Full Camino Frances: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago

Day 1: Arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Your journey starts in the ancient town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the French Pyrenees, the starting point of the iconic Camino Frances.

• Accommodation: Hotel Ramuntcho or similar in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Day 2: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles | 25km

This is one of the most challenging but beautiful parts of the route, especially if you take the Napoleon Route over Roncesvalles Pass. This starts with a steep climb past some houses after which the trail opens out to mountain meadows and some spectacular mountain views. An alternative route is available along the valley for those who prefer to have less of an ascent.

• Walking for the day: 25km, 7h
• Accommodation: La Posada de Roncesvalles or similar in Roncesvalles

Day 3: Roncesvalles to Zubiri | 21km

From Roncesvalles, continue through beech and oak woods en route to Espinal. You also cross two mountain passes, Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro, followed by a descent towards Zubiri village, with a medieval bridge, Puente de la Rabia, over the River Arga.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5-6h
• Accommodation: Pension Amets or similar in Zubiri

Day 4: Zubiri to Pamplona | 21km

Continue downhill, then over some gentle hills, leaving the mountain path behind. Walk through the ancient pilgrim village of Larrasoaña, and then cross the River Arga several times until you come to Pamplona, where you spend the night. We recommend taking time to visit its medieval walls and various ancient places of worship.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5-6h
• Accommodation: Hotel Ciudadela or similar in Pamplona

Day 5: Pamplona to Puente la Reina | 24km

From Pamplona, the camino takes pilgrims towards Alto del Perdón (Hill of Forgiveness) Pass, with its much photographed pilgrim sculpture and great views. The descent is a bit more rugged, quite rocky and can be slippery. Your day comes to a close in Puente la Reina, a pretty medieval spot with an impressive 11th-century bridge with five arches over the River Arga. Other landmarks include the 14th-century Church of San Pedro and Comendadoras de Sancti Spiritus Monastery.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 6h
• Accommodation: Hotel Jakue or similar in Puente la Reina

Day 6: Puente la Reina to Estella | 22km

Today’s journey is across gently rolling farmland through small towns and villages nestled among olive groves and vineyards. Estella is your finish point for the day, an elegant town at the foot of Montejurra, on the banks of the River Ega. If your route times with a Thursday arrival here, there is a lovely market in Plaza de los Fueros.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 5h
• Accommodation: Alda Estella or similar in Estella

Day 7: Estella to Los Arcos | 21km

Leaving Estella, you pass Bodegas Irache Wine Museum with its free wine fountain of the local Rioja. The rest of the day is along quiet trails through more olive groves and vineyards, and all round pastoral perfection. Between Villamayor de Monjardín and Los Arcos, you cover approximately 12km without passing through a single village. There is also little shade on this section, so be sure to be covered and have plenty of water. In the height of summer, we recommend starting early to avoid the heat.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h
• Accommodation: Pension Los Arcos or similar in Los Arcos

Day 8: Los Arcos to Logroño | 28km

This stage has a comfortable start on a rural trail through olive and almond groves as well as the now ubiquitous vineyards, especially because you are now entering the official Rioja Wine Region. The middle part of the stage is a bit more strenuous but the last section, after you reach the ruins of Clavijo Castle, is easier, all the way to Logroño. Take time in the evening to stroll along Calle Laurel and seek out some good local food and wine.

• Walking for the day: 28km, 7-8h
• Accommodation: Hotel Ciudad de Logroño or similar in Logroño

Day 9: Logroño to Nájera | 29km

From Logroño, you can expect a long day, but it is not too challenging. Leave the town by the old pilgrims’ gate, Puerta del Camino, following a trail to the Rioja vineyards. Your first stop is Navarrete, a 12th-century town built by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. Your day comes to a close in Nájera, another medieval town with a strong historical link to the camino, with great panoramic views of the whole region.

