
Spain's Camino del Norte Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Spain's Camino del Norte Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2026: May-Oct

Camino de Santiago via the Basque Coast & Picos de Europa
Explore the Camino’s untamed northern frontier, where hidden trails weave through wind-carved bluffs, alpine passes and seaside splendor. Follow ancient footsteps—or forge your own.
Highlights
- Traverse handpicked sections of the Camino de Santiago, rich with relics from the past
- Take in sweeping panoramas of the Picos de Europa, nicknamed “Spain’s Dolomites” for their striking limestone formations
- Visit the Covadonga Lakes, two glacial lakes famous for being the site where Spain’s Christian Reconquista began
- Explore whitewashed fishing villages with cobbled streets, colorful harbors and stunning ocean views
- Dive into Asturian cuisine as you pair local apple cider with hearty stews, local grown vegetables, rich cheeses and superb seafood

StartBilbao, Spain
EndSantiago de Compostela, Spain
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Day 1
Set out on foot along the Camino de Santiago, a scenic pilgrimage route • Follow clifftop paths overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, with the waves your constant companion • Explore Castro Urdiales, where you’ll find medieval architecture and striking Gothic churches • Linger over dramatic views as you journey past secluded beaches, quiet coves and charming fishing villages • Enjoy a gourmet Cantabrian dinner of simple yet high-quality coastal ingredients.





Night 1
This charming escape is set within a beautifully restored historic building, once a summer residence of King Alfonso XIII, and surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees. (pool)

Days 2-3
Step off the Camino and into the Sierra del Sueve, a set of emerald mountains to the east of Asturias • Take in panoramic views of the lush coastline, the shimmering Cantabrian Sea and the limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa as you summit Pico Pienzu • After a rewarding day on the trail, unwind at our five-star retreat, where gourmet cuisine and sumptuous accommodations await • Keep an eye out for asturcones, wild horses native to this region, roaming freely amid the hills • Explore the Covadonga Lakes and learn about the Battle of Covadonga (722 AD)—the first spark of resistance against the Muslim invasion.





Nights 2-3
Overlooking the majestic Picos de Europa, this exclusive eco-resort's floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and rustic-chic décor showcase its alpine beauty. (pool, spa)

Days 4-6
Follow rural pathways along the Camino de Santiago, winding through green landscapes and breathtaking coastal trails • Pause to look at prehistoric dinosaur footprints, a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past • Pair local cider with tapas or pimientos de padrón for a local Asturian experience • Admire the sheer rock faces of the Acantilados del Infierno • Stroll through Ribadesella, a charming village perched at the water’s edge • Savor a modern gastronomic dinner inspired by Asturias's rich food tradition, featuring amazing mariscos (shellfish), local beef and farm-fresh vegetables • Extend your journey by exploring the historic old quarter of Santiago de Compostela with its magnificent cathedral.





Nights 4-5
At this boutique hotel set within an elegantly restored 18th-century palace, unwind amid tranquil gardens and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Although we’ll be walking along parts of the Camino de Santiago, it’s important to note that our experience will be quite different from that of its Compostela-seeking pilgrims, who are required to walk at minimum the last 100 kilometers into Santiago—often along stretches of busy highway—and who typically stay in simple dormitories. This trip allows us to experience the essence and highlights of the Camino and surrounding landscape in comfort, with the region’s best hotels, gourmet meals and excellent route support each day. Also keep in mind that as we are walking on the Camino, many parts of this historic pilgrimage are on paved paths, back roads or cobblestones. You can expect about half of the walking to be on a hard surface.
While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that some of the hotels on this trip are housed in beautiful historic buildings and are equipped with bio-friendly air-cooling systems that may not be as cold as what you are used to in other locations. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.





Night 1
Premiere Hotel
This charming escape is set within a beautifully restored historic building, once a summer residence of King Alfonso XIII, and surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees. (pool)





Nights 2-3
Premiere Hotel
Overlooking the majestic Picos de Europa, this exclusive eco-resort's floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and rustic-chic décor showcase its alpine beauty. (pool, spa)





Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
At this boutique hotel set within an elegantly restored 18th-century palace, unwind amid tranquil gardens and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.