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
Accommodation (Guesthouse, B&B or Country Cottage)
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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What is on-the-road telephone assistance?
In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.
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What is travel insurance?
It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries! -
What does the private transfer service consist of?
We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage. The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us. -
Where are the accommodations located?
In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location. As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns. For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning. In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking. -
What coverage does the travel insurance have?
The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.
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How do I make a reservation?
To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:
- Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
- By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to info@viajecaminodesantiago.com. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.
It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to info@viajescaminodesantiago.com.
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What does Camino de Santiago on your own mean?
In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience. -
Can I choose the dates I want?
In self-guided trips, you can choose any date to start your adventure, with no difference in price. However, if you wish to do so between December and January, it is important that you consult us beforehand, as many places are closed during those months and some services are not operational.
In organized groups, it is not possible to choose dates outside of the scheduled ones, and you must adhere to the proposed departure dates.
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What is luggage transport and how does it work?
Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival. Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase. Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you. -
What services are included in the Camino de Santiago on your own?
The Camino de Santiago at your own pace includes the following services:
- Accommodation for resting.
- Luggage transport so you do not have to carry it.
- An informative dossier with details about the stages.
- The Pilgrim Passport.
- A 24-hour assistance phone number available at all times.
- A travel insurance for your peace of mind.
Additionally, you have the option to customize your experience by adding extra services:
- You can choose whether to include breakfast or half board.
- We offer private transfers to take you to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela, from its airport, or any other point.
- We can take your vehicle from the starting point to the end of your Camino.
- You have the option to book extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip.
Unlike group trips, we do not include a guide or support vehicle between stages. However, we provide you with a 24-hour assistance phone number to resolve any issues or unforeseen events you may encounter on your journey.
Northern Way from Santander to Ribadesella
From 570 €









