The Full Spanish Camino

Make your own way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the capital of the Basse-Navarre and the Pays de Aze. It is also one of the three remaining French provinces of the old Kingdom of Navarre. There is time in the afternoon to take a stroll along the cobbled streets and up to the town lookout. You can also explore the many arts and craft shops. We recommend that you purchase supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will only pass one café/bar on the route. You should also collect your pilgrims stamp from the Pilgrim Office or Tourist Office.

The Camino begins with crossing the old roman bridge over the River Nive. Today is quite impressive as you climb towards the Franco-Spanish border. On the first section you will be hiking through pastoral lands with impressive views of the Pyrenees. You will cross three cols today, and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hat, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery.
We recommend an early start as today is quite long.

The trail crosses undulating green hills and passes through typical Basque country villages. These villages are quite small, surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows. You will walk through lovely wooded areas with beech, oak, maple, hazel and holly trees. Continue to Zubiri or, dependent on availability, further along the trail through the town of Larrasoana to Akerreta.

There are a few ups and downs today however there is a shorter distance to cover. Pass through Zuriain then up the side of Mount Narval to reach the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta. From the old town of Buriin there is a steep descent into Villave. The route then connects to Burlada and leads you to the final climb into Pamplona – a wonderful walk into this truly historic city. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local pinxtos (tapas).

Leaving Pamplona you make your way to the Jacobite city of Puente la Reina, a city of museums. From the main square you will be able to see the Camino signs to navigate your way out of the city. The route takes you from the old town to walk through parks in the modern part of the city before the landscape opens out. You can take a short detour that will allow you to view the octagonal chapel of Eucate, one of the Roman jewels of the trail of Aragon. A steep climb passing the wind farms of Zariquiegui takes you out of the Pamplona basin. You will then descend to your hotel in Puente la Reina.

On this stage you will walk through countryside with olive, almond and oak trees. The route follows the banks of the Arga River and you can see the township of Bargota which was inhabited until the 11th Century by the Knights Templar and later, the Hospital of St John. From here you follow a sheltered path to Maneur through an agricultural landscape of crop fields, vineyards and wooded areas before arriving in Estella.

This stage allows a detour to discover the imposing Irache Monastery and its ‘wine fountain’ – choose to fill your water bottles with either wine or water! Today’s walk is mainly through open fields, you will not pass through any villages before reaching Los Arcos early in the afternoon. This is a very small town with a couple of cafes/bars.

Today you'll pass many places of historic interest as you walk from Navarre to the well-known wine centre of Rioja. Not far into the walk you will reach the village of Sansol, where you can stop to buy some refreshments or lunch, before crossing the San Pedro River and continuing through farmlands and onto Logroño. To enter Logrono you will walk around the town before descending to the stone bridge which leads the way into the centre. Logroño is in the centre of the Rioja wine region. It is a beautiful city with a lively tapas district.

Today you will start your walk on the historic Rúa Vieja road out of Logroño, and continue through the park of La Grajera to the village of Naverrete and the ruins of the 12th century San Juan de Acre pilgrim hospital. The route then takes you via the Monte de San Antón to Nájera.

From the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, the trail continues to the hilltop town of Azofra, in the centre of the Cañas valley. After this it is an easy walk to the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you can learn about the legend of the rooster and the hen.

This stage of the walk is on fairly flat terrain. Grañón, Redecilla del Camino and Castildelgado are just a few of the villages you will find along the way to Belorado.

Today's walk is long and requires a considerable ascent to the Montes de Oca, but once there you will enjoy unbeatable views. Walk to San Juan de Ortega where you stay tonight.

From San Juan de Ortega or Atapuerca you will pass through a series of villages to reach Burgos, with its impressive Gothic cathedral and the Monastery of Las Huelgas. Your accommodation is in a central hotel just a stone's throw from Burgos' many attractions.
(*If you walked to Atapuerca yesterday, your day will start with a transfer from Burgos back to Atapuerca to continue walking).

The next stage of the Camino takes you from Burgos to the rural Meseta landscape, through fields of wheat, barley and oats to Hornillos. In the afternoon, a short 2km
transfer (included) will take you to your overnight accommodation in Isar, or alternatively you can walk to Isar.

A morning transfer (included) will take you back to Hornillos to continue your Camino - alternatively you can walk 2km. Today the walk leads you through wheat fields as far as Hontanas. On the way, you will pass the Convent of San Antón. Just under 5km along a flat stretch will see you arriving at the pretty village of Castrojeriz.

On leaving Castrojeriz the path leads you uphill to the Alto de Mostelares, from where you will descend towards the river Piserga. The last part of today's walk is along the Canal de Castilla into the historic town of Frómista.

