Stroll
Camino del Norte: Stage 4 - Gijon to Ribadeo - 10 Days
Camino de SantiagoCamino del Norte

Camino del Norte: Stage 4 - Gijon to Ribadeo - 10 Days

10 Days
Moderate

Camino del Norte: Stage 4 - Gijon to Ribadeo - 10 Days

from £1,055 / person

Overview

The fourth stage of the Camino del Norte covers 156 kilometres from Gijón to Ribadeo, tracing the Asturian coast through an area with a rich maritime heritage. The route begins in the historic city of Gijón before heading west through Asturian towns including Avilés and Muros de Nalón, where traditional architecture and green landscapes set the tone for the days ahead.

The path continues along the Cantabrian coastline, threading through charming fishing villages such as Cudillero, where fresh seafood and a strong maritime culture make for a natural pause. Green meadows and forests carry walkers between stages, occasionally giving way to dramatic clifftops and sweeping ocean views. Luarca, known for its distinctive white architecture and striking coastal setting, offers another glimpse into the unique character of Asturias.

The route crosses into Galicia via the bridge of Los Santos over the Eo River, arriving in Ribadeo, a town notable for its elegant "Indian houses." It is a rewarding conclusion to a stage that consistently delivers on coastal scenery, cultural depth and the quiet satisfaction of walking one of Spain's most compelling northern routes.

Highlights

  • Walk alongside fellow pilgrims on the less-travelled Camino del Norte route (Northern Camino)
  • Discover the historic Cimadevilla, Roman remnants, San Lorenzo beach, Tapia de Casariego and elegant squares at your starting point.
  • Traverse tranquil meadows, woodlands, and rolling hills dotted with charming, quiet villages.
  • Encounter ancient sites like the Monte Areo necropolis, medieval towers, baroque palaces in historic towns, and churches dedicated to St. James.
  • Experience the unique character of colorful fishing villages like Cudillero and the cliffside views of Tapia de Casariego.
  • Immerse yourself in the surfing vibe of Navia and the nautical atmosphere of Luarca with its bridges and marina.
  • Savour the flavours of Asturian cider, fresh seafood, and the distinctive regional gastronomy.
  • Witness dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and iconic lighthouses along your walk.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers

Meals

9 breakfasts

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

8

Days on the trail

12-26 km

Average per walking day

148-539 m

Gain per day

-

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

The properties on this stage are family-run hotels and guesthouses chosen for how well they reflect the spirit of the Camino. All rooms are en-suite, and the shared experience of the trail gives these places an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Where substitutions are necessary, any alternative will always be of equivalent quality and in keeping with the character of the route.

Single Rooms

If you are travelling with others but would prefer a single room, we recommend booking as early as possible. Availability can be limited on this popular stage and a single occupancy fee applies.

What You'll Eat

Nine breakfasts are included throughout the trip, served at your accommodation before each day's walking begins. Lunch is not provided but can be purchased locally along the way, and finding your own is a pleasure in itself, with local cheeses, cured meats and a wide variety of breads readily available to pick up along the route. Come evening, many of the properties along the route have their own restaurants serving regional food made with local ingredients, and dinner can be added as a supplement for those who would like it included.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Gijón and finishes in Ribadeo, on Spain's northern coast.

Gijón is best reached by train from Madrid Chamartín, with journey times of around 5-6 hours. Bus connections from Madrid are also available, though journey times are longer at around 6.5-8 hours. The nearest airport is Asturias (OVD), a short bus or taxi ride from the city, with flights from the UK and across Europe.

The walk ends in Ribadeo. The most practical departure option is to return to Asturias Airport (OVD) by bus or taxi for flights across Europe. Those continuing by rail can travel via Lugo to connect onward to Madrid, with total journey times of around 5.5-6.5 hours. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.


This walk is available from April to September, with no fixed start days. Spring brings warming days, green Galician countryside and the first wildflowers along the path, with May and June widely considered among the best months for mild weather, long daylight hours and manageable numbers of fellow pilgrims. July and August are warmer and more sociable, with a lively atmosphere on the trail, though accommodation can be harder to secure and a peak season supplement applies. Autumn brings milder temperatures, quieter paths and fine early colour in the forests. Whatever the month, waterproofs are worth carrying — rain is part of Galicia.

Note: Solo travellers are warmly welcome on this walk. Some transfers are costed on the basis of two people sharing, so a supplement applies for solo bookings. Contact our team for details.

Trails are well-defined throughout, following an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain. Expect rocky paths, farm and forest tracks, and long open stretches of countryside, with sustained climbs to hilltop towns and villages. Some sections run alongside roads, so walkers should remain mindful of traffic at all times. Good walking boots are essential.

Daily walks cover up to 24 kilometres with up to 300 metres of ascent and descent. You should be comfortable with both the distance and the elevation before setting out. An exercise regime of two to three times per week, in addition to regular walking, is recommended in preparation.

The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

July 2026

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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Camino del Norte reviews

Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

We can organise this anywhere along the walk. However, we strongly recommend a rest day at the end of the walk in Santiago.

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer to stay an extra night or two in Santiago, we can help arrange this for you.

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

We don't allow children under the age of 13 to do this walk.

Absolutely. Many people choose to complete stages of the Camino as a solo walker. There are many people walking the route and many of the overnight stays welcome hordes of walkers which means you can choose to walk your own journey or join in the camaraderie of walking with others.

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 38 days but 39 days with an extra night along the way is always a good idea. Speak to the office to insert another rest day if you want to when booking.

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THE CAMINO DeL NORTE EXPERIENCE

Wonder
Walk the rugged Northern Camino, tracing Spain's wild Atlantic coastline through Basque, Cantabrian, and Galician culture
Discover Bilbao's iconic Guggenheim Museum, vibrant pintxos bars, and rich maritime heritage
Pass through historic fishing villages perched above the Bay of Biscay, each with their own authentic local rhythm
Wellness
Let the fresh Atlantic air and daily effort restore clarity of mind and strength in body
Find genuine solitude on the trail — space to think, breathe, and hear yourself again
Walk pack-free each day with luggage transferred ahead, freeing you to settle into your stride
Nature
Walk clifftop paths above the Bay of Biscay, where wild Atlantic swells crash far below
Move through the green, mist-draped hills of Asturias — dense forest far removed from the Spain most people know
Wind through ancient Galician woodland and traditional stone villages on the final stage inland