Northern Way from Santander to Ribadesella is an organized trip to walk the section between Santander and Ribadesella in 7 days and 6 nights. With 145 km, it is a very suitable option for those seeking a multi-day route with a good pace, combining autonomy and clear planning from the beginning to the end of the journey.
With a price starting from 570 €, this trip includes luggage transfer and travel insurance, two services that provide comfort and peace of mind during the experience. Northern Way from Santander to Ribadesella is particularly well-suited for travelers who already enjoy walking long stages or who want to tackle a demanding section with the main organization sorted, without giving up the opportunity to progress on their own and focus on what matters: enjoying the journey with greater comfort.
Photos
Accommodations
- Most popular
Private comfort (Guesthouses, rural houses and small hotels)
570 €
The perfect balance between charm and comfort. Guesthouses, B&Bs and country houses await you in the villages along the Camino with private rooms, private bathrooms, TV, and daily cleaning service. Simple and welcoming, they are the ideal place to truly rest and enjoy the peaceful rural essence that only the Camino can offer.
Services
Included in all our routes
- Accommodation
7 days / 6 nights
- 7 days / 6 nights accommodation
- Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)
- Luggage transfer during the stages. (1 piece per person max 15 kgs)
- On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
- Pilgrim's Credential
- Travel insurance
Optional
- Extra night
- Breakfast
- MP (Breakfast and dinner)
- Cancellation Insurance
Map of the Northern Way from Santander to Ribadesella
Stages
- day 1
Arrival at Santander
- day 2
Stage 1. Santander - Santillana del Mar (37.1 km)
Today we leave the beautiful city of Santander to go to the historic town of Santillana del Mar. After walking through the streets of Santander towards the west, we will arrive at our first landmark of the stage: Peñacastillo. The next stretch of the road to Santa Cruz de Bezana is dominated by a continuous succession of underpasses and overpasses Santa Cruz de Bezana is dominated by a continuous succession of underpasses and overpasses between the railway tracks and the motorway.
From the church of Santa Cruz de Bezana we must follow the avenue Mompía, a long promenade between residential areas.
From Mompía we will go to Arce and then to Oruña, crossing the medieval bridge over the river Pas. The section from Oruña to Mar is the official route since 2016. In the past, the route went further north, passing through Boo de Piélagos, Mogro and Cudón.
Well dear pilgrim, from Mar we are not far from the end of the stage, so lots of encouragement and strength, you can do it! We only have to cross the towns of Requejada, Barreda and Viveda, and we will have reached the end of the stage. Today we deserve a good rest.
To consider
A very long stage that can be divided in some of the hostels opened during the last years in the different towns that separate Santander from Santillana del Mar.
Places of interest
- Sanctuary of the Virgen del Monte - Miengo
- Tower of Don Beltrán de la Cueva - Santillana del Mar
- Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana - Santillana del Mar
- Houses of the Eagle and the Vine - Santillana del Mar
- Museum of Altamira - Santillana del Mar
Typical dishes
- Sorropotun or marmite of tuna fish
- Scorpion fish pie
- Maganos or squid
- Hake in green sauce
- Various fish (monkfish, sea bass, sea bream, turbot)
- Clams with seafood
- Desserts: sobaos and sponge cake of Santillana
- day 3
Stage 2. Santillana del Mar - Comillas (22.1 km)
We will leave Santillana del Mar from the town hall square along Calle de los Hornos in the direction of Comillas, passing through the village of El Arroyo. From here, we start a beautiful path through meadows and rural roads that lead us to the church of San Pedro de Oreña, located on the top of a hill. The next place of reference is Caborredondo, which we will reach by descending a track from Oreña.
From Caborredondo we continue to Cigüeña, after taking a detour to the right at the La Solana estate. In Cigüenza we can visit the small church of San Martín de Tours (that's right, there is another church of San Martín de Tours in the Jacobean route).
