4700 EURO PER PERSON
750 Euro Supplement
Surround yourself in beauty on this breathtaking Camino de Santiago along the north coast of Spain. Spanish Steps is excited to be offering this route once again with a few additional extras!
For over 1000 years, pilgrims coming from the north of Europe didn’t always make the journey to Santiago by foot, many came by boat to the fishing villages and small cities that were springing up along the Cantabrian coast.
On this 15-day pilgrimage, we’ll be covering approximately 250-kilometers on foot. We will wander along country roads and tracks through farmland, forests, and little villages. Otherwise, we will be on beautiful coastal footpaths along sea cliffs, coves, and beaches.
The northern coast of Spain is dominated by karst, limestone rock making this coast a natural paradise of caves, sea cliffs and extraordinary rock formations amongst its evergreen hills. The coast is also renowned for the many caves that contain world class Paleolithic rock art. Of these you will have the option of visiting the UNESCO world heritage caves of Altamira (replica), Tito Bustillo and Peña de Candamo.
We will meet in Santander on Day 1 and drive westwards to the medieval town of Santillana del Mar for the first two nights. This is a magical place where time has stood still. From here, our pilgrimage begins. We will follow the famed scallop shell and yellow arrow of the Camino, as well as taking a few detours down secret coastal paths.
This journey will take us to three of Spain’s autonomous regions: Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. Along the way, we walk through beautiful seaside villages such as Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera. Once in our beloved Asturias, we will sleep in the seaside villages of Llanes and Ribadasella. Finally, we will celebrate our accomplishment of this Camino in Ribadeo, Galicia. From here we offer transfers to either Oviedo/Asturias airport (OVD) or to the Oviedo city center.
All hotels, breakfast, 9 dinners with wine, and van support with healthy snacks are included in the tour price.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Santillana del Mar to Cobreces (Playa de Luana): 14 km
We meet in the city of Santander at 9 am. Please be dressed and ready to walk. We will drive to Santillana del Mar (approximately 30 mins) and set off on foot to begin our pilgrimage.
A single yellow arrow will guide us on our ’way’ from the town square, westward, walking along old cart tracks and lanes that wind through fields and hamlets. We finish our walk a bit ahead of at the village of Cobreces and head down to the beach of Luaña before returning to Santillana for the night.
Visit to Altamira Caves (replica)-prehistorical art.
Sleep in Santillana del Mar (Dinner included)
Day 2 – Pando to Comillas to San Vicente de la Barquera: 15.9 km
This morning, we head to the town of Comillas. We are starting our walk a bit before of this village, in La Iglesia and Pando (two tiny, well-preserved medieval villages). A good way to lead us to the alive town of Comillas. From here we head to the coast and Playa Oyambre, famous for being the landing site of the first ever US cross Atlantic flight. From here we continue westwards climbing over the headland and along a beautiful beach to the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera. This is one of the most picturesque sights on the Cantabrian coast, with the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountains standing proudly as a backdrop.
Being a short walk day and taking advantage to the morning, we’ll arrive to this village with time enough to visit the very interesting old quarter at the top, with its cathedral and castle, offering spectacular views of the entire bay.
Also, we’ll have time to enjoy local fish and seafood in one of the many restaurants and the always alive ambient of this place.
Guided tour in Santillana del Mar. Sleep in Santillana del Mar (Breakfast included.)
Day 3 – Cobijeru (Buelna) to Llanes: 18.5 km
Today’s walk starts with us making our way down to the coastal paths to explore some magical, hidden sea caves. Please bring a flashlight, so if you would like to enter the caves you can do so safely. Leaving the caves, we will walk west along cliffs, through fields and little villages to the popular seaside town and fishing port of Llanes. Llanes’s old quarter was declared a Historic and Artistic Site, a great place to take time to wander the little streets, the port and up to the sea cliffs.
Sleep in Llanes (Dinner & Breakfast included)
Day 4 – Llanes to San Antolin or Naves: 14 km
Upon leaving Llanes, we guide you along more dramatic coastal trails as we continue west toward Santiago, breathing in the salty air. Country roads and coastal trails; quiet caves and sleepy villages are part of today’s landscape.
If we are lucky and the weather is pleasant, we can enjoy a swim in the beautiful beach of San Antolin, where we are finishing our walk. If not, we can keep walking to the small village of Naves and visit one of the local bars to try the most traditional drink in Asturies (apple cider). This day we’ll be our first in this region and it’s the best way to introduce us in its rich culture.
