Stroll
Camino del Norte: Stage 3 - Santander to Gijon - 10 Days
Camino de SantiagoCamino del Norte

Camino del Norte: Stage 3 - Santander to Gijon - 10 Days

10 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Camino del Norte: Stage 3 - Santander to Gijon - 10 Days

from £1,215 / person

Overview

The third stage of the Camino del Norte covers 173 kilometres of rugged Cantabrian coastline, walking from Santander into the distinctly different landscape of Asturias. This 10-day journey offers a captivating experience along Spain's northern coast.

This section of the Camino blends stunning sea views with inland paths through rolling hills and charming villages. Considerably quieter than the French Way, it allows for a deeper connection with the natural beauty and local cultures of both regions.

The terrain varies throughout, moving between coastal trails, sandy beaches and picturesque towns including Santillana del Mar, Comillas, Llanes and Ribadesella, each with their own historical and architectural character. The region's gastronomy is another highlight, with fresh seafood and Asturian cider featuring prominently along the way. The route culminates in the coastal city of Gijón, a vibrant and fitting end to one of Spain's most rewarding stretches of the Camino.

Highlights

  • Walk alongside fellow pilgrims on the less-travelled Camino del Norte route (Northern Camino)
  • Wander through seaside towns lined with cliffs, rich history, and striking portside art.
  • Step back in time in a medieval village, home to cobbled streets, Altamira cave paintings, and local delicacies.
  • Follow the scenic coastal trail, with opportunities to swim and admire Baroque architecture.
  • Embrace the inland beauty of apple orchards, sample fresh cider, and savor traditional cheeses.
  • Conclude in the lively coastal city of Gijon, with its beachfront promenade, ancient Roman baths, and historic districts.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Santander

Santander, the capital of Cantabria, offers a warm welcome as you begin your journey along the Northern Way. Embrace its lively maritime charm with a walk along the promenade, where you can take in views of the iconic lighthouse. On sunny days, enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Sardinero Beach. To experience local flavors, visit the restaurants at Mercado del Puerto or enjoy traditional dishes in the taverns of the historic old town.

Accommodation

Hotel in Santander

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Meals

9 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

8

Days on the trail

16-28 km

Daily distance range

190-732 m

Daily ascent range

3/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

True to the spirit of the Camino, accommodation throughout this tour is in family-run hotels and guesthouses with long experience of looking after walkers. All rooms are en-suite, and the atmosphere across the properties is one that only a route like this can produce. On occasion, alternative properties of equivalent quality may be substituted for those listed.

Single Rooms

If you are travelling with others but would prefer a single room, we recommend booking as early as possible. Availability can be limited on this popular stage and a single occupancy fee applies.

What You'll Eat

Nine breakfasts are included throughout the trip, served at your accommodation before each day's walking begins. Lunch is one of the quiet pleasures of the Camino, with local cheeses, cured meats and a wide variety of breads readily available to pick up along the way. Many properties along the route have their own restaurants serving regional food made with local ingredients, and dinners can be added as a supplement each evening for those who would like the meal taken care of.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Santander, on Spain's northern coast. Santander has its own international airport with flights to a range of European destinations. From Madrid, trains from Chamartín station reach Santander in around four to five hours, with bus connections also available.

The walk ends in Gijón, served by Asturias Airport a short bus ride from the city, with flights to destinations across Europe. Trains from Gijón to Madrid take around four hours. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.

This walk is available from April to September, with no fixed start days. Spring brings warming days, green Galician countryside and the first wildflowers along the path, with May and June widely considered among the best months for mild weather, long daylight hours and manageable numbers of fellow pilgrims. July and August are warmer and more sociable, with a lively atmosphere on the trail, though accommodation can be harder to secure and a peak season supplement applies. Autumn brings milder temperatures, quieter paths and fine early colour in the forests. Whatever the month, waterproofs are worth carrying — rain is part of Galicia.

Note: Solo travellers are warmly welcome on this walk. Some transfers are costed on the basis of two people sharing, so a supplement applies for solo bookings. Contact our team for details.


Trails are well-defined throughout, following an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain. Expect rocky paths, farm and forest tracks, and long open stretches of countryside, with sustained climbs to hilltop towns and villages. Some sections run alongside roads, so walkers should remain mindful of traffic at all times. Good walking boots are essential.

Daily walks cover up to 24 kilometres with up to 500 metres of ascent and descent. You should be comfortable with both the distance and the elevation before setting out. An exercise regime of two to three times per week, in addition to regular walking, is recommended in preparation.

The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

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1Out of season
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Camino del Norte reviews

Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

We can organise this anywhere along the walk. However, we strongly recommend a rest day at the end of the walk in Santiago.

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer to stay an extra night or two in Santiago, we can help arrange this for you.

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

We don't allow children under the age of 13 to do this walk.

Absolutely. Many people choose to complete stages of the Camino as a solo walker. There are many people walking the route and many of the overnight stays welcome hordes of walkers which means you can choose to walk your own journey or join in the camaraderie of walking with others.

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 38 days but 39 days with an extra night along the way is always a good idea. Speak to the office to insert another rest day if you want to when booking.

Want to Know More?

THE CAMINO DeL NORTE EXPERIENCE

Wonder
Walk the rugged Northern Camino, tracing Spain's wild Atlantic coastline through Basque, Cantabrian, and Galician culture
Discover Bilbao's iconic Guggenheim Museum, vibrant pintxos bars, and rich maritime heritage
Pass through historic fishing villages perched above the Bay of Biscay, each with their own authentic local rhythm
Wellness
Let the fresh Atlantic air and daily effort restore clarity of mind and strength in body
Find genuine solitude on the trail — space to think, breathe, and hear yourself again
Walk pack-free each day with luggage transferred ahead, freeing you to settle into your stride
Nature
Walk clifftop paths above the Bay of Biscay, where wild Atlantic swells crash far below
Move through the green, mist-draped hills of Asturias — dense forest far removed from the Spain most people know
Wind through ancient Galician woodland and traditional stone villages on the final stage inland