The next town we will pass through in today's stage will be Cóbreces. It should be noted that since 2017 there are two routes to continue from Cóbreces. Now the official itinerary runs through the north passing by the beach of Luaña and the villages of Trasierra, Liandres and La Iglesia. Before, the road used to run south, directly linking the towns of Cóbreces and La Iglesia.
From La Iglesia we only have to cross Pando and La Concha to reach the charming village of Comillas.
Comillas is a city that preserves a great amount of patrimonial elements, among them, a construction of Gaudí himself. We are sure you will love it.
To consider
Many pilgrims departing from Santillana del Mar follow the CA-131 road between Cóbreces and Comillas, which is much more direct than the official route. We do not recommend following it as the path is well signposted and is much safer and more interesting.
Places of interest
- Church of San Martín de Tours - Alfoz de Lloredo
- Abbey of Santa María de Viaceli - Alfoz de Lloredo
- San José Monastery - The Church
- Sobrellano Palace - Comillas
- The whim of Gaudí - Comillas
- Comillas Beach
- Fountain of the Three Spouts
Typical dishes
- Bonito belly
- Bonito with onion
- Anchovies in vinegar
- Scorpion fish pie
- Marmitaco or sorropotun of bonito tuna fish
- Squid rabas
- Anchovies from Santoña
- day 4
Stage 3. Comillas - Colombres (29 km)
We leave Comillas via Marqués de Comillas street and cross the Ría de la Rabia along the CA-131 road to head towards Colombres, fully entering the Oyambre Natural Park.
We continue to San Vicente de la Barquera, passing through the Gerra neighborhood and crossing the Ría de San Vicente via the La Maza bridge. It is highly recommended to take a break to explore this fishing village. From here, we set our course towards Acebosa and Hortigal, the latter being the starting point of the historic Lebaniego Way.
We follow our route towards Serdio, encountering another of the southern forks that connect with the Lebaniego Way. Subsequently, we cross the Nansa River to reach Pesués, a point where we are just a step away from leaving the Cantabrian lands. We advance from Pesués towards Unquera, using the river and the train tracks as our reference.
Once in Unquera, after finishing the Juncal promenade, we cross the Deva River to officially enter Asturias, accompanied by Colombres, the capital of the Ribadedeva council, famous for its Indian architecture.
Things to consider
This stage runs along several stretches of road that separate Cantabria de Comillas from the Asturian locality of Colombres. As we always recommend, exercise caution in the sections that run close to vehicular traffic.
Places of interest
- Torre de Estrada (Val de San Vicente)
- Castillo del Rey (San Vicente de la Barquera)
- Muralla y Puente de la Maza (San Vicente de la Barquera)
- Iglesia de Santa María de los Ángeles (San Vicente de la Barquera)
- Playa de la Franca (Colombres)
- Cueva del Pindal
Typical dishes
- Fabes with chorizo or with clams
- Seasonal fish (hake, monkfish, bonito)
- Game meat: wild boar
- Wild mushrooms
- Stuffed onions
- Corbatas de Unquera (typical puff pastry sweet)
- day 5
Stage 4. Colombres - Llanes (23.2 km)
During this stage, we will be traveling entirely through Asturian territory. We will depart from the town hall square of Colombres heading towards the N-634 road, which connects to the town of Llanes. We will follow this route until we reach El Peral and subsequently, La Franca.
From La Franca, we will divert between roads and dirt tracks towards the south until we cross the Cabra River. Once we have crossed the river, we will ascend slightly again until we reconnect with the N-634, which we will follow until we reach Buelna.
Upon arriving in Pendueles, we will have to choose between continuing along the official inland path or the coastal trail. We are clear on our choice: the coastal trail is much more spectacular. Following this option, we will walk from Pendueles to Vidiago, enjoying its beautiful beach. A little further on, we will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Bufones de Arenillas.
