Camino del Norte hike

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your journey begins in Ribadeo – if you’re arriving in Santiago de Compostela, an arrival transfer will pick you up and take you to the Spanish province of Lugo in Galicia. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your trip leader and group members, but if you arrive early, why not stroll by the sea or find some local bites in the city centre. Ribadeo stands atop a natural vantage point overlooking the ria, boasting a fascinating blend of medieval and modern architecture. You could also hang out on the sandy shores of As Catedrais or Playa de Penarronda Beach and soak in some sun before starting your trek.

From the historic port of Ribadeo, set off on your trekking adventure this morning with your group. You’ll travel along the last section of the ancient pilgrimage route – the Camino de Santiago. This first stage of your adventure is one of the most challenging but with a few stops to rest and recharge. Your trail will follow an old Roman route towards A Ponte, where you’ll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Carry on to your next stop in Gondan, where you can gain an insight into local, traditional life. End today’s trail in Lourenza – known for its fabas (fava beans) and the San Salvador monastery, which is said to be a prototype of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

This morning, start your trek along an ancient medieval trail that crosses through the Lourenza valley and runs through Mondonedo – one of the most unique and historic areas of Galicia. Walk through villages such as Arroxo and Ogrobe, stopping in San Pedro da Torre to explore the local chapel. Carry on towards Mondonedo – declared a historic-artistic site, this was the birthplace of a few famed Spanish writers and musicians. Here, you’ll have some free time to find some lunch (your leader will have the best recommendations) before a group tasting of the renowned almond cake (yum!). Carry on to Abadin, where you’ll spend the night. The last part of today’s trek will take you past the Valinadares River, which flows through the lush valley, towards your hostel.

Today’s section of the trek will lead you through lush wetlands, country houses, birch and oak woods and religious architecture. Start along a flat stretch through A Terra Cha – this region, including the upper section of the Mino River, was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2003. Walk through local parishes, then cross a medieval bridge over the Batan River. When you reach the lush landscape of Goiriz, sit down for a picnic lunch. The last stretch for the day will take you to Vilalba, where you’ll have a free afternoon to relax along the banks of the Magdelena River on the playa fluvial (river beach).

Today's trail will take you past A Seara, Sabugueiros, Gabin, O Castro and Regovide. Walk through gorgeous landscapes dotted with traditional architecture, from Vilalba to Baamonde – some paths along this section of the trail date back to the Middle Ages! Cross a small bridge over the Trimaz River, then stop in Ponte de Sa for a refreshing dip in the shade of the birch trees, followed by a picnic lunch. Take in the scenery along the Ladra River, then carry on towards Baamonde. Maybe visit the gothic-style Santiago de Baamonde Church, which dates back to the 14th century, and the ancient chestnut tree outside with the carving of the Virgin on the trunk.

Your route today will first take you to the Santo Alberte Chapel, where a popular pilgrimage celebration is held every May. Pass through the villages of San Paio de Seixon and Ponte Leixosa. You’ll take a slight detour from the trail to visit the fortress of San Paio de Narla, which now houses the ethnographic section of the Lugo Provincial Museum. Continue walking through small villages and countryside towards Miraz, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch together. You have a free afternoon and night to explore the Santiago Church and rest among the locals – maybe find a good hill to chill out on and watch the sun go down over the small village.

Your route continues through A Brana, Portolamas, A Devesa and As Fontes. The trail leads you through some small, quaint villages as you leave the province of Lugo and enter A Coruna. Stop for a picnic lunch and recharge in O Marco das Pias. Continue through Guitiza to the Santa Maria de Sobrado Monastery in Sobrado dos Monxes – this monastery features Renaissance and baroque elements, with a medieval kitchen, chapter house and the San Xoan Chapel. Founded in 952, it was a centre of power in Galicia in the 12th century. At the height of medieval pilgrimages, it was the first monastery in Spain to join the Cistercian Order, providing medical care.

Leaving behind the grandeur of Sobrado Monastery, this section of the Camino highlights all the charms of Galicia’s lush landscape. You’ll pass through Vilarchao, O Peroxil and Carelle, then at the crossroads at As Corredoiras, you’ll make tracks for Boimorto. Admire the examples of architecture that embrace local materials and traditions along the route, including a 12th-century Romanesque church in Sendelle. Finally, you’ll finish the day’s walk at Arzua. Famous in culinary circles for its local cheeses, today, the town is a major agricultural hub for the area. You'll have the chance to sample some of these dairy delicacies before settling in for the night.

Arzua marks the meeting point of the Camino’s Northern and French routes, joining the trails together for the home stretch. Depart town by the Rua do Carme, soaking in the landscapes of meadows and woods. You’ll also come across sections of a national highway, so be sure to keep an eye out for cars. After crossing the river Raido, pass through several hamlets – Cortobe, As Pereirinas, A Taberna and more. At A Salceda, continue along flat land onto Santa Irene, then arrive at O Pedrouzo – your stop for the night. Tonight, maybe find a bar or tavern to toast your efforts!

Today, you’ll tackle the final stages of the Camino. Pass through the town of Santo Anton, then begin your ascent into the Santiago region through O Amenal, Cimadevila and San Paio. At A Lavacolla, travellers used to practice the custom of washing in the stream – it’s up to you if you want to do the same – then reach the peak of Monte do Gozo. This small hill will reveal your first view of the Cathedral of Santiago will be revealed. The Camino enters Santiago through the San Lazaro neighbourhood and the Calle de Os Concheiros – a former district of guilds of craftsmen who traded with scallop shells. Continue down the Rua de San Pedro to the Porta do Camino, through pedestrian streets and squares such as Casas Reais, Plaza de Cervantes and Acibecheria, where you’ll access the Basilica. Later in the evening, join your fellow travellers for a final dinner to celebrate your milestone of completing the Camino!

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring the city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.