Camino Frances

Day 1: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Roncesvalles

On your first day on the Camino Frances, start on a challenging yet picturesque journey from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, ascending steeply through pastoral landscapes and mountain meadows with stunning views of the Pyrenees, before descending into Roncesvalles, home to the historic Collegiate Church. This route, often starting early for the lengthy trek, traverses the Roncesvalles Pass, where you’ll cross ancient Roman bridges and experience the diverse natural beauty of the Franco-Spanish border region.

Day 2: Roncesvalles – Zubiri

On the second leg of your Camino Frances, venture from Roncesvalles through the Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro passes, weaving through lush beech and oak forests. Your path leads to the medieval ‘Puente de la Rabia’ on the River Arga in Zubiri, with the picturesque backdrop of the Pyrenees.

Day 3: Zubiri – Pamplona

On the third stage of your Camino Frances journey, follow the serene path along the River Arga, weaving through hills dotted with beech, oak, and Scots pine. This segment offers a blend of tranquility and historical depth, featuring stops like the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta, and concludes amidst the lively streets of Pamplona, inviting you to explore its rich culture, from delicious local cuisine to Hemingway’s cherished haunts in Plaza del Castillo.

Day 1: Pamplona – Puente la Reina

Departing from Pamplona, the route leads you towards the Jacobite city of Puente la Reina. En route, a notable climb brings you to the iconic ‘Alto del Perdón’ (Hill of Forgiveness), where a famous pilgrim sculpture and breathtaking panoramic views of the valley await. Your day concludes in the medieval charm of Puente la Reina, with its impressive 11th-century bridge spanning the River Arga.

Day 2: Puente la Reina – Estella

Today’s journey from Puente la Reina to Estella winds through rolling farmlands, with the Camino flanked by olive groves, almond trees, and vineyards. Highlights include the well-preserved Roman road in the hilltop village of Cirauqui and the historic charm of Estella, a town rich in culture and history, once a haven for the Knights Templar.

Day 3: Estella – Los Arcos

As you leave Estella for Los Arcos, a unique detour presents itself at the Irache Monastery, famous for its ‘wine fountain,’ offering both wine and water to pilgrims. Your path then unfolds through the Rioja region of Navarra, a landscape adorned with olive trees, cereal fields, and extensive vineyards, leading to the small yet welcoming town of Los Arcos, where a few cafes and bars provide a quaint setting for rest.

Day 4: Los Arcos – Logroño

Transitioning from Navarra to the renowned La Rioja wine region, your Camino journey leads through rolling countryside, with a striking view of the Clavijo Castle ruins en route. Your destination is Logroño, a vibrant city celebrated for its exquisite tapas scene, particularly in Calle Laurel. The city’s strategic location, rich in history and nestled in the heart of Rioja, offers a delightful mix of culinary delights and cultural experiences.

Day 1: Logroño – Nájera

Leaving Logroño through the historic Puerta del Camino, the trail weaves through vineyard-laden landscapes, leading you to the 12th-century town of Navarrete, founded by the ‘Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.’ In Navarrete, take a moment to admire the Baroque splendor of the Church of ‘La Ascensión’ before continuing to Nájera, a medieval town perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of La Rioja region and a rich history intertwined with the Camino.

Day 2: Nájera – Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Your Camino journey from Nájera meanders through serene country roads, flanked by the majestic Cantabrian and La Demanda mountain ranges, leading to the quaint village of Azofra. This village, devoted to La Rioja’s patron, La Virgen de Valvanera, also serves as a gateway to the revered ‘Monasteries route,’ including the Yuso and Suso monasteries in San Millán de la Cogolla. The day’s walk concludes in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Day 3: Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Belorado

Navigating through woodlands and crop fields, today’s walk from Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado offers views of the Oca Mountains on the horizon. In Belorado, explore the Santa María Church and the quaint main square, and along the route, visit the 16th-century church of San Juan Bautista in Grañón, known for its stunning Altarpiece.

Day 4: Belorado – San Juan de Ortega

The stretch from Belorado to Villafranca Montes de Oca presents a peaceful trail through enchanting oak and pine woodlands, leading into the captivating Oca Mountains. Your day’s ascent rewards you with breathtaking views and a visit to San Juan de Ortega, where the Gothic Mausoleum is a must-see.

Day 5: San Juan de Ortega – Burgos

Your journey from San Juan de Ortega or Atapuerca leads through quaint villages to the historic city of Burgos, renowned for its stunning Gothic cathedral and the Monastery of Las Huelgas. In Burgos, immerse yourself in the city’s charm with a stroll along the river promenade, explore the UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric caves of Atapuerca, and savor the local tapas in the vibrant old town.

Day 1: Burgos – Hornillos del Camino

Departing Burgos, Camino Frances traverses expansive crop fields characteristic of the region, interspersed with small woods of holm oak and conifers, remnants of one of Europe’s largest ancient forests. This sun-drenched stretch, offering minimal shade, leads to Hornillos del Camino, a quintessential Camino village with medieval roots and a population of just 70, nestled in the heart of the rural Meseta landscape.

