points of interest please see also our Explorer Map
