3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 10 nights hotels / B&Bs
Meals
  • 9 Breakfasts

11 Days£1190GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CN4

Trip highlights

  • Walking the Camino Norte from Santander to Gijon
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
  • Discovering the natural beauty of the Asturias region, including vast sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, green landscapes, and the Cantabrian Sea
  • Explore the port city of Santander, charming coastal Llanes, Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas
  • Sample cider in historic cider houses and delicious regional cuisine
  • Swimming at beaches along the route

'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua.

This segment of the Northern Way, one of the many routes that lead pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, weaves its way along the northern coast of Spain, revealing a diverse tapestry of coastal beauty, inviting beaches and mountainous terrain. From the vibrant city of Santander, traverse medieval towns with architectural treasures, meander through picturesque coastal villages, and absorb the tranquility of the Asturian landscapes. This is an exploration of culture, history, and the soul, inviting walkers to immerse themselves in the unique charm of the Cantabria and Asturias regions while forging connections with fellow pilgrims on the sacred path to Gijón.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Santander

Finishing Point:

Gijon

Itinerary

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Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disastrous explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax before setting out on your Camino.

Meals:  Nil

Today starts with a taxi transfer to Mogro-Ermita Virgen del Monte to shorten this long stage. From here you walk to Santillana, which is one of the most picturesque towns along the Camino Norte. Take some time this afternoon to explore the well-preserved medieval village and the cloister in the Collegiate Church. Distance: 19km/13mi

Meals:  B

Continue on the path today to Comillas. You'll pass through a landscape of grassy fields with sprawling vistas which are broken periodically by church towers. Arriving into Comillas signals your return to the coast. Comillas has some of Cantabria's most important Art Nouveau buildings including Sobrellano Palace Chapel and the Pantheon, the Pontifical University and the wonderful El Capricho by Antoni Gaudi. Distance: 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B

Today you will walk through the Oyambre Natural Park, with its beaches, dunes, meadows, rivers and cliffs, before crossing the beautiful bridge that leads to San Vicente de la Barquera. At the Rubín and Pombo estuaries and protected by the Picos de Europa mountains, San Vicente de la Barquera is another fishing and resort town. The 13th century Gothic church Santa Maria de los Angeles holds the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio del Corro. The town is an important stop on two Jacobean Routes: the Camino Norte and the Lebaniego Way. Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B

Leaving San Vicente de la Barquera and its estuary behind you enter a rural environment. You will pass towns such as La Acebosa, Hortigal and Serdio. Shortly after Pesués you will reach Unquera, the last town in Cantabria, and soon after crossing the bridge over the Deva River you will reach today's destination, Bustio, in Asturias. Breakfast is not included at Bustio, you can ask the hotel staff for suggestions. Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B

Breakfast at leisure. Today you continue walking on mainly paved roads. The views are spectacular, with the coast on one side and the Picos de Europa on the other. Llanes is a lively and popular coastal town with a long history, evident by the remnants of its 800 year old city walls. Don't miss the unique "Memory Cubes", the work of Spanish painter and sculptor Agustín Ibarrola Goicoeche at the port's breakwater. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals:  Nil

Today you will walk past several fascinating monasteries. It's a long walk but the path is generally flat, following a mix of trail and road and taking you through beaches such as Palombina, Torimbia and San Antolín and then inland through countryside. Continue to Ribadesella, known for its beaches and its UNESCO listed Tito Bustillo Cave with prehistoric cave art, located 2.2 km (round trip) from the Plaza de Santa Ana. Distance: 28km/17.5mi

Meals:  B

The route today cuts inland before returning to the coastline. This is the last real stretch along the coast for some time, so be sure to appreciate the views. The walk will end in the picturesque market town of Colunga, with its modernist buildings and palatial houses. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

Leave the coastline and continue along inland paths on steeper terrain through Sebrayo and its beautiful Church of Santa María de Sebrayo to Villaviciosa. Villaviciosa is known as the 'apple capital' of Spain and these can be sampled in one of the town's many cider distilleries. Pre-Romanesque Asturian art stands out here, including the Church of San Salvador de Valdediós. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B

The trail today leads you to Gijon, the largest city you will have seen in a week. There are 2 steep climbs (340m and 200m) and you'll see few walkers on this section. The route is surprisingly peaceful before entering the hustle of Gijon. There is a steep ascent of 400m to the Alto de la Cruz. In Gijon you will find the impressive Universidad Laboral, and further into the city, you can enjoy all its charms, such as the Cimadevilla neighbourhood, the impressive San Lorenzo beach and its Roman past with the Campo Valdés Hot Springs. Distance: 30km/18.7mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 9 breakfasts (not in Bustio). Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 10 nights in a combination of hotels & B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Transfer on day 2
  • Pilgrim passport

  • Travel to Santander and from Gijon
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 12 and 28km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – mostly relatively flat but some sections are mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is Easter Period and 1 Jul to 30 Sep. Supplement applies for high season departures.
Note:
Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during during local festivals and events.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Priceper person from

£1190GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£160
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£410
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonGBP£480
  • Single supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)GBP£630
  • Solo traveller supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)GBP£680
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Walking the Camino Norte in Spain | Camino de Santiago

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