With many routes that all lead to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino de Santiago is a thrilling pilgrimage and travel experience. Some people make the trek to Santiago for religious reasons, while others want to enhance their fitness level, meet new people, or see more of Spain. The Camino Frances (the French Way) is the most famous route, but the Camino del Norte (Northern Way) is one of the most beautiful and features some of the biggest and liveliest cities in northern Spain, including San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, and Gijon. Besides seeing these metropolises, the Camino also takes you through small cities and quaint villages. Here you’ll find information on three inviting places along the Camino worth visiting as you walk this fascinating road:
Mountains and fiesta: Irun, Basque Country
Located on the border of France and Spain, Irun will be your first stop if you decide to do the entire Camino del Norte starting in Spain. A dynamic Basque city, Irun is surrounded by the Jaizkibel, San Marcial, and Peña de Aia mountains. For those who love a good day trip, the Hermitage of San Marcial, located on the mountain of the same name, provides a spectacular view of the local area. For history buffs, the Oiasso Roman Museum features archaeological remains of the Roman period in Irun as well as a guided tour of the Hermitage of Saint Helen. Be sure not to miss the Festival of San Pedro and San Marcial, a multi-day festival celebrating the feast days of San Pedro (June 29) and San Marcial (June 30) and also a military victory over French troops in 1522. The city throws a spectacular party that includes a military parade, free concerts, exhibitions, and more cultural activities for people of all ages.
A day at the beach: Laredo, Cantabria
Laredo is a seaside town that hasn’t lost its charm despite summer tourism. For pilgrims on the Camino, Laredo is the perfect place to stop if you want to have a day at the beach. La Salvé Beach, a 5-kilometer-long (3.1-mile-long) beach on the Cantabrian coast, is a pilgrim’s ideal destination to relax after a long day on the road. When you’re not taking a dip in the sea, be sure to wander through Laredo’s medieval town center and visit the Church of Santa Maria of the Assumption, which dates back to the 13th century. Finally, treat yourself to a sobao pasiego, a Cantabrian sponge cake that you must try during your stay in Laredo.
A charming village: Luarca, Asturias
With a population of just over 5,000 people, Luarca offers a pleasant combination of being small in size small size and having local beauty. After descending into the village from the nearby hills, you will immediately be attracted by the cobbled streets, the colorful harbor, and the jetty. Luarca is the right place in which to put your tired feet up and enjoy a glass of Asturian cider while taking in the view of the harbor. Within the city, the jetty is a great option if you want to take a stroll, and the lighthouse is also within walking distance. For pilgrims who want to unwind, several beaches are easily accessible by car or bus from the village.
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Discover more on your Camino
As you make your way across northern Spain on the Camino del Norte, be sure to enjoy some of the smaller towns and villages that offer local flair that can’t be found in the bigger cities. Irun, Laredo, and Luarca are all located on the Camino del Norte and offer everything a pilgrim could need, including hostels, pharmacies, restaurants, and bars, as well as a unique regional feeling.
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