Camino del Norte: Stage 3 – Santander to Gijon – 10 Days

Santander, the capital of Cantabria, offers a warm welcome as you begin your journey along the Northern Way. Embrace its lively maritime charm with a walk along the promenade, where you can take in views of the iconic lighthouse. On sunny days, enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Sardinero Beach. To experience local flavors, visit the restaurants at Mercado del Puerto or enjoy traditional dishes in the taverns of the historic old town.

Accommodation: Santander

You will walk through lush, rolling countryside to reach Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most historic and artistic towns. Known as ‘the town of the three lies,’ it is neither holy, nor flat, nor by the sea. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll uncover magnificent noble buildings. The famous Altamira Cave, home to some of the world’s oldest and most renowned cave paintings—dating back 14,000 years—will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to try the local treat, a delicious combination of milk and sponge cakes, a beloved dish in the town.

Walk: 16 km / 3 – 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Santillana del Mar

As you journey through scenic landscapes and small villages, you’ll be accompanied by the sound of the roaring Cantabrian Sea and the sight of the gentle hills that offer shelter to the pilgrim. Step by step, you’ll arrive in Comillas, a town renowned for its striking contrast of baroque buildings, mountain mansions, and modernist landmarks like Gaudí’s Capricho.

Walk: 21 km / 4 – 5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comillas

As you journey through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, the sound of the Cantabrian Sea will accompany you, while the gentle hills provide a sense of protection to the pilgrim. Gradually, you will reach Comillas, a renowned town celebrated for the striking contrast between its baroque architecture, mountain mansions, and modernist gems like Gaudí’s Capricho.

Walk: 21 km / 4 – 5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Unquera

After crossing the Deva River, you’ll bid farewell to the Northern Way in Cantabria and continue your journey into Asturias, under the watchful presence of the stunning Picos de Europa. Gradually, you’ll make your way to the coastal town of Llanes, where you’ll discover the vibrant ‘Cubos de la memoria’ along its port. This charming town boasts a beautiful historic center, featuring indiano houses and noble mansions, along with picturesque beaches and scenic promenades winding through cliffs.

Walk: 23 km / 5 – 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Llanes

This is a long stage, but the beauty of the landscape makes it well worth the effort. In the first part of your journey, you’ll pass through charming fishing villages along the Cantabrian Sea. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Monastery of San Salvador de Celorio, a 17th-century gem. As you continue, the route shifts to a rural landscape, leading you to Ribadesella, a picturesque Asturian town nestled between the Sella River and the Cantabrian Sea. Once a major port in the 19th century, it holds a rich maritime history.

Walk: 28 km / 6 – 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ribadesella

Continuing along the Northern Way, you will travel from Ribadesella on a scenic coastal route. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages like Vega de Ribadesella and La Espasa, where you can soak in the peaceful seaside atmosphere. If the weather is favorable, you may even take a dip at Arenal de Morís Beach or La Isla Beach. Your journey will then bring you to Colunga, where you can explore the Colunga Palace and its baroque chapel.

Walk: 23 km / 5 – 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Colunga

Leaving the coast behind, you’ll follow inland paths, crossing the Libardón River and passing through picturesque villages like Pernús and Priesca. Your journey will bring you to Villaviciosa, known as the apple capital, where you can enjoy tasting local cider and other regional specialties such as Cabrales cheese and Asturian fabada.

Walk: 18 km / 4 – 5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Villaviciosa

Now your journey will lead you gently into the green city of Gijón. Here, you can wander through the charming Cimadevilla neighborhood, take a relaxing walk along the sands of the striking San Lorenzo beach, visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, or explore the city’s Roman history at the Campo Valdés thermal baths.

Walk: 23 km / 5 – 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gijon

After breakfast, end of our services.

Meals: Breakfast