Camino Frances: The Full Route – 36 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 (21 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

A shorter day today as 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

Today you depart Pamplona and continue your walk through the Basque region of Navarre. On reaching the summit of the Alto del Perdon (Hill of Forgiveness), you’ll arrive at one of the most scenic and much-photographed spots on the Camino Frances. There is an extensive sculpture of pilgrims and their animals here that stretches across the summit of the pass. Enjoy panoramic views back to Pamplona and over the valleys that stretch ahead. Follow the scallop shell markers to today’s destination – the ancient town of Puente de la Reina where the highly picturesque bridge of the same name crosses the River Arga.

Walk: 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:  Hostal Bidean or Hotel Jakue or of a similar standard in Puente de la Reina

The route today will take you to Estella through mostly rural terrain and a few small villages. The path is generally quiet and serene, allowing you to take in the scenery around you.  When leaving Puente de la Reina, the route follows the river and then climbs steeply across a landscape of cultivated fields, olive groves and farming communities who have worked the land for centuries. After passing through several small hamlets, the most significant is the climb to Cirauqui (Basque for vipers nest, due to the rocky outcrop it was built on). Leaving Cirauqui is by way of an old Roman road as you continue the journey to Estella, your overnight stay tonight. After arriving in Estella, you will have the opportunity to buy delicious local food such as chorizo and cheese and explore locations such as the Church of Santo Sepulcro and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The 13th-century church is particularly impressive, complete with Gothic doors.

Walk: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Yerri or Hospedería Chapitel or of a similar standard in Estella

Your Camino journey today continues to the town of Los Arcos. Not long after leaving Estella, you will reach Bodegas Irache, a wine museum and free wine fountain provided to quench the thirst of Camino walkers. Continue through a landscape of vineyards and cereal crops, only interrupted by the sound of footsteps. A truly enjoyable day of walking across one of the most peaceful stretches of the Camino.

Walk: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hostal Suetxe or Pension Los Arcos or of a similar standard in Los Arcos

Today you will cross into the world-famous Rioja wine region and the renowned wine-producing town of Logroño. After leaving Los Arcos, within 8km you will reach the sleepy village of Torres del Rio where you can visit an octagon church believed to have been built by the Knights of the Templar. As you get closer to Logroño, you will notice the beautiful vineyards. Logroño 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 (tapas) bars.

Walk: 28km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Murrieta or Hotel Los Bracos or of a similar standard in Logroño

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 section to Navarette, a historically significant town built by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The old plaza is a great spot to rest for lunch, and before leaving the town, visit the church of Ascension, built in the 1500s. 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 Kings during medieval times.

Walk: 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Duques de Nareja or Hostal Hispano or of a similar standard in Nájera

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 who 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 pilgrim’s hospital.

Walk: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hostal Molino de Florence or Hospederia Cisterciense or of a similar standard in Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Start the day by crossing the famous Puente de la Reina Bridge and continue by following a scenic route through woods and fields with occasional bubbling brooks. Approaching the Oca Mountains, you will enter an area that was highly feared during the Middle Ages due to the large number of bandits that used to lurk here. On arrival in Belorado, head to the Plaza Mayor to enjoy a cool cerveza from one of the many pavement café bars.

Walk: 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Jacoebo or Hotel Rural Verdeancho or of a similar standard in Belorado

Walking out of Belorado, you will pass the Santa Clara Convent, built on the site of a hermitage which 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. Be sure to visit the historical Gothic Mausoleum before resting for the day.

Walk: 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Henera or of a similar standard in San Juan de Ortega

Today you walk a bit further through hilly country before descending into the Pico River Valley. The region around the village of Atapuerca is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage cave sites where the 800,000-year-old fossil remains of hominids (human ancestors) have been found – the oldest in Western Europe. Continue through a relatively open trail with scattered woodlands to the historic city of Burgos.