We will return to Llanes with plenty of time to explore this fascinating town and dine out in one of its many restaurants.
Sleep in Llanes (Breakfast included)
Day 5 – San Antolin to Ribadesella (Acantilados del Infierno): 14 km
Stage divided in two sections
We start walking from the same place we finished the day before and ahead we have a full day of landscape and culture. The first place from where we are passing through is the amazing beach of Gulpiyuri, an incredible inland beach, maybe one of the most visited places in Asturias.
As we keep walking along the cliffs, we arrive to Cuevas del Mar beach, a hidden and magical beach; its name refers to the multiple caves around it. From here we’ll take the van to enjoy our picnic in Guadamia, just in front of Bufones de Pria, the blowholes of Pria. Today’s hike will take us along an extraordinary section of coastline where beautiful cliffs and blowholes (where air gets forced out of tiny caves by the power of the ocean waves, like a whale exhaling).
At the end of the hike, we will drop down into Ribadesella for a well-deserved “culin” de Sidra!. We’ll stay here for the next two nights at a seaside hotel.
Sleep in Ribadesella. (Dinner & Breakfast included)
Day 6 – Ribadesella to Playa Espasa or Playa de la Griega (Lastres): 15 or 20 km
This morning’s trail leads us up to the lighthouse just west of Ribadasella and down to a favorite beach of Playa la Vega. We’ll take a break at one of the chiringuitos (beach side bars) to soak up the atmosphere for a short while before returning to the trail, up again along a cow path to the town of Berbes and onwards to the beach of Playa Espasa.
After a short break and a relaxing rest in La Espasa, we’ll take the van to make a short shuttle to the village of La Isla. From here we’ll keep walking always with our companion “El mar Cantábrico” towards Lastres and Playa de la Griega, famous for its dinosaur footprints.
There is an alternative option today (for those who like a challenge) to summit Pico Pienzu. This route starts at Mirador del Fitu along the Sierra del Sueve, climbs from 598m to 1,159m and is 7.5 miles. This is an optional climb….
We return for the night to Ribadesella, a town famous for its port and wonderful sandy beaches that were the childhood summer holiday destination of our current Queen Letizia. The town name refers to being on the banks of the Sella River which tumbles down from the Picos de Europa.
Then we have a real treat in store as we visit the Caves of Tito Bustillo, which boast some of Spain’s most magnificent prehistoric cave art, dating back from 22,000-10,000 BC.
Sleep in Ribadesella (Breakfast included)
Day 7 – Cadavedo (la Regalina) to Cabo Busto: 20 km
We’ll travel from the east to the west part of Asturias. Just over an hour drive will take us to the region known as “the occident” by the local Asturian people. We will notice a marked difference in the architecture and landscape respect from where we’re coming and much more like the neighboring Galicia, more rolling hills, less mountains, coastline with its high cliffs.
Today we will walk along the highest cliffs of the entire Asturian coast. The views will be amazing during the whole trail as we weave in and out of small and picturesque hidden beaches, tiny villages, and ending in one of the northernmost points of the Cantabrian Coast, Cabo Busto. Weather permitting, we will have the best viewpoint along our journey, taking in the Cantabrian Sea and surrounding coastline.
Depending on how much time we have because the long drive to arrive here, we can do another alternative hike, shorter than the first suggestion. This second option starts halfway from the first option and arrives a bit further to the beach of La Cueva, in Canero. A beautiful rocky and quite beach perfect for a relaxing swim.
A suggestion for this day, if we have enough time, will be a visit to the Castro de Coaña. One of the largest and best-preserved pre-Christian settlements in the north of the Iberian Peninsula
Sleep in Navia (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 8 – Playa de Barayo – Playa de Frexulfe or Navia: 16 km
A twenty-minutes’ drive east brings us to the trailhead for the Senda de la Costa Naviega, one of the most remote and protected stretches of the Asturias’ coastline. This gentle cliff top trail takes in sweeping vistas and hardy wildflowers. We will arrive at the tiny fishing village of Puerto de Vega. This place offers a time to relax, so we will take advantage of the sea air, and take a small rest in one of the bars. Time for a coffee or a vermouth! From here we continue for a few more kilometers to the beach of Frexulfe, halfway of our hike today. Depending on the season, we can find a chiringuito here for lunch, if not, we will have a picnic. After Frexulfe we’ll walk all the way to Navia. Sleep in Navia (Breakfast included.)
**TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT OF THE ECLIPSE – LET’S PRAY FOR CLEAR SKIES!!
Day 9 – Ortiguera to Viavelez: 18 km
The first activity of the day will be a visit to the fort of Mummies (Celtic village). Ancient pre-Roman settlement that will show us the life of our ancestors in northern Spain
Today is our last day in Asturias. We start at the cape and lighthouse of San Agustin, where on a clear day we will enjoy impressive views of the western coast. Today’s beautiful route will reveal the authentic marine flavor in the villages of Ortiguera and Viavelez and will take us through hidden beaches that will delight us. It is also a magnificent opportunity to get to know the authentic idiosyncrasies of this part of Asturies where the sea, agriculture and livestock walk hand in hand.
Our day ends in the stately town of Ribadeo, our first destination in the region of Galicia. It sits on an enviable site on the western side of the River Eo, the natural border between Asturias and Galicia.
We will take a boat to cross the River Eo.
Night in Ribadeo (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 10 – Gondán to Mondoñedo: 16 km
We leave Ribadeo and the wonderful Cantabrian coastline and head inland traveling by van first through fragrant eucalyptus forests and tiny farming villages where time has stood still. Once we reach Gondán, we’ll start our walk heading to Lourenzá where we can visit the 10th century monastery Benedictine monastery of San Salvador, designed by Casas y Novas who was responsible for the Santiago façade.
Our walk ends today in Mondoñedo, one of the seven historical Galicia´s capital. Its amazing cathedral from the XIII century is worth a visit. We’ll sleep in Lugo this evening, a wonderful city, whose 2nd Century walls encircle a bustling historical center renowned for its delicious tapas bars.
Sleep in Lugo (Breakfast included)
Day 11 – Miraz to Sobrado dos Monxes: 25 km
We’ll begin our walk from Miraz, a bit further from the starting point for the final 100 kilometers of the Camino del Norte. Once we obtain our pilgrims stamp, we start the final stretch of this route to Santiago. The British Friends of the Camino de Santiago have turned the bishops rectory into a stopping off point for pilgrims in Miraz. Following the yellow arrows and scallop shell markers we’ll arrive to Sobrado dos Monxes, an impressive 10th century monastery founded by the Benedictines. After its abandonment, it was settled by the Cistercian order of France. The monastery appears to be half-abandoned, once again, but upon passing through the moss-covered gates, you’ll enter a world of serenity and tranquility. There are still a small handful of monks that reside here. We’ll visit the cloisters, the grand kitchen, and the main church.
We’ll sleep in a nearby Casa Rural tonight.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 12 – Sobrado dos Monxes to Orxal: 23 km
On this day, the Camino departs from Sobrado, guiding us along footpaths and quiet farming roads through the undulating landscape that is characteristic of the lush region of Galicia. As the trail diverges, we will take the ‘road less traveled’ from Boimorto, making our way westward until we reach the small hamlet of Orxal.
Once we arrive, we will enjoy a scenic drive to our Casa Rural or hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 13 – Orxal to Lavacolla: 29 km
After our initial few kilometers this morning, be prepared to make new friends as we say good-bye to our quiet Camino del Norte and enter the parade of pilgrims that have started in Roncesvalles. A gentle climb brings us to Alto de Santa Irene and then westward-ho through serene stands of eucalyptus trees and the small villages of Rua and Amenal before embarking on one of our final climbs of the route. At the top, we walk around the airport to arrive in Lavacolla, a place where pilgrims, in days gone by, would wash themselves in the shallow stream before entering Santiago.
Sleep in Lavacolla (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 14 – Lavacolla to Santiago: 11 km
Today, we take to the trail one last time. We climb from Lavacolla to the famed Monte del Gozo, Mount Joy. Today, there is a famous monument commemorating the visit by Pope John Paul II, but in the middle-ages, it was where the pilgrims would see the spires of the cathedral of Santiago for the first time. Tradition claims that if you were the first one in your group to sight the church towers, you could officially change your name to King (Rey, Leroy, Le Roi). Our Camino walking journey ends at the steps of the cathedral today. We will gather for a celebratory dinner together.
Sleep in Santiago (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 15 – Santiago
After a leisurely breakfast and before saying good-bye, a local tour guide and historian will show us the main sights on a two-hour guided walking tour of the city and the cathedral. Buen Camino!
(Breakfast included)
* Please note that this itinerary may change slightly due to factors such as accommodation availability, weather conditions, local festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
** Daily distance information will be provided, and we are flexible regarding how much you choose to walk. Our van is available to assist you with your walking distance on this pilgrimage.
