Lebanon Way
Discover the Lebaniego Way, a pilgrimage route to the Monastery of Santo Toribio in Cantabria, home of the Holy Cross. A spiritual journey through the Picos de Europa mountains.
Organize your Lebanon WayOrigin
San Vicente de la BarqueraDestination
Monasterio de Santo Toribio de LiébanaDistance
72 km
Days
3
Difficulty
Media
General Description of Lebanon Way
Although it does not lead directly to Santiago, many pilgrims undertake it as a pilgrimage in itself or as a precursor, connecting afterwards with the French Way through the Vadiniense Route. It is a moderately difficult path with great spirituality.
Connections of Lebanon Way
North Coast Path
Distance:
855.4 km
Days:
38
Difficulty:
High
The North Way is one of the longest and most beautiful Jacobean routes. It covers the entire Cantabrian coast of Spain from Irún (Basque Country) to Arzúa (Galicia), where it joins the French Way. With a distance of 855 km, it passes through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia.
It offers an incredible combination of coastal landscapes with impressive beaches and cliffs, and mountain trails with green valleys. It is an demanding but very rewarding route that passes by cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santander. Its rich gastronomy and cultural heritage are among its greatest attractions.
Stages of this variant:
Stage 1: Bayonne to Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Stage 2: Saint-Jean-de-Luz to San Sebastián
Stage 3: Go to San Sebastian
Stage 4: Saint Sebastian to Zarautz
Stage 5: Zarautz to Deba
The North Cycle Route
Distance:
814.7 km
Days:
14
Difficulty:
High
The Camino del Norte by bike is a visually impressive experience that covers over 800 km along the coast. Over 14 stages, it passes through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, offering constant contrasts between sea and mountain. The "bicigrino" will enjoy coastal stretches with views of cliffs and wild beaches. The terrain is demanding and rugged, with frequent ups and downs, so a good physical preparation is recommended.
Stages of this variant:
Stage 1: I run in Zarautz on my bike.
Stage 2: Zarautz to Markina-Xemein by bike
Stage 3: Markina-Xemein to Bilbao by Bike
Stage 4: Bilbao to Castro Urdiales by bike
Stage 5: Castro Urdiales to Laredo (by bike)
The French Way
Distance:
779 km
Days:
33
Difficulty:
Media
The Camino Francés is the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela of excellence, chosen by thousands of pilgrims every year. With a journey of approximately 780 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or less from Roncesvalles, it traverses northern Spain. This path, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers exceptional infrastructure for services and hostels.
Pilgrims traverse Navarra, La Rioja, Castile and León, and finally Galicia, marveling at monumental cities such as Pamplona, Burgos, and León, and charming villages. The diversity of its landscapes is one of its greatest attractions, from the Pyrenees and the Castilian plains to the green forests of Galicia. It's a physical and spiritual journey that leaves an indelible mark, ideal for both experienced pilgrims and those starting out on the Camino de Santiago.
Stages of this variant:
Stage 1: St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
Stage 2: Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Stage 3: Zubiri is going to Pamplona.
Stage 4: Pamplona to Pontevedra
Stage 5: Bridge of Queen to Estella
Lebanese Castellano Way
Distance:
227 km
Days:
9
Difficulty:
Media
The Lebaniego Castellano Way is a 227 km historical route that leads to the Santo Toribio of Liébana Monastery from Palencia. It passes through the Palentine province in a northerly direction, entering the Palentine Mountains before crossing into Cantabria.
This route offers a different perspective on Lebonese pilgrimage, covering landscapes of the meseta, river valleys and the slopes of the Cantabrian Range. It is a less-traveled path with limited infrastructure, requiring good planning but allowing for discovery of rich Romanesque heritage and enjoying rural Castilian tranquility.
Stages of this variant:
Stage 1: Palencia to Amayuelas de Abajo
Stage 2: Lower Amayuelas to Frómista
Stage 3: From Frómista to Osorno el Grande
Stage 4: Osorno el Mayor to Osorno la Mayor
Stage 5: Herrera del Duque to Paracortes of Ojeda
Vadiniense Route
Distance:
212.3 km
Days:
10
Difficulty:
High
The Vadiniense Route, or the Santiago Vadiniense Way, is a historical itinerary that connects two important pilgrimage centers: the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana (Cantabria) and the French Way. Starting from Potes, it covers 150 km to Mansilla de las Mulas (León).
