LAST PLACES
Overview
El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage walk (the Way of Saint James) starts from many places in Europe, but all roads lead to Santiago de Compostela, where the relics attributed to the apostle Saint James the Great lie in the crypt of the city’s cathedral. Welcome to Europe’s oldest, most travelled hiking route.
El Camino del Norte is a spectacular hiking route along Spain’s Cantabrian Coast.
Starting in Irún, the 825 km walk winds its way to Santiago de Compostela over clifftops, across beaches and through charming fishing villages.
We’ll enjoy awesome views of the Cantabrian Sea on our right and the stunning mountain ranges of northern Spain on our left, as we discover the wealth of culture in Spain’s coastal regions.
The format of El Camino del Norte is similar to the other El Cavino trips: morning hikes through spectacular scenery, top-rate hotels, winery tours, fantastic lunches, great wining and dining, and stunning experiences travelling through the north of Spain.
The walks on this trip are more demanding due to the terrain in northern Spain, but it’s worth the effort for the spectacular scenery in this part of the country.
NOTE
You’ll need to be in good shape for the steep ascents and descents on this walk. You can see the profile in the WALKS section, but the guide will explain the difficulties of each walk as we go.
Don’t worry if you’re not feeling fit enough for some of the walks: everything’s organised so you can enjoy the trip just as much by travelling on the El Cavino bus.
El Cavino del Norte
Walks
WALK 1. CHAPEL OF LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE DE FUENTERRABIA (HONDARRIBIA) – PASAJES (13 km)
BOAT PASAJES DE SAN JUAN – PASAJES DE SAN PEDRO
WALK 2. MENDATA-GUERNICA Y LUNO (9 km)
WALK 3. POZAS DE LANGRE – SOMO (5 km)
BOAT SOMO – SANTANDER
WALK 4. RIBADESELLA – BERBES (9.5 km)
WALK 5. FENE – PONTEDEUME (10 km)
WALK 6. LAVACOLLA – PLAZA DEL OBRADOIRO (SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA) (10km)
Wineries
BODEGA DO Getariako Txakolina
Txakoli de Getaria was recognised as a Denomination of Origin in 1989 under the name of Getariako Txakolina, thanks to the joint effort of local viticulturers and the Basque administration and the support of the local restaurant industry.
In 2007, the Getariako Txakolina DO was extended to the entire historic region of Gipuzkoa. The DO Regulatory Board, based in Getaria, ensures that the origin of the endemic grapes and their meticulous processing and quality control meet Txakoli de Getaria DO standards.
The endemic grape variety Hondarrabi gives Getariako Txakolina DO its distinctive character. The personality and authenticity of Txakoli de Getaria are the result of meticulous production at family wineries, the Atlantic climate, and the spectacular location of the vineyards. Demand for this DO in Spain and internationally attest to the quality and craft of the Getariako Txakolina wineries.
BODEGA BERROJA (DO Bizkaiko Txakolina)
This family winery is in Muxika, in the middle of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
The vines grow on 24 hectares at a mean altitude of 250 m above sea level, a vantage point with outstanding views of the unique, spectacular natural space of the Biosphere Reserve.
Bodega Berroja is committed to searching for new flavours provided by this distinct, unique location, working on the foundations of SUSTAINABILITY AND UNIQUENESS.
We’ll savour the taste and aroma of their Txakolis and the terroir, delighting in the surroundings and the picture-perfect scenery.
Lunch at the winery.
BODEGAS MIRADORIO (IGP Vino de la Tierra de la Costa de Cantabria)
Bodegas Miradorio is located in the small borough of Ruiloba, in the westernmost part of Cantabria, against a backdrop of the Picos de Europa mountain range and the Cantabrian Sea. While the area still has a rural feel, it’s receptive to what’s going on nearby.
All the vines grow less than 1 km from the sea, on north-facing slopes with a gradient of more than 35%. This may seem a difficult site for a vineyard, but over the years, with small harvests, Bodegas Miradoiro has managed to grow grapes of maximum quality and intensity.
Its Mar de Fondo wine was awarded more than 90 points by Spanish newspaper ABC’s Wine Guide and the Guía Peñín.
Lunch at the winery.
CASA TRABANCO CIDER MILL
It’s time to introduce our palates to a new experience: cider.
Asturias has always been synonymous with cider. There’d be no Asturias without cider, and no cider without Asturias. Apples and cider have shaped the customs of this Spanish province for hundreds of years.
Casa Trabanco opened in 1983, in a natural setting near the city of Gijón. It provides a genuine Asturian cider and dining experience in a place where you’ll feel right at home.
Lunch and traditional cider pouring at the cider mill.
MEGA – MUNDO ESTRELLA GALICIA
Our final tour takes us to yet another realm: Mundo Estrella Galicia, a “place of pilgrimage” for beer lovers.
