Camino del Norte walking from Santander to Oviedo

As you embark on your pilgrimage in Santander, the tranquil coastal breeze greets you. You'll savor the sight of the Bay of Biscay as you stroll along the picturesque promenade and explore the city's charming architecture, including the magnificent Centro Botín for Modern Art

We strongly advise to cheat a bit today and take the commuters train to Boo de Pielagos instead of crossing the urban environment West of Santander (thus skipping the first 14 km). After that a more serene countryside awaits you, and you'll feel transported completely back in time when you arrive at Santillana del Mar, and enchanting medieval town, also home to the famous Cueva de Altamira . 

Challenge: min 24 max 36 km / min 15 max 22.5 mi, ascent 460m, descent 520m.

Today's route is quite placid and interesting, alternating inland landscapes with two brief sections along the Cantabrian coast. In Comillas, you'll be captivated by the buildings in the modernist style - our art nouveau - such as El Capricho, one of Antoni Gaudí's first works. 

Challenge: 22 km / 13.5 mi, ascent 460m, descent 520m.

Continuing your pilgrimage, you head toward Colombres. This is a route with a markedly rural character during which we will cross several bridges over marshes and estuaries adn wll visit San Vicente de la Barquera, an interesting fishing village,. At the end of the stage, we read the river Deva that marks the border between Cantabria and Asturias.  

Challenge: 28km / 17.5 mi, ascent 460m, descent 520m.

Today starts with a short ascent to Colombres, as small town with a remarkable heritage of so called 'Casas de Indianos', impressive vilas built by wealthy remigrants from the Americas. Then you will return to the coast and will be surprised on stormy days by the roaring of 'bad-weather geisers' or natural (bufones) blowholes. The stage ends in Llanes, a town with a historic quarter with lively terraces in summer, as well as the fishermen's port and its artistic breakwater. 

Challenge: 23 km / 14.5 mi, ascent 320m, descent 400m.

The first half of this relative long but gentle route passes by beaches such as Palombina, Torimbia and San Antolín, all of which are beautiful and quite busy in summer. The route then turns inland once again, through rural areas with less tourist pressure. After crossing a number of level crossings, you will end the day in Ribadesella, a coastal town famous for its prehistoric caves among other things. 

Note: if you want to have more time to explore both Llanes and Ribadesella, we can split this stage in two and book and overnight in Nueva de Llanes; aproximately halfway 

Challenge: 30 km / 18.5 mi, ascent 330m, descent 340m.

Today’s route is scenically very interesting, with mountains and good views of the coast, and passing by several beaches: Santa Marina (in Ribadesella), La Vega, Arenal de Morís (somewhat remote), La Espasa and La Isla. At the end of the walk the small town of Colunga will welcome you with its authentic charm and warm hospitality. 

Challenge: 20km/ 12.5 mi, ascent 340m, descent 330m.

Today's short route takes you through orchards and farmland as you head away from the coast, plunging into the agricultural heartland of Asturias, through more mountainous terrain than on previous days and past tiny rural hamlets. Your route takes you to Villaviciosa, the Apple Capital, famous for its cider production. 

Challenge: ascent 190m, descent 170m

Today you turn towards the interior of Asturias, away from the coast. Leaving Villaviciosa behind, you traverse the rolling hills of Asturias, arriving in Pola de Siero, a bustling market town. The transition from peaceful countryside to a lively urban atmosphere provides a unique and enriching experience. 

Challenge: 26km / 16mi, ascent 530m, descend 320m.

Your short route today culminates as you make your way to Oviedo. The final stretch guides you through charming villages and picturesque woodlands, ultimately bringing you to the capital of Asturias, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of the region. Visit the magnificent Oviedo Cathedral and savor the local cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants or sidrerías (cider bars). 

Challenge: 17km / 10.5 mi, ascent 190, descent 170m.

After breakfast, your Camino comes to an end. 

If you feel like more adventure and want to continue walking, you can combine this trip with the next stage of the Camino.