Day 2: Hornillos del Camino – Castrojeriz

Today’s journey from Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz unfolds through the tranquil expanse of the Meseta, surrounded by vast wheat fields. Notable landmarks along the way include the Convent of San Antón and the 9th-century hilltop castle in Castrojeriz, a town also famous for its Garlic Festival in July. The route ascends to a plateau, then descends into the valley of the River Bol, presenting a pleasant blend of pastoral and agricultural landscapes.

Day 3: Castrojeriz – Frómista

Departing from Castrojeriz, your Camino route ascends to Alto Mosterales, the highest point of the Meseta and the gateway to the Palencia province. Crossing the Pisuerga River, you enter the vast plains of ‘Tierra de Campos’ (Land of Fields), leading to Boadilla with its 14th-century church ‘La Asunción,’ renowned for its Gothic architecture and intricately carved baptismal font. The journey concludes along the Canal de Castilla, guiding you into the historic town of Frómista.

Day 4: Frómista – Carrión de los Condes

From Frómista, the Camino takes a relatively straight path through the open landscape, leading you to Villalcázar de Sirga and its impressive 13th-century church. The journey then continues to Carrión de los Condes, where you’ll encounter an array of historical monuments reflecting the rich heritage of this region influenced by the Camino.

Day 5: Carrión de los Condes – Calzadilla de la Cueza

Your next stage on the Camino Frances aligns with the historical “Via Aquitania,” an ancient Roman road that once connected Bordeaux and Astorga, frequently traveled by French pilgrims. After visiting the remarkable San Zoilo Monastery, this 13km stretch from Carrión de los Condes takes you through isolated countryside, past verdant woods, and over several irrigation channels, following a path steeped in centuries of pilgrimage history.

Day 6: Calzadilla de la Cueza – Sahagún

Leaving Calzadilla de la Cueza, your journey initially takes you uphill and through a series of ‘cuezas’ or small valleys, leading to a somewhat more challenging walk. The path meanders away from the road, winding through peaceful oak woods and then opening out to cereal fields. After crossing the river Valderaduey, you’ll enter the León province and reach Sahagún, where the 12th and 13th-century Church of San Lorenzo, built in the distinctive Mudéjar style, awaits your exploration.

Day 1: Sahagún – El Burgo Ranero

Departing Sahagún, the route leaves the ‘Tierra de Campos’ behind, transitioning through the grain and cereal-covered plateaux of León. It takes you through the charming village of Reliegos and towards El Burgo Ranero. After crossing the bridge over the river Cea and arriving at Calzada del Coto, there’s an option to follow the ‘Vía Traiana,’ an alternative trail leading to Santiago. You’ll take the path through Bercianos del Camino to reach your destination near El Burgo Ranero.

Day 2: El Burgo Ranero – Mansilla de las Mulas

Today’s stage from El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas presents a straightforward walk, predominantly through open landscapes with few villages en route. Along the way, the picturesque Reliegos offers a pleasant interlude. As you approach Mansilla de las Mulas, near León, the path descends gently, bringing you to a town where the two branches of the Camino converge.

Day 3: Mansilla de las Mulas – Leon

As you depart Mansilla de las Mulas and pass irrigated fields, the landscape transitions to signs of industrial activity, signaling your approach to León. From Portillo Hill, enjoy panoramic views of this historic city, renowned for its medieval significance and architectural marvels like the Pulchra Leonina and the Cathedral. León’s rich history, shaped by Romans, Moors, and the Knights Templar, is evident in its preserved old city, including the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro and Roman-medieval Town Walls.

Day 1: Leon – Villar de Mazarife

Exiting León, the path leads through the city to Virgen del Camino, a site revered for a vision of the Virgin in 1506, and continues across the exposed landscape of the Paramo. The path to Villadangos del Paramo, a town with Roman roots and a historic battlefield from 1111, offers a chance to explore its streets and the Parish Church, home to an 18th-century image of the Apostle Santiago. Your day concludes in Villar de Mazarife amidst a backdrop of grain, corn, potato fields, and apple orchards.

Day 2: Villar de Mazarife – Astorga

Camino Frances leads from Mazarife to the enchanting Hospital de Órbigo, where you’ll cross the iconic Puente de Órbigo bridge. Leaving the Plateau of Leon behind, the landscape transitions, with the Leon Mountains emerging on the horizon. This stage culminates in Astorga, the capital of Maragateria, where you can explore notable sites such as the Episcopal Palace, the Cathedral, and the well-preserved city walls, situated at the crossroads of the Spanish Camino and the Roman Silver Road.

