Overview Pilgrimage through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela Camino (PR12-41): Irún - San Sebastián - Zarautz - Deba - Markina-Xemein - Gernika - Lezama - Bilbao - Portugalete - Castro-Urdiales - Laredo - Güemes - Santander - Polanco - Comillas - Colombres - Llanes - Ribadesella - Sebrayo - Gijón - Avilés - So- de Luiña - Cadavedo - Luarca - La Caridad - Ribadeo - Lourenzá - Gontán - Vilalba - Baamonde - Sobrado dos Monxes (por As Cruces) - Arzúa - Pedrouzo - Santiago de CompostelaType of travel: Individual - approx. 33 daysDifficulty: challengingDistance: ca. 800 kmFare: from 2.880 EUR per person It is common knowledge: Hiking in fresh air and beautiful nature soothes the soul!The Northern Route of the Camino de Santiago, also called the Camino del Norte, runs along the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia regions along the Atlantic coast, covering a distance of approximately 800 kilometers. This pilgrimage offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea.The Camino del Norte is considered one of the most challenging hiking routes, as it features steep climbs, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, it is also one of the most rewarding routes due to its natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance.Along the way, pilgrims can visit numerous landmarks, including medieval towns, Romanesque churches, Gothic cathedrals, and museums. Some of the highlights include the city of San Sebastian, the seaside town of Santander, charming villages, the mountainous National Parks, and the city of Santiago de Compostela itself.The Camino del Norte is less crowded than other routes, which allows for a more peaceful and reflective pilgrimage experience. It is recommended to plan ahead, as accommodations and services are more limited than on other routes. It typically takes between 30 and 40 days to complete the itinerary, depending on one's pace and schedule. Of course we´re happy to divide the Camino del Norte into shorter sections for you, or even prolongue it to Finisterre. Impressions Pilgrimage through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela Packing List Pilgrimage through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela Apparel backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs sleeping bag (alterntively a thinner sleeping bag made of silk or cotton) - 0.2-1.0 Kg/ 0.4-2.2 lbs 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool) 1 long sleeve (best merino wool) 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended) (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters) 2 funtional underpants hiking boots (no seakers) 1 sweater flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs wind stopper small travel towel sun hat possibly tent & camping mat - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs poss. swimming clothes (for the portugese and spanish Camino de la Costa) Sanitary Articles washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag) shower gel (small travel version) toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss toothbrush disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml magnesium sun cream - 50-100 ml deodorant headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400) razor ear plugs tissues tiger balm Technical Equipment headlamp ebook-reader phone camera pocket knife Documents & Money purse cash credit card passport (for non-europeans) or ID train tickets health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans) emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank Miscellaneous Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary Pilgrim’s Credencial diary & pen St. James's scallop sunglasses drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system) first aid kit trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés) Notes Pilgrimage through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela Services included:Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela24h emergency numberTransfers Dates: All year/ best travel period from the beginning of April until the mid of October.Add-on: Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days. Notes You can choose your travel period individually. We recommend a travel time between mid-April to mid-October. Please try to register your trip with us up to 6 weeks before departure. Arrival arranged independently on your own. We would be happy to help you find a suitable train connection. Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. On request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Upon request, we can help you book a private transfer for departure. Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation. For more details see the recommendations in our itinerary. Changes to the pilgrimage route according to individual wishes are possible, such as stage combinations for instance. Price on request. Remember your identity card or passport. We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed mountaineering boots are also necessary. A head for heights is also advantageous. Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, according to which a corona vaccination is also essential. Take a look at the health and entry regulations of your travel country. There is no minimum number of participants. The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL.
