Camino del Norte - Santander to Gijon

Santander is the capital of Cantabria and boasts a wonderful diversity of attractions for visitors. After arriving in Santander and settling into your accommodation, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Make the most of your free day in Santander by immersing yourself in this sophisticated city’s historical and culinary delights. The Palacio de la Magdalena is worth exploring, as is the gothic Catedral de Santander and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAS). Located on the Cantabrian Sea, there are numerous beautiful beaches to enjoy in and around the city. The Bay of Santander is often described as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and if weather permits a boat trip is an ideal way to explore the bay and its surrounds – durations range from 1 hour up to full day experiences. Foodies can indulge in sublime gastronomic experiences including Rabas, deep-fried squid rings, Marmita, a traditional fish stew or the exceptional anchovies that Santander is famous for. 

From Santander, you can also take an optional day tour to visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana.

Meals: B

A day of walking awaits as the Camino del Norte leaves Santander and its suburbs behind and heads inland. Once outside Santander’s city you will walk through suburbs such as Penacastillo and continue inland, often on paved paths, through the townships of Santa Cruz de Bezana and Mompia. Notice the change in the surrounding landscape as you near Boo de Pielagos and the Pas River.  Take the time to rest and rejuvenate overnight in the small village of Puente Arce, nestled in the serene Cantabrian countryside – if you arrive early enough you may like to arrange a visit to the local award winning Siderit distillery.

NOTE: It is possible to travel by public transport or taxi from Santander for part or all of today’s route, for those wishing to save time or to avoid walking through built up areas.

Meals: B

Today’s walk brings you to the atmospheric village of Santillana del Mar, one of the most captivating and picturesque villages on the Camino del Norte. Its mediaeval origins are evident in the well-preserved architecture that greets visitors. Pilgrims can visit the town’s Colegiata de Santa Juliana with its Romanesque cloisters. Revered by French philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre as Spain’s most beautiful village, Santillana del Mar also holds close proximity to the renowned Altamira cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its prehistoric cave paintings.

Meals: B

Leaving Santillana behind, the route continues inland through Cantabria’s green rolling countryside dotted with farms, fields, forests and church towers. A highlight along the way is the colourful village of Cobreces, known for its picturesque setting. The notable Cistercian monastery, with its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance, is a testament to the area’s rich history and spiritual significance. After passing through Concha the trail arrives back to the coast near your destination for the day – Comillas.

Comillas is known for its beautiful beach and for its unique architecture, including fine examples of art nouveau buildings. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit ‘El Capricho,’ a unique architectural gem designed by Antoni Gaudí, and commonly referred to as ‘Capricho de Gaudí’ or ‘Gaudí’s Caprice.’ This whimsical building showcases Gaudí’s distinctive style and creative genius. 

Meals: B

Although lengthy, today’s walk is one of our favourites as it continues through the Cantabrian countryside. Leaving Comillas the route passes through the Oyambre Natural Park, which includes the San Vincente and Rabia estuaries. The park is a haven for biodiversity, hosting a rich variety of plant and animal species and a mosaic of habitats, including dunes, salt marshes, cliffs, beaches, meadows, and forests. Keep an eye out for the vibrant wildflowers, native grasses, and the lush vegetation that thrives in this coastal environment. There is also a wide range of migratory birds during spring and summer including Curlew, Osprey, European Goldfinch and the European Robin.

Meals: B

Leave Cantabria behind as you cross the Deva River into Asturias, a region steeped in rich historical significance. Asturias, a former nation and kingdom predating the modern state of Spain by 700 years and has its own distinct cultural identity. After passing through La Franca the walk today largely follows the wild and untamed coastline. There are plenty of opportunities to take in its breathtaking beauty as you hike the rugged coastal paths with the Picos de Europa alongside you.

Your destination is the fabulous port town of Llanes, one of Asturias most popular coastal destinations. The town has a long and fascinating history and, as well as its coastline and fine beaches, it is today renowned for its wealth of historic heritage sites, arts and crafts, and its fine gastronomy. This lively town boasts an enviable location with stunning beaches, cliffs and bays to one side and the Picos de Europa providing a backdrop. 

Meals: B

Today enjoy a free day to immerse yourself in the delights of Llanes. There is plenty to discover including the remnants of the mediaeval city walls and circular tower, and numerous historic buildings including palaces, mansions and churches. Take some time to visit the marina and wander through the charming historic centre with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the beauty of its stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery – there are plenty of fine beaches to discover. Cuevas del Mar beach is a favourite and the San Pedro cliff top walk above the Playa del Sablon is recommended for its spectacular views. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the mouth-watering array of local culinary experiences and savour the atmosphere of traditional Sidrerias (cider houses). 

