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Camino del Norte Route 3
Galicia
Spain
The Camino del Norte route, or the Northern Way, is also referred to as the Ruta de la Costa. This Camino was used for centuries by Spanish pilgrims coming from the magnificent coasts of the Basque region and Asturias. From there, they turned inland towards Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James.
The Camino del Norte is a unique journey, so it is no wonder that so many consider this their favourite Camino. This Camino route unfolds out across some of the most spectacular scenery on Spain’s northern coast. It passes through superb cities, from Bilbao to San Sebastian and Santander to Oviedo. Ultimately, this Camino joins the Camino Primitivo route in Oviedo, which continues on to the city of Santiago.
Santander, another port city, not only boasts a historic centre and beaches but is also where the royal family of Spain use to take their summer breaks. This third section of Camino del Norte takes you through the western coast of Cantabria with a mixture of coast walking and inland, more hilly country. Leaving Santander, you will move inland passing through towns before coming back to the estuary and village of Arce. A hilly day, passing meadows and sleepy villages, will have you arrive into Santillana del Mar.
Walking Tour
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Meeting:
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Santander
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Airport:
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Bilbao
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Transfer:
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Airport transfers not included, but can be arranged for additional cost.
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
20 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2025
Rates include*:
B&B, Accommodations, Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack, 24/7 On-Call Support, Virtual Pre-departure Briefing
A | 2025 | Santander to Ribadesella (149.1 km), B&B | 8d / 7n | €1130 | $1245 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
It is best to fly to Bilbao or Santander and then back from Santander.
The bus from Ribadella to Santander takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train directly, but this will take 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Tour Dates for 2025
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A |
2025
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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Santander to Ribadesella (14...
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2
/20
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Premium Accommodation, Airport Pick-up, Additional Nights, Dinners, Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel, Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest, Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Day 1: SANTANDER
You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of Santander. Once the summer destination of the Spanish royal family, nowadays there is an eclectic mix of tapas bars and restaurants, busy shopping streets, and sandy beaches all within easy walking distance of each other.
Distance: -
Day 2: SANTANDER to ARCE
During this stage, the Camino moves slightly inland and passes through typical Cantabiran towns such as Santa Cruz de Bezana, Mompia, and Boo de Pielagos. The estuary of Boo de Pielagos leads to the village of Arce, where you will stop for the night.
Distance: 19.6 km
Day 3: ARCE to SANTILLANA DEL MAR
The Camino follows the pleasant, hilly landscape of the coast today. Coming to Miengo, we finally reach the Besaya region. Take your time while here to visit the charming little village of Suance. Passing meadows and sleepy villages, we eventually arrive in the mediaeval village of Santillana del Mar.
Distance: 25.4 km
Day 4: SANTILLANA DEL MAR to COMILLAS
This stage introduces the pilgrim to the wild western coast of Cantabria. The Camino passes villages of outstanding beauty like Cobreces, with its Cistercian monastery, and finally arrives in Comillas with its impressive beaches and remarkable architecture. Check out the spectacular ‘Capricho de Gaudi’, the Palace of Sobrellano with its pantheon chapel, and the Pontifical University.
Distance: 22 km
Day 5: COMILLAS to UNQUERA
From Comillas, the Camino continues along the coast, and comes to Oyambre Natural Park. Here you will have the chance to witness an outstanding marine ecosystem consisting of a large variety of birds, molluscs, and fish species. The Camino next reaches the town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Finally, passing estuaries, green pastures, and forests, we arrive in Unquera.
Distance: 26.6 km
Day 6: UNQUERA to LLANES
The Camino de Santiago enters Asturias, crossing a bridge over the river Deva and continuing into Bustio. Before Colombres, we have to climb the ‘Cuesta la Cantu’. Then we go downhill along the Sierra de La Borbolla. The Way now enters Pendueles. Here, the Camino take a narrow footpath that crosses the road to Andrin and climbs up to the Jorcada pass. The Camino drops to La Portilla and continues to Llanes, where we stay for the night.
Distance: 26.4 km
Day 7: LLANES to RIBADESELLA
Passing the beautiful beaches of Palombina and Barro, the Camino crosses the river Niembro. Climbing steadily uphill, we reach the Church of San Pedro de Pria, set on a hill overlooking the district’s seven main towns. Then, the Camino continues downhill to the mediaeval stone bridge over the river Guadamia, it crosses the railway and continues on to Sobares and Ribadesella. Ribadesella is a fascinating town and well worth a stroll around.
Distance: 29.1 km
Day 8: RIBADESELLA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. Ribadesella is visited year-round for its history, sport activities, and food – meaning there is plenty to do once you have finished your Camino. Ribadesella is also known for its prehistoric cave, Tito Bustillo, which is open to visitors all year round.
* itinerary can be customized with additional days to shorten the distance between places each day -- please inquire for more information
Meeting:
Santander
Airport:
Bilbao
Transfer:
Airport transfers not included, but can be arranged for additional cost.
It is best to fly to Bilbao or Santander and then back from Santander.
The bus from Ribadella to Santander takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train directly, but this will take 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Average distance: 24.9 km, Min: 19.6 km, Max: 29.1 km, Total distance: 149.1 km
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
20 riders
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Santander
Santander city is surrounded by beautiful nature and is best known for its beautiful beaches. The Cathedral de Santander, dating back to the 13th Century, is not to be missed. If you have extra time to spare, a visit to the Museum of Prehistory and Archeology could also be an interesting visit and chance to develop your perspective of the region!
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is a well preserved historic village from the mediaeval times with brick buildings and cobblestone roads. The Collegiate Church from the 12th Century, with its finely crafted Romanesque works, is a must see. Located 2km from Santillana del Mar, you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Altamira Caves.
Bufones de Arenill
Bufones de Arenilla is a spectacular natural feature with a sea water eruptions of 20m high escaping from holes in the cliff. When the sea is calm, you will hear the sound of the sea splashing gently below. On the way to Ribadesella you will be passing the ruined Monsaterio de San Antolin with a beach of the same name close by to visit.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Average distance: 24.9 km, Min: 19.6 km, Max: 29.1 km, Total distance: 149.1 km
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
20 riders
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Santander
Santander city is surrounded by beautiful nature and is best known for its beautiful beaches. The Cathedral de Santander, dating back to the 13th Century, is not to be missed. If you have extra time to spare, a visit to the Museum of Prehistory and Archeology could also be an interesting visit and chance to develop your perspective of the region!
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is a well preserved historic village from the mediaeval times with brick buildings and cobblestone roads. The Collegiate Church from the 12th Century, with its finely crafted Romanesque works, is a must see. Located 2km from Santillana del Mar, you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Altamira Caves.
Bufones de Arenill
Bufones de Arenilla is a spectacular natural feature with a sea water eruptions of 20m high escaping from holes in the cliff. When the sea is calm, you will hear the sound of the sea splashing gently below. On the way to Ribadesella you will be passing the ruined Monsaterio de San Antolin with a beach of the same name close by to visit.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No/2 |
Canadian |
No/2 |
USA |
No/2 |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Camino del Norte Route 3
Tour Code:
ZZ-HK-ESCAMNR03
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
Available all Year
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Average distance: 24.9 km, Min: 19.6 k...
Airport:
Bilbao
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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