Subsequently, we will cross the Purón River before reaching Andrín, leaving behind the stretch close to the coastline. This stage offers its last scenic gift at the Mirador de la Boriza, located between Andrín and Cue. From there, we will enjoy stunning views of the cliffs and beaches, with Llanes visible in the distance. Now, we only have to reach Cue and complete the journey to Llanes.
Things to Consider
This stage runs along the Asturian coast from Colombres to a movie-like town. If you are a film enthusiast, you will be interested in the connection of Llanes with cinema through the cultural project "Llanes de cine".
Places of Interest
- Bufones de Arenillas
- Mirador de la Boriza
- Chapel of Christ of the Way – Llanes
- Basilica of Santa María de Concejo – Llanes
- Palace of the Dukes of Estrada – Llanes
- Palacete of the Count of la Vega del Sella – Llanes
- Convent of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns – Llanes
- Palacio de Partaríu (setting of the movie "The Orphanage") – Llanes
Typical dishes
- Cachopo de pixín (monkfish)
- Fried pixín and foie croquettes
- Squid in its ink
- Cabracho pie
- Corn tortinos with various accompaniments
- Traditional cachopo
- Asturian cider
- day 6
Stage 5. Llanes - Ribadesella (31 km)
- day 7
End of the Camino
After arriving... End of the Camino
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many stages are there on the Northern Way?
The Northern Way of Saint James is divided into 36 stages. It starts in Irún and has ahead 860 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative routes that the pilgrim decides to take during the route. Each stage would be the distance you cover in one day, from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep. -
How many kilometres is the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago?
The total kilometres of the Northern Way are about 860 km from Irún. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative routes that the pilgrim decides to take during the route. -
Is it easy to walk the Northern Way?
The Camino del Norte is not easy because of its 860 km of steep slopes, especially in the Basque Country and Asturias. Although it offers spectacular scenery, its mountainous and coastal terrain requires good physical preparation. -
How many days to walk the Northern Way?
The Northern Way, with 860 km, is covered in 36 days, divided into 36 stages. The duration can vary according to the pace and physical condition of the pilgrim, with the possibility of adjusting the stages according to the needs. -
Which are the most beautiful stages of the Northern Way?
Some of the most beautiful stages of the Camino del Norte are:- San Sebastian - Zarautz: Breathtaking coastal views and the promenade of Zarautz.
- Deba - Markina-Xemein: Green and mountainous landscapes with forests and meadows.
- Llanes - Ribadesella: Cliffs, beaches and hidden coves with a seafaring finish in Ribadesella.
- Ribadesella - Colunga: Contrast of mountains and sea, with Vega Beach standing out.
- Ribadeo - Lourenzá: Entrance to Galicia with landscapes of hills, forests and picturesque villages.
- Gijón - Avilés: Combines the Asturian coast with the rich architecture of Avilés.
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Where does the Pilgrims' Route to Northern Way begin?
The Northern Way of Saint James begins in the city of Irun, located in the Basque Country, on the border between Spain and France. -
What are the hardest stages of the Northern Way?
The hardest stages of the Northern Way are:- Irun - San Sebastian: Initial stage with constant ups and downs, especially on Mount Jaizkibel.
- Deba - Markina-Xemein: Mountainous terrain with narrow paths and the tough ascent of Mount Arno.
- Gernika - Lezama: Significant gradients and unpredictable weather in the Basque Country.
- Llanes - Ribadesella: Long coastal stage with rugged terrain and frequent changes in altitude.
- Ribadeo - Lourenzá: Entry into Galicia with demanding climbs, especially to O Fiouco mountain.
- Vega de Sariego - Gijón: Section with significant gradients and demanding climbs towards Gijón.
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What are the stages of the Northern Way?
Along its approximately 820 kilometers, the Northern Way is divided into the following 36 stages:- Irun - San Sebastian (24.8 km).
