Arrive to Ribadeo, a town that blends coastal character with Galician flair. Stroll along the Cargadeiro promenade, admire the ornate Indiano houses, or visit the iconic Playa de las Catedrales, famous for its soaring rock arches. Ribadeo is the perfect place to pause before starting your Camino del Norte and heading inland toward the hills of Galicia.

Today marks a shift from coastal paths to inland Galicia. The route climbs gradually through wooded hills, past quiet hamlets, ancient chapels, and rustic stone houses. You’ll notice the landscape becoming greener and more enclosed, with dense oak and chestnut trees lining the trail. Arrive in Lourenzá, a peaceful village with a grand Baroque monastery. Terrain is moderately hilly with forest tracks, dirt lanes, and a few longer ascents through lush countryside.

Follow rolling hills and wide open fields as you enter deeper into rural Galicia. The Camino passes through small villages and quiet farming country, with moments of silence and solitude defining the day. Reach Abadín, a compact town with a strong pilgrim presence and warm community feel. The walk is smooth with mostly soft ground, farm tracks, and short road segments under tree canopy.

This stage offers a serene transition across the Galician highlands, where stone walls, moss-covered barns, and distant farmsteads shape the view. The trail winds through pastures and oak groves before arriving in Vilalba, a historic market town with a proud Camino tradition and an ancient Parador tower at its heart. The route is steady and pastoral, ideal for reflecting on how far you’ve come.

Leave Vilalba and walk into the heart of Galicia, surrounded by soft hills, old stone walls, and traditional granaries known as hórreos. The path gently ascends and descends through forest tracks, rural lanes, and quiet pastures dotted with cows and stone chapels. Arrive in Baamonde, a peaceful village with a unique blend of artistic and spiritual character, including a chapel carved into a chestnut tree. It’s a steady and gentle day with mostly dirt paths and minimal road walking.

Today is a shorter stage, offering a calm and introspective walk through rolling farmland, eucalyptus groves, and mossy trails. The route feels remote at times, with very little traffic and wide views over the Galician countryside. Arrive in Miraz, a small hamlet with a welcoming pilgrim albergue and a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path feel. The terrain is easygoing, with mostly soft ground and gentle gradients — a refreshing change of pace.

Climb gradually into higher ground today as the Camino takes you through remote villages and open moorland before descending into more forested terrain. The day’s highlight is arriving in Sobrado dos Monxes, home to a magnificent Cistercian monastery that still hosts pilgrims within its ancient cloisters. The final kilometres are especially scenic, with quiet woodland paths and small lakes. Terrain varies from gravel farm roads to soft forest trails, with moderate climbs and long peaceful stretches.

This stage marks the merging point with the Camino Francés, bringing a renewed sense of energy as the number of pilgrims increases. The walk continues through shady woods, sleepy hamlets, and Galician farm country. Arrive in Arzúa, known for its local cheese and lively pilgrim atmosphere. Today’s walk is moderate, with undulating hills and well-trodden trails underfoot, offering a strong sense of momentum toward Santiago.

With Santiago now within reach, there’s a sense of momentum and quiet reflection in today’s walk. The path leads you through shaded woodlands, rolling pastures, and peaceful hamlets, dotted with wayside chapels where pilgrims often pause. O Pedrouzo, a small but welcoming town, offers a chance to rest and gather energy for the final stretch. Terrain is gently undulating with even surfaces, alternating between forest tracks and rural roads, with the occasional narrow trail through woodland.

Set out early for your final day on the Camino, walking through quiet woodland and rural lanes before climbing gently to Monte do Gozo, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the cathedral spires in the distance. From there, descend into the city and wind your way through the streets of the old town to reach the Praza do Obradoiro, where the journey ends in front of the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago. It’s an emotional and unforgettable arrival, often marked by quiet reflection, joy, and shared celebration. The walk is moderate, with a mix of forest paths and paved urban sections.

Spend a full day in Santiago, with time to explore the historic centre, revisit the Cathedral, or attend the midday Pilgrim’s Mass. Walk the narrow stone streets, enjoy a relaxed café breakfast, or visit the Museo do Pobo Galego to learn more about Galician culture. Many pilgrims use this day for quiet reflection, journaling, or reconnecting with fellow walkers one last time. It’s a gentle, restorative day that allows the journey to settle in before returning to everyday life.

Your pilgrimage officially comes to a close. Some pilgrims continue on to Finisterre or Muxía, while others begin the journey home.