Arrive in Santander to begin Stage 3 of the Camino del Norte. Settle in, stamp your credencial at the Cathedral, and stock up on essentials. Stroll the Bahía de Santander or the Magdalena Peninsula to loosen the legs, then review the route toward Santillana del Mar. Eat well, hydrate, and set an early alarm—the next stretch starts here.

Depart Santander along quiet streets and suburban paths, gradually leaving the bustle of the city behind. The Camino leads through local villages and green meadows, with brief glimpses of the sea returning as you near the estuary. Today’s walk is short and mostly flat, a gentle start to the week with stretches of country road and shaded woodland. Arrive in Puente Arce, a peaceful riverside village with traditional stone houses and a relaxed, rural pace.

Cross rolling farmland and forested lanes as you walk west through the Cantabrian countryside, following quiet roads and age-old paths through small farming communities. As you approach Santillana del Mar, the landscape shifts from rural to romantic — cobbled lanes, honey-coloured buildings, and the striking Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana welcome you into one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval towns. The day features moderate elevation changes and firm terrain underfoot, mostly on country roads and hard-packed trails.

Leave the medieval charm of Santillana behind and make your way toward the coast again, following scenic paths through pastureland and forests. The route passes through small villages and offers views of the sea before descending into Comillas, a coastal town known for its noble architecture and Gaudí’s Capricho, one of his few works outside Catalonia. The walk includes gentle climbs and descents with a mix of rural lanes, wooded paths, and short paved sections into town.

Continue west on a varied and scenic stage, where the Camino weaves between green hills, open coastline, and riverside trails. Pass through San Vicente de la Barquera, a postcard-perfect town with its medieval bridge and estuary views. From there, follow the coast through quiet villages and farmland before reaching Unquera, a riverside town marking the boundary between Cantabria and Asturias. Pilgrims can choose to end the day here or continue a little further — crossing into Asturias — to finish in Colombres, a charming hilltop village known for its Indianos architecture and elegant mansions. The day is long but stunning, with rolling elevation, soft forest tracks, and spectacular sea views throughout.

Climb out of Unquera or Colombres and follow a trail that undulates gently through coastal pastureland, limestone hills, and seaside hamlets. The approach to Llanes offers sweeping views of cliffs, beaches, and the Picos de Europa in the distance. Llanes itself is a lively fishing town with a vibrant old quarter, harbourfront, and artistic touches like the painted Cubes of Memory. Expect a blend of gravel trail, forest path, and paved descent into the town centre.

This is one of the longer days on the Camino del Norte but also one of the most scenic. The path hugs the coastline, offering dramatic views of cliffs, rolling green hills, and the ocean below. Pass small villages and beaches like Playa de Torimbia and Playa de San Antolín, walking through quiet valleys and gentle farmland. Arrive in Ribadesella, a beautiful seaside town set along the River Sella, with colourful houses, an active port, and a stunning riverfront promenade. Though long, the terrain is mostly rolling and varied, with a blend of dirt trail, rural roads, and coastal paths.

Leave Ribadesella behind as the trail heads inland through gentle countryside, with soft hills and forest tracks leading through small Asturian villages and quiet farmland. The coast returns in glimpses, especially as you cross green valleys and crest small ridgelines. The day ends in Colunga, a quaint rural town with a strong agricultural feel and proximity to the dinosaur coast. The terrain is undulating but not difficult, with a mix of shaded paths, quiet country lanes, and soft gravel trails.

Today’s stage offers a shorter but beautiful walk, winding through rolling hills, apple orchards, and green pastures that are central to Asturian cider country. The trail is peaceful and rural, with soft footing underfoot and short climbs as you approach Villaviciosa, a lively town known for its sidrerías and warm local hospitality. Expect an easygoing day overall, with terrain mostly on dirt tracks and quiet farm roads, making for a relaxing rhythm.

This is a long and challenging stage with some of the most rugged inland terrain in this section. The Camino splits today — the Camino del Norte veers west over the Alto de la Cruz, climbing steadily through eucalyptus groves and remote hills before descending toward the coast. Eventually, you rejoin civilisation as you approach Gijón, a large coastal city with a long beach promenade and bustling urban energy. This day combines country trails, forest climbs, and long paved sections through the suburbs, offering a sense of both accomplishment and contrast.

Your tour comes to an end in the coastal city of Gijón. Take a final stroll along San Lorenzo beach, wander Cimavilla, and raise a glass of Asturian sidra to celebrate. Stamp your credencial one last time, reflect on the miles behind you, and savor the Cantabrian sea breeze—well done and buen camino.