The Camino de Santiago from Ribadesella to Vilalba is the last stretch of the Camino del Norte that runs along the Cantabrian coast. It is an ideal route for all those who want to enjoy the ocean without giving up green landscapes.
The tour begins in los Picos de Europa, in the picturesque village of Ribadesella. From there, the route crosses numerous fishing villages on the coast of Asturias and cities such as Gijon and Aviles, places where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the excellent Asturian cider and the exquisite local gastronomy.
The route enters Galicia through the town of Ribadeo, from where you can visit one of the most impressive beaches in Spain, Playa de las Catedrales. Afterwards, the road turns inland, crossing rural Galician environments, to finish the tour in Vilalba.
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Day 1
Arrival in Ribadesella
On the day of your arrival in Ribadesella you can take advantage to visit the rich heritage in the town. We recommend visiting the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena, the Palace of Pietro Cutre and the Chalet de Indianos Villa Rosario.
In the vicinity of the villa are located various archaeological sites such as the Lloseta Caves or a route through the cliffs to observe ancient traces of dinosaurs. If you arrive early in Ribadesella, you may also consider one of these plans.
Accommodation: Overnight in Ribadesella.
Day 2
From Ribadesella to Colunga
During the first kilometres during your first day of walking, you will continue along the Cantabrian coast and enjoy beautiful landscapes with excellent panoramic views. On the tour, you will pass through various coastal villas such as La Espasa and La Isla.
Before concluding the stage, in Colunga, you will find a detour that will allow you to visit the Church of Santiago, a beautiful temple with great historical value. The day concludes with a quiet afternoon in Colunga.
Distance: 20 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Colunga.
Day 3
From Colunga to Villaviciosa
The second stage of the Camino del Norte from Ribadesella is one of the most complicated on the route, as it enters a mountain environment that faces continuous slopes. However, this will allow you to cross a beautiful and intense green landscape.
On the route, you can visit places such as Miengo or Suances. The stage concludes in Santillana del Mar, a beautiful town that is especially known for the Altamira Caves.
Distance: 17 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Villaviciosa.
Day 4
From Villaviciosa to Gijon
Shortly after starting the tour you will arrive at La Casquita, where the road fork is located that allows you to link the Camino del Norte with the Primitivo, passing through Oviedo. You must take the path that continues straight ahead and that sets course for Gijon.
One of the best landscapes of the day awaits you in the Alto de la Cruz, with an incredible panorama over the entire region. The stage ends in Gijon, where you can enjoy the sun on one of its many beaches or explore the architecture of the city.
Distance: 29 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Gijon.
Day 5
From Gijon to Aviles
On this stage, you will cross Monte Areo, where you can visit dolmens and archaeological sites. Then, you will continue through the Carreno Valley, bypassing various rivers and enjoying a beautiful landscape.
The stage ends in Aviles, a city with an interesting urban area that is classified as an area of artistic and monumental interest. Here, you will also find beautiful beaches to enjoy.
Distance: 24 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Aviles.
Day 6
From Aviles to El Pito
After leaving Aviles behind, you will pass through Salinas, where you will find one of the biggest beaches in Asturias. Then, the route goes inland and crosses towns such as Santiago del Monte or Muros de Nalon. The tour concludes in the town of El Pito, where we recommend visiting the Palacio de Selgas.
Distance: 28 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in El Pito.
Day 7
From El Pito to Ballota
Shortly after El Pito, you will find the detour that will allow you to visit the picturesque village of Cudillero, where its beautiful streets form an amphitheatre. Then the path will lead you to Rellayo and Soto de Luina.
Crossing beautiful beaches, such as Playa San Pedro, you will reach the detour that allows you to go inland or follow the path along the coast. You will continue along the coastal route, to finish the stage in Ballota.
Distance: 25 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Ballota.
Day 8
From Ballota to Luarca
Today you will cross the beautiful Sierra de Las Ballotas, where you will find several detours that will allow you to get close to small beaches, such as Cadevo or Campiecho. At the latter, you will find a nice cave, if you visit it at low tide.
Then, in a pleasant environment that will surprise you with a beautiful panorama of Luarca and its fishing port, you will arrive at the end of the stage. We recommend you take advantage of this stop to try the Luarca-style Caldereta (Fish stew).
Distance: 22 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Luarca.
Day 9
From Luarca to Navia
On this stage you will advance on dirt trails that move away from the coast, but will give you beautiful views, especially on the first stretch of the route. You will pass small towns such as Villuir, Villapedre or Villaoril.
The day ends in the medieval village of Navia. We recommend you take advantage of the afternoon to visit the remains of its wall and some of the Indiano houses that you will find on its streets.
