Santillana del Mar to Comillas
Inland landscapes alternating with brief coastal stretches, ending in Comillas and its famous modernist architecture.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Santillana del Mar
- Comillas
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 Santillana del Mar to Comillas is 22.2 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 14, with 461 m of ascent and 523 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 30 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
From inland Cantabria to modernist Comillas
The stage combines inland scenery with brief coastal stretches, mostly on asphalt local roads. The route crosses numerous small rural villages: El Arroyo, Oreña, Caborredondo, Cigüenza, Novales, Cóbreces, Luaña beach, Trasierra, Liandres and Ruilobuca, among others, before reaching Comillas.
Comillas was a retreat for Spanish aristocracy in the late 19th century, and today stands out for its modernist architecture, with "El Capricho" as its most famous gem: one of Antoni Gaudí's early works, with its characteristic tower clad in sunflower ceramics.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Mostly asphalt local roads, with inland scenery and a short coastal stretch.
Scenery
Cantabrian fields and small rural villages, with Luaña beach as one of the stage's coastal moments.
Path type
Mostly asphalt on low-traffic local roads, crossing numerous small villages.
Villages
El Arroyo, Oreña, Caborredondo, Cigüenza, Novales, Cóbreces, Trasierra, Liandres and Ruilobuca, among others.
Water points
Available in the numerous rural villages the stage crosses.
Shade
Variable depending on the section, with a bit more exposure on the local roads.
Traffic
Generally low, typical of quiet local roads through rural areas.
Key tip
Use the stop at Cóbreces, with its Cistercian monastery, as a reference point for the stage's midpoint.
Accommodation in Comillas
Comillas has a seasonal municipal albergue and year-round private alternatives.
Albergue de peregrinos La Peña
A 20-bed municipal albergue, housed in a former 1879 jail building. Open from 1 April to 30 September, no reservations. Outside season, Albergue La Magia del Camino (formerly La Huella del Camino), with 27 beds and breakfast included, is the best private alternative.
Refuelling on this stage
As a former summer retreat for the aristocracy, Comillas offers a good culinary scene in its old town.
Cantabrian manor-town cuisine
The area around the square and seafront promenade concentrates bars and restaurants ideal for refuelling.
Historic stops on this stage
Cistercian monastery
A reference point at the stage's midpoint, with its imposing monastery and the chance to buy monastery-made products.
A brief coastal stretch
One of the moments when the Camino comes back close to the Cantabrian Sea during this inland stage.
Gaudí's El Capricho
One of Antoni Gaudí's early works, with its tower clad in sunflower ceramics, a symbol of modernism in Cantabria.
Pontifical University and Sobrellano Palace
Other great examples of late 19th-century architecture that made Comillas an aristocratic retreat.
Gaudí's El Capricho is a must-see in Comillas: although there's an entry fee, its garden and exterior facade are already worth the walk-by.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Santillana del Mar has a bus connection to Santander and Torrelavega.
If you need to head back from Comillas: there's a bus connection to Santander and San Vicente de la Barquera.
What to know before this stage
Save time for Gaudí's El Capricho
It's one of the most unique visits on the entire Camino del Norte: don't miss it on arriving in Comillas.
Check the municipal albergue's dates
It only opens from April to September; outside season, book Albergue La Magia del Camino.
Take a break at Cóbreces
Its Cistercian monastery is a good rest point at the stage's midpoint.
Get ready for asphalt
The stage runs mostly on local roads: comfortable footwear helps on long asphalt stretches.
Don't ruin this stage
Not visiting Gaudí's El Capricho
It's one of the great architectural attractions of the whole Camino del Norte: don't walk past it.
Relying on the municipal albergue outside season
It only opens from April to September: the rest of the year you need to book a private alternative.
Underestimating the elevation gain because it's an "inland" stage
With 461 m of ascent, it has more elevation change than its apparently simple profile suggests.
Not stocking up in the villages along the way
Although there are several rural villages, it's worth carrying enough water between them.
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 Santillana del Mar to Comillas?
What is Gaudí's El Capricho?
Where can I sleep in Comillas?
What can you see on this stage?
Is this stage difficult?
Why is Comillas famous?
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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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