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Highlights
Ride Spain’s Camino Norte through Asturias and Galicia
Ride the famous Camino del Norte from Oviedo to Santiago.
Climb from the Asturian coast into Galicia’s green hills.
Discover medieval towns like Mondoñedo and Vilalba.
Arrive at Santiago’s iconic Cathedral in Plaza del Obradoiro.
The self-guided Northern Way from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela is a challenging adventure on bike across northern Spain, following the famous Camino del Norte. This multi-day bike tour takes you from Asturias into Galicia, combining historic cities, rural mountain landscapes, and the iconic arrival in Santiago. It is a rewarding cycling journey that blends culture, history, and physical challenge in equal measure.
The route covers varied terrain, from the foothills of Oviedo and the rolling hills of Lugo to the forested tracks and inland plateaus of Galicia. Cyclists experience traditional villages, medieval towns such as Mondoñedo and Vilalba, and the spiritual atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral. With significant elevation gain on several stages and distances reaching up to 56 km, this cycling tour is best suited for riders with solid endurance and experience in multi-day road biking.
For those short on time, you can also cycle 4-days from Colunga to Gijón on the The Northern Way to Santiago by Bike Tour. You can also combine the Northern Way from Oviedo to Santiago tour with the Northern Way from Bilbao to Oviedo to cycle the complete Camino Norte.
The self-guided Northern Way from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela is a challenging adventure on bike across northern Spain, following the famous Camino del Norte. This multi-day bike tour takes you from Asturias into Galicia, combining historic cities, rural mountain landscapes, and the iconic arrival in Santiago. It is a rewarding cycling journey that blends culture, history, and physical challenge in equal measure.
The route covers varied terrain, from the foothills of Oviedo and the rolling hills of Lugo to the forested tracks and inland plateaus of Galicia. Cyclists experience traditional villages, medieval towns such as Mondoñedo and Vilalba, and the spiritual atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral. With significant elevation gain on several stages and distances reaching up to 56 km, this cycling tour is best suited for riders with solid endurance and experience in multi-day road biking.
For those short on time, you can also cycle 4-days from Colunga to Gijón on the The Northern Way to Santiago by Bike Tour. You can also combine the Northern Way from Oviedo to Santiago tour with the Northern Way from Bilbao to Oviedo to cycle the complete Camino Norte.
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Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Oviedo
Arrive in Asturias and settle into the historic city of Oviedo, the traditional starting point of the Camino. Take time to visit the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, an important pilgrimage site that has welcomed travelers for centuries. In the evening, explore the charming streets of the old town, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and sample traditional Asturian cider in one of the city’s many sidrerías.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oviedo
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 From Asturian Capital to the Atlantic Coast
After a relaxed morning in Oviedo, with time to visit the Cathedral or one of the city’s museums, you begin cycling north toward the coast. Leaving the Asturian capital behind, the route passes through the foothills of Mount Naranco, alternating between urban edges and increasingly rural scenery.
As you approach Avilés, traces of its industrial past are visible, reflecting the region’s mining heritage. However, the city surprises visitors with a well-preserved historic center, lively plazas, and the striking Niemeyer Cultural Centre. Avilés offers a pleasant contrast between tradition, industry, and contemporary architecture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aviles
Distance: 30 km, 400m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Coastal Ride to Cudillero
Today’s ride follows the coastline, offering expansive sea views and passing through villages that showcase traditional Asturian architecture. The route is varied, with rolling terrain and steady climbs that reward you with scenic perspectives over cliffs and beaches.
One of the highlights comes near the banks of the Nalón River, where San Martín Castle stands watch from its promontory. After climbing toward Muros de Nalón, the route continues along coastal ridges before descending into Cudillero – a picturesque fishing village known for its colorful houses cascading toward the harbor and its strong maritime character.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cudillero
Distance: 32 km, 575m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Along Historic Coastal Trails to Luarca
Leaving the harbor of Cudillero behind, you cycle through scenic Asturian countryside on what is considered one of the most beautiful stages of the Camino del Norte. The route passes through Soto de Luiña before joining the historic Camín Real de las Ballotas, a coastal track with access to beaches and small services along the way.
Continuing toward Cadavedo, the landscape alternates between green hills and dramatic coastal viewpoints. The final challenge of the day is the climb after Canero, a steady ascent that rewards you with sweeping views before descending into Luarca. Known for its whitewashed houses clustered around a fishing harbor, Luarca provides a charming setting to conclude the day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Luarca
Distance: 55 km, 680m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 From Luarca to Ribadeo – Crossing into Galicia
Departing Luarca, the route briefly moves inland along comfortable secondary roads and tracks with moderate gradients, passing through small towns and wooded hills before reaching Navia. From here, the Camino gradually returns toward the coast, heading through Tapia de Casariego, a small seaside town known for its harbor and coastal views.
