Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll arrive in Santander today, which marks the beginning of your Camino de Santiago journey along Spain's northern coast. This is your starting point, so take time to settle in and get oriented with the town before you begin walking tomorrow.
- Day 2
Santander to Arce
Leaving Santander behind, you'll head into the rural Camino countryside with suburbs giving way to open land. The path takes you through Peñacastillo and Boo de Piélagos, where you can cross the Pas river by bridge or hop on a short train ride if you prefer. After that, you'll walk through fields and small hamlets, eventually reaching the peaceful village of Arce with nice river views along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Short train ride across the Pas river at Boo de Piélagos (alternative to bridge crossing)
Landmarks/POIs Peñacastillo Boo de Piélagos - Day 3
Arce to Santillana del Mar
Today combines dirt tracks and forest paths as you walk through rural country dotted with small villages like Mogro and Córbeces. You'll arrive in Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's best-preserved medieval town centers (and home to the famous 'three lies' since it's neither holy, nor flat, nor has a sea). Wander the cobblestone streets, check out the noble manor houses, and see the impressive collegiate church of Santa Juliana.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Mogro Córbeces Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana Santillana del Mar - Day 4
Santillana del Mar to Comillas
Most of this stage follows asphalted routes with some improved sections that offer coastal views around Luaña beach. You'll pass through Córbedes where there's a Cistercian monastery if you want to stop and visit. The terrain has moderate climbs but nothing too steep or technical. By the end of the day you'll reach the charming town of Comillas, where you can explore Gaudí's Capricho and the Palace of Sobrellano.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Cistercian monastery in Córbedes
- Visit Gaudí's Capricho in Comillas
- Visit Palace of Sobrellano in Comillas
- Alternative coastal route option via Luaña beach
Landmarks/POIs Luaña Beach Cistercian Monastery Capricho (Gaudí) Palace of Sobrellano - Day 5
Comillas to San Vicente de la Barquera
This is a shorter, more relaxed coastal walk on easy paths right along the sea, with the Picos de Europa mountains visible in the distance. You'll arrive in San Vicente de la Barquera with its medieval bridge, castle perched on a hill, and the Gothic church of Santa María de los Ángeles. It's the kind of day that feels fresh and breezy with plenty of sea air.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Picos de Europa Medieval Bridge of San Vicente Castle of San Vicente de la Barquera Church of Santa María de los Ángeles - Day 6
San Vicente de la Barquera to Ribadesella
You're leaving Cantabria today and crossing into Asturias through Unquera. The landscapes here are really beautiful with pristine beaches, winding rivers and mountain ranges surrounding you. You'll climb up to the hermitage of San Antonio for panoramic views, then cross the mouth of the Tina Mayor. From there, continue on to Colombres, a colorful town with colonial-style houses and the Archivo de Indianos cultural center worth checking out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Hermitage of San Antonio Tina Mayor Unquera Colombres Archivo de Indianos - Day 7
Ribadesella to Llanes
Walking through nice landscapes today, you'll reach Pendueles where there's a choice between the official route or a more scenic coastal path marked in red and white. The day's hardest climb comes as you pass Andrín, but after that it's just a few more kilometers to Llanes. Once there, explore the monumental complex and the artistic 'Cubes of Memory' down at the port.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Follow scenic coastal path via Pendueles (alternative to official path)
Landmarks/POIs Pendueles Andrín Cubes of Memory Llanes Monumental Complex - Day 8
Llanes to Nueva
This is a quiet coastal stage perfect for taking things slow and easy. You'll pass several beautiful beaches including Celorio and Barro, and walk through small hamlets where everything moves at a slower pace. The lush green Asturian mountains sit in the distance as you make your way to Nueva, a welcoming village that's great for a real break before heading inland.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Celorio Beach Barro Beach - Day 9
Nueva to Ribadesella
A shorter stage that gives your feet some relief. You'll walk coastal paths and forest trails from Nueva to Ribadesella, a town known for canoe racing on the River Sella. Check out the river flowing into the sea with rolling hills framing it, stroll along Santa Marina beach with its beautiful Indiano houses, and take in views from the Ermita de la Guía. It's ideal for relaxation or grabbing fresh seafood.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs River Sella Santa Marina Beach Ermita de la Guía 
- Day 10
Ribadesella to Colunga
Starting by crossing the River Sella toward Santa Marina Beach, you'll then walk past many beaches throughout the day. The path heads uphill toward Vega de Ribadesella, crosses the Vega river, and reaches La Vega beach. After that you'll continue through Berbes and along Arenal de Morís beach and Playa de la Espasa before finishing in Colunga.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Santa Marina Beach Vega de Ribadesella La Vega Beach Berbes Arenal de Morís Beach Playa de la Espasa - Day 11
Colunga to Villaviciosa
One of the shortest stages of the whole journey, so consider it almost a break day. You'll leave the coast completely today to head inland where mountains meet asphalt roads. The main climb takes you from Pernás to Priesca, but the grade isn't too steep. End up in Villaviciosa, known as the 'Comarca de la Sidra' or Cider Region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Pernás Priesca - Day 12
Villaviciosa to Gijón
This is one of the most challenging stages you'll face on this route with two major climbs to handle. First comes Alto de la Cruz just before Niévares with an altitude gain over 300 meters. After descending to Peón, you'll face the second climb at Collado del Infanzón, another 200 meters up. From there, continue to Deba and finish with the final few kilometers walking into Gijón, Asturias's largest city. Once you arrive, explore the old town, Plaza Mayor, Casa Museo de Jovellanos, the Church of San Pedro and Palacio de Revillagigedo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Alto de la Cruz Niévares Peón Collado del Infanzón Deba Plaza Mayor de Gijón Casa Museo de Jovellanos Church of San Pedro Palacio de Revillagigedo 
- Day 13
Departure
Buen Camino, and safe travels ahead on your journey.
