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

11 Days

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

Carbon Footprint

11kg of CO2-e PP per day

(114kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

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 otherwise long stage. From here you walk to Santillana, passing through Miengo, Cudón, Requejada, Viveda and Camplengo. Santillana is one of the most picturesque towns along the Camino Norte. Take some time this afternoon to explore the well-preserved medieval towers, Renaissance palaces and the Romanesque Santa Juliana Collegiate Church. Distance: 21km/13mi, highest point approx 120m

Meals:  B

Continue to Comillas passing through a landscape of grassy fields with sprawling vistas, broken periodically by church towers. The walking is mostly on local roads on undulating terrain through the towns of Oreña, Cóbreces, Trasierra and La Iglesia (Ruiloba). 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: 23km/14.4mi, highest point approx 150m

Meals:  B

The walk today takes in a mix of trails and roads with few gradients and through quaint villages. There are also several bridges to cross, over marshes and estuaries. From the highest points you can enjoy spectacular views of the coast and the Cantabrian mountain range, where the Picos de Europa massif stands out. Today's destination is the medieval gem San Vicente de la Barquera, known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights. The Santa Maria de los Angeles church, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, holds the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio del Corro. It is an important stop on two Jacobean Routes: the Camino Norte and the Lebaniego Way. Distance: 12km/7.5mi, highest point approx 90m

Meals:  B

Leaving San Vicente de la Barquera and its estuary, this is a more rural stage as the trail moves away from the coast. 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: 16km/10mi, highest point approx 140m

Meals:  B

Breakfast is not included today, you can try one of the local bars. Walking mainly on paved roads with moderate slopes, today offers beautiful landscapes - 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, highest point approx 120m

Meals:  Nil

Today you will walk past several fascinating monasteries. It's a long walk but the path is gently undulating. You'll follow a mix of trail and road through small villages and countryside. You'll pass beaches such as Palombina, Torimbia and San Antolín, which are popular in summer, before heading inland through rural areas that are less touristy. 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: 31km/19.4mi, highest point approx 100m

Meals:  B

The route today heads inland before returning to the coast. This is the last real stretch along the coast, so be sure to appreciate the views. You'll pass through several beaches and small villages. Your destination is the picturesque market town of Colunga, with its modernist buildings and palatial houses. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, highest point approx 100m

Meals:  B

Continuing through small and historical villages, today's route takes you away from the coast and through more mountainous terrain. You'll pass through Priesca which is home to one of the oldest churches on the Camino - the Church of San Salvador, built in 921, and Sebrayo with its beautiful Church of Santa María. Continue to Villaviciosa, 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, highest point approx 100m

Meals:  B

The trail today leads you to Gijon, the largest city you will have seen in a week. It's a tougher stage with two steep climbs (approx 340m and 200m) as you walk from the interior of Asturias to the coast. In the small village of Casquita you might meet other pilgrims heading towards Oviedo on the Camino Primitivo. Continue to the bustle of Gijon, where you will find the impressive Universidad Laboral. Further into the city you can enjoy its many charms such as the Cimadevilla neighbourhood and the impressive San Lorenzo beach, along with its Roman past with the Campo Valdés Hot Springs. Distance: 32km/20mi, highest point approx 400m (Alto Cruz de Peon)

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B

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
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 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.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Walking the Camino Norte in Spain | Camino de Santiago