Camino del Norte: Santilliana del Mar - Ribadesella
Included: Transfer from Bilbao Airport, welcome dinner, transport on two days along the Camino, transfer to Bilbao (airport or city centre), admission to Gaudí’s work “El Capricho”, daily luggage transfer, hotel & breakfast, AfterWalk, Claes Göransson and of course each other.
Not included: Flights (I’m happy to help you find and book the best option, see practical tips further down).
Group size: 8–14 participants
ABOUT THE TRIP
There are many reasons to walk a Camino, but in my view, Camino del Norte is the most beautiful of them all. For much of the way, we follow the Atlantic coast, with ever-changing views of sea, rivers, green mountains, and picturesque villages. The trip begins in Cantabria, in the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar, and ends in the coastal gem of Ribadesella in Asturias.
Along the way, we’ll encounter magical beaches, lush forests, rural idylls, and historic towns - paired with a warm, welcoming culture and fantastic food. To avoid less inspiring road sections, I’ve arranged short transfers on two days (about 15 minutes) from the hotel to the start of the walk. On the other days, we hike directly from hotel to hotel.
Each day ends with AfterWalk, where we gather in a relaxed way to celebrate the day’s completed stage. I’ll brief you on the next day’s walk, share local culture and history and for those who want to, we’ll practise a little everyday Spanish together.
Camino del Norte, also known as Camino de la Costa, is together with Camino Francés the oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It stretches over 800 km from the Pyrenees to Santiago, and in the Middle Ages this route was used even more, as it made it easier for pilgrims to avoid the war being fought against the Moors further south.
I’ve selected the best continuous section, focusing on nature, history, variety, charming villages, and comfortable accommodation, while also aiming to minimise time spent on buses. If you prefer shorter stages, there’s always the option to stop earlier and take a taxi to the next destination.
PROGRAM
Day 1: Arrival Bilbao – Santiallana del Mar
Included: Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santillana del Mar · Hotel & breakfast · Welcome dinner
I’ll meet you at Bilbao Airport, and then we’ll travel together to Hotel Altamira in Santillana del Mar (about 1 hour and 30 minutes). After some rest, we’ll have a welcome meeting, and then I’ll show you around this charming village.
Santillana del Mar is a small, beautifully preserved medieval town founded as early as the 9th century, and it’s a special experience simply to wander its streets and take in the atmosphere. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants.
If you’d like to visit the Altamira Cave, please contact me one month before departure and I’ll book it for you. About 2 km outside the village is the Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, in 1879, Paleolithic animal paintings were discovered, and there is also a museum on site.
We’ll end the evening with a welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant in the heart of Santillana del Mar.
Day 2: Santillana del Mar -Comillas
Included: Transfer · Hike approx. 22 km · Admission to El Capricho · Hotel & breakfast
Breakfast is served from 08:00, and whenever you feel ready, you’ll leave the hotel and begin the day’s walk. Along the way we’ll pass charming villages, enjoy beautiful and ever-changing views, rural landscapes, beaches, silence, and forest before reaching the coast and our destination, Hotel El Tejo (or similar) in the town of Comillas.
Today’s stage is 22 km and fairly hilly, though without particularly steep or long climbs. If you’d like a shorter walk, you can finish in Cóbreces (11 km) and take a taxi for the final stretch (around €20). Comillas is a favourite for many, thanks to its fantastic beaches, striking architecture, and cosy bars.
Architect Antoni Gaudí created three works outside Catalonia; Two can be seen along the Camino Francés, and the third is on the Camino del Norte. El Capricho is in Comillas and needs to be booked in advance, which I’ve already arranged. Admission is included in the trip.
DaY 3:Comillas - San Vicente de la Barquera
Included: Luggage transfer · Hike approx. 11 km · Hotel & breakfast
After a longer day yesterday, today brings a shorter and easier stage. We walk through Oyambre National Park with views of the sea and on a clear day, the mighty Picos de Europa Mountains can be seen in the distance.
Our destination is the idyllic fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, rich in history, culture, and fantastic food. Make sure to head up to the old town walls and explore the historic quarter with its impressive views. Up here you’ll find Castillo del Rey (12th century) and the church Santa María de los Ángeles (13th–15th century). You can also see the remains of the pilgrim hospital Hospital de la Concepción, believed to date back to the 14th–15th century. Pilgrim hospitals along the Camino were natural places for pilgrims to stay overnight and receive the help they needed, and since there weren’t many in the 14th century, this was an important building.
DaY 4:San Vicente – LLanes
Included: Transfer to starting point · Hike approx. 16 km · Hotel & breakfast
We’ll take a transfer of about 20 minutes to the start of the stage, then walk roughly 16 km to Hotel Silken Don Juan Llanes (or similar). The coastal route is spectacular and a bit more challenging, and if the tide is high you may see the Bufones phenomenon, simply put, like “mini geysers” when the waves are strong. This happens because there are holes in the cliffs that connect straight down to the sea.
