Comillas to Colombres
Bridges over marshes and estuaries in a markedly rural stage, passing San Vicente de la Barquera on the way into Asturias.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Comillas
- Colombres
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Comillas to Colombres is 28 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 15, with 529 m of ascent and 451 m of descent, completed in about 7 h. Difficulty: Moderate.
28 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 29.4 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.
From Cantabria into Asturias, crossing marshes and estuaries
Gronze.com describes this stage as having a "markedly rural character," with several bridges over marshes and estuaries, plus intermediate climbs between valleys. Although the elevation change is moderate, "the sensation is that the mountains are very near," with the first foothills of the Picos de Europa appearing on the horizon.
The stage passes through San Vicente de la Barquera, described as an "interesting" seaside town, before completing the final stretch into Colombres, already in Asturias. Colombres is famous for its indiano houses, built by emigrants who returned wealthy after time in the Americas.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Several bridges over marshes and estuaries, with intermediate climbs between valleys of moderate elevation change.
Scenery
Markedly rural character, with a constant sense of the mountains being very near, hinting at the Picos de Europa ahead.
Path type
A mix of rural paths, bridges over marshes and a short urban stretch through San Vicente de la Barquera.
Villages
San Vicente de la Barquera, the stage's key coastal town at the midpoint.
Water points
Available in San Vicente de la Barquera and other villages passed through along the way.
Shade
Variable depending on the section, with more open areas near the marshes and estuaries.
Traffic
Generally low, typical of a markedly rural route.
Key tip
Use the stop at San Vicente de la Barquera to refuel: it's the town with the most services on the whole stage.
Accommodation in Colombres
Colombres, the first Asturian town on the Camino del Norte, offers accommodation in a former indiano mansion.
Albergue El Cantu
A private albergue with 130 beds across 14 rooms in two buildings, housed in a beautiful early 20th-century indiano house, opened in 1996. As a more intimate alternative, there's also a small 9-bed donation-based albergue with a communal dinner.
Refuelling on this stage
San Vicente de la Barquera, at the midpoint, and Colombres at the end both offer a good range of bars and restaurants.
Cantabrian seafaring cuisine
A fishing town with a good range of shellfish and fresh fish, ideal for a stop at the stage's midpoint.
Historic stops on this stage
Puente de la Maza
A long medieval bridge over the estuary, one of this seaside town's symbols.
Castillo del Rey
A medieval fortress overlooking the town, with views over the estuary and the Cantabrian Sea.
Indiano houses
Stately villas built by emigrants who returned wealthy from the Americas, a distinctive architectural feature of this first Asturian town.
Entry into Asturias
The end of this stage marks the Camino del Norte's entry into its Asturian section.
San Vicente de la Barquera deserves an unhurried stop: its estuary, medieval bridge and castle are among the most photogenic corners of this part of the route.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Comillas has a bus connection to Santander and San Vicente de la Barquera.
If you need to head back from Colombres: there's a bus connection to Santander and Llanes.
What to know before this stage
Take a break at San Vicente de la Barquera
It's the town with the most services on the stage; a good moment to refuel before the final stretch.
Get ready for several bridges over marshes
They're one of this stage's characteristic features, with interesting views over the Cantabrian estuaries.
Notice the indiano houses
Colombres is famous for this architecture: spend a moment admiring the facades before settling into the albergue.
Book ahead at El Cantu
Although it has 130 beds, it's worth confirming availability in advance during high season.
Don't ruin this stage
Walking past San Vicente de la Barquera
It's one of the prettiest towns on the stage; worth stopping to admire its estuary and castle.
Underestimating the intermediate elevation change
Although it seems flat because of its marsh bridges, it has noticeable intermediate climbs between valleys.
Missing the change in autonomous community
Colombres marks the entry into Asturias, with an architectural character already distinct from Cantabria.
Not confirming availability at the donation-based albergue
With only 9 beds, it's worth always having El Cantu as a reliable backup.
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 Comillas to Colombres?
What can you see in San Vicente de la Barquera?
Where can I sleep in Colombres?
Why are Colombres' houses famous?
Is this stage difficult?
Where does Asturias begin on the Camino del Norte?
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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