Camino Frances Highlights – 15 Days

On this first day, you can view the sights after checking in to your hotel in the centre of town.

This beautiful walled city is the modern-day starting point for the full Camino Frances route. Nestled in the French Pyrenees, the Spanish border is a mere 8km away. Visit the old prison and the popular Gate of St James as you explore the area. Before leaving, take the time to explore the old medieval walls where you can see the original city gates at either end of the Rue de la Citadelle, the town’s main cobbled street. Later, collect your pilgrim’s passport before your first day of walking tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Central Hotel or Maison Simonenia or of a similar standard in Saint Jean Pied de Port

Begin your Camino walk, following in the footsteps of thousands before you. Departing Saint Jean on foot, head over the old bridge and under the statue of St James, patron saint of Spain. Here, a challenging trail begins to climb to the Roncesvalles Pass (1450m), as you follow the old Napoleonic military route. Guided by the scallop shell waymarkers, cross the border into Spanish Basque country, which is truly unique. Unlike the rest of Spain, the region has its own culinary traditions and a very unique language.

Walk: 25km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Roncevalles or Casa Sabina or of a similar standard in Roncevalles or Burguete

Today takes you through amazing mountains, woods and meadows as your feet become more accustomed to the rhythms of the Camino. Depart Roncesvalles along a trail lined with oak and beech trees to arrive in the scenic village of Auritz / Burgette. Enjoy the views here against the majestic backdrop of the Pyrenees. Continue onwards through the village of Aurizberri / Espinal which is a great place to pick up some provisions before heading over the Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro mountain passes. After a steep descent, arrive in the village of Zubiri and its medieval bridge, the Puente de la Rabia (Bridge of Rabies). In olden times, people believed that animals would be cured of rabies if they crossed the bridge three times! This challenging day ends either in the village of Zubiri (22 km) or Akerreta (26.5 km).

Walk: 22km or 26.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palo de Avellano or of a similar standard in Zubiri or Akerreta

Today you head to the lively town of Pamplona, famed for its Running of the Bulls festival. The River Arga guides the way past hills covered in a variety of different trees. As you get closer to Pamplona, the rural landscape slowly disappears, passing some smaller towns along the way. Pamplona is a sight to behold and one of the jewels of the Camino Frances. Check out the cathedral, the Citadel of Pamplona, the Museum of Navarra and other famous sights. Weave your way through a maze of medieval lanes, exquisite architecture and lively bars as you arrive at the 16th-century old town. One of the most popular bars to visit, Café Iruna was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, who spent many years in Pamplona and set his modernist novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’ in the city.

Walk: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alda Centro or Hotel Europa or of a similar standard in Pamplona

After breakfast, you can take a well-earned break as we transfer by private bus to the city of Leon, which will take about 4 hours. Once we have arrived in Leon and checked into accommodation, you will have the whole afternoon and evening to explore this ancient city, which was the capital of the Leon kingdom in the Middle Ages. Some interesting places to visit include the Old Convento de San Marcos and the Cathedral of Leon, also known as Pulchra Leonina, often referred to as the Spanish equivalent of the Sistine Chapel. From the vantage point of Portillo Hill, you will enjoy excellent views across to Leon. The city boasts an outstanding array of restaurants to sample as you explore.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: El rincón del Conde or Hotel Silken Luis de León or of a similar standard in León

A short transfer (45mins) in the morning brings us to the medieval town of Hospital de Orbigo crossing the 200m-long arched bridge of Paso Honroso (“Honourable Crossing”) which dates from the 12th Century. In June each year, the town hosts a colourful festival to commemorate the medieval knight, Don Suero, who famously challenged all comers to joust with him on the Paso Honroso as a display of his affection for his true love. The Camino continues through the small hamlets before a short climb to the larger hilltop town of Astorga, your destination for today. Founded by the Romans in 14BC, the remains of some of the original Roman walls and ruins of Roman villas with beautiful mosaic floors can still be seen. You can also visit Gaudi’s impressive Episcopal Palace, the Astorga Cathedral, and if you have time, the chocolate museum which recreates the ambiance of a chocolate shop in the late 1800s.

Walk: 30km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Gaudí Astorga or Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga or of a similar standard in Astorga

Transfer to Foncebadon. The route climbs towards the high point of Cruz Ferro (iron cross). At just 1500m, take a moment to enjoy the far-reaching views across the Camino. There are many theories as to the origins of the cross, but it is believed to have been erected in the 11th century. Traditionally, pilgrims will leave a small rock with a message on it for loved ones who they have bought from home. From the cross, the route descends into the delightful village of Molinaseca. This is your destination today or continue to Ponferrada.

Walk: 26.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza or Hotel Alda Centro Ponferrada or of a similar standard in Ponferrada

Transfer to Sarria. Begin the day’s walk through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional barns. Descend into Portomarin via the bridge across the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town. In the 1960s Portomarin was moved brick by brick to higher ground, including the imposing structures of the San Nicolas and San Pedro churches.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin or Vistalegre Hotel or of a similar standard in Portomarin

The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, corn fields and across meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages before descending into the town of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend the night.

Walk: 26km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Benilde or Pensión Restaurante Casa Camiño or of a similar standard in Palas de Rei

The walk from Palas de Rei to Melide is a fantastic segment of the Camino for those who appreciate a blend of serene nature and cultural landmarks. As you “sell” this walk, you can highlight its manageable length, which makes it a perfect day’s journey for many pilgrims. The approximately 15 km stretch is a gateway to the heart of Galicia, with its signature verdant landscapes and historic villages. The destination, Melide, is a major highlight. It’s the point where the Camino Francés and the Camino Primitivo converge, creating a lively atmosphere. Melide is renowned throughout the Camino for its pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus), making it a culinary reward for the day’s walk

Walk: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Melide

The walk from Melide to Arzúa on the Camino is a manageable and popular section, often serving as a final leg for many pilgrims. This approximately 15-km stage is well-marked and relatively flat, passing through forests of eucalyptus and oak. You’ll find plenty of services along the way, including cafes and small shops. The path is generally considered a pleasant and straightforward walk, and part of the festival of walking, as we like to call it. This section provides a good warm-up for the final push to Santiago de Compostela.

Walk: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora or Hotel Arzúa, or of a similar standard

The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages, including Cortobe and Fondevila which have seemingly stood still in time since the middle ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km of today’s route follow a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua your destination for today, or continue to O Pedrouzo.

Walk: 17km or 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pino or Pensión Residencial Platas or of a similar standard in Rua or O Pedrouzo

Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to a more urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon before exploring this UNESCO listed city tomorrow.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago or Hotel Costa Vella or of a similar standard in Santiago de Compostela

A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which was thought to be the end of the world in Roman times. After another 4 or 5 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago or Hotel Costa Vella or of a similar standard in Santiago de Compostela

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.

Meals: Breakfast