Walk the entire length of one of the original Camino routes followed by pilgrims walking to Santiago. 'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua. This walk begins in the vibrant city of Bilbao with the iconic Guggenheim museum, before continuing along the dramatic coastline through Cantabria and the Asturias region. From Ribadeo, gateway to Galicia the route veers south passing through historic villages enroute to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay and mountain paths make the northern way both challenging and rewarding, whilst the quieter trails offer a great alternative to the more popular French route.
Bilbao, Santiago De Compostela, Bustio, Llanes, Ribadesella, Colunga, Villaviciosa, Gijón, Aviles, Soto Del Barco, Cadavedo, Luarca, Navia, Ribadeo, Mondonedo, Abadín, Vilalba, Reguela, Sobrado Dos Monxes, Arzúa, Liendo, O Pedrouzo, Noja, Galizano, Santander, Santillana Del Mar, Comillas, San Vicente De La Barquera
Discover cloud forests, volcanoes and plantations on this exotic Spanish island. Your first view of the great volcano Mount Teide (3718m, 12188ft) will probably be from the aeroplane window. A day or two later you will be there, walking across the Cañadas del Teide, a massive crater of 16km diameter to arrive at the unrivalled Parador Las Cañadas del Teide, your overnight stop (2200m).
Mount Teide is Spain's highest mountain and the third tallest volcano in the world. Tenerife is the highest island in the Atlantic and is the largest of the Canary Islands at 1275 square miles, 2053 km2. Walking on North Tenerife is hugely varied and our aim is to show you as much as possible. After the Cañadas del Teide adventure, you explore the north west of the island with its own mountain range, the Teno and views across the sea to the island of La Gomera and down the cliffs to the impossibly located village of Masca. Finally, there is a walk in the rugged Anaga Peninsula - its top is covered in dripping ancient 'laurisilva' woodland. Descending past fertile cultivated fields, tiny villages, then dry cactus strewn valleys, you'll reach the rocky coast of this stunning Canary Island.
This is an island walking adventure like no other.
This hike could be combined with the 8-day La Gomera walk (code JG8) to make a fabulous two-week Canarian walking holiday.