Camino de Santiago del Norte from Santander to Gijon
Camino de Santiago del Norte from Santander to Gijon
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Explore one of the most primitive Christian pilgrimage routes of medieval origin, also known as the Camino de la Costa, between the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria, Santander, and the capital of the Costa Verde or Costa de Asturias, Gijon.
Travel along the coast from Santander Bay to Gijon, in the central-northern part of Asturias, while exploring the landscapes of the so-called Cantabrian coast, a mountainous rim of the Iberian Peninsula facing the Cantabrian Sea and bounded to the south by the Cantabrian mountains.
- Take a gastronomic tour in the Fishing Quarter and the Corban area of Santander.
- Explore the Altamira Caves in Santillana del Mar, a World Heritage Site.
- Discover the architectural relics of Gaudi or Donech i Montaner, in the village of Comillas.
- Relax on Gulpiyuri Beach in Bustio, considered the smallest beach in the world.
- Try a cider in Villaviciosa, named the capital of cider.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Santander
Explore the capital of Cantabria and one of the most beautiful and popular cities on the northern coast of Spain. We invite you to taste the delicious local dishes of mountain stew and rabas (fried squid).
Visit some of its tourist attractions such as the Pereda Gardens, The Palacio de la Magdalena, Sardinero Beach or Santander Cathedral.
Visit some of its tourist attractions such as the Pereda Gardens, The Palacio de la Magdalena, Sardinero Beach or Santander Cathedral.
Overnight in Santander
Hotel Abba Santander
Located in the centre of Santander, the hotel offers modern, well-equipped rooms with TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy a good buffet breakfast in its dining room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Santander to Arce 10 miles | 16 km
When leaving Santander, the road today takes us away from the urban landscape to take us to the interior of Cantabria. We will pass through several villages, such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Pielagos.
Afterwards, we continue along the River Pas estuary in Boo de Pielagos and finally head towards Arce, where we will rest overnight.
Ascent: 129m (423ft) / Descent: 180m (590ft)
Afterwards, we continue along the River Pas estuary in Boo de Pielagos and finally head towards Arce, where we will rest overnight.
Ascent: 129m (423ft) / Descent: 180m (590ft)
Overnight in Arce
Palacio de Arce
Located in the Marques de la Conquista Real Palace, a former stately home, this charming hotel is a typical example of Cantabrian architecture.
Its rooms have air conditioning, TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Arce to Santillana del Mar 14 miles | 22 km
This day begins in Arce and will take us through the spectacular mountainous landscape on the Cantabrian coast. Along today's route, we'll stop by charming villages like Miengo and Suances, which are worth visiting.
We will cross the River Saja and then the path continues through green meadows until we reach the medieval village Santillana del Mar, known for home to the famous Altamira Caves.
Ascent: 240m (787ft) / Descent: 156m (512ft)
We will cross the River Saja and then the path continues through green meadows until we reach the medieval village Santillana del Mar, known for home to the famous Altamira Caves.
Ascent: 240m (787ft) / Descent: 156m (512ft)
Overnight in Santillana del Mar
Hotel Los Ángeles
In this traditional-style accommodation, decorated with stone and natural wood, you can enjoy authentic mountain food.
It has rustic-style rooms, equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Santillana del Mar to Comillas 12 miles | 22 km
Cross the small towns of Orena with its approximately 1,000 inhabitants; Ciguenza, which in prehistoric times was inhabited by Autorigones or Cantabrians; and Casasola with the Portillo Cave and its Neolithic shell site.
You arrive in Comillas, a Cantabrian village in the West Coast zone. Relax on its beautiful beach and admire the magnificent views of cliffs and rocks that surround it.
Discover the medieval and Baroque heritage of its buildings and the architectural relics of Catalan artists, such as the original Pontifical University of Comillas, which is now in Madrid, the Sobrellano Palace, and the work 'El Capricho', by Antoni Gaudí.
Ascent: 346m (1,135ft) / Descent: 406m (1,332ft)
You arrive in Comillas, a Cantabrian village in the West Coast zone. Relax on its beautiful beach and admire the magnificent views of cliffs and rocks that surround it.
Discover the medieval and Baroque heritage of its buildings and the architectural relics of Catalan artists, such as the original Pontifical University of Comillas, which is now in Madrid, the Sobrellano Palace, and the work 'El Capricho', by Antoni Gaudí.
Ascent: 346m (1,135ft) / Descent: 406m (1,332ft)
Overnight in Comillas
Hotel Comillas
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this elegant hotel is located near the Sobrellano Palace.
