Camino del Norte vs Camino Francés
The two most popular Caminos couldn't be more different. Here's exactly how they compare.
Camino Francés
780 km · 30–35 days · Moderate
- ✅ Iconic. Walked by 60% of pilgrims.
- ✅ World-class infrastructure — albergues every 10 km.
- ✅ Built-in community. You'll never feel alone.
- ❌ Crowded in summer. Albergues can fill by 1pm.
- ❌ Meseta is hot, flat, and divisive.
Camino del Norte
825 km · 32–38 days · Hard
- ✅ Cantabrian coast. Some of the best scenery in Spain.
- ✅ Quiet. Far fewer pilgrims, especially shoulder season.
- ✅ Basque food and culture.
- ❌ Constant elevation. Hard on knees.
- ❌ Wet weather. Rain is frequent year-round.
Which should you walk?
- Walk the Francés if: it's your first Camino, you want community, or you're nervous about logistics.
- Walk the Norte if: you're an experienced hiker, want solitude, love coastline, and don't mind rain.
Norte vs Francés FAQ
Is the Camino del Norte harder than the Camino Francés?+
Yes. The Norte has roughly 18,000 m of cumulative ascent across 825 km in constant short coastal climbs, compared with about 13,000 m over 780 km on the Francés, and it rains far more often.
Which route is cheaper, the Norte or the Francés?+
The Francés. Albergues are denser and cheaper (€8 to €15) and pilgrim menus are widely available. On the Norte you will pay tourist-coast prices in Basque and Asturian towns, often €5 to €15 more per night and per meal.
Which Camino is better for a first-time pilgrim?+
The Francés. Waymarking, albergue spacing every 10 km and a constant pilgrim community make logistics almost effortless, which is exactly what you want on a first long walk.
Do I need to book ahead on the Camino del Norte?+
More often than on the Francés, because albergues are smaller and further apart. In July and August book private albergues or pensións a day or two ahead, especially in Bilbao, San Sebastián and Gijón.
How long does each route take?+
The Francés takes 30 to 35 days walking days and the Norte 32 to 38, because the terrain slows daily distances even though the total length is similar.
The Camino Packing List Team
Pilgrim-tested editors
We've walked the Camino Francés, Portugués, Norte and Primitivo. Every product on this site is field-tested or vetted against pilgrim feedback before it makes our list.