Interesting places to stay over night on the Camino Del Norte

[etazac]

Hi everybody,

I have read all the threads on this topic and seen multiple replies. Some are positive others seem to be vague. Ok travel if this route what cities offer the best cultural experiences which makes them worth staying another day.

Please don’t post it’s an individual experience etc I would love to know what you think.

Iam planning a trip in 2025 for May and June to do the full Northern experience and I would love your help in planning this experience.

 

[amancio]

I would suggest San Sebastián, Zarautz/Gernika, Bilbao, Comillas (a couple of days, even), Avilés, Luarca (the most beautiful town in the whole route), Mondoñedo...
Santillana del Mar is also very interesting, but there are too many tourists per square meter to enjoy anything!

 

[CindyMX]

I totally agree with @amancio that Luarca is the most beautiful city. A close second for me was Llanes.

My husband and I also enjoyed a night “glamping” at the campground just before Zaurautz, called Gran Camping Zaurautz. Beautiful views of the coast and the city, with excellent facilities. The glamping tent had a very comfortable mattress, the shower facilities were clean and modern, and there was a restaurant and store on the premises. It was nice to have a different experience from the hostels and small hotels we had been staying in. Probably not worth a multiple day rest but we found it to be very relaxing.

https://www.grancampingzarautz.com/en/glamping/

 

[barryfr]

My wife and I enjoyed the cosmopolitan feel of Bilbao (although we weren't crazy about the non-pilgrim hostel we booked). If you can carve out extra time in Santillana del Mar, the Caves of Altamira are worth a visit for both the museum and the re-creation of the prehistoric cave art found there. We also enjoyed wandering the car-less center city of Avilés in the evening and enjoying its classic architecture.

 

[pinkwadingbird]

If you'd like to see authentic prehistoric caves instead of a re-creation then a visit to the Cuevas Tito Bustillo in Ribadesella is recommended. An added bonus is the beach and town which are lovely.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

stay at any non-profit municipal or parish albergue along the path. Each one is a unique experience in itself, and the people you find there are often real characters.

 

[etazac]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions I really appreciate it.