Stage of the Camino
St. Vincent of the Harbour to Cades
From San Vicente de la Barquera To Cades
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Destination
Distance
23.70 km
Duration
5.93 h
Difficulty
Media
Ascent
60 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage 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 enters into the interior of Cantabria. The route follows the valley of the Nansa river, in a landscape of green meadows, forests and small villages. It is a moderately difficult day, with an undulating profile, that immerses the pilgrim in the most rural and authentic Cantabria.
The Vadiniense Route starts in the stunning coastal village of San Vicente de la Barquera, linking the Camino del Norte with the heart of the Picos de Europa. This first day leaves the coast to venture into the interior valleys of Cantabria.
The route follows for the most part along the course of the Nansa River, one of the best preserved in the region. The landscape is of extraordinary beauty, a mosaic of green meadows, oak and beech forests, and small traditional villages. The profile of the stage is undulating, a continuous rise and fall that, without being extreme, requires constant effort.
The route passes through localities such as Hortigal and enjoys magnificent views of the valley. It's an episode to enjoy nature in its purest form and the tranquility of a very little-traveled route. The feeling of walking on an old and authentic path is very intense.
The final day ends in the small village of Cades. Here stands out an ancient ironworks from the 18th century, now converted into a museum, which shows the importance of iron industry in this area. Cades, with its rural atmosphere and idyllic surroundings, is the perfect place for a restorative break before continuing on the route to Liébana.
The route follows for the most part along the course of the Nansa River, one of the best preserved in the region. The landscape is of extraordinary beauty, a mosaic of green meadows, oak and beech forests, and small traditional villages. The profile of the stage is undulating, a continuous rise and fall that, without being extreme, requires constant effort.
The route passes through localities such as Hortigal and enjoys magnificent views of the valley. It's an episode to enjoy nature in its purest form and the tranquility of a very little-traveled route. The feeling of walking on an old and authentic path is very intense.
The final day ends in the small village of Cades. Here stands out an ancient ironworks from the 18th century, now converted into a museum, which shows the importance of iron industry in this area. Cades, with its rural atmosphere and idyllic surroundings, is the perfect place for a restorative break before continuing on the route to Liébana.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in San Vicente de la Barquera o Cades.
Casa Cordancas Cicera
La Valuisilla - Hotel Rural
Surf House Sanvi - Albergue
Posada Punta Liñera
Albergue el Cárabo
El Tombo de Santa Catalina
Hospedaje El Somante
Hotel Valle de Arco
Pensión liebana
Posada El Balcón
Hotel Spa Verdemar
Posada La Vieja Escuela
Posada Rural Los Táranos
Nómada Hostel
Hotel Boga-Boga
Pension Oyambre
Hotel Azul De Galimar
Hospedería Las Calzadas
Hotel Faro de San Vicente
Pensión Arenal
Hotel Noray
Accommodations El Paramo
Hotel Casona del Nansa
Posada la escuela (Bed&Breakfast)
House Migegos
Hotel Cantón
Rolar360, S.L.
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Cades a Cabañes
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