Camino Lebaniego from Santander to Santo Toribio
Camino Lebaniego from Santander to Santo Toribio
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
This is one of the oldest Caminos, with more than 500 years of history, which was used by the "Followers of the Cross" to reach the cross known as the "Lignum Crucis" protected by Santo Toribio de Liebana, which was said to have miraculous and curative properties, as it was the largest piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
This route is one of those that has its own Holy Year, just like Santiago de Compostela, Rome or Jerusalem, and is a fork on the Camino del Norte, more precisely in the town of Munorrodero.
- Visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio, known as Little Jerusalem, to see the "Lignum Crucis".
- Enjoy the gastronomy in the Barrio Pesquero (fishing district) and the area of Corban, in Santander.
- Get to know San Vicente de la Barquera, one of the most touristic areas in Cantabria.
- Enjoy the scenery through the Cantabrian countryside.
- Discover the World Heritage Site of the Altamira Caves in Santillana del Mar.
- Visit the architectural relics of Gaudi or Domenech i Montaner, in the village of Comillas.
Gallery
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
Abba Santander
Situated in a historic building with traditional design, Abba Santander Hotel boasts modern and contemporary decor. It is strategically located in the historic and commercial center of the city, facing the bay and offering a beautiful panoramic view. The hotel features 37 modern and cozy rooms equipped with the latest amenities, designed to make our guests' stay comfortable and pleasant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Santander to Arce 10,5 miles | 17 km
On leaving Santander, the route will take you away from the urban landscape and towards the interior of Cantabria. You will pass through several villages, such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Pielagos.
Afterwards, you will continue along the estuary of the River Pas, in Boo de Pielagos, and finally, you will head towards Arce, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 222m (728ft) / Descent: 232m (761ft)
Afterwards, you will continue along the estuary of the River Pas, in Boo de Pielagos, and finally, you will head towards Arce, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 222m (728ft) / Descent: 232m (761ft)
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. It is close to the beaches in Liencres, has 16 rooms and private parking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Arce to Santillana del Mar 12,7 miles | 20,5 km
This day starts in Arce and will take you through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Cantabrian coast. You will start your journey by crossing the River Pas to leave Puente Arce.
You will then cross the River Saja and the route continues through green meadows until you reach the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, one of the main tourist towns in Cantabria. This destination is renowned for being home to the famous Altamira Caves and a monumental town with stone buildings whose balconies are adorned with flowers.
There is a saying about it, which is that it has three lies in its name: it is neither holy, nor flat, nor does it have a sea.
Ascent: 376m (1,234ft) / Descent: 295m (968ft)
You will then cross the River Saja and the route continues through green meadows until you reach the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, one of the main tourist towns in Cantabria. This destination is renowned for being home to the famous Altamira Caves and a monumental town with stone buildings whose balconies are adorned with flowers.
There is a saying about it, which is that it has three lies in its name: it is neither holy, nor flat, nor does it have a sea.
Ascent: 376m (1,234ft) / Descent: 295m (968ft)
Overnight in Santillana del Mar
Hotel Museo Los Infantes
Centrally located in the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, this guest house offers 27 classic rooms decorated with antique furniture, a TV and free Wi-Fi. It also has junior suites with a seating area and a spacious balcony.
Enjoy the lounges and common areas, the magnificent restaurant with a central fireplace, cafe and the garden terrace overlooking the imposing main façade.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy the lounges and common areas, the magnificent restaurant with a central fireplace, cafe and the garden terrace overlooking the imposing main façade.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Santillana del Mar to Comillas 14 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: 531m (1,742ft) / Descent: 588m (1,929ft)
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: 531m (1,742ft) / Descent: 588m (1,929ft)
Overnight in Comillas
Hotel Comillas
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this elegant hotel is located near the Sobrellano Palace, a 5-minute walk from San Martin Beach.
