The Camino del Norte, or the Northern Way is also known as Ruta de la Costa or the Coastal Way and is the oldest route pilgrims followed from France to Santiago de Compostela. Its history dates back to the 9th century when King Alfonso II of Asturias made the first pilgrimage to the newly discovered relics of St James. At that time travel through central Spain was dangerous as Moorish armies moved northward. With the reconquest of Spain in the 11th century, Camino Frances or the French Way became the more popular route. The current route passes through four very friendly regions: Basque, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. 

The people walking the Camino del Norte are diverse in background and age, but united in a desire. They are just looking to challenge themselves physically, to see beautiful vistas, and to meet some friendly people along the way. What more could you ask for?