*** This experience is not an endurance race or a competition. We ask that everyone respects the various paces and walking styles of fellow participants on this group trip.
**** There may be instances where we stay for two consecutive nights at the same hotel or B&B due to limited accommodation options at the end of our daily walking stages. Many people appreciate this arrangement, as it allows you to unpack and take a rest day if you prefer not to walk on a given day.
Location
Gallery
FAQs
How many miles do we hike per day?
On this trip, the mileage varies from day to day, but we average around 7-12 miles per day or 12-20 kilometers. We encourage people to ride in the van if their feet are feeling fatigued or to walk more miles if they have the energy. Most pilgrims walking the trail independently walk 25 kilometers a day with a heavy pack. With Spanish Steps, we have the luxury of a fully supported van, which carries our baggage and carries us the extra mile when needed.
What kind of hotels do we use?
We use a combination of restored farmhouses known as Casa Rurales, small hotels, and family run Casona Indianos (turn of the century mansions.) They are located along the Camino, situated in small towns or villages, usually away from the large cities so most days will involve a group transfer at the beginning and the end of the day. All rooms have private baths. The smaller inns have no phone of TV in the room.
Is there WIFI at our hotels?
Our hotels nearly always have free WIFI available although it is often just in the lobby/public areas. We generally stay at historical hotels, which often have thick walls, so WIFI rarely works in the rooms. Most bars and cafes enroute have free WIFI also.
How many meals are included?
All breakfasts are included in the price of this tour. Breakfast in Spain tends to be very light. We will do our best to accommodate any dietary requirements. Please let us know in advance as much as possible. You are responsible for your own lunch; you can eat at one of the many cafes that cater to pilgrims or purchase sandwich items and fruit locally. Nine dinners are included. Our hotels will be happy to provide a vegetarian option should it be required. On the nights when dinners are not included, your guides will recommend places for you to eat. The van will be stocked with healthy snacks and water.
How does one get to SANTANDER?
- Most people fly from Madrid to Santander. Check with your local travel agent about flight connections.
- We do NOT sleep in Santander as a group. We recommend the Silken Rio Hotel (by the water!)
How does one get from SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA to MADRID?
Most people fly from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. Check with your travel agent and purchase your return ticket before arriving in Spain. You can take a bus or train to Madrid: www.renfe.es or www.alsa.es.
What kind of equipment should I pack?
The hikes are not fancy. We will supply you with an equipment list of basic items to pack. You are limited to one bag weighing 30-lbs and a one-day pack to hold items such as your camera, rain gear and water bottle. Hiking/trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots will be your most important pieces of equipment. Please be sure they are well broken in and that you have proper socks before arriving in Spain. Please bring hiking poles if you wish to use them
How do I access spending money/how much should I bring?
Most people travel with an ATM card. Money machines are everywhere in Spain but be sure you know your PIN number before departing the US. Some dinners and lunches will be a separate expense. The Menu del Dia or Menu del Peregrino is available at local cafes and will cost between 12-22 Euros. There are three course meals with wind and water included – a great value.
Should I leave a gratuity for our guides?
This is a very common question my clients ask–As a person working hard in the service industry to please the traveler, a gratuity is much appreciated by the staff members at the end of the tour. As a general guideline, people tip around 10 Euros per day, per guide. For trips where we have a bus driver, a gratuity of around 25-30 Euros per person at the end of the trip would be appreciated.
What is the average age of the group?
The average age of the hiker on a Spanish Steps tour is 50 years old during the spring and fall months but younger during the summer months. Most trips are a mix of a 40/60 ratio of men to women. We have taken school groups where the age range is 13-20 years old. With an eager heart and a mind full of curiosities, a healthy person of any age is able to walk the Camino. Pilgrims of all ages are welcome of course!
What is the terrain like?
The trails are well marked with yellow arrows and the scallop shell tile. There are some long, slow climbs through farming areas but not Himalayan or Rocky Mountain like terrain. The paths are well worn and are not difficult if you have trained for this sort of trip. We walk along a lot of secondary farming roads, coastal footpaths, beaches, chestnut and eucalyptus forest and old country roads. Your footwear is key. Be sure they are comfortable and have good tread on the soles.
Is there a single supplement?
Some people would like to be matched with a roommate. I can’t guarantee a match but will try to place you with someone if there are any requests. The price of the single supplement is 750 EUROS per person for this fifteen-day trip.
Can you provide references?
We would be delighted to share with you some references from former clients who have walked with us. If you would like to contact any former Spanish Steps participants, let us know by calling us. Check out our Customer Comments.