Camino del Norte Stage 3 - Santander to Gijon

Capital of the region of Cantabria, the historic port town is a beautiful place well worth exploring.

After a short morning transfer, this stage of the Camino del Norte begins at the idyllic Ermita de la Virgen del Monte in Mogro. The route initially passes through quiet woods and open fields, past small hamlets, scattered farms and old churches that are silent witnesses to times gone by. Views of rolling hills and green valleys open up as the route winds its way through the rural landscape of Cantabria.

You will pass through charming villages such as Cudón and Requejada, where old fountains and churches preserve the traditional character of the region. The route follows small country roads in places, crosses bridges, runs alongside rivers such as the Saja, and alternates between tarmac roads, country lanes and shady tree-lined avenues. The last section approaches the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets, stone stately homes, and the impressive Colegiata de Santa Juliana.

Ascent: 259m (849ft) / Descent: 186m (610ft)

This section of the Camino del Norte takes you from the medieval town of Santillana del Mar to the charming coastal town of Comillas. Set off from the impressive collegiate church of Santa Juliana and stroll through cobbled streets before the green Cantabrian countryside opens up around you. Along the way you will pass quiet villages such as Oreña, Cigüenza and Cóbreces, where time seems to stand still.

The route passes through fields, woods and narrow country lanes, accompanied by the smell of fresh earth and the distant sound of the coast. You can enjoy views of the sea, especially near Luaña beach, where the sound of the waves becomes a brief companion. Finally, we arrive in Comillas, a town where architecture, culture and coastal flair come together, with an impressive historic quarter and buildings such as the Puerta de los Pájaros.

Ascent: 482m (1,581ft) / Descent: 540m (1,771ft)

You start in the historic town centre of Comillas, with its old streets and modernist buildings, before entering the open countryside of northern Spain. The route takes you past old mills, open fields and through the green paradise of the Parque Natural de Oyambre, accompanied by the sound of the Atlantic Ocean. There are stunning views of the coast, white beaches such as Playa de Oyambre and Playa de Merón, and the sparkling sea.

Particularly impressive is the crossing of the Puente de la Rabia, an old bridge over a tranquil estuary set in picturesque countryside. The route often runs quietly along small country roads flanked by meadows and scattered houses. Finally, you reach San Vicente de la Barquera, whose old stone bridge and impressive silhouette of castle and church can be seen from afar.

Ascent: 220m (721ft) / Descent: 215m (705ft)

The stage from San Vicente de la Barquera to Bustio on the Camino del Norte begins at the picturesque Puente de la Maza, which opens the door to nature. From the urban area, the route quickly gives way to a peaceful rural landscape of green fields and gentle hills. 

The wooded sections of the route are particularly quiet, allowing you to enjoy nature to the full. Near Serdio and Pesués, the route passes through charming villages where you can feel the traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere of northern Spain. At the end of the route, after crossing the River Deva, you reach Bustio, in Asturias, where the Monumento Haciendo el Camino welcomes pilgrims.

Ascent: 252m (826ft) / Descent: 263m (862ft)

This stage of the Camino del Norte takes you from Bustio to Llanes through a picturesque landscape of green hills, small villages and the nearby Asturian coast. You pass through the charming town of Colombres, with its 'Casas de Indianos', and old churches and chapels that silently speak of times gone by. The views of the Cantabrian coast and the Picos de Europa in the distance are constant.

You will cross historic roads, pass under modern motorways and find peace and nature on simple paths. Small bridges, stone churches and lovingly maintained houses accompany you along the way. Arriving in Llanes, you will find a lively port town with a medieval feel, colourful fishing boats and a charming old quarter.

Ascent: 390m (1,279ft) / Descent: 350m (1,148ft)

This stage of the Camino del Norte is a scenic journey from the charming town of Llanes to the bustling coastal town of Ribadesella. The route offers a balanced mix of coastal vistas, lush green countryside and traditional Asturian villages. As you walk, you will pass through small hamlets featuring historic churches, former monasteries, and classic Asturian architecture. Walkers are treated to frequent views of the Cantabrian Sea, accompanied by the sound of crashing waves and the scent of sea air and wildflowers.

The terrain varies along this stretch and includes narrow country paths, open meadows, wooded areas and some truly picturesque beaches, such as Palombina, San Antolín and Póo. The stage concludes in Ribadesella, a lively town renowned for its historic centre and the promenade alongside the Sella River.

Ascent: 304m (997ft) / Descent: 304m (997ft)

Walking along the historic streets of Ribadesella, where you can enjoy the charm of the town with its old buildings and lively riverside, you will leave the city. Through rolling hills and fields, past idyllic villages such as San Pedro, where time seems to have stood still, the path continues. Along the way there are stunning views of the open sea and the dramatic cliffs that line the coast. Between the villages, the Camino passes through small forests and dreamy paths that offer peace and solitude. Finally, you reach Colunga, a charming village that welcomes pilgrims with its historic church and proximity to the sea.

Ascent: 354m (1,161ft)/ Descent: 330m (1,082ft)

At the start, you will pass by the Iglesia de San Cristóbal (Church of San Cristóbal), before walking through small, charming streets and along rural paths lined with lush meadows and fields. The route often passes through shady woods and over gentle hills, offering wonderful views of the green, mountainous landscape.

The route crosses the A-8 motorway several times, adding to the sense of a link between nature and modernity. Shortly before reaching Villaviciosa, you will pass apple orchards where the scent of apples fills the air, before arriving in this charming town with the impressive church of Santa María de la Oliva, which marks the end of the stage.

Ascent: 340m (1,115ft) / Descent: 330m (1,082ft)

After leaving Villaviciosa behind, the route winds along the banks of the River Linares and through the peaceful streets of Amandi, offering a glimpse into the charming rural life of Asturias. It then continues through picturesque villages such as Peón and Deva, surrounded by tranquil fields and forests. Finally, you will arrive in the lively city of Gijón, where you can stroll along the coast and take in the sea views and city atmosphere.

Particularly charming is the walk along the San Lorenzo beach and through the historic Cerro de Santa Catalina park, which offers breathtaking views of the city and sea. Finally, you will reach Gijón's port, where the stage ends at the monumental 'cider tree', a symbol of the region's culture.

Ascent: 808m (2,650ft) / Descent: 813m (2,667ft)

Check out after breakfast and make your way home.