Güemes to Santander
A short stage along scenic cliffs, with the boat crossing from Somo into Santander, the Cantabrian capital.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Güemes
- Santander
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.
Does not include access from the track to: Güemes.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Güemes to Santander is 15.3 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 12, with 210 m of ascent and 126 m of descent, completed in about 3 h 45 min. Difficulty: Easy.
Scenic cliffs and a boat crossing into Santander
After the experience at the Güemes albergue, the stage continues along a coastal path that borders the cliffs and offers beautiful scenery. It's worth taking this coastal variant instead of the road alternative: it adds only 3.7 km more distance in exchange for much better views.
The stage ends at Somo, where pilgrims board a passenger boat that crosses the bay to the centre of Santander. It's a short stage, ideal for arriving with plenty of time to spare and spending the afternoon exploring Cantabria's capital.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A coastal path bordering cliffs with gentle elevation change, followed by a boat crossing from Somo to Santander.
Scenery
One of the most beautiful and easiest stretches of the Camino del Norte, with constant views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Path type
A coastal clifftop trail (recommended) or a road alternative, somewhat shorter but with less scenic charm.
Villages
Somo, the end point of the walking section and the boarding point for the passenger boat to Santander.
Water points
Available in the villages passed through; being a short stage, there are no major provisioning demands.
Shade
Variable on the clifftop stretch, with open sections and clear sea views.
Traffic
Very low on the recommended coastal variant; somewhat more on the road alternative.
Key tip
Always choose the coastal variant: it only adds 3.7 km but the scenery is far superior to the road alternative.
Accommodation in Santander
Santander, Cantabria's capital, offers more services and accommodation than other stops on the Camino del Norte.
Albergue de peregrinos Santos Mártires
Run by the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Santander, with 40 beds, right in the centre (C/ Ruamayor, 9). Open from 15:00 to 22:00, guests must leave before 8:00, no reservations; a pilgrim credential is required (they issue one there).
Refuelling on this stage
As Cantabria's capital, Santander offers a very wide culinary scene in its historic centre and seafront.
Cantabrian capital cuisine
The centre and the seafront promenade concentrate a great variety of bars, seafood restaurants and eateries for every taste.
Historic stops on this stage
Coastal clifftop path
The most recommended stretch of the stage, with continuous views of the Cantabrian Sea from the cliffs.
Boat crossing to Santander
A picturesque passenger boat trip across the bay, offering the best views of the city from the water.
Palacio de la Magdalena
Former royal summer residence, on a peninsula with gardens and spectacular views over the bay.
Santander Cathedral
The city's episcopal see, in the heart of the old town, rebuilt after the 1941 fire.
The boat crossing from Somo, with the city of Santander gradually appearing at the back of the bay, is one of the most photogenic moments of the entire Camino del Norte.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Güemes has a bus connection to Santander, a short distance away.
If you need to head back from Santander: the city has its own airport and excellent train, bus and ferry connections to the rest of Spain.
What to know before this stage
Choose the coastal variant
It only adds 3.7 km more than the road alternative, but the clifftop scenery is well worth it.
Check the boat schedule at Somo
The crossing has limited departure times; check before you arrive to avoid unnecessary waiting.
Make the most of the short distance
With only 15.3 km, you'll have the whole afternoon free to explore Santander.
Arrive at the albergue with plenty of time
It only opens from 15:00 to 22:00 and takes no reservations: plan your timing carefully.
Don't ruin this stage
Taking the road alternative to save a few kilometres
The difference is minimal (3.7 km) and the coastal variant's scenery is far superior.
Not checking the boat schedule
Departures may be limited outside high season: it's worth planning ahead.
Arriving outside the Santos Mártires albergue's opening hours
It only opens from 15:00 to 22:00; without a credential you won't be let in either, though they issue one on site.
Not spending time in Santander
It's the capital of Cantabria with plenty to offer: no need to rush off the next day.
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 Güemes to Santander?
Which variant should I choose?
How do you cross from Somo to Santander?
Where can I sleep in Santander?
Is this stage difficult?
What can you see in Santander?
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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