You continue past the dramatic cliffs and wide sands of Penarronda Beach before reaching the River Eo. Crossing this broad estuary marks your transition from Asturias into Galicia. The day ends in Ribadeo, a lively town overlooking the estuary, known for its maritime character and elegant architecture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ribadeo
Distance: 55 km, 325m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Into Galicia’s Green Interior and Historic Mondoñedo
Leaving Ribadeo, you turn away from the coast and head into the green interior of Galicia. The landscape becomes more rural and mountainous, with quiet roads passing through small villages and open countryside.
The most demanding climb of the day comes between A Ponte de Arante and Gondán, gaining around 260 meters over 5 kilometers. Along the way, you pass Vilanova de Lourenzá, where the impressive monastery church stands as a reminder of the region’s rich heritage. The stage concludes in Mondoñedo, a historic town that has been an episcopal seat since the Middle Ages. Its cathedral, originally built in 1246 and later modified, dominates the old quarter, which is recognized as a National Historic-Artistic Site.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mondoñedo
Distance: 38 km, 975m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Climbing to Terra Chá and Onward to Vilalba
Today you climb from the historic streets of Mondoñedo up to Terra Chá, the broad inland plateau of Lugo. The ascent takes you from approximately 140 meters above sea level to around 560 meters, marking a clear transition from coastal hills to open highland landscapes.
The route passes through the valleys of Valiñadares and Lousada, crossing quiet rural roads and farmland before reaching Abadín. From there, you continue across gently rolling terrain toward Vilalba, a town known for its medieval heritage and its well-preserved tower, a remnant of the former Andrade fortress.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vilalba
Distance: 33 km, 600m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Through Rural Galicia to Sobrado dos Monxes
Today’s stage follows a variety of rural tracks, including dirt roads, forest paths, and traditional corredoiras (narrow tractor ruts), offering an authentic experience of Galicia’s countryside. The terrain is mostly gentle, with rolling landscapes that allow you to fully appreciate the quiet, agricultural surroundings.
You may wish to stop in Baamonde for refreshments before entering a more remote and wooded stretch of the route. Eventually, you reach Sobrado dos Monxes, named after its impressive monastery founded in 951. The monastery remains the focal point of the village and marks a memorable end to the day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sobrado dos Monxes
Distance: 52 km, 635m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Final Approach to Santiago de Compostela
Leaving Sobrado dos Monxes, the route gradually becomes busier as you approach Santiago de Compostela. In Arzúa, your path joins the Camino Francés, bringing a noticeable increase in fellow pilgrims along the way.
Although this final stage is more developed and at times more urban, it carries a strong sense of anticipation. Tradition holds that pilgrims once paused at Monte do Gozo for their first distant view of the cathedral’s towers, before continuing toward the historic center. Upon entering Santiago, you make your way to the Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – the symbolic and spiritual culmination of your journey.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 56 km, 625m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Departure from Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, your Camino journey comes to an end. You may choose to depart today or extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela to further explore its historic center, museums, and lively plazas.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour
The departures are available from March 15 to October 25, 2026
Accommodation on Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Standard rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in and after the tour in are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 18 kg – 1 piece of luggage per person).
Also included
- Digital maps and detailed route notes in English
- 24-hour telephone assistance
- Pilgrim passport
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Gratuities for staff if desired
- City taxes (may apply in Santiago)
- Transfer to first/ from last accommodation
- Transfers by public transportation
- Bicycle hire or helmet
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Transfers to and from airport
- Bike rental
- How hard is the Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
- Are meals included on the Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Oviedo to start this tour?
- Where does the Northern Way Oviedo to Santiago Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. Riding from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino del Norte involves varied terrain with rolling hills, steady ascents, and occasional longer stages of up to 60 km. While some days include noticeable elevation gain, the route is manageable for cyclists with a good basic fitness level. The option to use hybrid bikes or e-bikes further reduces the physical demand, making this an achievable challenge rather than an extreme one.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Oviedo via Asturias Airport (OVD), which is the closest airport, located about 45 minutes from the city centre by bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can fly into larger hubs such as Bilbao or Madrid and continue to Oviedo by train or bus. Oviedo is well connected by regional rail and long-distance coach services, making onward travel straightforward.
Tour ends in Santiago de Compostela.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, make sure your bike is suitable for the route demands during the booking process.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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