11-day Camino del Norte Walking Holiday (Part 3)

Begin your journey in Santander, where the gentle sea breeze welcomes you to the vibrant city. Stroll along the scenic promenade and take in stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, while exploring the city’s remarkable architecture, including the historic Santander Cathedral.

Leave behind the bustle of Santander and begin a scenic, though fairly long, route that weaves through urbanised areas using pedestrian paths. Despite this, the journey soon opens up to quieter landscapes, transporting you back in time as you approach the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar — considered one of the most beautiful in Cantabria. Highlights include the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and the renowned Altamira Caves.

Note: We highly recommend taking the train from Santander to Mortera or Boo de Piélagos to bypass a monotonous section of the city, reducing your walk by up to 15 km.

Challenge: 36 km / 22.5 mi, 400m ascent, 320m descent

Today’s route is pleasant and varied, combining inland landscapes with two short coastal detours that lead you to Comillas. At the end of the 19th century, this charming town became a summer retreat for aristocrats and wealthy families. Along the way, the trail winds between lush green hills, offering breathtaking views of the Cantabrian coastline. Once in Comillas, you’ll be captivated by its modernist architecture, including “El Capricho”, one of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest masterpieces.

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

Continuing your pilgrimage, today’s route leads you to Colombres, taking a scenic rural path that crosses into the province of Asturias. Along the way, you’ll traverse several bridges spanning marshes and estuaries, as well as some long, sandy beaches. Midway, you’ll pass through San Vicente de la Barquera, a charming fishing village rich in history. Crossing the River Deva marks your entry into Asturias, where you will check in at your welcoming agroturismo near Colombres.

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

After a hearty breakfast, begin your climb up to Colombres, a town renowned for its numerous Casas de Indiano — grand neo-colonial villas built by returning emigrants. Leaving Colombres, the Camino winds toward the coastline, where the sea has carved dramatic holes and caves in the limestone cliffs. Here, during rough weather, you may witness the spectacular “bufones”, natural sea geysers shooting water high into the air. Along the route, you’ll pass through Pendueles and Andrín, typical villages with bars for a quick refreshment before reaching the medieval town of Llanes. Highlights include a beautiful Gothic church, a charming marina, and a fishing port featuring an artistic breakwater by the Basque painter Agustín Ibarrola.

Challenge: 23km / 14,3 mi, 320m ascent, 400m descent

Today’s route is relatively long but features gentle slopes, making for a scenic and enjoyable walk. The first half takes you along the beautiful beaches of Palombina, Torimbia, and San Antolín, which are especially lively during the summer months. The trail then turns inland, passing through quieter rural landscapes with fewer tourists. After crossing several railway lines, you will arrive in Ribadesella, a renowned coastal town famous for its caves with prehistoric paintings.

Note: If you prefer a shorter walk, you can split this day in two by stopping overnight in the town of Nueva, then continuing to Ribadesella the following day. Please inform us at the time of booking, as this requires an extra night of accommodation.

Challenge: 32km / 19.8 mi, 330m ascent and descent

Today’s route offers stunning landscapes, combining rolling mountains with breathtaking coastal views. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden natural gems and pass by several beaches, including Santa Marina (in Ribadesella), La Vega, Arenal de Morís (a short detour), La Espasa, and La Isla. Your journey concludes in the charming town of Colunga, where the recent popularity of the Camino del Norte has provided a welcome boost to the local economy, offsetting the decline in traditional agricultural activity.

Challenge: 20km / 12.4 mi, 340m ascent, 330m descent

TToday’s stage is relatively short, taking you through orchards and farmland, leaving the coast behind to enter the agricultural heartland of Asturias. The trail features more hilly terrain than previous days and winds through quaint rural villages, giving you a true taste of Asturian countryside life. Your destination is Villaviciosa, the cider capital of Asturias, renowned for its traditional cider production.

Challenge: 18km / 11mi, 310m ascent, 320m descent

Today’s stage takes you inland, away from the coast, across the rolling Asturian hills. Leaving the orchards and countryside of Villaviciosa behind, you will gradually enter the lively market town of Pola de Siero, experiencing a fascinating transition from quiet rural landscapes to a vibrant urban environment. This contrast offers a unique and enriching perspective on the diversity of Asturias.

Challenge: 26km / 16.1mi, 530m ascent, 320m descent

The last stage is relatively short, bringing you to the historic city of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. The final stretch winds through charming villages and enchanting forests, providing a picturesque conclusion to your journey. Once in Oviedo, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. Highlights include the spectacular Oviedo Cathedral, and the chance to enjoy traditional Asturian cuisine and cider in one of the many local restaurants or cider houses.

Challenge: 17km / 10,5mi, 190m ascent, 170m descent

After breakfast, your journey comes to a close.

For those seeking more adventure, you have the option to extend your pilgrimage by continuing onto the next stage of the Camino.