In June 2026, the eleventh edition of “El Camino a Vela” (The Way by Sail) will take place, where a group of 20 sailboats will sail in several stages from France (La Rochelle), along the entire northern coast of Spain, from Hondarribia to Padrón, before completing the final kilometers on foot to Santiago de Compostela.
With the invaluable help of Federico Fernández-Trapa Fontán, representative of Northmarinas, we will learn more about what this eleventh edition of “El Camino a Vela” entails and how it is planned to unfold.
How did the “Sail the Way” project come about??
The project began in 2015, spearheaded by Northmarinas, with the aim of reviving a historic way to make the pilgrimage to Santiago: by sea. The following year, the Cathedral of Santiago officially recognized this route, establishing that sailors who complete at least 100 nautical miles and finish the journey on foot can receive the Compostela certificate.
Since then, we have organized an international voyage each year that combines sailing, culture, and the spirit of pilgrimage..
What does the project consist of and how is it developed?
“The Camino by Sail” is a nautical journey that brings together sailors from different countries to travel the Camino de Santiago by sailboat. Over several weeks, they complete different stages along the Cantabrian and Galician coasts, stopping at various ports where cultural activities, crew gatherings, and sightseeing are organized.
It’s an experience that blends adventure, the sea, gastronomy, and heritage, always with the spirit of the Camino as its guiding principle.
What is “Northmarinas” and what role does it play in “Sail the Way”?
Northmarinas is a non-profit association comprised of marinas, businesses, and organizations linked to the nautical sector in northern Spain. Its objective is to promote the development of sailing, boost maritime tourism, and connect the ports of the Cantabrian coast and Galicia through joint projects.
“Sail the Way” is one of its flagship projects and serves as a platform to promote maritime culture and nautical tourism, as well as to showcase the towns and villages along the route.
What is the route and ports of call that you have planned for this 2026 edition?
The voyage will depart from the iconic port of La Rochelle, France, and travel along the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula from the Basque Country to Galicia. After setting sail, the flotilla will make stops in various towns, including Hondarribia, Bermeo, Santurtzi, Laredo, Santander, Gijón, and Avilés.
Once in Galicia, the route continues through emblematic ports such as Ribadeo, Ferrol, A Coruña, Muxía, Muros, A Pobra do Caramiñal, and Vilagarcía de Arousa, before finishing in Padrón and completing the final kilometers on foot to Santiago de Compostela.
Are there any specific objectives for “Sail the Way” 2026?
Does this eleventh edition promote any charitable aspects?
This eleventh edition is particularly special because it seeks to reinforce something that has always been at the heart of the project: the connection between the ports, cities, and people who share the Camino by sea. Following the signing of the Collaboration Alliance between the towns along the route last year, the aim now is to foster cultural exchange and collaboration among the territories that make up this nautical journey.
Furthermore, the project maintains its charitable focus with the “Sailing Against ALS” initiative, which collects sailing miles to raise awareness of the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and support the organizations that work with those affected and their families. Every mile sailed is also a gesture of commitment and solidarity.
You too can help collect miles against ALS – BIZUM: 03718
What type of sailboats usually participate in this nautical experience?
Participants are primarily cruising sailboats, private owners, sailing schools, and yacht charters. The fleet is typically very diverse, ranging from family boats to ocean-going sailboats equipped for long voyages. What matters is not so much the size of the boat as sharing the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and pilgrimage that characterizes this journey.
The Northmarinas team takes care of every detail of this adventure and guarantees the safety of the voyage both at sea and on land, maintaining constant coordination with the authorities and entities responsible for maritime safety.
For those who are thinking of participating in the Camino a Vela 2026, how can they do so?
Boat owners can register their own sailboat and join the flotilla through the website www.elcaminoavela.com. There are still some places available, but the registration period with a 40% discount ends on March 31st!
We encourage all sea enthusiasts to experience this sailing adventure in complete safety, where you can enjoy the sailing and the camaraderie without worrying about the organization and paperwork upon arrival in port.
You can also follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/elcaminoavela/
To whet your appetite, you can watch this video:
After eleven voyages and hundreds of miles traveled, what would you say to someone who hasn’t yet experienced “The Sailing Way”? Why is this experience worthwhile?
“Sail the Way”(El Camino a Vela) is much more than a nautical journey. It’s a different way to experience the Camino de Santiago, combining the adventure of sailing with the spirit of connection that has always characterized pilgrims. For several weeks, we share the sea, ports, cultures, and experiences with sailors from all over the world, discovering the northern coast of Spain from a unique perspective, always in good company.
Those who participate don’t just sail; they become part of a community that shares values such as camaraderie, respect for the sea, and a passion for discovery. That’s why we say that each edition not only adds miles on the water, but also stories and friendships that last long after the voyage ends. And that is, perhaps, the true essence of “Sail the Way”.
From “Navegantes Oceánicos” we thank Federico Fernández-Trapa Fontán, representative of Northmarinas, for his collaboration in this interview and for sharing the 2026 Sail the Way with our readers.
Fair winds, best of luck on your crossing, and welcome to Santiago de Compostela.
