Del Norte compared to CF (an earlier answer to similar question on another forum ;-)
Longer route
Much more up and down, endless up and down
More asphalt
Not as crowded, but sometimes even there too many people!
Sometimes walking on the beach, not often, and many times with view on sea but on the cliffs
Several (large) tourist cities, these are obviously very commercial.
More (youth) hostals
Not so many nice terasses with red parasols to have a drink!
Colder and wetter due to distance to sea
Differences in landscape not as obvious as along CF (famous three parts with flat middle area and rebirth (Galicia) at the end.) CdN is more 'more of the 'same'
Possibility to leave the del Norte for the C Primitivo!
Both are fine camino's!
For me the CFrances is a better camino to start a camino experience!
CF has greater diversity of nationalities.
CF has more Americans!
CdelNorte is a more social one, as you probably have to ask the 'locals' The Way more often.
Not as much cathedrals as on the CF
Did I mention the upps and downs already?
Great book written on the del Norte by Jean-Christophe Rufin (not in English yet I believe)
No
Brierley guide on the del Norte!