This trip, starting from the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastien in the Basque Country and finishing in the Asturian city of Oviedo, extends across a stunning stretch of northern Spain. If you look at a Camino del Norte route map, this walk spans three Spanish provinces and thousands of years of pilgrim history. The full Camino del Norte length is at least 481km, though this can customised to suit your needs. Each of the individual Camino del Norte stages have something unique to offer, from stunning beaches to quiet forests, making this Camino pilgrimage route truly special for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela.
Guided 2024: Santander to Ribadesella
Upcoming Tours
Santander
Santander city is surrounded by beautiful nature and best known for its beautiful beaches. The Cathedral de Santander from the 13th Century is not to be missed. If you have extra time to spare, a visit to the Museum of Prehistory and Archeology could be an interesting visit!
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is a well preserved historic village from the Medieval times with brick buildings and cobblestone roads. The Collegiate Church from the 12th Century with its finely crafted Romanesque works is a must see. Located 2 km from Santillana del Mar, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Altamira caves.
Bufones de Arenilla
Bufones de Arenilla is a spectacular natural feature with a seawatter eruptions of 20 m high. When the sea is calm, you will hear the sound of the water and the sea splashing below. On the way to Ribadesella you will be passing the ruined Monsaterio de San Antolin with a beach of the same name close by.
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SANTANDER
RIBADESELLA
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
1
km
SANTANDER
You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of Santander. Once the summer destination of the Spanish royal family, nowadays there is an eclectic mix of tapas bars and restaurants, busy shopping streets, and sandy beaches all within easy walking distance of each other.
Day
2
19.7 km
SANTANDER ARCE
During this stage, the Camino moves slightly inland and passes through typical Cantabiran towns such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia, and Boo de Pielagos. The estuary of Boo de Pielagos leads to the village of Arce, where you will stop for the night.
Day
3
25.3 km
ARCE SANTILLANA DEL MAR
The Camino follows the pleasant, hilly landscape of the coast today. Coming to Miengo, we finally reach the Besaya region. Take your time while here to visit the charming little village of Suance. Passing meadows and sleepy villages, we eventually arrive in the mediaeval village of Santillana del Mar.
Day
4
22 km
SANTILLANA DEL MAR COMILLAS
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
27.5 km
COMILLAS UNQUERA
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, molluscs, and fish species. The Camino next reaches the town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Finally, passing estuaries, green pastures, and forests, we arrive in Unquera.
Day
6
27.3 km
UNQUERA LLANES
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 la 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
30.3 km
LLANES RIBADESELLA
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 main towns. Then, the Camino continues downhill to the mediaeval 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
km
RIBADESELLA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. Ribadesella is visited year-round for its history, sport activities, and food – meaning there is plenty to do once you have finished your Camino. Ribadesella is also known for its prehistoric cave, Tito Bustillo, which is open to visitors all year round.
How to Get There
Getting to Santander, Spain
It is best to fly to Bilbao or Santander and then back from Santander.
Fly into Bilbao
Fly into Santander
Getting home from Ribadesella, Spain
Fly from Santander
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Walk the Camino to experience what is set to be the biggest Camino experience of the
century so far. Embrace your freedom to explore and challenge yourself to walk the Camino.