Camino del Norte via Oviedo – The Detour Through the Holy City

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Villaviciosa → Piedras Blancas
• Length: 69.7 km
• Elevation Gain / Loss:↗ 986 m / ↘ 994 m
• Duration: 2–3 days
• The stage: 2 (Villaviciosa → Oviedo approx. 35 km / Oviedo → Piedras Blancas approx. 35 km)
• Character: Cultural variant of the Northern Route, inland Asturias
• Official Way of St. James: Yes – Eligible for the Compostela
• Best time of year: April–October

Overview

Most pilgrims on the Camino del Norte simply follow the coast. Those who turn south at Villaviciosa choose the other route—and end up in Oviedo, one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage cities. These 70 kilometers are not a route chosen out of convenience, but a conscious decision: in favor of history, tranquility, and a city that, in the Middle Ages, ranked on par with Jerusalem and Rome.

This route takes you through the green, rolling countryside of Asturias: gentle slopes, apple orchards, and villages with churches dating back to the 9th century. The trail leads you away from the coast and into the interior of the province—and back to the sea when you reach White Stones resume the Camino del Norte.

This route is well-marked, has plenty of lodging options, and includes a city leg through Oviedo that’s definitely worth at least one rest day.

Other Names

The trail's official name is Northern Way via Oviedo and is sometimes also referred to as Northern Inland Route is called. In English, it is referred to as Northern Way via Oviedo or, in short, the Oviedo detour. In Spanish, there is also the term Detour to Oviedo or Route via Oviedo.

Who It's Ideal For—and Who It's Not So Ideal For

This route is ideal for you if you want to explore the Camino de Santiago and history together. Oviedo isn’t just another stop along the way—the cathedral, the Cámara Santa, and the pre-Romanesque churches in the surrounding area are must-sees for anyone truly interested in history and spirituality. Even if you’ve had your fill of the coast on the latter part of the Norte route, you’ll find a change of pace here: more countryside, fewer beaches.

It’s less suitable if you’re following a strict stage-by-stage plan along the coast and don’t want to walk a single kilometer more than necessary. At just under 70 km, this route is slightly longer than the direct coastal route through Gijón—and Oviedo is 27 km from the coast, which means you’ll have to head back north.

Route & Landscape

From Beautiful Village – the small port town known for its Romanesque church, San Juan de Amandi, and Asturias’ first cider – the trail initially follows the main Norte route until it reaches a fork La Casquita, just past the city limits. There, the Oviedo route turns south.

The first stage winds through the valley of the Río Nora and the green hills of the Comarca de Sariego. At Pola de Siero you reach the halfway point of the stage. Via Debt You enter Oviedo via its medieval bridge. The second leg of the route goes from Oviedo over the hills of Llanera and Corvera back to White Stones.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

1. Villaviciosa → Oviedo (~35 km) – A gentle to moderate climb through the Nora Valley, past meadows and apple orchards.
2. Oviedo → Piedras Blancas (~35 km) – The hills of Llanera and Corvera, descent into the coastal valley.

Oviedo: The Third Holy City of Christendom

There's an old saying that goes: "Whoever goes to Santiago but not to El Salvador visits the servant and leaves out the Lord." The Cathedral San Salvador is considered just as sacred as Santiago de Compostela.

The centerpiece of the cathedral is the Holy Chamber (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which houses one of Europe's most significant collections of relics. Outside, it's worth San Julián de los Prados and Santa María del Naranco – Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Plan to spend at least half a day just in Oviedo.

Highlights Along the Way

• Village of the Victories – A port city with a Romanesque church and a tradition of sidrería
• Pola de Siero – A market town halfway along the route, sidrerías, and a weekly market
• San Salvador Cathedral, Oviedo + Holy Chamber – UNESCO, the thirteenth holy city of Christianity
• Santa María del Naranco – Pre-Romanesque royal palace overlooking the city (UNESCO)
• San Julián de los Prados – the largest surviving pre-Romanesque church in Europe (UNESCO)
• White Stones – Rejoining the Camino del Norte

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

This variation begins in the middle of the Northern Route: Near Villaviciosa, at the Casquita turnoff, you decide to take the detour inland toward Oviedo instead of following the direct coastal route.

In Oviedo, you then have a choice: head back to the coast (this option) — or continue straight on to the The Primitive Way, which begins here. Also, the San Salvador Road The route from León ends at the cathedral—Oviedo is a true pilgrimage crossroads.

Continue the pilgrimage?

And White Stones the variant meets the Northern Route. From here, it's about 320 km to Santiago.

Alternatively, in Oviedo, on the The Primitive Way switch to—the oldest Camino de Santiago of all, 12 stages through the mountains to Santiago.

Preparation & Practical Information

Best time to visit: April through October. Asturias is Spain's greenest and rainiest region—be sure to pack a rain jacket.

No problem finding lodging in Villaviciosa, Pola de Siero, and Oviedo. Since this is an official route of the Camino de Santiago, there are stamp stations everywhere along the Pilgrim's Pass (Credencial). The best way to plan your stages and accommodations is using the Camino Ninja app.

What the journey will cost you

Expect 30–45 € per day. Hostels: approx. 10–16 €, guesthouses: 35–55 €. Daily specials starting at 12 €. (As of July 2026)

Getting There

Villaviciosa: Take a bus or train to Oviedo, then a local bus. Asturias Airport (OVD) is about 50 km away.

White Stones: Near Avilés, connected to Oviedo by regional train.

• ALSA Long-Distance Buses – Routes to Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés
• Renfe / FEVE Regional Trains in Asturias
• Asturias Airport (OVD)