Laredo

Laredo is one of the four historic maritime villages on the coast of Cantabria and a fundamental stop on the Camino del Norte. The locality offers pilgrims an attractive dual aspect: on one hand, its impressive La Salvé beach, a four-kilometer-long sandy shore ideal for rest and a refreshing dip in the Cantabrian Sea; on the other, its Puebla Vieja, the old town, declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble, which preserves its medieval layout and the imposing Gothic church of Santa María de la Asunción. For walkers, Laredo is an important service center, with a lively social life and excellent gastronomy based on fresh fish, especially its famous bonito. The Jacobean route crosses the village, allowing pilgrims to enjoy both its tourist and beachy aspects as well as its deep historical heritage. It's an ideal stage that combines perfectly the effort of pilgrimage with the pleasure of a summer resort environment, a place perfect for recharging forces and enjoying Cantabrian hospitality before continuing on to Santiago.