On a journey through time, from prehistory to the present, we’ll discover the technical innovations that have enabled us to enjoy beer as we know it today.
“Since 1906, we’ve been driven by a love of beer.
Our passion led us to create MEGA, at our own working factory.
Spain’s only beer museum is a tribute to our family, a place to share knowledge, full of innovation, culture, experiences… it’s also our particular stand against beer blandness”.
Beer pulling demonstration and lunch at the museum.
Hotels
SILKEN CIUDAD DE VITORIA****
Silken Ciudad de Vitoria is named after one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Behind the classical lines of its stunning façade, you’ll find contemporary accommodation with modern furnishings and amenities and quiet, comfortable rooms in the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
We’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere, history and culture of one of Spain’s top cities for quality of life and charm, and look forward to a wonderful night’s sleep back at the hotel.
This central hotel in Vitoria is in an unbeatable location.
ZENIT CONVENTO DE SAN MARTÍN *****
Less than 100 m from the Paseo Marítimo and Playa de La Concha, Hotel Zenit Convento de San Martín (****) is in the heart of San Sebastián. The hotel has retained the classical façade of a former convent built for the Siervas de María congregation in 1887 from stone quarried in Idelgo.
The modern hotel retains much of the history of the original building. Entry to the contemporary interior is through the main hall, a beautifully restored chapel of the former convent.
On the rooftop of Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín you’ll find the terrace “El Zielo de Donosti”.
In this large outdoor area you can swim in the pool, sunbathe, or relax in good company on a comfy chair or sunbed.
Gran Hotel Silken del Sella
Since the Silken Gran Hotel del Sella (4****) opened in 1962, guests have enjoyed its spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. The aristocratic feeling of this hotel takes guests back to the early 1920s, when Ribadesella was a favourite summer residence for high society.
Silken Gran Sella is in the charming town of Ribadesella, an excellent location for enjoying everything Asturias has to offer. The hotel is right by the sea, near the mouth of the Río Sella, in one of the most beautiful spots on the Asturian coast.
PARADOR DE SANTILLANA DEL MAR****
(August 2025 group)
Santillana del Mar is known as ‘The town of three lies’ because it is neither holy (Santa), nor flat (Llana), nor does it have a sea (del Mar).
Even so, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, protected by its designation as a Historic-Artistic Site.
The Parador de Santillana del Mar is a perfect starting point for exploring the historic centre of the town.
A walking tour will show us the historic buildings and main monuments, such as the Casa del Águila y la Parra, the statue paying tribute to the Man of Altamira, and the old town hall building.
PARADOR DE RIBADEO****
Parador de Ribadeo is a former Galician manor house at the mouth of the Río Eo, in a beautiful fishing village and tourism spot with a lush green backdrop and fantastic views over the estuary.
At this wonderful location, on the border of Galicia and Asturias, we can enjoy unique views of Galicia, including the Ría Ribadeo estuary and the Río Eo and the delightful Asturian villages on the opposite shore.
The hotel has an elegant, beautifully appointed marine theme and wonderful views from the cosy rooms and the dining room.
EUROSTARS ATLÁNTICO CORUÑA****
Eurostars Atlántico Coruña takes its theme from the maritime character of the city.
Located in the port area of La Coruña, the hotel provides comfortable, modern and convenient accommodation. From here you can discover the city at your leisure, exploring the streets and squares, breathing in the sea air and savouring the delights of the city’s wining and dining options.
Eurostars Atlántico Coruña is an ideal spot for enjoying the lively atmosphere of the charming city of La Coruña.
The hotel is a short walk from Plaza de María Pita, the Old Town, bars and restaurants, and the City Hall.
PARADOR HOSTAL REYES CATÓLICOS DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA*****GRAN LUJO
Known as Spain’s oldest hotel, the Parador in Santiago de Compostela is also referred to as “Spain’s most searched-for hotel”. Located right on Plaza del Obradoiro, the hotel is next to the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s most visited cathedrals and witness to pilgrims coming and going for centuries.
Although it’s now called the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the building was originally named the Hospital Real and was built as a hostel to provide shelter for pilgrims during the reign of Spain’s catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. The historic building has retained its ornate Plateresque façade, four cloisters, elegant hallways and spectacular rooms, in a perfect combination of modern design and amenities.
Information
Price
The price of El Cavino is €2,680 per person (including VAT) with accommodation in a shared double room.
Bookings for a room with single occupancy include a supplement of €520 (including VAT).
Booking
Once you’ve chosen the date to do El Cavino, payment is made as follows:
- €890 on signing up and booking, to reserve the selected place(s).
- The remaining €1,790 must be paid no later than 15 days before the start of El Cavino.
Supplement for single occupancy
If you choose to have a room to yourself, the supplement of €520 must be paid on the first payment.
If you book a double room and one of the two people cancels their trip, the company will not be responsible for paying the supplement for single occupancy.
The package includes
- Seven nights at 4**** and 5***** hotels, with accommodation and breakfast
- Welcome Dinner in Vitoria and Farewell Dinner in Santiago de Compostela, drinks and finger food at hotel Silken del Sella on Wednesday, and dinner at Parador de Ribadeo on Thursday
- Tour of three wineries, each with a different DO or PGI
- Cider mill tour
- Beer Museum visit
- Lunch after the winery tours, cider mill tour and visit to the Beer Museum
- Free El Cavino bus from Madrid to Vitoria on the first Sunday for travellers departing from Madrid, and from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid the following Sunday, plus all bus journeys between the locations of El Cavino del Norte
- Expert guide throughout the trip, starting and ending in Madrid
Trip start and finish times departure from Madrid
For those starting the trip from Madrid, the departure is from the street at the entrance to Atocha train station on Calle Méndez Álvaro.
Location:
The departure time from Madrid on the first day of El Cavino is 15.00 h (3.00 pm).
Those making their own way to Vitoria-Gastéiz can enter the hotel from 14.00 h (2.00 pm).
The group will meet at the hotel reception at 21.00 h (9.00 pm) to go to the Welcome Dinner together.
The approximate time of arrival in Madrid at Atocha train station is 17.30 h (5.30 pm).
Please Note
The organisers of El Cavino reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are not enough participants enrolled to form a group three weeks before the chosen date. You’ll have the choice of changing the date of the trip, free of charge, or receiving a full refund of the amount paid.
Where any changes to the programme are necessary for reasons beyond the control of the organisers, another option will be chosen of an equivalent or higher category than those included on this website.
Cancellation policy
If you’re unable to travel on the date you initially chose, you’ll be offered the chance to change to another group free of charge, providing there are places available on the alternative trip.
If you want to change the date of your trip, you must give notice 45 days before the start of the trip you originally selected.
For cancellations made by clients, the full amount paid will be refunded if cancellation is made 45 days before the trip.
For cancellations less than 45 days before the trip, a fee will be deducted as follows:
• 10% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 44 to 30 days before the trip.
• 20% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 29 to 15 days before the trip.
• 40% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 14 to 7 days before the trip.
• 60% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 6 days to 72 hours before the trip.
• 100% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 72 hours or less before the trip.
In addition to this, a fee of 50 euros per person must be paid to Momentos Wine S.L.U. for the administrative expenses of cancelling the trip.
No refund will be paid in the case of non-shows at the time of departure.
Travel insurance
For situations in which a cancellation is made within 44 days of the start of the trip, we offer the possibility of taking out Travel Insurance that includes cancellation. The terms and coverage of the insurance are available on the booking page. We can provide you with a non-binding quote.
Itinerary
DAY 1
- Free El Cavino bus from Madrid to Vitoria departing at 15.00 h (3.00 pm), or arrival in Vitoria by your own means
- Accommodation at Silken Ciudad de Vitoria
- 21.00 h (9.00 pm) Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
- Walk 1: Ermita de Guadalupe – Hondarribia (Guipúzcoa) (13 km)
- Boat from San Juan to San Pedro
- Tour and lunch at BODEGA DO Getariako Txakolina
- Accommodation at Zenit Convento de San Martín, San Sebastián
DAY 3
- Walk 2: Mendata – Guernika (Vizcaya) (9 km)
- Tour and lunch at Bodega BERROJA (DO Bizkaiko Txakolina)
- Accommodation at Barceló Bilbao Nervión
DAY 4
- Walk 3: Langre – Somo (Cantabria) (5 km)
- Boat crossing, Bahía de Santander
- Tour and lunch at BODEGAS MIRADORIO (PGI Vino de la Tierra de la Costa de Cantabria)
- Accommodation at hotel Silken del Sella, with drinks and finger food
DAY 5
- Walk 4: Ribadesella – Berbes (Asturias) (9.5 km)
- Tour and lunch at LLAGAR DE SIDRA TRABANCO
- Accommodation and dinner at Parador de Ribadeo
DAY 6
- Walk: Fene – Pontedeume (La Coruña) (10 km)
- Tour, beer pulling demonstration and lunch at MUSEO ESTRELLA GALICIA
- Accommodation at Eurostars Atlántico, La Coruña
DAY 7
- Walk 6: Lavacolla – Plaza del Obradoiro (Santiago de Compostela) (10 km)
- Lunch at Parador Reyes Católicos
- Farewell Dinner
- Accommodation at Parador Reyes Católicos***** Gran Lujo, Santiago de Compostela
DAY 8
- Breakfast at the Parador
- Optional return journey to Madrid on the El Cavino bus, free of charge. Approximate time of arrival at Atocha train station 17.30 h (5.30 pm)