Meals: B

The mainly flat Camino trail today mostly follows Asturias’ beautiful Costa Verde, passing more sandy playas with occasional diversions inland through green forests and pretty countryside. Along the way, you will encounter scattered monasteries and charming villages such as Naves and Nueva where you may like to take the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in one of the bars or cafes. Tiny Cuerres has traditionally been a rest stop for pilgrims, with its pilgrim’s fountain said to date from the 15th century.

Finally you will arrive in Ribadesella, a coastal town located at the mouth of the Sella River, renowned for its rich history and picturesque sandy beaches. The little Ermita de la Virgen de Guia with its spectacular clifftop location is a most impressive site and gives the best views of the city. Take the opportunity to explore the town’s historic centre, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, and indulge in delicious cuisine – local specialities include a wide range of seafood and cheeses. You may like to visit the famous Palaeolithic cave art in the World Heritage listed Tito Bustillo cave and the nearby Tito Bustillo Cave Art Centre, although we suggest you contact them well in advance to check opening times and to book, in order to avoid disappointment.

Meals: B

The Camino briefly heads inland before returning to the coast, treating you to more fine ocean views, and past beaches and awe-inspiring cliffs. As you walk, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the renowned ‘Colunga coastline’, which is famously referred to as the Coast of Dinosaurs due to its significant discoveries of fossilised remains and ancient footprints. The surrounding scenery serves as a testament to the region’s rich geological history. The route heads inland from La Isla for the last 4 kms towards Colunga, your overnight destination. The town of Colunga is in an area known as ‘the heart of Asturias’, and provides a range of amenities and services to cater to weary pilgrims. You could take a visit to the popular Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA), located a short distance out of town.

Meals: B

The day’s walk is pleasant and peaceful, featuring a few inclines and declines with the surrounding scenery offering a captivating blend of rural and mountain landscapes. The official Camino del Norte route is entirely inland on small paths and tracks with a few villages and limited facilities along the way, although you could choose to take a detour to Lastres, a charming fishing village nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea. Villaviciosa, or ‘town of vices’, where you will stay overnight is today a relaxed market town and is renowned for its apple crops and as a centre of cider production. The town is brimming with history dating back to Roman times with a captivating old town, characterised by its narrow streets, historic buildings, and a picturesque main square.  

Meals: B

Depart from Villaviciosa along a relatively flat route for the first 4 kms to the village of Casquita, where the path splits and pilgrims who are walking the Camino Primitivo will turn towards Oviedo to continue their journey. Continuing on, the peaceful Camino del Norte route presents a physical yet rewarding challenge as you ascend 400m to the summit of Alto de la Cruz. The rugged beauty of the mountains, set against the backdrop of the Camino, creates an awe-inspiring memory. Descending almost as steeply as you ascended, enjoy some fine views as you continue hiking through the countryside and past the small settlements of Peon and Deva towards the coast and the port city of Gijon (Xixón),  the largest city on the Costa Verde and in Asturias province. With approximately 3,000 years of fascinating history and an industrial past, Gijon today is a prosperous modern city on the Cantabrian Sea, known for its maritime pursuits, historical remnants, cheerful atmosphere, and its fine shopping and excellent cuisine.

Meals: B

Today you have a full day at leisure to explore Gijon. Discover the charming old fisherman’s quarter known as Cimavilla. Stroll through its narrow streets, immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere, and marvel at the traditional architecture. Visit San Lorenzo Beach and explore the Plaza Mayor and the Campo Valdes area, with its historic palace and Roman Baths. If time allows, stop at one of Gijon’s interesting museums or galleries before sampling some local dishes, such as fabada Asturiana, a hearty bean stew. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the region’s famous cider and fresh seafood or satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Asturian desserts like rice pudding (Arroz con Leche). Another delicious treat is the Pantortilla, a traditional Asturian dessert made with eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. For travellers with energy to explore further afield, it may be possible to make an optional day trip to the spectacular Covadonga Lakes, part of the wild Picos de Europa National Park area. 

Meals: B

After breakfast, make your own arrangements for onward travel to your next destination

Meals: B

• 13 nights accommodation including hotels, small guesthouses and country houses, on a double/twin share basis
• Daily breakfast
• Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel (1 x 18kg bag per person)
• Use of RAW Travel navigation app during your Camino, with maps of your hotel locations and emergency contact numbers
• Local and Australian emergency contact numbers
• Dedicated local support person in Spain for reassurance

• Single supplement 
• Solo Traveller surcharge if applicable for luggage transfers
• Peak season surcharge if applicable at time of booking
• Lunches and dinners
• Local buses, trains, boats or taxis if needed 
• Flights 
• Train tickets 
• Travel insurance
• Guidebook and phrasebook
• Arrival and departure transfers