Camino del Norte

[MagsRossi]

Hi, I am planning a 4 day Camino del Notre walk in May. We fly into Santander and are thinking to start our walk in Santillana del Mar and head to the Comillas the first day, Unquera the second day, Llanes the third day and end up in Ribadesella. Can anyone give me insight into what the trails are on this route? We are most concerned with being on roads for a lot of time. Also, any hotel recommendations for any of the above towns? Thanks for your help

 

[naplesdon]

Look at The Wise Pilgrim guide and app.

 

[Dennis Pack]

Try the Editorial Buen Camino app as well.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

In Santillana del Mar - if you have time, do visit the replica of the Cuevas de Altamira - renowned for prehistoric cave art featuring charcoal drawings and polychrome paintings of contemporary local fauna and human hands.

https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/mnaltamira/visita/horario.html

Another place not to miss while in Santillana del Mar, - especially if you are a history buff, would be the Inquisition Museum: http://www.museodelatortura.com/

In Comillas, don't miss visiting Antoní Gaudí's "El Capricho" ("The Whim"), built in 1883-85 for the summer use of a wealthy client, Máximo Díaz de Quijano.

Inicio - El Capricho de Gaudí

¿Vienes? Hoy abrimos de 10:30 a 20:00 h. Último acceso a las 19:30 h. Ven a conocer una casa única, llena de naturaleza y música. Un lugar donde aprender y disfrutar. Donde sorprenderse y jugar. Os esperamos en El Capricho de Gaudí

www.elcaprichodegaudi.com

We decided to stay at the Monasterio de Valdediós and had an unexpected experience when we hiked up to Llaneces and met Anita Rodríguez - who was a Spanish Civil War survival. I had the opportunity to talk to her about the atrocities that took place in her area and how she helped researchers discover a mass grave along the uphill trail before getting to her village. There is a monument there, honoring the nurses and doctors from Oviedo that were apprehended and executed right there on the way up to Llaneces. Anita recalled the gunshots and it was a very moving to hear her tell us the history of what took place there during the Civil War.
We also had a magnificent Caldo Asturiano right across from the Monasterio, and Xavier - the owner of the bar, was such a wonderful host and a font of historical information as well.

***I have just read the the Monasterio de Valdediós is closed for pilgrims. Perhaps, in the near future it might open? Do check before you leave because this would definitely be a gem not to be missed.

These are the accommodations we had in some of these villages include:

Hotel Altamira​

Address:Cantón, 1, 39330 Santillana del Mar, Spain
Phone: +34 942 81 80 25
GPS Coordinates: N 043° 23.430, W 04° 6.446

★★★ Hotel Altamira, Santillana del Mar, Spain

Located in the center of Santillana, the Hotel Altamira offers rooms with wooden floors and rustic furniture.

www.booking.com

In Comillas:

La Solana Montañesa, Comillas, Spain

Posada Rural La Solana Montañesa is 492 feet from the center of Comillas, on Cantabria’s beautiful Green Coast.

www.booking.com

In Llanes:

Apartamentos Rurales L'Arquera, Llanes, Spain

Just 0.6 mi south of Llanes, the modern Apartamentos Rurales L'Arquera are ideal for exploring the Cantabrian coast.

www.booking.com

Sorry for the long posting. You had me reminiscing about one of the best sections on Camino del Norte. I just hope this gives you a little insight about the beautiful historical area you chose. You will not regret it in any way!!

Ultreïa!