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Camino Norte - Santander to Gijon

Name: Camino Norte - Santander to Gijon
Brand: UTracks
SKU: CN4
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Beautiful cobbled village streets of Santillana del Mar | Lachlan Baker

Hikers on the Camino del Norte walking into Comillas | Lachlan Baker

Highlights of the Camino del Norte near Llanes | Lachlan Baker

Walking along the Camino del Norte trail | Lachlan Baker

Approaching the Cantabrian Mountains | Lachlan Baker

The Camino Norte can be rugged at times | Lachlan Baker

Beautiful cobbled village streets of Santillana del Mar | Lachlan Baker

Hikers on the Camino del Norte walking into Comillas | Lachlan Baker

Highlights of the Camino del Norte near Llanes | Lachlan Baker

Walking along the Camino del Norte trail | Lachlan Baker

Approaching the Cantabrian Mountains | Lachlan Baker

The Camino Norte can be rugged at times | Lachlan Baker

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Duration

11 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

10 nights hotels / B&Bs

Meals

9 Breakfasts

Price

SPECIAL OFFER

$1350USD

Overview

Trip Code: CN4

Trip highlights

Walking the Camino Norte from Santander to Gijon
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
Discovering the natural beauty of the Asturias region, including vast sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, green landscapes, and the Cantabrian Sea
Explore the port city of Santander, the charming coastal town of Llanes with a medieval heart, Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas, a modernist mansion designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. and Ribadesella and the Tito Bustillo Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site with prehistoric cave art
Sample cider in historic cider houses and the delectable cuisines of the Asturia's
Swimming at beaches along the route

'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua.

This segment of the Northern Way, one of the many routes that lead pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, weaves its way along the northern coast of Spain, revealing a diverse tapestry of coastal beauty, inviting beaches and mountainous terrain. From the vibrant city of Santander, traverse medieval towns with architectural treasures, meander through picturesque coastal villages, and absorb the tranquility of the Asturian landscapes. This is an exploration of culture, history, and the soul, inviting walkers to immerse themselves in the unique charm of the Cantabria and Asturias regions while forging connections with fellow pilgrims on the sacred path to Gijón.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Santander

Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disaster explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax before starting out on your Camino.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Transfer to Mogro-Ermita Virgen del Monte, then walk to Santillana (5.5hrs)

Today starts with a taxi transfer to Mogro-Ermita Virgen del Monte to shorten this long stage. From here you continue walking to Santillana which is one of the most picturesque towns along the Camino Norte. Take some time this afternoon to explore the well-preserved medieval village and the cloister in the Collegiate Church. Distance: 19km/13mi

Meals: B

Day 3
On to Comillas (6hrs)

Continue on the path today to Comillas. You'll pass by a landscape of grassy fields with sprawling vistas which are broken periodically by church towers. Arriving into Comillas signals your return to the coast. Here you can visit the Capricho de Gaudi, the Palacio de Sobrellano and the Pontifical Seminary. Distance: 23km/14.3mi

Meals: B

Day 4
To San Vicente de la Barquera (3.5hrs)

The walk today takes in a mix of trails and roads, and through quaint villages en route to the major town of La Barquera. San Vicente de la Barquera is another fishing and resort town. The 13th century Gothic church, Santa Maria de los Angeles holds the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio del Corro. Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Meals: B

Day 5
To Bustio (4-5hrs)

Today you leave Cantabria and cross over into the eastern Asturias. Walking over rolling green hills past the rural townships of La Acebosa, Serdio, Pesués, Unquera you soon arrive at your destination, Bustio. Breakfast is not included at Bustio, you can ask the hotel staff for suggestions. Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals: B

Day 6
On to Llanes near the Picos de Europa (6.5hrs)

Breakfast at leisure. Today you continue walking on mainly paved roads. The views are spectacular, with the coast on one side and the Picos de Europa on the other. Llanes is a lively and popular coastal town with a long history, evident by the remnants of its 800 year old city walls. Distance: 25km/15.5mi

Meals: Nil

Day 7
Walk to Ribadesella (8hrs)

Today you will walk past several fascinating monasteries. The path is generally flat following a mix of trail and road, taking you through small villages and countryside. This afternoon you will arrive in Ribadesella, where you will overnight. The town is known for its beaches and prehistoric cave paintings. Distance: 23km/14.3mi

Meals: B

Day 8
Enjoy views of the coast en route to Colunga (5.5hrs)

The route today cuts inland shortly, before returning back to the coastline. This is the last real stretch along the coast for some time, so be sure to appreciate the views. The walk will end in the picturesque market town of Colunga. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals: B

Day 9
To Villaviciosa (4.5hrs)

Continue through small and historical villages, including Priesca which is home to one of the oldest churches on the Camino - the Church of San Salvador, built in 921. The walk into Villaviciosa includes three different crossings. Villaviciosa is known as the 'apple capital' of Spain and these can be sampled in one of the town's many cider distilleries. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals: B

Day 10
On to Gijon (7-8hrs)

The trail today leads you to Gijon, the largest city you will have seen in a week. There are few walkers on this section and the route is surprisingly peaceful before entering the hustle of Gijon. There is a steep ascent of 400m to the Alto de la Cruz. Distance: 28km/17.4mi

Meals: B

Day 11
Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

9 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
10 nights in a combination of hotels & B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Visitor tax
Transfer on day 2
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Santander and from Gijon
Meals not listed as included: lunches and dinners and one breakfast on day 6.
Travel insurance
Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Transfers not listed as included
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 12 and 28km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – mostly relatively flat but some sections are mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season is Easter Period and from 19 Jun to 30 Sep - supplement applies.

Note:

Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during during local festivals and events.

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Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1350USD

Options & Supplements*

excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$210
Single Supplement - low seasonUSD$540
Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonUSD$630
Single Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$820
Solo Traveller Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$900

*Prices listed are per person

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