Rugged coastlines, spectacular rock formations, coves, craggy inlets and sandy beaches in abundance is on offer on the Ruta Natural del Cantábrico (Cantabrian Sea Nature Trail). Add in rolling countryside, seldomly visited fishing villages and historical towns as well as everything else Galicia has to offers. Ruta Natural del Cantábrico, is fantastic coast walking lovers like me – without as much inland walking as one finds on the Camino del Norte.

 In April and May 2024 over 23 days I walked the Camino del Norte from Santander to Ribadeo, where pilgrims on their way to Santiago start walking inland, away from the coast. Instead, I continued along the coast towards A Coruna, following the Cantabrian Sea Nature Trail from Ribadeo to Ortigueira, Costa Galega, between Ortigueira and Ferrol and Camino Ingles between Ferrol and Mino and then backroads to A Coruna.

Under one I have called them the Ruta Natural del Cantábrico, after the largest portion of the walk. The whole route lies very close to the Ruta do Mar, an historical Camino following roughly the same route to Ferrol.

This blog covers the part of the walk from Ribadeo to A Coruna – 10 days in total. (The blog for Santander to Ribadeo is found under Camino del Norte).

The map below is what I planned to walk, and is fairly, but by no means 100% accurate in relation to what I walked. Each blog contains a map of what I actually did walk.

Finally, please note that I create this site for my own use, so that in the coming years, when I probably no longer can walk on long trips, can recall via words and pictures the adventures I have had. If it is useful or inspiration for anybody else, that is an added plus! Feel free to contact me for information or questions.