El the Camino de Santiago along the Cantabrian coast, known as Camino del Norte, as old as the French Way, was already trodden by the European kings of the Middle Ages. Due to its coastal route, it was the favorite to reach Santiago, especially when the empire of the half moon ruled south of the Cantabrian Mountains.
As the Reconquista progressed and the southern lands regained peace, the Camino del Norte gradually gave way to prominence. For centuries it was barely used by pilgrims, however, it is regaining its status as a relevant route and is beginning to be popular again.
Landscape-wise it is the most spectacular route, combining the sea and the mountains, the Cantabrian cliffs, the best forests of the Cantabrian coast and some of the most beautiful natural parks in the country such as Santoña, Oyambre or the Liencres Dunes.
