The stage, step by step
Leaving Santillana for Arroyo and Oreña
Leave Santillana del Mar through meadows and along tarmac paths. Between km 0.8 and km 3.5 you descend 75 m, and in Oreña you can look out for the Ermita de San Pedro before continuing towards Caborredondo.
Caborredondo and Cóbreces
The route climbs again between Caborredondo and Cóbreces: from km 5.5 to km 7.3 you gain 59 m. Then comes a 68 m descent to km 8.8. Cóbreces is a good place to take a break and decide whether you need to shop or eat before continuing.
Trasierra and Sierra
The route continues through Trasierra and Sierra, with a 76 m descent between km 10.5 and km 13.5. In Trasierra, La Canalona is a useful reference for a stop, but do not count on continuous services throughout this section.
Ruiloba and the entrance to Comillas
The most serious climb begins at km 13.5 and ends at km 14.8, gaining 86 m at an average gradient of 6.9%. After that, the Camino alternates descents and small changes in pace through Ruiloba before the approach to Comillas.
What to see on stage 14
Colegiata de Santa Juliana
The Romanesque collegiate church dominates Santillana del Mar’s historic quarter and is worth visiting before you set off. It is a monumental start to a stage that then runs through villages and meadows.
Iglesia de San Pedro Advíncula
It stands in Cóbreces, within the Abadía Cisterciense Viaceli complex. It is one of the most interesting heritage sites along the middle section.
Palacio de Sobrellano
This 19th-century Neo-Gothic palace welcomes pilgrims to Comillas with architecture very different from the Romanesque collegiate church at the start. Make time to see it when you arrive.
El Capricho de Gaudí
Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist building is one of Comillas’s major attractions. Its presence makes the arrival more than simply the end of a short stage.
Where to sleep in Comillas
This is one of the easier stages on which to find somewhere to sleep wherever tiredness catches up with you. In Santillana del Mar, before setting off, you will find Albergue El Convento, which operates on a donation basis, and the pilgrims’ hostel Jesús Otero. Further on, accommodation appears every few kilometres: Albergue Izzarra in Caborredondo and, above all, Cóbreces, around kilometre 11, the best place to cut the day short because it has several options, including El Pino and the village hostel. Further ahead there is the youth hostel in Ruiloba, while La Magia del Camino and Finca María Luisa appear on the approach to Comillas. Comillas is extremely busy in summer, so book if you want to finish there.
Where to eat and refuel
Santillana del Mar offers plenty of options for breakfast or buying food to take with you: Casa Uzquiza, Bodeguca los Blasones and Terraza El Roblón are specific names to look out for. Choices are more limited until Trasierra, where you can stop at La Canalona. In Comillas there are Los Castaños, as well as bars such as Bar Pergola Beach and Restobar Sí, Querida!; if you do not want to depend on them, buy something before setting off.
Practical tips for this stage
Book if you want Cóbreces or Comillas
There is accommodation along the route, but the options are concentrated in particular villages. If you know where you want to sleep, confirm a bed before starting, especially in Cóbreces.
Take the central climb seriously
The climb between km 13.5 and km 14.8 gains 86 m at an average gradient of 6.9%. Reach it with water and some food, without pushing too hard during the first kilometres.
Do not count on continuous services
Carry water from Santillana and make use of Fuente de la Salud when you pass it. Between the main settlements, services are more widely spaced than they may appear on the map.
Alternate tarmac and rural paths
The terrain mixes rural tracks and tarmac paths through meadows and farmhouses. If it has been raining, you will appreciate footwear with good grip, particularly on the descents.
Frequently asked questions about stage 14
How many kilometres are there between Santillana del Mar and Comillas?
The stage is 22.2 km long, with an average walking time of 4.9 hours. It is shorter than the previous day, although it includes several climbs and descents.
Which is the hardest climb?
The most demanding section is between km 13.5 and km 14.8: an 86 m climb with an average gradient of 6.9%.
Are there services along the way?
Yes, but they are concentrated in Santillana del Mar, Cóbreces, Trasierra and Comillas. Between these points, it is best to carry water and some food.
Where should I sleep if I do not reach Comillas?
Cóbreces is the most practical alternative because it has Albergue El Pino, Viejo Lucas, Albergue de Cóbreces and Albergue de Peregrinos.