- San Sebastian - Zarautz (22.2 km)
- Zarautz - Deba (21.8 km)
- Deba - Markina-Xemein (24 km)
- Markina-Xemein - Gernika (24.6 km)
- Gernika - Lezama (20.8 km)
- Lezama - Bilbao (10.8 km)
- Bilbao - Portugalete (19.2 km)
- Portugalete - Castro Urdiales (27.6 km)
- Castro Urdiales - Laredo (26.6 km)
- Laredo - Güemes (29 km)
- Güemes - Santander (15.3 km)
- Santander - Santillana del Mar (37.1 km)
- Santillana del Mar - Comillas (22.1 km)
- Comillas - Colombres (29 km)
- Colombres - Llanes (23.2 km)
- Llanes - Ribadesella (31.4 km)
- Ribadesella - Colunga (20.1 km)
- Colunga - Villaviciosa (17.2 km)
- Villaviciosa - Gijón (29.8 km)
- Gijón - Avilés (25.4 km)
- Avilés - Muros de Nalón (23.2 km)
- Muros de Nalón - Soto de Luiña (15.3 km)
- Soto de Luiña - Cadavedo (18.5 km)
- Cadavedo - Luarca (15.3 km)
- Luarca - La Caridad (30.5 km)
- La Caridad - Ribadeo (29.6 km)
- Ribadeo - Lourenzá (28.4 km)
- Lourenzá - Abadín (25.2 km)
- Abadín - Vilalba (20.7 km)
- Vilalba - Baamonde (18.5 km)
- Baamonde - Miraz (15 km)
- Miraz - Sobrado dos Monxes (24 km)
- Sobrado dos Monxes - Arzúa (22 km)
- Arzúa - Pedrouzo (19 km)
- Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19 km)
This division can be modified, depending on the preferences and possibilities of each one, always taking into account having a place to spend the night. Of these stages, the main stages or sections, or the most popular with pilgrims, are the following:- Irun to San Sebastian (27 km): The initial stage from Irun is one of the most emblematic, with spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea and the opportunity to explore the coastal city of San Sebastian, known for its beauty and famous gastronomy.
- San Sebastian to Zarautz (21 km): This stage follows the coastline and offers breathtaking views, as well as the opportunity to visit Zarautz, a town famous for its long beach and surfing atmosphere.
- Bilbao to Portugalete (19 km): After touring Bilbao and its impressive Guggenheim Museum, this stage takes you through an urban and industrial route to Portugalete, crossing the famous Hanging Bridge, a World Heritage Site.
- Santillana del Mar to Comillas (22 km): One of the most picturesque stages, connecting two of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria. Santillana del Mar is famous for its cobbled streets and its Collegiate Church, while Comillas stands out for its modernist architecture.
- Ribadesella to Colunga (21 km): This stretch in Asturias offers stunning coastal and mountain scenery, with the opportunity to enjoy the Playa de la Vega beach and a visit to Colunga, known for its proximity to the Picos de Europa.
- Gijón to Avilés (25 km): A stage that takes you from the vibrant city of Gijón to Avilés, a city with a well-preserved historic center and a rich industrial heritage.
- Luarca to La Caridad (29 km): Luarca, known as the White Village of the Costa Verde, is the starting point of this stage that offers a rural route overlooking the sea, ideal for enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
- Vilalba to Baamonde (21 km): Already in Galicia, this stage introduces you to the Galician rural landscape, with green meadows and lush forests that accompany pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
- Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela (40 km): The final stretch of the Northern Way culminates reaching Monte do Gozo and with the subsequent arrival at the Obradoiro square and the mythical Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the goal of all pilgrims.
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Which Camino is harder: the Primitive or the Northern Way?
The Primitive Way is harder than the Northern Way because of its short but intense stages, with steep slopes and mountainous terrain. Although the Camino del Norte also presents challenges, it alternates mountainous sections with flatter stages along the coast.
Northern Way from Santander to Ribadesella
From 570 €
