Full Camino del Norte

1. 1. The Jaizkibel Ridge
      The first day of walking features a major climb over this high ridge. It offers views of the Pyrenees behind you and the coastline ahead, before the trail drops into the historic fishing village of Pasaia.
   2. San Sebastián Old Town
      After navigating the initial hills of the Basque Country, the trail leads directly into this coastal city. The main experience here is navigating the old quarter’s narrow streets to enjoy local cuisine and pintxo bars.
   3. Castro Urdiales Promontory
      Upon entering Cantabria, the trail reaches this medieval seafaring town. A rocky point dominates the coast here, holding a 13th-century Gothic church and an old castle that now serves as a lighthouse.
   4. Cantabrian Beach Trails
      This section of the coast lets you walk across wide stretches of sand, like Berria beach, then take a traditional passenger ferry across the bay to enter the city of Santander.
   5. El Capricho in Comillas
      This town features several prominent Modernist buildings, most notably a distinctively tiled summer villa designed by Antoni Gaudí.
   6. Santillana del Mar
      This well-preserved medieval village is built from golden stone. The main path takes you past historic mansions & museums and the ancient monastery of Santa Juliana along its old cobblestone streets. It’s also the entry point for visitors to the Altamira Caves.
   7. The Llanes Coastline
      The path enters Asturias, following green clifftops where ocean waves have carved natural blowholes into the limestone. During rough seas, water shoots high into the air right next to the walking track.
   8. Apple Orchards and Cider Houses of Villaviciosa
      The town is surrounded by apple orchards, and local taverns feature a distinct culture where servers pour cider from high above their heads to aerate it.
      
   9. The Roman Walls of Lugo
      This ancient city features the world’s only completely intact Roman fortification walls, with a walkway running along the entire top perimeter.
   10. Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago
       The walk concludes as you step into the main square facing the towering front facade of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. 

The culinary traditions of land and sea have equal weight here and you’ll be delighted by the regional specialities. Spanish chefs produce wonderful dishes using first-class local ingredients; locally caught fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea, dairy and beef producers are often small scale farmers and artisan cheesemakers and the region has an enviable climate for growing fruit and vegetables as well as orchards and vineyards. You can expect high-quality cuisine in the simplest of establishments. You’ll also find excellent regional wines, ciders and liquors that easily compete with the best in Europe.