Stage 12. Noja – Santander (26 km)

Noja looks out to sea between the Victoria and Joyel marshes and the beaches of Ris and Trengandín, in the Cantabrian region of Trasmiera. From there the Camino del Norte takes on 26 kilometres to Santander along tracks and local roads that cross Castillo Siete Villas, in Arnuero, and climb up to Bareyo, where the church of Santa María, from the late 12th century, is a gem of Cantabrian coastal Romanesque.

Then come Güemes and Galizano, and with them the option of following the variant that skirts the cliffs of Langre and Loredo: it lengthens the day a little, but keeps the Cantabrian Sea always in view. The stage ends in an unusual way, because at Somo you take the boat that crosses the bay and drops you right in the centre of Santander, a walk from the cathedral and the Sardinero. With the itinerary already arranged, it's the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander.

Santander looks out over the Cantabrian Sea from a beautiful bay. The promenade along the first Sardinero beach, the Magdalena peninsula with its palace, and the Centro Botín right by the water sum up the city well. In the centre, the Esperanza market and the bars on Calle Peña Herbosa are a must-stop for rabas and a glass of wine.