Distance: 21 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Navia.
Day 10
From Navia to Ribadeo
The first part of this stage can be completed by following the official path to Porcia or take the path that runs along the coast. Here, you will find another fork, one path goes inland and the other continues along the coast to Ribadeo, which is the one that you must take.
By the Puente de los Santos, you will enter Ribadeo, putting your feet, therefore, on Galician lands. The town is very beautiful and touristic, but it is especially popular for the emblematic Playa de las Catedrales which is located 10 kilometres from the city centre. If you have the opportunity, do not miss it because you will be surprised.
Distance: 31 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Ribadeo.
Day 11
From Ribadeo to Lourenza
On this stage, you will leave the coast to enter a rural environment, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and scrubland. You will pass small villages such as Vilela, Villamartin Grande or Ponte de Arante.
The day ends in Lourenza, where you can visit the Monastery of San Salvador. The visit to the Chapel of Nosa Senora da Gracia is also recommended.
Distance: 27 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lourenza.
Day 12
From Lourenza to Abadin
This stage is quite lonely: nature, you and the beautiful views of the valley. However, pleasant surprises such as Mondonedo, an authentic architectural and cultural gem, await you on the tour.
The day ends in the quiet village of Abadin. You can take the afternoon to visit the Church of Santa Maria or to take a walk to the neighbouring Gontan, located 500 metres away.
Distance: 24 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Abadin.
Day 13
From Abadin to Vilalba
Today you will find a tour of green meadows and beautiful landscapes, dotted with tiny hamlets. The stage ends in Vilalba, where this route from Ribadesella terminates.
Distance: 20 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Vilalba.
Day 14
Vilalba
In Vilalba you can enjoy a quiet town that has various natural environments in which to relax, such as the river promenade or the surroundings of La Magdalena. In the village you will also find the Alligal swimming pool, to which medicinal properties are attributed.
On its streets, you will also find architecture of interest such as the Torre de los Andrade, which was the main home of an important family in the region. Vilalba is also known for the good quality cheeses, so we advise you to take advantage of your visit to try them.
If you want to rest one day in Vilalba, after spending so many days walking, you can add an extra night to your trip. Contact us for more information.
Excellent and well organised walking
We walked from Lugo to Santiago. All of the accommodation was very good, good meals and drink. All in all a very good holiday and walking experience. We’ve already booked to do another walk next year as they make it so easy to do.
Well done!
They arranged all accommodation and transport of luggage flawlessly. Not a single glitch was experienced. Well done!
Camino Trail
Amazing experience and I was very satisfied. I would highly recommend booking with this company as they were organized, helpful and I never had to worry about anything other than enjoy hiking the Camino.
They really are excellent!
The tour was really superb! We were impressed with all aspects of communications both during the booking and planning stage as well as during the trip. Transfers were flawless and the standard of accomodation excellent! Highly recommend… And will surely use them again!
Fabulous experience
Fabulous experience. Walks in Spain were a very good company to travel with. Highly recommend them. Accommodation was very good and food excellent.
INCLUDED SERVICES
- Staying in hotels and cottages.
- Accommodation with a private bathroom in your room.
- Detailed itinerary of the reserved route.
- Selected meal plan.
- Baggage transfer between stages.
- Personal assistance 24/7, by phone, throughout the trip.
- Emergency assistance car available
- Information dossier for the Camino de Santiago from Ribadesella.
- Taxes included.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Booking of single rooms at an additional cost.
- Picnics to go (includes sandwich, drink and dessert).
- Additional night in Santiago de Compostela (breakfast included).
- Transfers according to your needs.
- Assistance insurance during the tour.
- Travel cancellation insurance.
Excellent and well organised walking
We walked from Lugo to Santiago. All of the accommodation was very good, good meals and drink. All in all a very good holiday and walking experience. We’ve already booked to do another walk next year as they make it so easy to do.
Well done!
Caminofy arranged all accommodation and transport of luggage flawlessly. Not a single glitch was experienced. Well done!
Camino Trail
Amazing experience and I was very satisfied with Caminofy. I would highly recommend booking with this company as they were organized, helpful and I never had to worry about anything other than enjoy hiking the Camino.
Caminofy really are excellent!
The tour was really superb! We were impressed with all aspects of communications both during the booking and planning stage as well as during the trip. Transfers were flawless and the standard of accomodation excellent! Highly recommend Caminofy… And will surely use them again!
Fabulous experience
Fabulous experience. Walks in Spain were a very good company to travel with. Highly recommend them. Accommodation was very good and food excellent.