It offers air-conditioned rooms with a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Comillas to Unquera 17 miles | 28 km
The path today will take us around the Cantabrian coast passing through the Natural Park of Oyambre. Dunes, meadows, steep cliffs and beaches form a vast, rich landscape that in turn houses a wide variety of vegetation and fauna, such as waterfowl, molluscs and fish.
Then the road will take us through fields and forests until we reach Unquera.
Ascent: 403m (1,322ft) / Descent: 429m (1,407ft)
Then the road will take us through fields and forests until we reach Unquera.
Ascent: 403m (1,322ft) / Descent: 429m (1,407ft)
Overnight in Unquera
Agroturismo Muriances
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stay in rooms with everything you need for a relaxing stay, including TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Unquera to Llanes 13 miles | 21 km
Today our trail takes us back to skirt along the north coast. We will leave the autonomous community of Cantabria to enter Asturias. Just outside Unquera, we will cross the River Deva over a bridge that takes us to Bustio.
The road continues to climb to 'Cuesta'l Cant' and then downhill through the Sierra de la Borbolla. We will pass through the town of Pendueles, by a narrow road that continues to ascend until the Jorcada Pass, after crossing the Andrin road. The trail continues downhill to La Portilla.
We continue on to Llanes, where we will stay overnight: a beautiful town surrounded by the Picos de Europa mountains and the north coast.
Ascent: 306m (1,003ft) / Descent: 298m (977ft)
The road continues to climb to 'Cuesta'l Cant' and then downhill through the Sierra de la Borbolla. We will pass through the town of Pendueles, by a narrow road that continues to ascend until the Jorcada Pass, after crossing the Andrin road. The trail continues downhill to La Portilla.
We continue on to Llanes, where we will stay overnight: a beautiful town surrounded by the Picos de Europa mountains and the north coast.
Ascent: 306m (1,003ft) / Descent: 298m (977ft)
Overnight in Llanes
Hotel Don Paco
This hotel is located in a renovated 17th-century convent, which combines Baroque style with modern facilities.
It has spacious public areas, including a beautiful garden, a restaurant and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Llanes to Ribadesella 17 miles | 28 km
Cross Llanes until you link with the old Po path and continue to the Monastery of San Salvador de Celorio to go around Palombina Beach.
In the midst of easier trails, you will find several parishes, chapels and monasteries, such as the Chapel of Santin in Barru or the Monastery of San Antolin de Bedon in Amelladeru.
Cross the railway track through Toriellu, Sobares, Argunadieyu and La Espina, before entering Ribadesella, a cheerful village with a variety of restaurants. Tour the great estuary at the mouth of the River Sella, which separates the village in two: the old part from the modern part.
Ascent: 170m (557ft) / Descent: 177m (580ft)
In the midst of easier trails, you will find several parishes, chapels and monasteries, such as the Chapel of Santin in Barru or the Monastery of San Antolin de Bedon in Amelladeru.
Cross the railway track through Toriellu, Sobares, Argunadieyu and La Espina, before entering Ribadesella, a cheerful village with a variety of restaurants. Tour the great estuary at the mouth of the River Sella, which separates the village in two: the old part from the modern part.
Ascent: 170m (557ft) / Descent: 177m (580ft)
Overnight in Ribadesella
Hotel Villadesella
This typical Asturian country house is surrounded by large gardens and offers comfortable rooms with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy a menu of market cuisine with seasonal products in its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Ribadesella to Colunga 12 miles | 20 km
Walk the paths along the coastal route until you reach the beach of La Espasa, in the middle of unique beauty on the mountain landscape and the coast.
Then take an old road to Bueno creek, and climb to the town of the same name before arriving in Colunga, where Paleolithic men and dinosaurs were thought to live, thanks to the study of the ichnites found (dinosaur footprints).
Don't forget to try typical Colunga cuisine, such as fish stew, hake and seafood.
Ascent: 295m (967ft) / Descent: 280m (918ft)
Then take an old road to Bueno creek, and climb to the town of the same name before arriving in Colunga, where Paleolithic men and dinosaurs were thought to live, thanks to the study of the ichnites found (dinosaur footprints).
Don't forget to try typical Colunga cuisine, such as fish stew, hake and seafood.
