Conquer the Camino del Norte: Expert Tips and Tricks

Come along with me on the northern Camino de Santiago as I tackle the mountains of the Basque country, marvel at the majesty of the Picos de Europa, swim in the beautiful azure seas off the coast of Asturias, savour the gastronomic delights of San Sebastian, and eat some pinxos in Galicia.

[@christianvango2735]

Loved it! So well made and informative that it feels like I'm there again. It wouldn't have been the same without you either, Cole!

[@colesushi]

Miss you guys - hope all is well back in sunny Vancouver. You coming back to do another Camino?

[@christianvango2735]

We are hoping to eventually, but probably in a couple years or so. We loved it and I would like to do the primitivo (maybe starting from Irun again). I have the feeling that you'll be doing at least two this year. We both miss you too!

[@annedelerue5834]

Thank you. Your explanations are very clear. And hooray to the ocean!

[@rickchollett]

I'll be starting from Irun at the end of April with my brother!

[@colesushi]

Buen Camino !

[@TammyKraft]

Nice overview. How many days did it take you to walk?

[@colesushi]

About 5 weeks give or take. My approach is not to try and be at a particular place by a set date. Rather, take it easy, smell the roses and if you don't make it to Santiago, come back again and pick up where you left off! Buen Camino!

[@sandgroper-ig9nk]

Some very nice shots. I have heard its a magic quieter camino cheers buddy for the heads up to many Caminos not enough time 👍

[@colesushi]

Thanks 👍

[@slatelate8824]

Very cool video. Makes me want to do it!

[@colesushi]

Do it !

[@raphael8060]

thank you, that is very concise and full of very useful information. If I travel in June does that mean I have to book private hotels (more expensive?) as the albergues will be still closed?

[@colesushi]

Sorry if I said something to mislead but by June, the albergues should be open. I tend to book (either the same morning or the night before) only if there's a particularly nice place to stay that I don't want to miss out on.. Buen Camino !

[@womangoworld]

This is so interesting. Really enjoyed your video on the Primitivo. Would you recommend rather starting at "Del Norte" and then change onto the Primitivo or would you say staying on the del Norte all the way is nicer?

[@colesushi]

I think most people swap from the del norte to the Primitivo because after a few weeks of sea, they feel it's time for some mountains... But if I knew I had time to come back and do the Primitivo at a later date, I'd stick on the del norte, for the sake of completeness. Also, it's nice that it's less busy after Gijon on the del Norte

[@TheBendixtus]

buen camino.. nice video.. I hope my camino in october 2024 will true🙏🏻

[@colesushi]

I hope you can make it !

[@TheBendixtus]

Garacias🙏🏻

[@zizzy1536]

I talked my sister into doing the Camino del Norte because I wanted to walk along the sea, “it is always about the sea.” So true. We start Aug 22 in Irun and I am giving us 44 days to get to Santiago. If you had to pick a city to stay a day or two in along the route, which would you choose and why?

[@colesushi]

SO many great cities. But if I had to choose one, then San Sebastien because of the food scene. The Guggenheim also makes Bilbao a highly attractive stop off..

[@briantam4386]

Very good video.Do I need walk 25 to 30kms every ? Do I have choice to shorten the routes.eg.walk 20 kms every day and can find the alberque.

[@colesushi]

Short answer, no - you can normally do much shorter days than 25 to 30kms. There are plenty of handy apps out there (e.g. Camino Ninja) that can help you plan your day. You can find out where the next place to stay is that is between 15 and 30 kms (for example)... I think there's no shame in getting a bus/taxi if you consider your destination for the day is too far to walk ... Buen camino !

[@briantam4386]

Hi Cole.Thanks your advice.@@colesushi

[@TheBendixtus]

Sorry Sir, may I ask... At the beginning of October 2024 I am planning the Camino Del Norte from Bilbao to Santander with several elderly friends, is there a backpack delivery service from Bilbao to Santander? Thank you🙏🏻

[@colesushi]

I haven't used baggage transfer but looks like Correos have been good. Check this thread - www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/backpack-transfer-along-norte-september-2022.72304/

[@TheBendixtus]

@@colesushi thanks for info🙏🏻

[@user-mp9sz7ki1w]

is it expensive to do the camino?

[@colesushi]

I think you can make it quite cheap. Per day: Private Alberge (hostel) bed in dormitory - eur15 Breakfast (toast plus coffee) - eur3 Mid-morning coffee - 1.20 lunch from supermarket (bread, cheese etc.) eur 5 Pre dinner beers eur 4 dinner (2 courses, including wine, bread etc.) - eur15 So that makes about eur 43 per day.