The coastal path includes one tougher climb, but otherwise the day isn’t especially hilly. As on previous days, we’ll pass small villages where you can restock supplies and use the restroom.
We’ll arrive in Llanes in the afternoon, and after some rest we’ll gather just like the other days for AfterWalk and, for those who wish, dinner together.
DaY 5: LLanes - Ribadesella
Included: Luggage transfer · Hike approx. 15–30 km · Hotel & breakfast
This is the longest stage of the trip. If we walk all the way to Ribadesella, it’s around 30 km. A long day, but the route is so beautiful that I had to include the full stretch. If that feels like too much, you can stop after 15 km or 18 km and take a taxi.
Once we arrive, we’ve earned some rest and why not a dip in the sea? We’ll stay close to the water at Hotel Villa Rosario Modern Building (or similar).
DaY 6:Ribadesella - Playa Espasa/Colunga - Ribadesella
Transfer · Hike approx. 15 km · Hotel & breakfast
You’ll leave the hotel whenever you feel ready, follow the yellow arrows, and walk about 15 km to Playa de Espasa, where we celebrate the end of our Camino del Norte journey for now. If you’d like to walk a bit further, you can also finish in Colunga.
Another beautiful day through lush green landscapes, with the sea and mountains as constant companions. As on the other days, there are several places to restock supplies, otherwise, you can have lunch at Playa de Espasa.
In the afternoon, we’ll take transport back to Ribadesella, and if you still have energy, I recommend exploring a bit more. Ribadesella is a wonderfully charming medieval town that has it all: the sea and beautiful beaches, a river running through town, mountain views, history, caves, culture, and cosy architecture. I suggest taking a stroll and perhaps a short walk up to the viewpoint at Ermita de la Virgen de Guía.
If you haven’t had your fill of caves, Cueva de Tito Bustillo is a must, it's remarkably well preserved. (Booking in advance is required.) About 30 minutes by car away, you can also visit the dinosaur museum El MUJA.
Day 7: Return home from Bilbao or add an extra day in Bilbao
We leave Ribadesella and travel to Bilbao Airport. Depending on your flight time, there may be time to see more of Ribadesella before departure.
Included: Transfer to Bilbao Airport
Optional add-on: Bilbao with an overnight stay in the Old Town
If you’d like to end the trip with an extra day in Bilbao, we’ll stay on and explore the city. We leave Ribadesella at 09:30 and arrive around 12:00. After check-in, we’ll take a guided walk through Casco Viejo (the Old Town), visit the market and Plaza Nueva, try pintxos, and finish at the Guggenheim Museum. The evening is at your leisure.
Price for the extra day (depends on group size):
- Double room: SEK 1,200–1,500 per person
- Single room: SEK 1,600–1,800 per person
Included: Transfer · Hotel (most hotels do not include breakfast)
Day 8: Check-out and journey home
You’ll check out and make your way to the airport on your own, whenever it suits you. It’s easy to get there by local bus or by booking an Uber/taxi, and I’m happy to help if needed. If you have a late flight, you can also store your luggage at the hotel during the day.
🧭 Practical information & what’s included
I’ll take care of all the practical details - you should be able to focus solely on the walking, the nature, the experience, and simply being. Here’s everything you need to know before the trip.
✅ What’s included
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Transfers from and to Bilbao
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Transport on two days along the Camino to selected stages
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Shared welcome dinner
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Daily luggage transfer between accommodations
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Hotel accommodation including breakfast
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Daily AfterWalk gatherings and information
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Guidance, inspiration, and company from me, Claes Göransson, and a small, personal group
❌ Not included
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Flights (I’m happy to help you find and book the best option)
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Lunches and most dinners (we often eat where it’s best along the way - there are cafés and small supermarkets along the route)
🎒 Luggage
Luggage transport is arranged daily between accommodations. The bag can weigh up to 15 kg, but it’s not a problem if someone is slightly over. My tip: pack light and practical, you’ll appreciate the simplicity. During the day, you only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, a rain jacket, and essentials.
✍️ Registration
I’m accepting expressions of interest for the September 2026 trip. To register your interest, email me with the following information:
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Full name
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Phone number
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Address
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Any allergies
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Preference for a double bed or twin beds
(There are also a few single and triple rooms, get in touch if you’d like to know more.)
Would you like me to help you book your flight? Get in touch and I’ll guide you!
💳 Payment
After you submit your expression of interest, please wait for confirmation. You’re not committing to anything yet—I’ll contact you once we have enough interested participants. An invoice is only sent once the trip is confirmed to run, and payment is due no later than 60 days before departure.
↩️ Cancellation policy
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More than 40 days before departure: 100% refund
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40–10 days before departure: 50% refund
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10 days or less before departure: no refund
👣 Additional information
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We walk 12–26 km per day, at a relaxed pace with breaks. (There’s always the option to take a taxi for part of a stage.)
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You don’t need elite fitness, but it helps to be used to longer walks.
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Group size is max 8–14 people to keep it personal and locally rooted.
See you soon—Buen Camino! 🌿
Claes Göransson