• Walking for the day: 29km, 7-8h
• Accommodation: Pension San Lorenzo or similar in Nájera

Day 10: Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada | 21km

After your night in Nájera, your camino takes you along some quiet country roads, with the Sierra de la Demanda to the south. You come to Azofra village, dedicated to the patron saint of La Rioja: La Virgen de Valvanera. Azofra. This is also the starting point for the Monasteries Route, off the main Camino de Santiago. However, it is worth doing if you have additional days, particularly the Yuso and Suso Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Spanish language. You finally arrive in another beautiful town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada,

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h
• Accommodation: Hostal El Molino de Floren or similar in Santo Domingo

Day 11: Santo Domingo to Belorado | 22km

From Santo Domingo de la Calzada, start off walking through woodland and farmland, and then you follow a trail that runs parallel to busy main roads. As you get closer to Belorado, you catch a glimpse of the Oca Mountains, the last mountain range before the Meseta, or Central Plateau. Spend the night in the village of Belorado, where we recommend visiting Santa María Church, home to some famous images of St. James.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 5h
• Accommodation: Pensión Toñi or similar in Belorado

Day 12: Belorado to Villafranca Montes de Oca | 12km

The first part of this stage is along peaceful trails, weaving their way through fragrant oak and pine woodlands to Montes de Oca.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 3h
• Accommodation: Hotel San Antón Abad in Villafranca Montes de Oca

Day 13: Villafranca Montes de Oca to Atapuerca | 18km

The Sierra de Atapuerca offers good views of the area, as you continue through the hamlet of San Juan de Ortega. This is a Spanish Gothic jewel where you can visit its famous mausoleum before continuing to Atapuerca, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric caves where fossils and stone tools have been found.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 5h
• Accommodation: Hotel Rural Papasol or similar in Atapuerca

Day 14: Atapuerca to Burgos | 20km

After your night in Atapuerca, follow the camino to the town of Burgos. We recommend that you enter the city via the river path rather than the industrial area. Take some time to explore Burgos, its historic centre, Gothic cathedral, riverfront and an array of tapas restaurants.

• Walking for the day: 20km, 5h
• Accommodation: Hotel Centro Los Braseros or similar in Burgos

Day 15: Burgos to Hornillos del Camino | 21km

Walk along quiet tracks through holm oak and conifer woodland, as well as plenty of open farmland to Hornillos del Camino. In general, there is little shade along this stretch of the Camino de Santiago, so make sure you take enough water with you, as well as hat and sun cream. Hornillos del Camino, with only 70 inhabitants, is a classic medieval camino village.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h
• Accommodation: La Casa del Abuelo Hornillos or similar in Hornillos

Day 16: Hornillos to Castrojeriz | 20km

After leaving Hornillos, the camino gradually climbs up to a plateau before descending to River Bol valley and the pretty town of Castrojeriz. In Castrojeriz, we recommend visiting the 9th-century hilltop castle, and the Santa María del Manzano Collegiate Church and its museum of sacred art.

• Walking for the day: 20km, 5h
• Accommodation: Hotel La Posada de Castrojeriz or similar in Castrojeriz

Day 17: Castrojeriz to Frómista | 25km

After Castrojeriz, the camino leaves the plains of the Burgos region and reaches the highest point of the Meseta: Alto Mosterales – the biggest challenge of this stage, but offering great views of the entire plateau. After crossing the River Pisuerga, you enter the province of Palencia and the vast plains of Tierra de Campos, which translates as the Land of Fields. Take a break to visit the 14th-century La Asunción church in Boadilla, famous for its Gothic architecture and gorgeous baptismal font. Approaching Frómista, walk along a stretch of the 18th-century Canal de Castilla. We also recommend visiting the beautiful 11th-century Church of St Martin in Frómista, where you spend the night.

• Walking for the day: 25km, 6h
• Accommodation: Hotel San Martin or similar in Frómista

Day 18: Frómista to Carrión de Los Condes | 19km

Today you can either follow a track parallel to the road, or take an alternative, more scenic route at Población de Campos, via Villovieco, along the peaceful banks of the River Ucieza. Rejoin the camino at Villalcázar de Sirga, where the camino monument of Mesonero is worth a visit, as is the church of Santa María La Blanca. Your day comes to a close in Carrión de los Condes.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5h
• Accommodation: Hostal Plaza Mayor or similar in Carrión de los Condes

