Soto de Luiña → Cadavedo
Two possible variants: the coastal one, with cliffs and beaches, or the historic mountain route through the Sierra de Las Palancas.
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Two possible routes to Cadavedo
Gronze.com notes that this stage offers two options. Most pilgrims choose "the coastal variant with cliff-top views, beach access, well marked and with services." The alternative is the historic mountain path through the Sierra de Las Palancas, restored in 2016, though it requires good weather and good fitness.
The route passes through Llanorrozo, Valdredo, Albuerne, Novellana (with an albergue in a 1950s former train station, designated a Cultural Heritage Site), Castañeras, Santa Marina, Ballota and Tablizo before reaching quiet Cadavedo, in the municipality of Valdés.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A moderate stage with two variants: the coastal one, well marked with services, or the mountain one through the Sierra de Las Palancas, more demanding.
Scenery
Cliffs and beaches on the coastal variant; hills and history on the Sierra de Las Palancas variant.
Path type
The coastal variant combines paths and local roads; the mountain one, restored in 2016, is more technical.
Villages
Llanorrozo, Valdredo, Albuerne, Novellana, Castañeras, Santa Marina, Ballota and Tablizo.
Water points
Good on the coastal variant, more limited on the mountain one.
Shade
Scarce on the cliff-top stretches, somewhat better inland on the Sierra de Las Palancas.
Traffic
Low on both variants, generally on lightly-trafficked local roads.
Key tip
The mountain variant through the Sierra de Las Palancas requires good weather and good fitness: if in doubt, take the coastal one.
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 Cadavedo, or earlier, in Novellana
Cadavedo has a small, simple albergue; Novellana offers an alternative with more beds. Indicative price per night.
Albergue de peregrinos de Cadavedo
A 12-bed albergue at the exit of the village, exclusively for pilgrims with a credential and no bed reservations. There's a bar-restaurant 200 m away.
Albergue Andén de Novellana
Set in a 1950s former train station, designated a Cultural Heritage Site. 18 beds between shared dorms and a double room with private bathroom; offers a kitchen, laundry and communal dinner. Open March 1 to November 15.
Simple options in Cadavedo
Cadavedo is a small village with a modest but sufficient offering to refuel.
Bar-restaurant near the albergue
200 m from the pilgrim albergue, handy for dinner or breakfast without complications.
Stops with history on this stage
Cliffs and beaches
The most popular option, with sea views and access to several beaches along the way.
Sierra de Las Palancas
The historic inland path, restored in 2016; rewards with hill scenery in exchange for greater physical demand.
Former train station
Now converted into an albergue, this 1950s station is designated a Cultural Heritage Site.
If the weather cooperates and you're in good shape, the Sierra de Las Palancas variant offers an experience quite different from the usual coastal stages of the Camino del Norte.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Soto de Luiña has a bus stop on the N-632 with connections to Avilés, Cudillero and Oviedo.
Heading back from Cadavedo: there is a bus stop with connections to Luarca and the rest of the region.
Worth knowing before this stage
Choose your variant carefully
The coastal one is more accessible and has services; the mountain one is more demanding and only advisable in good weather.
Consider Novellana for more beds
Its albergue in the former station is an alternative with more capacity than the small Cadavedo albergue.
Don't count on reserving in Cadavedo
The pilgrim albergue doesn't accept bed reservations: arrive with a time margin.
Always carry your credential
It's essential to access the Cadavedo albergue, which is exclusively for pilgrims.
Don't ruin this stage
Choosing the mountain variant without checking the weather
The Sierra de Las Palancas requires good weather conditions and good fitness.
Assuming you can reserve in Cadavedo
The albergue doesn't accept reservations: if you'd rather secure a bed, consider Novellana.
Not researching both variants
Each offers a very different experience: it's worth deciding in advance which suits your fitness better.
Forgetting your pilgrim credential
Without it you won't be able to access the exclusive Cadavedo albergue.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo?
What variants does this stage have?
Which is better, the coastal or the mountain variant?
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Cadavedo?
Are there alternative accommodation options on this stage?
Is this stage hard?
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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.