The Northern Way is said to be tough. Demanding and challenging. What pilgrims sometimes forget to mention, however, is the beauty of the landscapes they pass through, the villages that welcome them and the cities where they are fortunate enough to stop and rest. And yes, of all those places, Santander is certainly worth taking the time to experience. This guide answers all your questions about staying in the city:

Whether Santander is the starting point of your pilgrimage or you have already completed one or more stages, getting proper rest on the Way of Saint James is non-negotiable. It will help your legs and back recover and give you the energy you need for the kilometres ahead. That is why you should book your stay in Santander at El Balcón de la Bahía Suites by Sercotel.

You will have a room all to yourself, with a bed you will struggle to get out of, and you will appreciate just how soft the towels are when you step out of a hot shower. If you visit us in summer, you will love soothing your tired legs in our outdoor swimming pool. If you come at any other time of year, you should know that the bay is just a 10-minute walk away. If you have booked a room with sea views, you will already have admired it from your window. Do not be put off by the temperature of the Cantabrian Sea: you do not have to go for a swim—simply dipping your feet in will be enough to feel its invigorating effects.

If rest is essential, eating well (very well) is just as important if you want to keep your strength up. The good news is that this will not be a problem in Santander. Cantabrian cuisine offers plenty to choose from: rabas (battered squid), cheeses from La Tierruca, Santoña anchovies, cocido montañés, sorropotún (a stew made with bonito tuna), as well as sobaos and quesadas for something sweet.

For somewhere you can rarely go wrong, head to the Cañadío-Puertochico area. Whether you are looking for a bar where you can enjoy a cold draught beer and a tapa at the counter, or a restaurant where you can sit down to a hearty feast, its streets have something for every taste and budget.

You may be thinking that all you want to do is rest before tomorrow’s stage. And you would have a point, but the magic of the Way lies in what you learn from the places you pass through. The good thing about Santander is that it is so easy to explore that, on a short walk, you can stop by the Botín Centre to explore its exhibitions. From there, you can follow the seafront promenade to La Magdalena Palace and, from the peninsula on which it stands, continue on to the beaches of El Sardinero to feel the sand beneath your feet.

Going on a pilgrimage means covering kilometres, but it also means immersing yourself in the places and getting to know the people you encounter along the Way. Santander has so much to offer that one day will leave you wanting more. So, if you decide to embrace slow travel and listen to that little voice telling you to stay in the city for a few more days—Santiago is not going anywhere, after all—you may fancy taking the boat across Santander Bay to El Puntal Beach, beside the protected natural landscape formed by the El Puntal Dunes and the Miera Estuary. Bear in mind that the service is seasonal and timetables may vary, so it is advisable to check them in advance. When the weather is on your side, the contrast between the crystal-clear waters and white sand is always a sight to behold.

And before you leave, be sure to stop by Mataleñas Park to admire the dramatic way the cliffs plunge into the Cantabrian Sea. Buen Camino!