Sebrayo → Gijón
Villaviciosa, the Casquita fork toward the Camino Primitivo, and two demanding climbs (Alto de la Cruz and El Curviellu) before Gijón.
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The great fork of the Camino del Norte
The stage opens with a descent from Sebrayo into Villaviciosa, "a town settled on a wide 8-kilometre estuary, known for the quality of its cider." After crossing Amandi and Grases, the Camino reaches Casquita, home to "the most important fork of the Camino del Norte": go straight to continue toward Gijón on the Northern Way, or turn toward Oviedo to join the Camino Primitivo.
Pilgrims continuing to Gijón face the hardest part of the stage: the climb to Alto de la Cruz, gaining over 300 metres, followed by a second ascent at El Curviellu before descending toward Deva and Cabueñes, already within Gijón's urban area. It is one of the longest and most demanding stages of the entire Camino del Norte.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A very long, demanding stage: flat walking to Villaviciosa, followed by two tough climbs (Alto de la Cruz and El Curviellu) before Gijón.
Scenery
The Villaviciosa estuary and its cider-making region, followed by hill country all the way to the urban approach to Gijón.
Path type
Rural tracks and local roads, with muddy stretches leaving Sebrayo and hill climbs after Casquita.
Villages
Villaviciosa, Amandi, Grases, Casquita, Niévares, Pión, El Curviellu, Deva and Cabueñes.
Water points
Good in Villaviciosa; scarcer along the long hill stretch between Casquita and Deva.
Shade
Variable, somewhat better on the hill sections between Niévares and El Curviellu.
Traffic
Moderate in and around Villaviciosa, light on the rural mountain tracks.
Key tip
At Casquita you decide the rest of your Camino: straight ahead for Gijón (Norte) or left toward Oviedo (Primitivo). Check the arrows carefully.
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.
Accommodation in Villaviciosa or in Deva, at the gates of Gijón
Villaviciosa, a short distance from Sebrayo, is a good option for splitting the stage. Indicative price per night.
Albergue El Congreso
A 30-bed albergue plus 8 rooms, open March 15 to October 31. The Albergue Villaviciosa Hostel also exists (24 beds + 1 room, Easter to October 31).
Albergue de peregrinos at Camping Deva
A 36-bed albergue, open year-round, the result of an agreement between Gijón city council and the campsite to ease the historic shortage of public beds on this stretch.
Cider and Asturian cooking in Villaviciosa
Villaviciosa, the "apple capital", offers the best food options on this stage.
Cider houses and local cooking
Known for the quality of its cider, Villaviciosa is the essential stop to refuel before the mountain stretch.
Stops with history on this stage
Villaviciosa estuary
A wide 8-kilometre estuary that gives its name and character to this cider-producing inland town.
Church of Santiago
One of the religious landmarks on the mountain stretch of this long stage.
Fork with the Camino Primitivo
The point where the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo definitively split toward Oviedo or Gijón.
Elogio del Horizonte
Eduardo Chillida's iconic sculpture, one of the city's symbols, visible from Cerro de Santa Catalina.
If you have some energy left when you reach Gijón, the Roman thermal complex at Campo Valdés is an easy stop of great historical interest.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Sebrayo has no station of its own; the nearest access is Villaviciosa, with buses to Gijón and Oviedo.
Heading back from Gijón: the city has a train station (Renfe and FEVE) and bus connections across Asturias and the rest of Spain.
Worth knowing before this stage
Pay close attention at Casquita
It’s the most important fork on the Camino del Norte: check the arrows carefully before deciding your direction.
Save energy for the final stretch
The climbs to Alto de la Cruz and El Curviellu come in the second half of an already long stage.
Consider splitting the stage in Villaviciosa
It’s a short distance from Sebrayo and offers good albergue options if 36 km feels like too much.
Keep Camping Deva in mind
4 km from Gijón, it’s a very useful last-resort option on a stretch historically short on beds.
Don't ruin this stage
Getting confused at the Casquita fork
Following the wrong arrows here can send you toward Oviedo and the Camino Primitivo without realizing it.
Underestimating the total length
At 36.3 km with two demanding climbs, it’s one of the longest and hardest stages of the entire Camino del Norte.
Skipping Villaviciosa
It’s the last town with good services before the long mountain stretch toward Gijón.
Ignoring Camping Deva as a fallback
On a stretch with few public beds, it’s worth knowing about this option before the end of the day.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Sebrayo to Gijón?
What is the Casquita fork?
Can this stage be split?
What is Camping Deva?
Is this stage hard?
What can you see when you reach Gijón?
Browse the stages
Activities and excursions in Santiago de Compostela
Old town walking tour
Small-group walking tour through the old quarter of Santiago with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional flaming Galician spirit, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and Costa da Morte
The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in one full day from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
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.