Ascent: 295m (967ft) / Descent: 280m (918ft)
Overnight in Colunga
Hotel Villa de Colunga
Hotel Villa de Colunga is located in the town of Colunga and offers rooms with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
In addition you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and relax in its charming terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Colunga to Villaviciosa 11 miles | 17 km
Today you will have some demanding ascents along the path parallel to the Cantabrian motorway to the village Castiellu de Lue. Admire its rural architecture and grandiose views of the Sueve Sierra and the Picos de Europa.
Continue the path and visit the Virgen de la Guia Chapel and the other Catholic and Romanesque parishes along the way. As you approach Villaviciosa, you will walk along the so-called Pre-Romanesque Route, where you can get to know the remains of great monuments from the Asturian pre-Romanesque period: The Church of San Salvador de Baldeis or that of San Salvador de Priesca.
Villaviciosa is recognized, next to Nava, as the capital of cider. Thanks to the abundance of apple orchards, you can try it in one of the stops.
Ascent: 293m (961ft) / Descent: 309m (1,014ft)
Continue the path and visit the Virgen de la Guia Chapel and the other Catholic and Romanesque parishes along the way. As you approach Villaviciosa, you will walk along the so-called Pre-Romanesque Route, where you can get to know the remains of great monuments from the Asturian pre-Romanesque period: The Church of San Salvador de Baldeis or that of San Salvador de Priesca.
Villaviciosa is recognized, next to Nava, as the capital of cider. Thanks to the abundance of apple orchards, you can try it in one of the stops.
Ascent: 293m (961ft) / Descent: 309m (1,014ft)
Overnight in Villaviciosa
Hotel Palacio Carlos I
It is located an old house-palace from the 17th century. It has rooms with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - Villaviciosa to Gijon 18 miles | 29 km
Head back to the coast and go through a couple of strenuous ascents in Alto de la Cruz and Collanzo del Infanzon. If you dare, deviate a little to the south and get to know the Natural Reserve of the Lloviu Caves, the largest Asturian cavity formed in Jurassic limestone and with the presence of 5 species of bats.
Gijon, the capital of the Costa Verde, is located in a bay on the shores of the Cantabrian. Get to know its large marina and its magnificent urban beaches, its small old town and the Cimadevilla district, ideal to taste a "sidrina" (glass of cider).
Ascent: 672m (2,204ft) / Descent: 669m (2,194ft)
Gijon, the capital of the Costa Verde, is located in a bay on the shores of the Cantabrian. Get to know its large marina and its magnificent urban beaches, its small old town and the Cimadevilla district, ideal to taste a "sidrina" (glass of cider).
Ascent: 672m (2,204ft) / Descent: 669m (2,194ft)
Overnight in Gijon
Hotel Central Gijón
This charming seaside hotel is located near the historic centre. It has rooms with heating, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 11 - Gijon
40 km from Gijon is Asturias Airport, which mainly offers domestic flights. You can also take a bus or train to Santander or Bilbao Airport.
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Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Travel insurance
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Picnics
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
Our recommendation is to fly to Bilbao Airport (BIO). From there, you can take a bus to Santander, operated by the company "ALSA”.
If you cannot find flights to Bilbao, as a second option you can fly to Santander Airport (SDR), a local airport that receives domestic flights.
At the end of your trip in Gijón, you can fly from Asturias Airport (OVD), 30 minutes away by taxi.
If you cannot find flights to Bilbao, as a second option you can fly to Santander Airport (SDR), a local airport that receives domestic flights.
At the end of your trip in Gijón, you can fly from Asturias Airport (OVD), 30 minutes away by taxi.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to complete this route?
Any time between March and October will give you an amazing experience. May is undoubtedly one of the best months to complete the route, as the temperatures are moderate, as is the influx of pilgrims.
In spring, mornings and evenings are usually cool and during the day, temperatures are pleasant, with a sun that is not as scorching as in summer. However, at this time and in autumn, especially in the north where the ocean climate predominates, there are frequent rains, so we suggest you check the weather forecast.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is categorized as of medium-high difficulty, as it has some demanding ascents and descents. In addition, the walks are between 15 and 30 km daily on average.
For this reason, we suggest preparing about 2 months before starting the route by walking daily, preferably on arid terrain and in a coastal climate.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
How do I get the pilgrim's credential?
The pilgrim's credential can be found upon arrival at your first accommodation.
This credential must be stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels during your journey on the Camino de Santiago. At the end of the trip in the city of Santiago, you can obtain the Compostela that certifies you as a pilgrim.
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
- Comillas to Unquera (with overnight in San Vicente de la Barquera).
- Llanes to Ribadesella (with overnight in Nueva).
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