Camino del Norte · Stage 13 of 36
Stage 13: Santander to Santillana del Mar
- From
- Santander
- To
- Santillana del Mar
- Distance
- 36.3 km
- Climb
- ↑ 408 m
- Descent
- ↓ 328 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
A very long day, mostly on pavement, to one of Spain's most beautiful villages.
Practical tips
Split the stage at an intermediate albergue if you can. Ignore unofficial 'direct route' signs after Barreda: they lead along a busy road without shoulders. Santillana's municipal albergue has been closed since 2023.
Along the way
Santillana del Mar
Called the 'town of three lies' because it is not holy (santa), not flat (llana) and has no sea (mar). Its Romanesque collegiate church and stone mansions are beautifully preserved.
More photos of Santillana del Mar →
Altamira
Two kilometres away is the museum of the Altamira cave, with a replica of its famous Palaeolithic bison paintings.
More photos of Altamira →Where to sleep in Santillana del Mar
- Albergue El ConventoPrivate
- Albergue Santillana del MarPrivate
Planning note: distances and climbs are approximate and stages are a suggestion. Albergues listed are long-established ones; opening dates, prices and beds change, so check before you go. Accommodation links may be affiliate links.