Camino del Norte, GR footpath in northern Spain
The Camino del Norte is a walking route along the northern coast of Spain that extends through six provinces from the Basque Country to Santiago de Compostela. The path combines coastal sections with green valleys and mountain passages over approximately 825 kilometers.
The route developed as a pilgrimage path in medieval times when travelers chose the northern passage because Moors controlled central Spain. This alternative to the established southern route became the preferred choice for many pilgrims over the centuries.
Local communities along the route maintain their traditional festivals and regional food customs that travelers encounter directly in villages and markets. These practices give the path a living connection to the people who inhabit the areas it passes through.
Accommodation is easy to find since pilgrim hostels are spaced about every 20 to 30 kilometers along the route. Yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols mark the path clearly, making navigation straightforward for most walkers.
The route hugs the coast far more than other pilgrimage paths, allowing walkers to experience the sea, cliffs, and fishing villages more directly. This makes it a distinctly different experience from the better-known southern alternatives.
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