It offers air-conditioned rooms with a TV and private bathroom. Enjoy the outdoor pool, Wi-Fi and free parking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers air-conditioned rooms with a TV and private bathroom. Enjoy the outdoor pool, Wi-Fi and free parking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Comillas to San Vicente de la Barquera 7 miles | 12 km
Start the route by walking along the Cantabrian Sea along the pedestrian path or down to the beach, a favourite route for many pilgrims. Admire, near San Vicente, the views of the majestic Roman Vindios Mountains or the Picos de Europa.
This is also an opportunity to discover the Oyambre National Park, which comprises the estuaries of San Vicente and La Rabia around landscapes with cliffs and beaches, and is home to a large number of species of birds, fish and vegetation.
In San Vicente de la Barquera, visit the Castle of San Vicente, the gothic Church of Santa Maria de los Angeles and admire the beautiful views of the village and its surroundings.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 280m (919ft)
This is also an opportunity to discover the Oyambre National Park, which comprises the estuaries of San Vicente and La Rabia around landscapes with cliffs and beaches, and is home to a large number of species of birds, fish and vegetation.
In San Vicente de la Barquera, visit the Castle of San Vicente, the gothic Church of Santa Maria de los Angeles and admire the beautiful views of the village and its surroundings.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 280m (919ft)
Overnight in San Vicente de la Barquera
Hotel Azul de Galimar
You can enjoy a hotel with incredible views of the San Vicente estuary. In addition, its rooms are comfortable, with a private bathroom, balcony and flat-screen TV.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - San Vicente de la Barquera to Cades 17 miles | 28 km
Leave San Vicente along Calle Calzadas Altas until you reach the road that will take you to Hortigal, Estrada and Serdio. Via a mountain track you reach Munorrodero, situated on the Tina Menor estuary, where pilgrims continue along the Camino del Norte or take the fork towards the Camino Lebaniego.
Take the local road to reach Cabanzon and follow a path through eucalyptus trees, known as the River Nansa Path, to the bridge of Arrudo to finally reach Cades.
Ascent: 768m (2,520ft) / Descent: 682m (2,237ft)
Take the local road to reach Cabanzon and follow a path through eucalyptus trees, known as the River Nansa Path, to the bridge of Arrudo to finally reach Cades.
Ascent: 768m (2,520ft) / Descent: 682m (2,237ft)
Overnight in Cades
Casona del Nansa
Relax in this hotel surrounded by a peaceful natural and rural environment next to the River Nansa.
The rooms have heating, Wi-Fi connection, TV and bathroom. Very close to the hotel, you can enjoy the beach and the Picos de Europa mountains.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms have heating, Wi-Fi connection, TV and bathroom. Very close to the hotel, you can enjoy the beach and the Picos de Europa mountains.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Cades to Cicera 10,5 miles | 17 km
Leaving Cades you will reach the villages of La Fuente, Burio and Collado de La Hoz, from where you will have incredible views of the Lamason Valley.
Continuing along the road, and with the landscape of the Picos de Europa as a backdrop, you will descend towards Cicera, a half-hidden village in the mountains with architecture typical of this region of Spain.
Ascent: 728m (2,388ft) / Descent: 315m (1,033ft)
Continuing along the road, and with the landscape of the Picos de Europa as a backdrop, you will descend towards Cicera, a half-hidden village in the mountains with architecture typical of this region of Spain.
Ascent: 728m (2,388ft) / Descent: 315m (1,033ft)
Overnight in Cicera
El Molino de Cicera
El Molino de Cicera is a tourist complex consisting of two buildings (one from 1907 and a more recent one) and a small traditional outbuilding, all surrounded by a 4,500 square meter estate, with a small river running in front and situated at the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park.
El Molino de Cicera offers cozy double rooms and fully equipped apartments for 4 or 6 people. Both the rooms and the apartments have private bathrooms and include bed linen, towels, shower gel/shampoo, hairdryers, and heating.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
El Molino de Cicera offers cozy double rooms and fully equipped apartments for 4 or 6 people. Both the rooms and the apartments have private bathrooms and include bed linen, towels, shower gel/shampoo, hairdryers, and heating.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Cicera to Potes 7 miles | 12 km
From this point you have two options to get to Lebena: by Collado de Arcedon or the old route, the latter is the favourite of pilgrims, as it has beautiful views of the Hermida gorge and the Picos de Europa.