Stages of this variant:
Stage 1: St. Vincent of the Harbour to Cades
Stage 2: I couldn't find any information on "Cades a Cicera". Could you provide more context or clarify what it means?
Stage 3: Cicero to Pompey
Stage 4: Potatoes in Spaghetti Sauce
Stage 5: Spider's web around Queen's gate
Elevation Profile of Lebanon Way
Visualize the ups and downs of the route.
Loading elevation profile...
Stages of Lebanon Way
Etapa 1: San Vicente de la Barquera to Cades
Description:
This is the first stage of the Ruta Vadiniense, which connects the North Way with the Lebaniego and French ways. Leaving behind the beautiful maritime scene of San Vicente de la Barquera, the path ent...
Origen: San Vicente de la Barquera
Destino: Cades
Etapa 2: Cades to Cabañes
Description:
This stage of the Lebaniego Way is a mountain day that ventures into the Hermida Gorge, one of the longest ravines in the Peninsula. The route is spectacular, with sections that run along suspended pa...
Etapa 3: Cabañes to Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liébana
Description:
The last stage of the Lebaniego Way is a short and exciting journey that culminates at a holy place. The journey is an enjoyable stroll through Liébana Valley, with the Picos de Europa as the backdrop...
Origen: Cabañes
Featured Towns of Lebanon Way
Explore the key towns and cities of this route.
San Vicente de la Barquera
Maritime villa of excellence and gateway to the Lebaniego Way. Its bridges, castle and Picos de Europa in the background form one of the most beautiful postcards of Cantabria.
More Information
Cades
Small village in the valley of the Nansa, a quiet and rural stop on the Lebaniego Way. Its 18th-century forge is an interesting relic of traditional Cantabrian industry.
More Information
Cabañes
Small village on the Lebaniego Way. Cabañes offers a haven of peace and stunning views of the Eastern Massif of the Picos de Europa, a natural balcony for the pilgrim.
More Information
Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liébana
The Way of St James and one of the five places of Christian pilgrimage. It houses the Holy Cross, the largest piece of Christ's cross. A universal place of pilgrimage.
More InformationMillenary History of the Camino de Santiago: Origins and Evolution Lebanon Way
Discover the origins and evolution of Lebanon Way
The history of the monastery and the path leading to it dates back to the 8th century. During a period of great turmoil caused by the Muslim invasion of the peninsula, the monk Toribio (later Santo Toribio de Astorga) would have brought the valuable relic from Jerusalem to safely place it in the remote and protected mountains of Liébana. This act transformed a modest monastery originally dedicated to Saint Martin of Turin into a center of pilgrimage of first order. The presence of the Lignum Crucis attracted faithful from all over Europe, who deviated from their routes to bow down before such a direct testimony of Christ's Passion.
The importance of Santo Toribio was reaffirmed in 1512 when Pope Julius II granted it the privilege of celebrating the Jubilee Year forever. This jubilee takes place every time the feast day of Santo Toribio (April 16th) coincides on a Sunday. During that year, the "Gate of Forgiveness" of the monastery opens, and pilgrims who cross it can obtain full indulgence. This privilege places Santo Toribio at the same level as the other four major pilgrimage centers in the world: Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, and Caravaca de la Cruz.
The main Lebaniego Way, known as the Cantabrian branch, solidified itself as the most traveled route. Part of the seaside village of San Vicente de la Barquera, a key point on the Camino de la Costa or the North. From there, pilgrims deviated towards the interior, on a 72-kilometer journey that ascends the valleys of the Nansa and Deva rivers. This route is of exceptional beauty, with the imposing Picos de Europa as a constant backdrop. It passes through charming villages like Cades, Cicera, and the capital of the region, Potes, before the final ascent to the monastery.
The purpose of the Lebaniego Way was therefore double. On one hand, it was the destination for "cruceno" pilgrims, devoted to the Lignum Crucis. On the other hand, it acted as a fundamental stage for many Jacobean pilgrims. Those who traveled the Camino del Norte often made this detour as part of their itinerary. After visiting Santo Toribio, they had two options: either return to the coastal route or continue south through the demanding Ruta Vadiniense to link up with the Camino Francés in the Leonesa plateau. The latter option was the most logical for those who wanted to unite both sacred places.
Today, the Lebaniego Way is experiencing continuous renewal, especially during Jubilee Years, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. It offers a deep pilgrimage experience that combines religious devotion, the richness of ethnographic and cultural heritage in Cantabria, and the enjoyment of an absolutely privileged mountain environment.