Camino del Norte, Santander to Oviedo

The tranquil coastal town of Santander is the perfect place to embark on your journey. Soak in the gorgeous views of the Bay of Biscay as you stroll along the promenade and explore the city's beautiful architecture, including the magnificent Centro Botín for Modern Art

Our suggestion for the start of the day is to cover the first section with a train to Boo de Pielagos - you won't miss much, as it runs in the urban area South of Santander. It also cuts the first 14 km, making it easier as a first day of walking. (thus skipping the first 14 km). You'll find a much more serene landscape after that section - a meditative, beautiful walk taking you to the enchanting Medieval town of Santillana del Mar, home to the famous Cueva de Altamira.

Distance: 24 or 36 km

Elevation gain: +460/-520 m

Today's route alternates land and sea as you walk through the placid and beautiful Cantabrian countryside and along its coast; today's destination, Comillas, is well known for its modernist style building, including El Capricho, one of Gaudi's first works. 

Distance: 22 km

Elevation gain: +460/-520m

Today's walk is very rural, an immersion in the local countryside - you'll cross several bridges and pass by marshes and open fields until San Vicente de la Barquera, a picturesque fishing village. At the end of the stage, you'll reach the river Deva that marks the border between Cantabria and Asturias.

Distance: 28 km

Elevation gain: + 460/-520m

Today starts with a short climb to Colombres, a small town known for its "Casas de Indianos", impressive villas built by wealthy remigrants from the Americas. . The stage ends in Llanes, known for its historic district a town with a historic center that gets really lively in Summer, as well as the fishermen's port and its artistic breakwater. 

Distance: 25 km

Elevation gain: + 320/-400 m

The first half of this long but gentle route passes by beautiful beaches such as Palombina, Torimbia and San Antolín - you'll be tempted to stop walking and just spend the rest of the day here! - before turning inland, immersed in the meditative countryside. Today's destination is Ribadesella, a coastal town famous for its prehistoric caves. 

Note: if you want to have more time to explore both Llanes and Ribadesella, we can split this stage in two and book and overnight in Nueva de Llanes; aproximately halfway 

Distance: 30 km

Elevation gain: + 330/-340 m

Today’s route is very scenic, with mountains and good views of the coast, and passing by several beaches: Santa Marina (in Ribadesella), La Vega, Arenal de Morís (somewhat remote), La Espasa and La Isla. At the end of the walk, the small town of Colunga will welcome you with its authentic charm and warm hospitality. 

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: + 340/-330 m

Today's short route takes you through orchards and farmland as you head away from the coast, plunging into the agricultural heartland of Asturias, through more mountainous terrain than on previous days and past tiny rural hamlets. Your route takes you to Villaviciosa,  famous for its cider production. 

Distance: 18km

Elevation gain: +190/-170m

Today you turn towards the interior of Asturias; Leaving Villaviciosa behind, you traverse the rolling hills of Asturias, arriving in the bustling market town of Pola de Siero, transitioning from peaceful countryside to a lively urban atmosphere.  

Distance: 26km

Elevation gain: +530/-170m

Your short route today culminates as you make your way to Oviedo. The final stretch guides you through charming villages and quaint woodlands, bringing you to the capital of Asturias. Visit the magnificent Oviedo Cathedral and savor the local cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants or sidrerías (cider bars). 

Distance: 17km

Elevation gain: + 190/-170m

After breakfast, your Camino comes to an end. 

If you feel like more adventure and want to continue walking, you can combine this trip with the next stage of the Camino.

Accommodation on Our Trips

Our adventures feature a variety of accommodations, depending on the location and the type of trip you choose. We carefully select each property, ensuring it is well situated along the route and locally run, so that you receive a warm welcome and enjoy a comfortable, authentic experience.

Your comfort is a priority throughout your travels. Most of our trips include stays in friendly, independent, or family-run hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs. Each accommodation is chosen for its charm, cleanliness, and those personal touches that make you feel at home. Some trips offer more elevated stays that feel like a special treat, while others may include simpler options, such as mountain refuges, particularly in remote areas.

Classic Hotels – Comfort with Character

Most of our trips combine a variety of accommodation styles to suit the route and location. You will typically stay in charming, locally owned B&Bs, guest houses, inns, and small hotels that offer a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings. These properties often feature extra touches such as distinctive regional character, leisure facilities, or renowned local cuisine.

All accommodations feature private ensuite bathrooms unless otherwise specifically noted for mountain huts, refuges, and pilgrim hostels.

On some mountain adventures and selected pilgrimage routes, the experience may also include more basic accommodation, such as mountain huts, refuges, or pilgrim hostels, where ensuite rooms are not always available and shared bathrooms or dormitory-style accommodation may be part of the experience.

While simpler in style, these accommodations are often rich in atmosphere and camaraderie, providing an authentic connection with fellow travellers and the places you visit.

This journey is one of the stages of the Camino del Norte—a wonderful itinerary, perfect for those who want to experience a Camino without the crowds of the Camino Francés. More wild and scenic, it touches the sea and countryside, passing through beautiful cities, historic centers, and gastronomic hubs of Spain. It’s suitable for those who already have experience with long-distance walks, mainly due to the length of its stages and the temperatures, especially if chosen during the warmer seasons.