In Lebena, you can admire one of the most outstanding architectural works on the route, the Church of Santa Maria de Lebena, built in the year 925. Then continue along the road towards the River Deva, cross Allende and you will reach Cabanes, a small village near the River Robejo.
From there, we will transfer you to your accommodation in Potes.
Ascent: 827m (2,713ft) / Descent: 783m (2.569ft)
In Lebena, you can admire one of the most outstanding architectural works on the route, the Church of Santa Maria de Lebena, built in the year 925. Then continue along the road towards the River Deva, cross Allende and you will reach Cabanes, a small village near the River Robejo.
From there, we will transfer you to your accommodation in Potes.
Ascent: 827m (2,713ft) / Descent: 783m (2.569ft)
Overnight in Potes
Casas Cayo
The hotel is located in the village of Potes and has rooms with flat-screen TV, balcony and private bathroom.
At the hotel you can enjoy a restaurant, bar, lounge and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
At the hotel you can enjoy a restaurant, bar, lounge and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Potes to Monastery of Santo Toribio (Potes) 8,6 miles | 14 km
The day begins with a short transfer to Cabanes, where you will start your walk.
Later, you will go through El Herbario, a group of centuries-old chestnut trees with beautiful views of Pena Ventosa and Cueto Agero. You should also cross Pendes and follow the road to the Chapel of San Francisco and then on to the village of Tama.
Later on, you will arrive again in Potes, this time while walking, where you will be able to visit several monuments such as the Infantado Tower (from where you get incredible views of the Picos de Europa) and its historic quarter, which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.
From this point, only 4.2 km separates you from the important Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, which houses the "Lignum Crucis" and the remains of Santo Toribio de Astorga.
Your stay tonight will be in Potes, so you will have a transfer included from the Monastery of Santo Toribio to Potes.
Ascent: 431m (1,414ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)
Later, you will go through El Herbario, a group of centuries-old chestnut trees with beautiful views of Pena Ventosa and Cueto Agero. You should also cross Pendes and follow the road to the Chapel of San Francisco and then on to the village of Tama.
Later on, you will arrive again in Potes, this time while walking, where you will be able to visit several monuments such as the Infantado Tower (from where you get incredible views of the Picos de Europa) and its historic quarter, which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.
From this point, only 4.2 km separates you from the important Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, which houses the "Lignum Crucis" and the remains of Santo Toribio de Astorga.
Your stay tonight will be in Potes, so you will have a transfer included from the Monastery of Santo Toribio to Potes.
Ascent: 431m (1,414ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)
Overnight in Potes
Casa Cayos
The hotel is located in the village of Potes and has rooms with flat-screen TV, balcony and private bathroom.
At the hotel you can enjoy a restaurant, bar, lounge and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
At the hotel you can enjoy a restaurant, bar, lounge and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - Potes
From Potes, you can take a bus to Santander or Bilbao, the nearest cities.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
Request a Quotation
Request a Quotation
Services
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
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
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.
Travel & Transfers
The best option to get there is Santander's small international airport, the Seve Ballesteros.
Another option is Bilbao Airport, which has several connections to cities in Spain and Europe and also has its own train station.
From Potes, take a bus to Santander or to Bilbao. You can also take a bus to Llanes and then head to Oviedo, this depends on your next destination as this airport does not have many international destinations.
Another option is Bilbao Airport, which has several connections to cities in Spain and Europe and also has its own train station.
From Potes, take a bus to Santander or to Bilbao. You can also take a bus to Llanes and then head to Oviedo, this depends on your next destination as this airport does not have many international destinations.
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 the year to complete this trip?
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).
- San Vicente de la Barquera to Cades (with overnight in Muñorrodero).
Why Choose Orbis Ways?
Find Your Ideal Trip
Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.
Tailor-Made Budget
We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.
Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
