Camino Frances Stage 2: Logrono to Burgos – 7 Days

Arrive in the world-famous Rioja wine region and the renowned wine-producing town of Logroño.  Logrono is a popular and busy place for tourists and locals of Spain who come here to celebrate weddings, birthdays and other events. The party vibe is amazing, but the town also has some great historical sights such as the Cathedral, a number of churches and the architecture of San Juan Street with its famous pintxo bars.  Logrono is also surrounded by beautiful vineyards of La Rioja, the wine country of Spain so it is well worth adding an extra day for exploration.

Accommodation: Logrono
Nestled in the heart of the old town, this hotel is located on the Camino route and has combined style and comfort for you in Logroño. The main ‘Calle Laurel’ is only a minute’s walk away where there is an abundance of tapas bars and plenty of opportunities to sample many of the locally produced Rioja wines.

Despite the long distance, today is a relatively easy walk. Depart Logroño through the ‘Puerta del Camino’ and head out through vineyards and crop fields. First is an easy walk to Navarette, a historically significant town built by the “Knights of the Holy Sepulchre”.  The first significant stop today is the 12th-century town of Navarrete which is said to have been built by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The old plaza is a great spot to rest the feet for lunch and before leaving the town, visit the church of Ascension, built in the 1500’s. The walk onward to Nájera is mostly downhill. Built on the banks of the river Najerilla, its Arabic name means between rocks and was the base for several of the Navarran Kings during medieval times.

Walk: 29km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nájera
A delightful 17th century property overlooking the nearby Najerilla River. Each room has its own en-suite with fresh, vibrant decor. From the hotel, stroll out into the old town and soak up the atmosphere of the historic old quarter.

The day begins by walking out onto country lanes and over rolling farmland to the village of Azofra, the site of a pilgrim’s hostel built in 1168. On the edge of the town, you will find a botanical garden dedicated to the patron saint of La Rioja. The Camino continues into the glorious medieval centre of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. The town was originally founded by a young shepherd whom despite being denied entry into the San Millan de la Cogolla monastery, set up his own hermitage in the woods and was later ordained a priest for ridding Los Arcos from a plague of locusts. Today, the town has a variety of bars, shops and a luxury Parador hotel, formerly a pilgrims’ hospital.

Walk: 22km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Santo Domingo de la Calzada
A 19th-century building converted farm property. Not far from the Camino route, the hostal is simple but rated highly by walkers that stay here. If you don’t want to venture far, you can dine at the hostal restaurant and relax in the bar afterwards before retiring to your en-suite room.

You start the day with a scenic route through woods and fields with occasional bubbling brooks before approaching the majestic Oca Mountains. You travel towards the mountain range en route to Belorado, a relaxing town with some lovely sights. The altarpiece of San Juan Bautista, a 16th-century church, is a must-see. As you pass through the villages today, glimpses of the Oca Mountains will come into view, which during the middle ages were feared owing to a high number of bandits that hid in the nearby woodland. On arrival into Belorado, head to the Plaza Mayor and enjoy a cool cerveza from one of the many pavement café bars.

Walk: 24km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Belorado
Built in 1850, the hotel was acquired by the Uzquiza brothers. A lively atmosphere, the hotel interior has preserved the original stone walls and wooden beams whilst the rooms have been renovated with modern furnishings, all with their own bathroom.

Walking out of Belorado, you will pass the Santa Clara Convent, built on the site of a hermitage that the Moors destroyed. A varied trail of forest and countryside heads to the village of Villafranca Montes de Oca, which several hundred years ago had up to nine temples and shrines and two hospitals. Climbing out of Villafranca ascend to a panoramic vantage point at Alto de Valbuena and descend into San Juan de Ortega. Arriving in St Juan de Ortega, you will have the chance to visit the historical Gothic Mausoleum before resting for the day.

Walk: 24km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: San Juan de Ortega
Next door to the sanctuary and monastery of San Juan de Ortega, La Henera has a privileged position in this serene rural location. This popular rustic property has 10 en-suite rooms and has an extensive garden, complete with original water well, where you can read and soak up the warmth of the evening sun.

On this day 13 of the Camino, you will briefly travel further through the mountains before descending into the valley of the Pico River. This will be your final view of untouched nature for a little while as you then head closer to the built-up town of Burgos, where this leg of the journey ends.  It is a pleasant and easygoing day to reach your overnight stay of Burgos. En route, stop at the village of Atapuerca home to a series of UNESCO listed pre-historic caves where evidence of the earliest hominins in Western Europe have been discovered. Climbing out of Atapuerca, continue across open heathland and descend into the city of Burgos where you will spend two nights enjoying a rest day tomorrow.

Walk: 28km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Burgos
In the heart of the historical quarter, the hotel is less than a couple of minutes walk from the grand cathedral, overlooking the pedestrian Plaza de Alonso Martinez. Hop between cafes and wine bars, sampling the best local specialities and enjoy being part of the lively theatre found in tapas bars.

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of Burgos, including visiting the stunning cathedral before heading off on your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast