Way of St James – Spanish Walking Holiday | Walking Holiday in Spain | Self Guided Walking Holiday

The Way of St James is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle James are believed to be buried. This holiday follows part of the coastal route of the St James Way, which runs through the Principality of Asturias, providing a combination of cultural heritage, folklore and nature. The tour traces the spectacular coastline of surf beaches, picturesque fishing villages and scenic hilly landscapes, dotted with Pre-Romanesque churches set in small historic villages. This holiday takes you to the area seen in the 2010 film, The Way, written by Emilio Estevez with his real-life father, Martin Sheen, in the lead role. The walks average 9 miles a day.

At the end of the 7 night holiday option, a coach transfer is available to take you to Santiago de Compostela to stay in a comfortable hotel with courtyard and garden in the old city for a further two nights.

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Getting there:
There are daily flights with Easyjet from Stansted to Oviedo Airport. Alternatively, Iberia Airways has flight on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from Gatwick to Oviedo Airport. A taxi transfer is provided from Oviedo Airport to your first accommodation in Ribadesella.

Day 1 Arrival.
From Oviedo Airport you have a taxi transfer to the first accommodation in the coastal village of Ribadesella. There may be time for a swim at the splendid beach of Santa Marina, a visit to the cave of Bustillo with pre-historic cave paintings or a leisurely circular walk.

Day 2 Ribadesella to Prado.
After crossing the bridge over the River Sella you soon come across the blue and yellow scallop shell, the traditional emblem of James, which signifies that you are on El Camino del Norte. The famous pilgrims way walk runs through green meadows bordering the scenic coastline, always protected by the shelter of the Sierra del Sueve Natural Parc. A longer route takes you up the hill Pico de la Forquita (340m) from where you have beautiful panoramic views over the Sueve Sierra and Cantabrian Sea. ~ 5 hours

Day 3 Prado to Pernus.
Descending towards the coast, you again see the waymark with the blue and yellow scallop shell. Now and then you cross little white, sandy beaches sheltered by rocks which allow you to literally step in some huge footprints left by dinosaurs who once inhabited the region. ~ 5 hours

Day 4 Pernus to Villaviciosa.
Today you leave the coast behind and head for the green hills. The path contours rural villages and hamlets of typical Asturian houses with wooden balconies and "horreos", before reaching the famous ancient church of Priesca (AD921), a jewel of Pre-Romanesque architecture. Crossing the delta and tidal river "Ria Villaviciosa", a nature reserve and breeding place for migratory birds from the north, you follow a small stream and cross the valley before reaching the lovely country town of Villaviciosa, where you will stay for two nights. ~ 6 hours

Day 5 Circular Walk.
Today you can take a pleasant walk via the hilltop Monte Cubera from where you will have beautiful views over the Cantabrian Sea and surrounding Sierras to the little town of Villaviciosa. Coats of arms or "escudos" on the medieval houses in the old town are reminders that it was here that Emperor Charles V first set foot on Spanish soil.

Alternatively, you can travel by public transport or taxi and visit the charming neighbouring fishing villages of Lastres or Tazones. On one of the many terraces in the harbour you can eat fresh crab or other delicious fish dishes and tapas. Or you can walk to one of the nearby beaches. ~ 4 hours

Day 6 Villaviciosa San Justo.
Today you cross the heart of the cider region with its long-standing traditions and folklore. There are apple orchards all around and in autumn the juicy sweet smelling fruits are pressed and stored in wooden barrels to make sparkling cider. ~ 5 hours

A longer route takes you to Santa Maria de Valdedios, with its monastery dating back to around 1200. Adjacent to the monastery is the picturesque church San Salvador. This fine little church, declared World Heritage, has some of  the best preserved Pre-Romanesque art of the Principality, an architecture only to be found in Asturias. ~ 8 hours

Day 7 San Justo to Oviedo
After a short transfer back to the seaside we follow a pleasant trail that runs along the coastline with its sheer cliffs and secluded white sandy beaches, which can only be reached on foot. At Penarrubia, the coastal path winds around the rocks to finally join the promenade around the bay of San Lorenzo. From Gijon you travel by local train to the city of Oviedo (price not included), the capital and cultural centre of the Principality.

The Asturian King Alfonso II The Great initiated from Oviedo the very first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (813 AD). Apart from the main monuments and elegant medieval houses, you will find numerous colourful plazas dotted with little restaurants, taverns and bars, which invite you to enjoy some delicious tapas and other gastronomic dishes from the region. ~ 4 hours

Day 8 Departure (7 night holiday).

Alternatively for 9 night option: (Additional £120.00pp - please contact us seperately)

Day 8 Coach transfer to Santiago de Compostela (price not included)

Day 9 Sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 10 Departure (9 night holiday).