CN09 - Pobeña - Castro Urdiales - 25 Km

Stage of the Camino de Santiago: From Pobeña to Castro Urdiales

Leaving Pobeña and heading to Cobaron
We begin the Camino de Santiago stage in Pobeña, heading towards Cobaron. Instead of following the road, we opt for a more scenic route along the coast. This detour takes us inland, where we follow the railway track. We continue our journey passing under the highway viaduct, and further ahead, we arrive at the town of Ontón.

From Ontón to Santullán: A Picturesque Path
From Ontón, we follow the route towards Baltezana, where we begin a climb to the Helguera Hill, a significant elevation that culminates in a descent towards Otañes. We leave this village and pass by the old train station, moving parallel to the tracks. Finally, we arrive in Santullán, where we can take a break to visit its church.

Onwards to Sámano and Castro Urdiales
From Santullán, we follow a path that takes us through an oak forest and crosses a small stream, heading towards Sámano, where we visit the Church of San Nicolás. We continue along the railway track until we reach Castro Urdiales, our next destination.

Castro Urdiales: A Coastal Town with History
Castro Urdiales is an ancient fishing village known for its beautiful buildings and promenades, inviting rest and relaxation. It is one of the most iconic towns on the Camino de Santiago and boasts several landmarks of great historical interest.

Church of Santa María
This Gothic monument, built in the 13th century, is one of the main attractions of the town. The church has a basilica layout, accessed by a staircase flanked by two towers. Its interior features three naves, with the central one being the tallest. The apse is surrounded by an ambulatory with three radial chapels.

The Castle-Lighthouse
Located next to the church, the castle-lighthouse is one of the few remaining castles in Cantabria. Built with masonry, it is believed that its structure is similar to that of the church. With a pentagonal shape and strong angular towers, the castle was a key defensive point for the town.

Medieval Bridge and Ermita de Santa Ana
The medieval bridge, alongside the Ermita de Santa Ana, is part of the monumental ensemble of Castro Urdiales. This bridge dates back to a time before the construction of the breakwater and features interesting details, such as a stone block with inscriptions. The hermitage, with a rectangular layout, opens to the outside through a lintelled portico supported by square-section pillars.

Castro Urdiales Town Hall
The town hall, built in the 16th century, has undergone various modifications over the centuries. It is a masonry building with a prominent continuous balcony and a clock tower, dating back to the 19th century.