Camino del Norte · Stage 24

Cadavedo → Luarca

A short, quiet stage with a single notable climb, ending with views of the harbour and the picturesque old town of Luarca.

Distance
15.3 km
Elevation
+219 m / −296 m
Time
About 3 h 45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Best season
Spring to autumn

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A placid stage to Luarca's harbour

Gronze.com describes this stage as "placid, pleasant and short," with the main difficulty concentrated in "a climb from the Hotel Canero that reaches the level of the A-8 highway: 140 m of elevation change over 1.6 km." The rest of the route runs without major surprises through Villademoros, San Cristóbal, Querúas, Canero, Barcia, Almuña and Fontoria.

The stage ends with views of the harbour and the picturesque old town of Luarca, one of the prettiest fishing towns on the Asturian coast. Worth noting: the municipal albergue in Almuña sits 2.2 km off the main route, so anyone considering it should plan for the detour.

What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre

Terrain

A short, quiet stage, with a single notable climb of 140 m over 1.6 km near the Hotel Canero.

Scenery

An inland route without major surprises, culminating in views over Luarca's harbour.

Path type

Local roads and rural paths, with no notable technical difficulty.

Villages

Villademoros, San Cristóbal, Querúas, Canero, Barcia, Almuña and Fontoria.

Water points

Good along the route, with several villages passed en route.

Shade

Moderate, varying by section.

Traffic

Generally low, somewhat higher near the crossing with the A-8.

Key tip

The municipal albergue in Almuña is 2.2 km off the main route: plan the detour if you're considering it.

What to pack, travel insurance and getting around

One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.

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Accommodation in Luarca

Luarca, an established fishing town, offers good accommodation options. Indicative price per night.

Reference albergue

Albergue Villa de Luarca

€11–13

A 22-bed albergue in central Luarca, on the ground floor of one of the town's most emblematic buildings, very close to all services. Open year-round, requires a pilgrim credential.

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Seafood cooking in Luarca

Luarca, with its lively fishing harbour, offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants.

In Luarca

Seafood cooking by the harbour

The area around the harbour concentrates the town's best food options, ideal for refueling after the stage.

Stops with history on this stage

Luarca

Fishing harbour

The town's great attraction, with privileged views as you arrive after the stage.

Luarca

Historic old town

One of the most picturesque fishing towns on the Asturian coast, with steep streets and terraced houses.

Off route

Municipal albergue in Almuña

2.2 km off the main route, an accommodation alternative for anyone willing to detour.

Set aside time to stroll through Luarca's harbour and historic old town: it's one of the prettiest stops on the entire Asturian Camino del Norte.

Getting here and getting back

Starting here: Cadavedo has a bus stop with connections to Luarca and the rest of the region.

Heading back from Luarca: there is a bus connection to Avilés, Oviedo and the rest of Asturias.

Worth knowing before this stage

It's a very accessible stage

At just 15.3 km and under 4 hours of walking, it's among the quietest days in Asturias.

Prepare for a single climb

The climb near the Hotel Canero (140 m over 1.6 km) is the only demanding point of the stage.

Consider the Almuña detour

If you want an alternative to the Luarca albergue, the municipal one in Almuña is 2.2 km off the route.

Enjoy Luarca at leisure

With such a short stage, you'll have plenty of time to stroll through the harbour and historic old town.

Don't ruin this stage

Rushing through Luarca

It's one of the prettiest towns on the route: don't miss it by rushing to the next stage.

Not planning the Almuña detour

If you want to stay at the municipal albergue, remember it's 2.2 km off the main route.

Underestimating the Hotel Canero climb

Though the stage is short, this concentrated climb requires a notable one-off effort.

Forgetting your pilgrim credential

It's needed to access the Albergue Villa de Luarca.

Everything you wonder before this stage

How many kilometres is it from Cadavedo to Luarca?
About 15.3 km, with an accumulated elevation change of 219 m of ascent and 296 m of descent.
Is this stage hard?
No: it's a short, easy stage, with a single notable climb of 140 m near the Hotel Canero.
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Luarca?
In the town centre, the Albergue Villa de Luarca has 22 beds, costs €11–13 and is open year-round.
Are there other accommodation options?
Yes, the municipal albergue in Almuña, though it's 2.2 km off the main route of the stage.
What can you see in Luarca?
Its fishing harbour and picturesque historic old town, one of the prettiest fishing towns on the Asturian coast.
How long does this stage take?
About 3 hours and 45 minutes, depending on pace.

Activities and excursions in Santiago de Compostela

Tour

Old town walking tour

Small-group walking tour through the old quarter of Santiago with a local guide.

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Tour

Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria

From €22

Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.

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Gastronomy

Queimada show and tasting

From €15

The traditional flaming Galician spirit, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.

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Excursion

Finisterre, Muxía and Costa da Morte

From €45

The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in one full day from Santiago.

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Our top recommendation

Brunch · Café de especialidad · Cócteles

Bonsai Café

You still have stages ahead, but by the time you reach Santiago you’ll have earned a good breakfast. At Bonsai Café, right in the city centre, we’re waiting with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee, and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.

📍 Avda. Rodrigo de Padrón 2, Bajo · 15702 Santiago de Compostela
🕙 Mon–Thu 09:00–17:00 · Fri 09:00–23:30 · Sat 09:30–23:30 · Sun 09:30–21:00
📞 +34 689 89 02 49