Day 19: Carrión to Calzadilla de la Cueza | 17km

After your night in Carrión de Los Condes, we recommend visiting the impressive San Zoilo Monastery. Then, for 13km, the camino follows a trail along the old Roman road, Via Aquitania. Via Aquitania was created to link Bordeaux and Astorga and was frequently used by French pilgrims on their way to Santiago.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 4h
• Accommodation: Hotel Camino Real or similar in Calzadilla de la Cueza

Day 20: Calzadilla to Sahagún | 22km

After you leave Calzadilla de la Cueza, there’s a short climb of about 2km. The camino today is full of cuezas or little valleys, so parts of the walk may be slightly tougher than previous days. The camino route moves away from the road and continues through oak woodland before coming out to open farmland. Cross the River Valderaduey into the province of León and head to Sahagún, where the churches of San Lorenzo and San Tirso are worth a visit.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 5-6h
• Accommodation: Hostal Domus Viatoris or similar in Sahagún

Day 21: Sahagún to El Burgo Ranero | 18km

From Sahagún, walk through rural terrain to the plateau of León, passing the pretty village of Reliegos on your way, and then on to El Burgo Ranero. On this section you also have the opportunity to take the Vía Traiana, another trail to Santiago, starting in Bordeaux.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 4h
• Accommodation: Hotel Rural Piedras Blancas or similar in El Burgo Ranero

Day 22: El Burgo to Mansilla de las Mulas | 19km

An easy walk awaits you today on flat trails through a forest, then through the village of Reliegos before descending slowly into the town of Mansilla de las Mulas, where you can relax on the banks of the River Esla.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 4-5h
• Accommodation: La Casa de Los Soportales or similar in Mansilla de las Mulas

Day 23: Mansilla to León | 19km

The route today runs near roads with more traffic than in the previous stages. Walk past some farmland until you see the first signs of urban life as you approach the city of León. From Portillo Hill you get great views of the historic city. When you arrive, we recommend visiting the cathedral, Gaudí’s Casa Botines and the Hospital de San Marcos. A walk through the Old Town and a stop in Barrio l Humedo are also highly recommended.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 4-5h
• Accommodation: Hotel Rincón del Conde or similar in León

Day 24: León to Olcina de la Valdoncina | 11km

You leave the city of León along a practically flat and pastoral section of the camino, taking you through the towns of San Miguel or Fresno.

• Walking for the day: 11km, 3h
• Accommodation: in Olcina de la Valdoncina

Day 25: Olcina de la Valdoncina to Hospital de Órbigo | 24km

Today’s walk is a flat one across the Castilian Plateau, but it is a long one, so pretty tiring all the same.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 6h
• Accommodation: in Hospital de Órbigo

Day 26: Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga | 17km

Today’s walk starts to become more mountainous again as you head towards the Roman city of Astorga, the capital of the Maragatería region and the place where the Camino Frances and Vía de la Plata meet.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 4h
• Accommodation: Hotel Gaudí or similar in Astorga

Day 27: Astorga to Rabanal del Camino | 26km

From Astorga, you gradually make your way up towards the León Mountains and the lush El Bierzo region, taking paths lined with broom, heather and oak trees.

• Walking for the day: 26km, 6h
• Accommodation: Posada El Tecin or similar in Rabanal del Camino

Day 28: Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo de San Miguel | 17km

The highlight of today’s walk is the ascent to Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) on Mount Irago, the highest point of the Camino Frances, at 1,500m, where many pilgrims place a memento and visit St James’ Chapel.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 4h
• Accommodation: in El Acebo de San Miguel

Day 29: El Acebo de San Miguel to Ponferrada | 16km

You are in the heart of the Bierzo region now, well known for its gastronomy and wine. Walk to Ponferrada, the capital of the region and a place of enormous Jacobean tradition, where we recommend visiting the Castle of the Templars.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 4h
• Accommodation: Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza or similar in Ponferrada

Day 30: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo | 24km

Continue along quiet trails through fields and vineyards to Villafranca, also known as Little Compostela, where we recommend visiting the gardens of Iglesia de Santiago. The church has a Forgiveness Gate, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 6h
• Accommodation: Hotel Posada Plaza Mayor or similar in Villafranca del Bierzo

