The Camino de Santiago through Caravia
The Camino del Norte runs past our front door. Here’s which stretch it is, where it goes and how to enjoy it even if you’re not walking all the way to Santiago.
The Northern Way in Caravia
The Camino del Norte, also called the Northern Way or the Coastal Way, runs from Irún to Santiago along the Cantabrian coast. In Asturias, the stage between Ribadesella and Colunga, about 20 kilometres long, crosses Caravia, one of the smallest municipalities in Asturias, between the Sueve hills and the sea.
Where it goes
Coming from Ribadesella, the Camino passes through Vega and Berbes, enters Caravia and heads down towards Arenal de Morís, right past the house. From there it carries on to La Espasa beach, on the border with Colunga, and continues through La Isla to Colunga.
Yellow arrows and the scallop shell mark the way towards Santiago, which here means towards Colunga; if you walk towards Ribadesella, you’ll see them coming the other way.
Stretches to walk from the house
You don’t need to go all the way to Santiago to enjoy it. Heading west, you pass two beaches, Morís and La Espasa, before reaching La Isla. Heading east towards Ribadesella, the route runs further inland, through villages and meadows.
Think about getting back: the simplest way is to walk back the way you came. Take water, comfortable shoes and an extra layer, as the weather here changes quickly.
If you’re walking the Camino
If you’re doing the Camino in stages, or fancy a few days’ rest halfway, this is a place to recover with the sea in front of you. The minimum stay is 3 nights and homemade breakfast is included.
Near the Camino
If you have an afternoon to spare, the Mirador del Fito, 15 minutes away by car, has a walkway over the valley with the coast on one side and the Picos de Europa on the other. Ribadesella, with its old town and Santa Marina beach, is also 15 minutes away.