Posada La Aldea 

On Monday 30th September 2024, I set off to walk from Santillana del Mar to Comillas as part of a few days following the Camino de Santiago. Leaving the town at 8am nothing was open - I had hoped to get a coffee and a bite to eat. After walking a few kilometres I encountered a village, however, unfortunately again nothing was open. Monday, like Sundays in rural Spain, most places are shut. At this point my tummy was starting to rumble and I was feeling a pang of coffee withdrawal. A few more kilometres further on I reached the pleasant village of Orena. Spying the sign for a cafe my spirits lifted, envisaging being served a lovely Spanish coffee and a plate of my favourite pan con tomate. But as I reached the door it was clear that the place was shut. Rather despondent I carried on my way, sighing as I noted on my map that it was a fair distance of a walk to the next village. However, just then I noticed two Pilgrims (walkers of the Camino) leaving a rather fine-looking guest house. On the off chance I decided to go in and see if they might possibly provide me with a coffee even though it was getting rather late in the morning. To my delight, a lady, presumably the owner, said yes - leading me through to a dining room where a few guests were finishing off their breakfasts. Moments later a pot of steaming coffee arrived with warm milk on the side. I can't tell you how welcome a sight this was. ... And next, to my surprise and delight, a wonderful plate of pan con tomate was placed down next to me, plus other breakfast items. Had this lady read my mind, I wondered? - I had only asked for coffee after all. I guessed that I must have looked hungry, and she had taken pity on me. It was definitely the best coffee I had on my trip and the bread so fresh, toasted and with the most delicious tomato, garlic and olive oil accompaniment. On finishing and thanking my host very much, I then proceeded to ask for the bill. My biggest surprise was next... she would not accept any payment from me at all! Despite my best efforts, she simply declined and said that I was very welcome to what I had had. I was so touched by this gesture of hospitality from this wonderful lady I felt rather overcome. This memory of my visit to Posada La Aldea and meeting its delightful owner will stay with me as a very special moment of my trip along the Camino de Santiago. If you are visiting Cantabria and Santillana del Mar (with car or, from there, walking the Camino in the direction of Comillas) then you could not wish for a better place to stay. Posada La Aldea is immaculate. As I was leaving, I was chatting to a guest who had stayed overnight, and they were saying the rooms, food and service were fantastic. Again, thank you so much!