Day 31: Villafranca del Bierzo to Vega de Valcarce | 16km

It’s a pretty flat stage today following the old N-VI national road and Valcarce River for a final 2km stretch.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 4h
• Accommodation: Hostal El Recanto or similar in Vega de Valcarce

Day 32: Vega de Valcarce to O Cebreiro | 12km

Today you embark on what many believe to be the most beautiful stage on Camino, and possibly the most exciting, trekking up to O Cebreiro, gateway to Galicia, and quite an ascent, with a difference in altitude of 700m up La Faba hill. However, your arrival in the traditional mountain village of O Cebreiro and the surrounding O Courel and Os Ancares mountains makes it all worthwhile.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 3h
• Accommodation: Casa Pazos or similar in O Cebreiro

Day 33: O Cebreiro to Triacastela | 21km

Walk through the Serra de Ranadoiro to Alto do Poio (1,337m), home to a famous pilgrim statue with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From the Alto, start your descent into the village of Triacastela.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h
• Accommodation: Complexo Xacobeo or similar in Triacastela

Day 34: Triacastela to Sarria | 18km

Today’s stage is a short one, heading through native Galician oak woods, then across the San Xil Valley, one of the most beautiful in Galicia, to the town of Sarria. This is another important town on the camino, and we recommend visiting the churches of Santa Mariña and El Salvador or strolling around some of its charming antique shops.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 4h
• Accommodation: DP Cristal or similar in Sarria

Day 35: Sarria to Portomarín | 22km

Start your day by walking past Sarria Castle, then continue along flat country roads through various pretty hamlets, with one particular stop recommended in Barbadelo to visit its Romanesque church. Your day comes to a close in Portomarín on the Rio Miño, famous for having been moved brick by brick to build the Belesar reservoir.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 5-6h
• Accommodation: Casa do Maestro or similar in Portomarín

Day 36: Portomarín to Palas de Rei | 25km

Cross the Rio Miño and start a steady climb upwards to reach Gonzar and then Castromaior, where the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria is situated. Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees to reach the high point of today’s walk at Sierra de Ligonde (750m), then descend to the old hamlet of Ligonde.

• Walking for the day: 25km, 5-6h
• Accommodation: Casa Avelina or similar in Palas de Rei

Day 37: Palas de Rei to Melide | 15km

Head towards Campo dos Romeiros, an important meeting point for pilgrims, then on to Leboreiro, a pleasant forest hike to finally cross a medieval bridge over the River Melide into the city after which it is named. Melide is where the Camino Primitivo merges with the Camino Frances.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 3-4h
• Accommodation: Pensión San Antón or similar in Melide

Day 38: Melide to Arzúa | 14km

Walk through through oak and eucalyptus forests on a day that is mostly shady, the camino also crossing several streams as far as the village of Boente and the Church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and, finally, the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese. We recommend visiting the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 3h
• Accommodation: Pension Domus Gallery or similar in Arzúa

Day 39: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo/Amenal | 19km/22km

Pick up some local cheese for lunch in Arzúa, and then continue through the old quarter of the town, past some sturdy oak trees, which give way to meadows. After visiting the medieval shrine at Santa Irene and the Baroque fountain of healing waters, your day comes to a close in either O Pedrouzo or Amenal.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 4-5h (22km if you overnight in Amenal)
• Accommodation: a country hotel in O Pedrouzo, Rua, Amenal or nearby (O Acivro, Hotel Bello, Hotel Amenal or similar)

Day 40: O Pedrouzo/Amenal to Santiago de Compostela | 19km/16km

At last, you have come to your final stage of the Camino Frances, starting off your way walking through tranquil rural terrain and eucalyptus groves. At Monte del Gozo, pilgrims historically make one last stop at the spring in Lavacolla to wash their face and feet. Enter the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and celebrate the end of your journey along with many other pilgrims and adventurers at the Cathedral.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5h (16km if overnight in Amenal)
• Accommodation: Alameda Rooms, Lux Santiago or a similar in Santiago de Compostela

Day 41: Departure

Arrange extra nights in Santiago or enjoy breakfast and then make your way to Santiago Airport or train station.