Stroll along the beautiful Asturian & Cantabrian coast.
Stay in Medieval Santillana del Mar - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Indulge yourself in rooms en-suite in selected hotels along the way and enjoy a high level of comfort.
Time travel along 1000 years of history and meet people from every horizon.

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Departures:

>Self-Guided
Any time, all year round!

>Guided
See Guided Departures page

This Walking Holiday explores the third section of the Camino Norte / Northern Way, following the iconic Camino de Santiago de Compostela; the famous Way of Saint James.

You will begin in Santander and finish in the pleasant seaside resort of Ribadesella. The mountains of the North provide a spectacular contrast to the charming and picturesque coastline.

Everyday, during the walk, you are guaranteed a high level of comfort and gastronomy. This section requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.

Day 1 - Santander
You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of Santander. The rooms are en-suite.

DAY 2 – From Santander to Arce (16km 3h30 +-120m)
During this stage, the Camino moves slightly inland and passes through towns such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia and Boo de Pielagos. The estuary of Boo de Pielagos leads to the village of Arce. A project, currently underway, will eventually shorten the journey by 10 kilometers with the addition of a pedestrian bridge.

DAY 3 – From Arce to Santillana del Mar (27km 7h30 +470m )
The Camino follows the pleasant, hilly landscape of the coast. Coming to Miengo, we have finally reached the Besaya region. Take your time to visit the charming little village of Suance. Passing meadows and sleepy villages, we arrive in the medieval village of Santillana del Mar.

DAY 4 – From Santillana del Mar to Comillas (23km 6h45 +120m -540m)
This stage introduces the pilgrim to the wild western coast of Cantabria. The Camino passes villages of outstanding beauty like Cobreces, with its Cistercian Monastery, and finally arrives in Comillas with its impressive beaches and remarkable architecture. Check out the spectacular “Capricho de Gaudi”, the Palace of Sobrellano with its pantheon chapel, and the Pontifical University.

DAY 5 – From Comillas to Unquera (27km 7h30 +-110m)
From Comillas, the Camino continues along the coast, and comes to Oyambre Natural Park. Here you will have the chance to witness an outstanding marine ecosystem consisting of a large variety of birds, mollusks and fish. The Camino reaches the town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Finally, passing estuaries, green pastures and forests, we arrive in Unquera.

DAY 6 – From Unquera to Llanes (23km 7h +-150m)
The Camino de Santiago enters Asturias, crossing a bridge over the river Deva and continuing into Bustio. Before Colombres, we have to climb the "Cuesta'l Cantu". Then we go downhill along the Sierra de La Borbolla. The Way now enters Pendueles. Here, the Camino take a narrow footpath that crosses the road to Andrin and climbs up to the Jorcada pass. The Camino drops to La Portilla and continues to Llanes, where we stay for the night.

DAY 7 – From Llanes to Ribadesella (29km 8h +-100m)
Passing the beautiful beaches of Palombina and Barro, the Camino crosses the river Niembro. Climbing steadily uphill, we reach the Church of San Pedro de Pria, set on a hill overlooking the district’s seven towns. Then, the Camino continues downhill to the medieval stone bridge over the river Gua­damia, it crosses the railway and continues on to Sobares and Ribadesella. Ribadesella is a fascinating town and well worth a stroll around.

DAY 8 – Ribadesella
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• Rooms en-suite
• Half Board during the hike
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinner first and last nights
• Transfers from/to airport