The Camino de Santiago along the Cantabrian coast, as old as the French Way, was already trodden by the European kings of the Middle Ages. Due to its coastal route, it was the favorite to reach Santiago, especially when the empire of the half moon ruled south of the Cantabrian Mountains.
As the Reconquista progressed and the southern lands regained peace, the Camino del Norte gradually gave way to prominence. For centuries it was barely used by pilgrims, however, the rise of walking to Santiago has restored its status as a route and it is beginning to be very popular again. Landscape-wise it is the most spectacular route, combining the sea and the mountains.
El the Camino de Santiago It has multiple routes, one of the most spectacular is the Northern Way: Navia – Santiago de Compostela by bike. This Path is also known as coastal path and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2015.
The route runs along the Cantabrian coast to Ribadeo, where it continues inland towards Galician territory. Its spectacular route is made up of mountain stages, crossing paths between meadows, forests and crop fields. You will find unique and hidden places that will mark the Camino from Ribadeo to Santiago, an enriching experience.
Enjoy the Northern Way from Navia and experience a Way that will reveal endless landscapes: the Cantabrian coast, ancient forests, the Terra Chá (Lucense plain) and the spectacular city of Santiago de Compostela.
Navia It is a small coastal town that has a rich monumental, ethnographic, artistic and linguistic heritage, being the monumental and artistic heritage One of the city's greatest assets. You'll stay in a renowned hotel in the city, where you'll find everything you need to begin your trip.
You will begin to pedal through the Northern Way from Navia First along the coast to Ribadeo and then inland, passing over the magnificent mountains of Lugo. You'll discover the Galician interior, passing through small villages and farmland. On this stage, you'll visit Lourenzá, its impressive Monastery of San Salvador de Villanueva, declared a Site of Cultural Interest. The "fabas de Lourenzá" (Lourenzá beans) are essential for seasoning a delicious Asturian fabada (bean stew) or a good Galician broth, which we recommend you try.
Mondoñedo is the birthplace of great writers, such as none other than Álvaro Cunqueiro, Noriega Varela, Leiras Pulpeiro or Pascual Veiga, among other personalities. Its 13th century cathedral is a National Monument and World Heritage Site. You will enter the Terra Chá (Flat Land), a plain of which Vilalba is its capital. This Galician town is famous for its potatoes and capons (castrated and fattened free-range roosters). But you will not only find gastronomy in Vilalba, the Torreón de los Condes de Andrade is just one of its many tourist attractions.
You will depart from Vilalba through magical forests and small towns, where you will be able to get to know the Galician rural world and see the idiosyncrasy and friendliness of its people. Bahamonde, following the Parga River you will find the Chapel of San Alberte, a dream place.
You will continue along the Mandeo River to reach Sobrado dos Monxes. Its Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado dos Monxes, of medieval foundation, was declared Historical Heritage of Spain and Asset of Cultural Interest. You will also visit Boimorto to reach the end of the stage in Arzúa, “the land of cheese.” Arzúa is where the Camino del Norte converges with the Camino Francés.
Then you will pass through towns such as Rúa, O Pedrouzo, Lavacolla or Amenal. The last trails through forests will leave you on the shores of Santiago, where the last climb of the Camino to Monte do Gozo will take place. From this iconic place you will already see Santiago de Compostela and its majestic Cathedral. Once in Santiago, among the sound of bagpipes and its unique atmosphere, you will arrive at the Plaza del Obradoiro, culminating this incredible experience.
After a well-deserved breakfast you can continue enjoying Santiago de Compostela and its historic center, a World Heritage Site; and stop by our office, at the entrance of the French Way, to seal your Credential and continue your experience with one of our excursions or enjoy a tour.