Walk: 28km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Rice Palacio de los Blasones or Hotel Alda Entrearcos or of a similar standard in Burgos

You will head back into nature as you depart Burgos and pass through the crop fields that are scattered over the landscape of this region. You will then pass through a historical site where the largest forests of Europe once existed before arriving in Hontanas. Having passed through a number of small settlements the trail crosses grazing pastures and past the fountain, Fuente de Prao Torre, from where you will begin a steady climb. As the trail flattens, you are greeted with impressive views across the region of Meseta ahead of you. It’s then downhill into Hornillos del Camino. This is your meeting point for a transfer back to Burgos

Walk: 21km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Rice Palacio de los Blasones or Hotel Alda Entrearcos or of a similar standard in Burgos

After a morning transfer back to Hornillos del Camino on today’s walk you will get your fair share of beautiful scenery as you pass through hills and pastured river valleys of the province of Palencia. As you get close to the town of Castrojeriz, you will see the ruins of the 9th Century castle Castrojeriz “El Castillo” up on the hillside. If you have some energy left in your legs after today’s walking, there are good views to be had from the castle ruins.

Walk: 21km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Posada de Castrojeriz or Iacobus or of a similar standard in Castrojeriz

After leaving Castrojeriz, pass the Canal de Castilla. This complex network of canals was built between the 18th and 19th centuries to be used as a transport route for Castilian before the construction of the railway saw it fall into disuse. With very little shade on hot, sunny days, the small hamlets you will pass through are a welcome relief for all Camino walkers. The rolling descent into Fromista leads you into a rich agricultural region. Although a small town, Fromista boasts two national monuments: the 11th-century Iglesia de San Martin (built as part of a Benedictine Monastery) and the Iglesia Santa Maria del Castillo (famed for its altarpiece of 29 paintings).

Walk: 25.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eco Hotel Doña Mayor or Hotel San Martín or of a similar standard in Frómista

You will next pass through the town of Población de Campos before coming to Villalcázar de Sirga where you can view the fantastic Templar church of Santa María la Blanca. Built by the knights of the Templar, what you see today is only a fraction of the original building as it was significantly damaged by Napoleon’s troops during the Napoleonic wars. We then continue towards the final destination of the day, Carrión de los Condes. This historic town sits upon the banks of the Carrión River. In the past, great walls divided the town into different neighbourhoods. Today, you can still view the remains of these huge walls as well as various churches and other great architectural buildings.

Walk: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Corte or Hotel Real Monasterio San Zoilo or of a similar standard in Carrión de los Condes

Although a long distance, the route is predominantly flat. Depart Carrion de los Condes and head over the 16th Century bridge as the route follows an old Roman road known as the Via Aquitania. For Centuries this road was a vital pilgrimage route and trading link between the cities of Burgos and Astorga. Follow the River Uciesa through more developed areas to finish at the village of Calzadilla de la Cueza (17km) or continue through to the village of Ledigos (23km).

Walk: 17km or 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hostal Restaurante Camino Real or Albergue La Morena of a similar standard in Calzadilla de la Cueza or Ledigos

Just after leaving the village of Calzadilla de la Cueza, you will see the remains of what was a significant 11th-century pilgrim hospital. Pass through the village of Ledigos and continue on to Terradillos de Los Templarios. Walk through the town of San Nicolás de Real Camino and past the remains of the 12th century hermitage Ermita Virgen del Puente. The two statues that stand guard at the gateway of the Centro Geográfico del Camino mark the official halfway point of the Camino Frances. Finish today’s walk in the town of Sahagun.

Walk: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hostal San Juan or of a similar standard in Sahagun

Today you will once again pass through farmland. You will have a relaxed journey on this stretch as you pass over an ancient bridge and by other historic structures before reaching Bercianos del Real Camino. With a population of only 200, this is where Iglesia de San Salvador is located. Continue through several valleys and over the Valderaduey River into the province of Leon. As you continue, you will depart the expansive Tierra de Campos and head across a patchwork of fertile crop fields to El Burgo Ranero. Long before you arrive, you can see the large grain silos of Burgo in the distance. This is the meeting point for your transfer back to Sahagun.

Walk: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:  Hostal San Juan or of a similar standard in Sahagun

This morning you will transfer back to El Burgo Ranero. After walking through a number of small villages, the landscape begins to roll as you reach the old Roman settlement of Reliegos. In a bygone era, Reliegos was a significant transport centre being at the junction of three important trading roads. Leaving the village, the track becomes a little rocky as you make your way to Mansilla, which can be seen in the distance. On arrival, walk through the medieval gate of Castillo and into Plaza del Pozo, where you can find several delicious pastelerias serving flaky sweet pastries.

