Camino del Norte: Santander to Ribadesella
About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
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Santander to Santillana del Mar
Santander is a port city with a historic centre and beaches, and it was once where the Spanish royal family spent their summer breaks. The city is surrounded by nature and is best known for its beaches. Its cathedral dates back to the 13th century, and if you have time to spare, the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology will give you a broader picture of the region.
This coastal Camino follows the western coast of Cantabria, mixing coastal walking with hillier country inland. Leaving Santander, you head inland through several towns before returning to the estuary and the village of Arce. A hilly day follows, past meadows and sleepy villages, and brings you to Santillana del Mar.
Santillana del Mar and the Asturian coast
Santillana del Mar is a well-preserved medieval village of brick buildings and cobbled streets. Its 12th-century Collegiate Church has finely crafted Romanesque work, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Altamira Caves are 2km from the village.
From here the route crosses Cantabria's undulating coastline and hilly countryside into the equally undulating coastal region of Asturias. One highlight is the Bufones de Arenilla, where seawater bursts up to 20m high through holes in the cliff. When the sea is calm, you hear it splashing gently below instead.
Practicalities on the trail
Facilities along the way are adequate, but there are some noticeable gaps. Carry two or three snacks, or a light lunch or sandwich, for the longer stretches, and keep well hydrated between places with services. There are waymarks, but they aren't consistent along the whole route. Keep the notes and map provided with you, and use the operator's mobile app with its navigation feature.
What's included
The trip includes bed and breakfast in hand-picked accommodation, a Holiday or Pilgrim Pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before you leave. Luggage transfers between hotels are an optional extra and aren't included in the starting price.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
