Colombres to Llanes
A placid, beautifully scenic stage along the eastern Asturian coast, with the Senda Costera as the recommended variant.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Colombres
- Llanes
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Colombres to Llanes is 22.9 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 16, with 319 m of ascent and 416 m of descent, completed in about 6 h. Difficulty: Moderate.
22.9 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 21.4 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
A placid stage along the eastern Asturian coast
Gronze.com describes this stage as "placid and full of beautiful scenery." From Pendueles onwards, it's recommended to take the Senda Costera, a seaside variant that noticeably improves on the official route. The only notable climb, around 100 metres, comes near the end, after Andrín.
The route passes through El Peral, La Franca, Buelna, Pendueles, Vidiago, Andrín and Cué before reaching Llanes, with its lively old town of summer terraces, its fishing port, and the famous Cubos de la Memoria, the breakwater painted by Agustín Ibarrola.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A placid route with gentle elevation change, except for a roughly 100 m climb near the end, after Andrín.
Scenery
One of the prettiest stretches of the route, especially taking the Senda Costera from Pendueles.
Path type
The official inland route, or preferably the Senda Costera along the sea starting at Pendueles.
Villages
El Peral, La Franca, Buelna, Pendueles, Vidiago, Andrín and Cué, small villages of the eastern Asturian coast.
Water points
Available in the various rural villages the stage crosses.
Shade
Variable, with more exposed stretches on the Senda Costera and somewhat more shade on the inland route.
Traffic
Generally low, especially on the coastal variant.
Key tip
Always choose the Senda Costera from Pendueles: it noticeably improves on the scenery of the official inland route.
Accommodation in Llanes
Llanes, one of the liveliest towns on the Camino del Norte, has several albergue options.
Albergue La Casona del Peregrino
A private albergue exclusively for pilgrims with a credential, right in the centre of Llanes, 100 m from the Town Hall and on the Camino's own route. As alternatives, Albergue Llanes International Hostel (150 beds, in Póo de Llanes) and the cheaper Albergue La Senda del Peregrino (24 beds).
Refuelling on this stage
Llanes, with its lively summer old town, offers a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Asturian port cuisine
The area around the fishing port and the old town concentrates numerous terraces and restaurants, very lively in summer.
Historic stops on this stage
Senda Costera
The recommended seaside variant starting at Pendueles, with views far more attractive than the official inland route.
Cubos de la Memoria
The famous breakwater painted by artist Agustín Ibarrola, one of Llanes' most photographed symbols.
Fishing port
Still active, right by the old town, with its characteristic colour and seafaring atmosphere.
Old town
Lively streets with summer terraces, one of the most vibrant atmospheres of the whole Camino del Norte.
The Cubos de la Memoria are a must-see on arriving in Llanes: the contrast of colours on the breakwater is one of the most iconic images of the Asturian coast.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Colombres has a bus connection to Santander and Llanes.
If you need to head back from Llanes: there's a train (FEVE) and bus connection to Santander, Oviedo and Gijón.
What to know before this stage
Take the Senda Costera from Pendueles
It's the recommended variant: it noticeably improves on the scenery of the official inland route.
Don't miss the Cubos de la Memoria
They're right by Llanes' port: take a moment to photograph this unique breakwater.
Book ahead in summer
Llanes is a very popular tourist destination; albergues fill up fast in high season.
Enjoy the summer atmosphere
Llanes' old town has one of the best ranges of leisure and terraces on the whole route.
Don't ruin this stage
Following the official route instead of the Senda Costera
The coastal variant from Pendueles offers much better scenery with barely any extra effort.
Not booking accommodation in high season
Llanes is very popular in summer; it's worth securing a bed in advance.
Walking past the Cubos de la Memoria
It's one of the most iconic images of the entire Camino del Norte in its Asturian stretch.
Underestimating the climb after Andrín
Although the stage is placid, there's about 100 m of elevation change concentrated near the end.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you're wondering before this stage
How many kilometres from Colombres to Llanes?
What is the Senda Costera?
Where can I sleep in Llanes?
What are the Cubos de la Memoria?
Is this stage difficult?
Is it worth spending the night in Llanes?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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