Santander → Santillana del Mar
A stage of the Camino del Norte
This long 35.9 km opening stage on the Camino del Norte carries pilgrims southwest from Santander, the bustling capital of Cantabria, to the exquisitely preserved medieval town of Santillana del Mar. With only 189 metres of ascent spread across nearly 36 kilometres, the terrain rolls gently through farmland and coastal edges, keeping the moderate rating well-earned rather than punishing. Arriving in Santillana — whose cobbled streets and Romanesque collegiate church have barely changed in centuries — feels like a genuine reward for a long first day's walk.
- 35.9 kmDistance
- ↑189 m ↓100 mElevation
- ModerateDifficulty
- 266 kmfrom route start
Highlights
- Santillana del Mar's Romanesque collegiate church
- Rolling Cantabrian farmland and countryside
- Long stage — an early start is essential
Towns on this stage
Find accommodation in Santillana del Mar →Distances and elevation come from real OpenStreetMap footpath geometry. In the planner you can split or merge any stage to match your pace.