Enjoy the beautiful landscapes on your Camino route from Santander to Gijón
Discover the magic of the legendary Camino de Santiago Northern Way on this brilliant section from Santander to Gijón. This 10-Day self-guided pilgrims’ walk will introduce you to the most stunning landscapes of the Camino del Norte, as you trek at your own self-guided pace.
The journey begins in Santander, with pilgrims exploring its maritime charm and historic landmarks like the Cathedral and Palacio de la Magdalena. After a lengthy trek to Santillana de Mar, renowned for its monumental presence and proximity to the Altamira Caves, the route leads to Comillas, offering sights such as Gaudi's Capricho and the Palace of Sobrellano.
The pilgrimage continues through rural landscapes, passing through San Vicente de la Barquera and Colombres before entering Asturian territory. Scenic beauty unfolds with each step, from the coastal views near Pendueles to the monumental complex of Llanes. The journey is punctuated by significant climbs, leading to Ribadesella and eventually to Colunga. Crossing rivers and beaches, the route culminates in Villaviciosa, known for its cider, before the challenging ascent to Gijón, the bustling capital of Asturias, rich in cultural heritage.
Enjoy the ease of having all details such as accommodations, many meals, and luggage transfer taken care of for you on your Camino journey. This 10-day walk on the Northern Way is the perfect introduction to the iconic Camino de Santiago.
Highlights of the Camino del Norte from Santander to Gijón
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Camino del Norte from Santander to Gijón Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Santander
Santander is the capital of Cantabria, a city marked by its maritime and commercial activity! On arrival, settle into your hotel, then head out to visit Sardinero Beach, the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Santander
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Santillana de Mar
Fuel up at breakfast this morning in Santander, as you have a long day ahead of you! Although the route starts in an urban section, you soon find yourself in one of the most monumental cities in the Cantabrian Sea, Santillana de Mar. Nearby are the Altamira Caves, where the museum is a must see!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Santillana de Mar
Distance: 9 hours, 37.1km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk to Comillas
The route that awaits today runs away from the sea and is mostly paved. In general, today’s walk consists of moderate climbs without any major challenging sections. You’ll trek through cities like Cóbredes, where you can see the Cistercian monastery. The day ends as soon as you reach Comillas, a charming city, well worth exploring on foot. Top sights include Gaudi's Capricho and the Palace of Sobrellano.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Comillas
Distance: 5 hours, 22.1km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Arrive in Colombres
Start today’s rural walk with a peruse through the Oyambre Natural Park near the coast as you head towards San Vicente de la Barquera. As soon as you cross the Ría de San Vicente, you will reach this charming fishing village. You can go to the old town of San Vicente to see the church, the castle and the remains of the old wall.
Later, continue towards Unquera and gradually leave Cantabria. You will cross the bridge over the Deba river to end the stage in Colombres, already on Asturian land!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Colombres
Distance: 7 hours, 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk to Llanes
A day with beautiful landscapes awaits you as you walk to Llanes! The challenge really begins when you pass Andrín, but fear note, as just a few kilometers away, you’ll find Llanes. Llanes has a monumental complex of particular interest, but the "Cubes of Memory", an artistic work in the port, should also be noted as a mandatory stop!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Llanes
Distance: 5 hours, 23.2km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk to Ribadesella
Fuel up this morning at breakfast, as you prepare for a longer stage today. Rest assured, you will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes on the walk to Ribadesella! The first half of the route takes you to the coast, where you’ll gaze out over beautiful beaches such as Torimbia and Barro. Before reaching the beaches, you will also pass Celorio, with is home to a stunning monastery. Cross the Bedón River and continue towards the second part of the day, which leads inland where the rural landscape dominates. The stage ends as soon as you arrive in Ribadesella, a fishing village at the mouth of the Sella River
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Ribadesella
Distance: 7 hours, 31.4km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Press on to Colunga
Cross the Sella River this morning as you set out towards Santa Marina Beach. Today's walk is characterized by several stretches of sandy shoreline. Go uphill towards Vega de Ribadesella and cross the Vega River to discover La Vega Beach. Pass Berbes and follow the path through the beach of Arenal de Morís and Playa de la Espasa, and then press on to your destination today -- Colunga!
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Colunga
Distance: 5 hours, 20.1km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Walk to Villaviciosa
One of the shortest stages of the entire journey awaits today! You leave the coast completely to take a tour inland and combine the mountainous landscape of the north with asphalt paths. The most important climb of the stage leads from Pernús to Priesca. The day ends in Villaviciosa, a city known as Comarca de la Sidra.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Villaviciosa
Distance: 4 hours, 17.2km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Final Walk to Gijón
It’s time to face another challenging day on the trail, but today is your last day on the Camino Norte, so be sure to soak up every moment! An undulating, but surprisingly urban environment paves the way to Gijon, with two significant climbs along the way.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Gijón
Distance: 7 hours, 29.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 End of Your Camino
Buen Camino & see you next time!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,250 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $850 USD*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,325 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $875 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Camino del Norte from Santander to Gijón
This tour is based on bed and breakfasts. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Bed and breakfast along the route
Enjoy a comfortable stay in a simple bed and breakfast accommodations, conveniently located along the route.
What’s Included in the Camino del Norte from Santander to Gijón?
Meals
9 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg - 1 piece of luggage per person).
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tips
- Gratuities
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- 3rd person discount sharing room with 2 adults
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfer to Santander
- Private transfer to the airport
- Extra piece of luggage
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