I have to start this post confessing that the Camino de Santiago from Cantabria is one of my weaknesses. And it has it all: steps that cross cliffs, fishing villages, hills with the Bay of Biscay in the background…
This post is for you if you are thinking of making a pilgrimage to the north. I’m going to tell you what you need to know: available routes, recommendations and some useful tips. Let’s get started!
What to expect from El Camino de Santiago from Cantabria
Before you put on your shoes, here are some important things to give you an idea of what it’s like:
– A different route.
This Jacobean route from Cantabria is ideal if you have already done the Camino Francés. The experience is totally different: less people, different nature… and that rural essence that makes the Camino unique.
It’s something you can breathe all along the Camino and when you pass the area of Unquera to get to Asturias, the landscape is still as beautiful. I leave a photo! ⬇️
– Time for you.
A route perfecta to disconnect. In fact, the Camino del Norte is the second longest route, only behind the Vía de la Plata.
– An assumable challenge.
Its level of difficulty is medium. There are slopes, but they are gentle, and except for some long stages, it is an affordable route if you already have some walking experience.
– Paved sections… but quiet.
Yes, in some areas you will be on the road, but don’t worry: there is hardly any traffic, and walking among green hills with the sea in the background is a gift.
– Good food.
Eating well is one of the things I like most about the Camino. And I can tell you that no dish here disappoints. They all have a traditional essence and use mostly local products.
⭐ LOCAL TIP: ask for "anchovies from santoña" or "rabas". Also the cheeses are incredible.
What are the routes of the Camino in Cantabria
Ready to walk? Let’s see what possibilities the Camino gives us in the community:
Camino del Norte
The best known is undoubtedly El Camino del Norte. This route follows the coast from Irun to Santiago, crossing fishing villages and incredible landscapes.
Although the first point in Cantabria is Castro Urdiales, and many people already do the Camino de Santiago from Irun, others choose to start the Camino de Santiago from Santander. We organize from the point you want!
⭐ LOCAL TIP: There are accommodations with limited availability in many areas so nothing better than a team of experts to organize everything 🙂 We help you
Camino Lebaniego
Less known, but with great spiritual charge. This Camino connects with the Monastery of Santo Toribio and then links with the French Way. If you are more introspective or inland, you may be interested.
Both routes are unique, but if the sea is your thing, the Camino del Norte will make you fall in love.
From making your own cheese, to beer tasting or scuba diving. Check out our new experiences available and add them to your Camino.
Stages and kilometers of the Camino from Cantabria
Just before these stages, if you decide to start the Camino de Santiago from Santander, you can make a very peculiar boat crossing from Laredo, it’s a nice way to avoid a 10km detour!
Now I’m going to tell you a little bit about the main stages of the Camino del Norte in Cantabria:
- Stage 1: Santander – Arce (16 km).
- Stage 2: Arce – Santillana del Mar (22 km). This is where I saw the most cows!
- Stage 3: Santillana del Mar – Comillas (22 km
LOCAL TIP: When you get to Comillas, take a walk. There are beautiful buildings such as Gaudi's El Capricho
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- Stage 4: Comillas – Colombres (28 km). Come on! Only 430km to Santiago
From here, it is already Asturian territory, and the adventure continues! You can find more information about El Camino de Santiago from Gijón.
How to get to the starting point?
What do most pilgrims do? Fly to the airports of Santander, Bilbao or even Asturias, and from there we organize a transfer to the starting point.
🚐 In Galiwonders we take care of the transfer and all the arrangements, whatever your starting point.
If you want to know more in detail the options I leave here two useful links:
- Camino de Santiago from Santander
- Way of St. James from Irun
And remember: if you prefer to start from Castro Urdiales, we can also organize it without any problem.
Hire luggage transport to travel light. Every day when you arrive at your accommodation your suitcase will be waiting for you, we manage it!
I am determined. Any advice
Before the trip, let’s talk about the best time of the year:
Any time of the year is good but if you are thinking about what is the best time to do the Camino, in this one I recommend especially spring or summer.
- Check the weather forecast a few days before and pack accordingly.
- There are fountains to refill the bottle but not many in certain sections, takea thermos!
- Being close to the coast, it may be windy, keep this in mind for your luggage.
- If you go in spring, something for allergies may also be useful.
During the trip… ENJOY!
- I told you the food is second to none.
- Don’t leave without a magnet or souvenir for your backpack.
Lugares de interés
The most beautiful coastal road I have ever experienced has a lot to visit. Checking Maps for different points of interest near you will be helpful, but I’ll leave you with a few places I would go back to:
📍 First of all, every stop/start town. Enjoy them, walk around, have a drink… is the key.
📍 Mercado de Abastos and Sardinero Beach, in Santander.
📍 Los Bufones de Arenillas (near the border with Asturias): if the sea is rough, you will see how the water shoots out through holes in the cliffs. It is an incredible natural phenomenon.
📍 Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar.
Why book El Camino with an agency?
The Camino is an experience for you to enjoy, don’t worry about spending hours organizing! And also in high season. That’s what we at Galiwonders are here for : we take care of all the planning and logistics of your trip.
✔️ Accommodation reserved, with private room.
✔️ Breakfast included.
✔️ Luggage transportation between stages.
✔️ Travel insurance.
✔️ Pilgrim’s credential.
✔️ 24 hour telephone assistance on the Camino.
This has been my experience but now that you know more about doing El Camino de Santiago from Cantabria, will you choose another starting point or do you dare to enjoy Cantabria?