Day 3: Astorga – Rabanal de Camino

Ascending from Astorga, the path involves a steady climb to Rabanal del Camino, a journey best started early to avoid the heat. The route takes you through Murias de Rechivaldo and the villages of Santa Catalina de Somoza and El Ganso, leading to a scenic transition into dense oak forests, heather, and conifers as you approach the Montes de Leon. Your climb culminates at Rabanal del Camino at an altitude of 1200 meters deep within the lush Bierzo region.

Day 4: Rabanal de Camino – Ponferrada

Ascending from Rabanal del Camino, this stage is one of the most rewarding, taking you through landscapes adorned with broom and heather up to Mount Irago. A key highlight is the Iron Cross, a symbolic site on the Camino where pilgrims often leave mementos. After visiting the nearby St James chapel, you’ll descend into the lush Bierzo area, passing through the picturesque town of Molinaseca and eventually reaching Ponferrada, where you can explore its historic old town, the impressive 12th-century Templars Castle and indulge in local culinary delights like botillo and Spain’s finest cured meats.

Day 1: Ponferrada – Villafranca del Bierzo

Today you traverse the lush Bierzo region, a fertile area encircled by mountains, ideal for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. In Villafranca del Bierzo, often called ‘little Compostela,’ explore the Iglesia de Santiago and its notable garden and pass through the ‘Forgiveness Gate,’ specially opened during Holy Years. The region’s agreeable climate makes it a perfect spot to sample local delicacies like summer cherries and cured meats.

Day 2: Villafranca del Bierzo – O Cebreiro

Here comes one of the most challenging yet beautiful stages, leading to O Cebreiro at 1300 meters. The route meanders through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, and oaks alongside the narrow valley of the River Valcarce. This stage, positioned between the Os Ancares and Serra do Courel mountain ranges, involves a steep ascent, rewarding you with spectacular views.

Day 3: O Cebreiro – Triacastela

Today’s stage leads through the Sierra de Ranadoiro, culminating at the Alto do Poio, where you’ll find a pilgrim statue and can relish panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This segment includes an initial ascent through pine-covered slopes and a walk through forested areas, including birch forests after Fonfria. Key points along the way include Padornelo, with its convenient fountain, and the village of Biduedo, before the descent into Triacastela.

Day 4: Triacastela – Sarria

Today’s shorter journey from Triacastela presents two options: the scenic ‘San Xil’ Camino, rich in ‘corredoiras’ (narrow forest tracks) and native Galician oak woods, or a route leading to the impressive Samos Monastery, winding through the valley of the River Ouribio. Both paths converge as you head towards Sarria, a town perched on a hilltop with rivers on either side, offering splendid views of the region.

Day 1: Sarria – Portomarín

As you depart from Sarria, you’ll weave through serene oak forests, leading to charming villages like Barbadelo, where a noteworthy Romanesque church invites a visit. Continue through the Lugo Plateau, admiring traditional Galician ‘hórreos’ (granaries) and the scenic blend of cultivated lands, pastures, and woodlands. Your descent into Portomarin reveals the Dam and remnants of the ancient flooded village.

Day 2: Portomarín – Palas de Rei

Your journey from Portomarin begins with a climb from the river Miño, taking you through fragrant broom-covered landscapes. Along the way, visit noteworthy sites like the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the church in Eirexe, adorned with sculptures of Daniel and animals and a statue of Pilgrim Santiago. The route passes through quaint hamlets like Gonzar and Ventas de Narón and crosses the serene Serra de Ligonde. Your day concludes in Palas de Rei, where Emperor Charles V once stayed in 1520.

Day 3: Palas de Rei – Arzúa

As you set off from Palas de Rei, the Camino eases into a more gentle terrain, winding through villages like Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino, and Lebereiro amidst the refreshing scent of eucalyptus trees. Along the route, take the opportunity to stop in Melide, a lively market town renowned for its octopus dishes, a Galician culinary staple. The path crosses the River Seco via the Magdalena Bridge and leads to Furelos, then through forest tracks, picturesque hamlets like Ribadiso, and the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Your destination is Arzúa in La Coruña province, a town celebrated for its local cheese and home to the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.

Day 4: Arzúa – Rua

Your walk from Arzúa is characterized by a peaceful journey through shaded woods, alongside streams, and into tranquil villages. Along this serene path, make sure to visit the chapel of Santa Irene, notable for its unique statue of Santiago. The remainder of your route to Rúa-O Pino unfolds on quiet country roads, a quaint and less crowded stop before reaching Santiago de Compostela.

Day 5: Rua – Santiago de Compostela

On this final day of your Camino journey, the trail to Santiago de Compostela is lined with history, from ancient monuments and chapels to storied bridges. You’ll reach Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally cleansed themselves in the river. The path, bordered by tall eucalyptus trees, leads to Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), offering the first glimpse of Santiago’s cathedral spires. Descending into Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the opportunity to explore its rich architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere. This memorable day culminates in the city, inviting you to celebrate your journey’s end and experience the local dining scene.