Walk: 19km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hostal La Alberguería del Camino or Hotel Rural Astura or of a similar standard in Mansilla de las Mulas

Today you will leave behind the scenic crops and once again come across signs of civilisation as you get closer to the city of Leon. After an hour, you will reach the village of Villamoros de Mansilla; the next village of Puente Villarente is just half an hour further. After Valdelafuente, you will pass through an industrial area, a clear sign that a bigger city is not far away. The bridge of Puente Castro takes you into Leon. Be sure to explore this ancient area which was the capital of the Leon kingdom in the Middle Ages. Some interesting places to visit are the old Convento de San Marcos and The Cathedral of Leon – Pulchra Leonina, often called the Sistine Chapel of Spanish architecture. From the vantage point of Portillo Hill, you will enjoy excellent views across to Leon.

Walk: 19km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: El rincón del Conde or Hotel Silken Luis de León or of a similar standard in León

Walk from the urban outskirts of Leon passing through the hilltop suburb of La Virgen del Camino with its large modern Basilica. Built on the ruins of a 17 th Century church, the façade features 13 images by famous sculptor José María Subirachs. Pass through a series of small villages and end the day in Villar de Mazarife.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mesón Albergue Tío Pepe or of a similar standard in Mazarife

From Villar de Mazarife, continue through farmlands to the medieval town of Hospital de Orbigo crossing the 200m-long arched bridge of Paso Honroso (“Honourable Crossing”) which dates from the 12 th 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

A gentle incline across farmland leads through the region of la Maragateria.  Alternating between open plains and trails of heather and oak trees, the small patches of forest have offered shade for many a Camino hiker over the years on the ascent to the sleepy village of Rabanal del Camino. Rabanal was once a significant town during the middle ages with many churches and a hospital founded and run by Templar monks.

Walk: 21.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Posada Gaspar or Posada el Tesín or of a similar standard in Rabanal del Camino

Leaving Rabanal, 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

Within a couple of hours of leaving Molinaseca, you will reach Ponferrada, a former outpost of the Knights of the Templar. Do take time here to explore the magnificent castle which is said to have once housed the knights. With an abundance of cafes, this is also a great opportunity to sample the traditional Camino almond cake and café con leche. Walking onwards to Villafranca, enter the wine region of Bierzo and pass through several small villages before arriving at Villafranca del Bierzo.

Walk: 31km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Puerta del Perdón or Hostal Restaurante Méndez “El Guardia” or of a similar standard in Villafranca del Bierzo

Today, walk to the farming hamlet of Las Herrerias; the last stop in Castilla y Leon before crossing into Galicia. The familiar scallop shell markers guide you on your way across rolling farmland and deep into a lush valley as you follow the Valcarce River. On the approach to Las Herrerias, the route begins a sharp climb. Either finish here or continue with a steep climb to O Cebreiro.

Walk: 23.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Carolo or Hotel O Cebreiro or of a similar standard in O Cebreiro

If you finished in Las Herrerias yesterday, continue the climb to the town of O Cebreiro. On arrival into O Cebreiro, take the opportunity to rest and explore the dry stone houses complete with thatched roofs. In the town you may even encounter musicians playing folk music with a galleta galleo (bagpipes), which stems from the Celtic connection in the middle ages. With the steep climbing complete for the day, you can enjoy a gently undulating trail to Triacastela.

Walk: 32km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Complexo Xacobeo Albergue & Pensión or Pension Casa Simón or of a similar standard in Triacastela

Today you can choose from two routes. Either take the shorter direct route to Sarria or take the more challenging alternative trail via the town of Samos and its remarkable Benedictine Monastery which has long been a significant stop on the Camino Frances. On arrival in Sarria, follow the Way through the historic centre which features the 13th Century Gothic church of San Salvador. Sarria is where the vast majority of pilgrims begin their Camino. From here it is just over 100km to Santiago de Compostela.

Walk: 25km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX or Duerming Villa de Sarria or of a similar standard in Sarria

Begin the day by walking 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

A long but manageable day which follows secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After leaving Palas de Rei you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church. Before arriving in Arzua you pass the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of “pulpo a galega” (octopus).

Walk: 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora or Hotel Arzúa or of a similar standard in Arzua

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.

Walk: 23km
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