Norte and Primitivo 2025

[Haidee]

Hello, this is my first post. I’m planning to head out in September 2025 on the Norte and Primitivo routes for about 6 weeks. We stay mostly in albergues and eat Peregrino meals where we can. Does anyone have an estimate of current costs on these routes. Thank you.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Welcome to the forum. I can only comment on the Primitivo. July last year I spent approximately 50 euros per day on food and accommodation, including a couple of private rooms. Albergues varied in cost from eight euros to 20 per night, that eight would now be 10€ (Xunta prices were raised later last year). The few occasions I had a pilgrims menu or a menu del dia they ranged from 12 to 15 euros. I also like to get salads from the supermarket etc. Occasionally I eat a little more up market, which would cost me up to 30 euros for a very good meal.

If you haven't already it is well worth looking at Gronze, it will show you accommodation costs for both of the routes.

 

[Haidee]

Thank you so much for your input

 

[Tincatinker]

Welcome. There are quite a few threads discussing costs and budgets that may be worth searching out. Costs on the Norte come in a little higher than on, say, the Francés but planning will help. September is post peak holiday season along the Asturian coast so costs will be easing but availability will be reducing.

I tend to budget €100 a day but please note that is a budget not how much I tend or intend to spend. I budget on the basis that if I don’t have €3000 to spare for a 30 day wander around Iberia I should adjust my plans or my bank balance

I do tend to use private accommodations. I have no inclination to inflict my nocturnal tribulations on a roomful of other people. I do my level best to avoid the Menu Peregrino even if that means eating my own boots. They’re probably more nutritious than “Lomo y patatas”. A good Menu del Dia may cost a couple of €uro more but at least I’ll know the locals are eating it…

Happy planning and buen Camino

 

[Haidee]

Thanks so much. Good thoughts about menú del día. It’s fair that on the Frances I got a bit weary of the diet but as a fellow pilgrim says … hunger makes a good sauce

 

[Haidee]

I’ve just checked out Gronze - is there a version in English?

 

[Vacajoe]

I’ve just checked out Gronze - is there a version in English?

If you use a browser like Chrome, it can translate it for you automatically

 

[Vacajoe]

So you’ll still be competing with vacationers and surfers while walking on some parts of the Norte in September, which means low cost accommodations can fill up early. If so, you’ll be paying higher-than-expected accommodation costs because it’s a vacation area at the end of summer. Definitely either plan ahead for those areas or prepare for €100 euro nights at times

 

[scowan1313]

Hi there! I am also new to this forum and planning my pilgrimage for August/Sept 2025— so slightly earlier than you're planning. Have you gotten any solid estimate for the overall cost of the Camino Norte? Thanks in advance!

 

[Vacajoe]

Hi there! I am also new to this forum and planning my pilgrimage for August/Sept 2025— so slightly earlier than you're planning. Have you gotten any solid estimate for the overall cost of the Camino Norte? Thanks in advance!

Anywhere from free to €1,000,000!!!! Seriously, how can one answer that question without you providing some key bits of info like: where are you starting from? How many days are you walking? Are you cooking your own food or having pilgrim meals or Michelin-starred restaurant experiences? Sleeping in bunk beds or private rooms or Paradors? Bag transfer? And on and on.

Generally, more expensive than the CF because it’s not as pilgrim-centric and you’re competing against holiday makers in coastal vacation spots. Albergues are €10-25 for a bed (when they are not full) and pilgrim meals €15-20 when you can find them.

If you provide more info, this community can provide more assistance .

 

[Sd217]

HI Ive just done a week on the Norte (all that i could get off work) i was surprised at the scarcity of albergues compared to the french way portugese or even the via de la plata .
Having said that lots of holiday /hostel accomodation on coast between irun and Bilbao but obviously at a higher cost.
I suspect away from Bilbao things will get better /cheaper ,first week was surprisingly hard given elevation gains and surface , lots of stone and mud and weather made it worse lovely views and very nice people as ever.
I was travelling alone and normally dont book ahead however on a number of occasions i found myself with accomodation problems , without a booking , partly due to the time of year and national holidays etc , so suggest booking at least some accomodation in advance , if your going in a busy time of year or at the end of the season when a lot of albergues close.
Great route though cant wait to return.
Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

HI Ive just done a week on the Norte (all that i could get off work) i was surprised at the scarcity of albergues compared to the french way portugese or even the via de la plata .

The Norte never has had as robust an infrastructure as the Francés, and some albergues that closed during the pandemic never reopened.