Llanes to Naves

Day 1 on the Camino del Norte was exactly what I love about this route: harbor towns, gravel paths through grazing lands, dramatic coastline, and beautiful beaches. The dogs, cats, sheep, horses, cows, goats, and wildflowers along the way completely captured my fancy.

Near the end of the walk, we took a detour to Playa Gulpiyuri, the tiny inland beach hidden beneath the cliffs. It was low tide, but you could still see the wide sandy crescent tucked below the rock walls.

I also met wonderful pilgrims from Seattle, Holland, Vancouver, and Ukraine. A few of us shared a menú del día at a cider house in Naves, which felt like the perfect Camino meal.

It was a later start since the day was short — only about 10 miles. After two nights sleeping in top bunks, I decided I needed a little space and booked a hotel room instead. Pensión La Fonte was clean, comfortable, and a welcome place to rest. I booked it through Booking.com for about $60.Read more