The stage, step by step
Laredo and the boat crossing
You leave Laredo with all services nearby and pass along Playa de Salvé. The first practical decision is taking the boat from Puntal de Laredo to Santoña; check the timetable and allow extra time if you are travelling early or outside the main season.
Santoña and Playa de Berria
After the crossing, you enter Santoña, where you can replenish water and food before continuing. The stage heads towards Playa de Berria and then Noja; the profile includes a climb between km 7.5 and km 10.1, followed by a more pronounced descent between km 10.1 and km 10.8.
Noja and Bareyo
The Camino continues through Noja and approaches Bareyo, with Playa de Helgueras-Trengadín as another route landmark. There is a gentle climb between km 16.8 and km 19.8; the terrain does not become severe, but the distance starts to tell.
The final effort to Güemes
Between km 22.4 and km 24.5, you tackle the main climb, gaining 112 m at an average gradient of 5.3%. You then descend to km 27.2 and link up with the final approach to Güemes; the last climb is gentler, between km 27.2 and km 29.5.
What to see on stage 11
Playa de Salvé
This is Laredo’s long beach, which accompanies the beginning of the day. The route starts beside this open stretch before heading towards the boat at Puntal.
Crossing from Puntal to Santoña
The boat crossing is one of the defining features of this stage. The boat runs from Puntal de Laredo to Santoña, avoiding a road detour at the very start.
Playa de Berria
It appears after Santoña and forms part of the day’s succession of long beaches. This is an exposed section, so protect yourself if it is windy.
Iglesia de Santa María de Bareyo
This Romanesque church dates from the 12th or 13th century and is one of the most interesting heritage sites before Güemes. It provides a cultural pause in a stage strongly defined by the coast.
Puente medieval de Solorga
The medieval bridge gives access to Bareyo. It is a small but distinctive feature that helps you recognise the passage through this village before the final section.
Where to sleep in Güemes
Laredo has three options close together at the start — Casa de la Trinidad, Albergue Casa Loopez and Albergue Bajamar — while in Santoña, beyond kilometre 6, you will find Albergue La Bilbaina and the municipal hostel, the obvious choice if you decide to split the stage in two. After that, the route becomes long and lonely: there is one isolated hostel around halfway and little else. The destination is La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto in Güemes, one of the best-known places to stay on the entire Norte route and the reason many people tackle almost twenty-nine kilometres in one go. Precisely for that reason, book ahead.
Where to eat and refuel
Laredo offers an easy start, with Mesón La Abadía, Restaurante Cantabria, Cafetería Berna and Cafetería Salvé, as well as supermarkets such as Eroski, Lupa and BM. In Santoña, you can stock up at Mercado de Abastos, Dia or BM and stop at Portus Victoriae or La Canuta. Afterwards, options become more scattered, so carry something for the section towards Noja, Bareyo and Güemes.
Practical tips for this stage
Check the boat before setting off
The crossing between Laredo and Santoña usually costs around 2-3 euros and takes place on a small boat. If the water level is low, you may need to wait until a group has formed; do not cut things too fine.
Do not underestimate the distance
It is 28.7 km and the average walking time is 6.4 hours. Although the elevations are low, the succession of beaches, towns and small climbs eventually takes its toll on your legs.
Do your shopping in Santoña
Santoña is the best place to restock before continuing towards Noja and Bareyo. After that, services are more spread out and the final section includes a 112 m climb.
Book in Güemes
If you plan to finish in Güemes, try to secure a place at Albergue La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto before setting off. Arriving without a reservation after 28.7 km leaves little room for manoeuvre.
Frequently asked questions about stage 11
How long is the Laredo-Güemes stage?
The stage is 28.7 km and takes an average of 6.4 hours. The terrain is hilly, with 298 m of ascent and 251 m of descent.
How do you cross from Laredo to Santoña?
You take a short boat crossing between Puntal de Laredo and Santoña. It costs around two or three euros.
Where is the toughest climb?
The main climb is between km 22.4 and km 24.5. It gains 112 m with an average gradient of 5.3%, close to the end of the stage.
Where is the best place to buy food?
Laredo has supermarkets such as Eroski, Lupa and BM, while Santoña offers Eroski, Dia, Mercado de Abastos and BM. It is best to shop before leaving Santoña.