The first part of this stage will lead you towards Villalcázar de Sirga and its beautiful 13th century church. Shortly afterwards you will reach Carrión de los Condes and its impressive collection of monuments.

This stage is short, so you can make the most of your time in Carrion de los Condes before starting your walk to the small village of Calzadilla de la Cueza.

From Calzadilla de la Cueza the first couple of kilometres are uphill. You will then walk through Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios and Moratinos, before arriving at one of this journey's most interesting villages, Sahagún. The Church of San Lorenzo dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and built in the Mudéjar style is interesting.

You will leave Sahagún by crossing the bridge over the river Cea. Once you arrive at Calzada del Coto, the Camino divides into two paths. Follow the path to the left through Bercianos del Camino to reach El Burgo Ranero (just off the main route). At 3pm you transfer back to Sahagún for overnight accommodation.

At 8:30am you have a transfer back to El Burgo Ranero. This stage leads you to Mansilla de las Mulas, not far from León. You will come across very few villages on today's walk. Mansilla is where the two branches of the walk reunite.

Cross the bridge over the river Esla to leave Mansilla, and then the river Porma in Villarente. From the Alto del Portillo you will enjoy great views over the city of León, dominated by its cathedral. A short and steep descent will lead you into the city centre. Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province bordered by Galicia, Asturias, Palencia and Zamora. There is evidence of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the Knights Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the Middle Ages. Ensure you take the time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed from the 13th Century for a period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an impressive collection of early manuscripts. The Town Walls are of Roman and medieval construction. Overnight in Leon.

Leaving Leon, the route will take you right through town until you reach Virgen del Camino, where legend states that the Virgin appeared in front of a shepherd in 1506 and asked him to build a shrine. This section is quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert). You will pass through some small villages before arriving in the village of Villadangos del Paramo. This town of Roman origin was the site of a battle that took place between the Queen Dona Urraca of Leon and her husband, Alfonso I of Aragon in the year 1111. Take a quiet walk around the streets and visit the Parish Church which contains an image of the Apostle Santiago from the 18th Century. Continue to Villar de Mazrife for overnight.
Note: you may choose to shorten the walk today by 9km by taking a bus from Plaza Santo Domingo to Virgen del Camino. Buses leave every 30minutes and the fare is around €1.

The countryside becomes more agreeable as you make your way to Puente de Orbigo. As you progress, the landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Walking across a fabulous stone bridge you will pass Le pont de Hospital de Orbigo, probably one of the most famous buildings along the way. You will walk by the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and will see Astorga in the distant valley. Astorga is at the crossroads of the Spanish Camino and the Roman Silver Road, and known for its medieval, walled Old Town. We recommend enjoying a late afternoon drink in the main square.

The walk today is a steady climb to Rabanal del Camino so we recommend that you start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Walk through the village and follow the tree lined pavements before passing a poplar grove and the River Jerga, arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo. You will walk through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and on to El Ganso. The landscape will change to dense oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend “los Montes de Leon”, before reaching Rabanal del Camino (1200m), a charming mountain village.

Passing through broom, heather and other flora you will continue your ascent to the famous “Mount Irago”. By the mountain pass you will see the “Iron Cross” (1490m) and you will now be surrounded by mountains. The route continues downwards to Bierzo. Passing by a coniferous forest you will come to Cruz de Ferro and the Hermitage of Santiago. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon Mountains. A descent into the Ponferrada Valley passes the quaint village of Acebo, before you arrive into Molinaseca with its slate roofs and wooden balconies.

Today's terrain is relatively easy as you continue across the Valley of Ponferrada. You will see the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. The region of Bierzo is low lying with an agreeable climate, allowing the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables.

Your final day spent in the area of El Bierzo is one of the most beautiful and the most challenging. The route passes through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather and bracken. You will pass through the narrow valley of the River Valcarce before tackling the challenging ascent of O Cebreiro (1300m), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra Do Courel.

The day begins with an ascent through the pine covered slopes of Monte Poso e Areas before joining the trail in the direction of Linares. You will walk through forested areas before arriving at Padornelo, where you can fill your water bottles at the fountain. After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest and takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Continue to Samos, where you can visit the impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain.

A shorter day today to allow you ample time to visit the monastery. Continue in the afternoon towards Sarria. You will not pass through any other villages so pack some snacks. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region.

We recommend before leaving town that you take the time to visit the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena. Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted amongst cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos of the region. It's a relatively easy walk until your descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation.

The route takes you through the brooms which have a magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and finally Ligonde. Here you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed in Ligonde on the 24th of March 1520.

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro and past Eucalyptus trees. There are many villages along the way to stop for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos before continuing to Arzúa in the province of La Coruña.

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua, which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes.

The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Following country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside, continue downhill to the fabled Santiago de Compostela. There is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town.

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to stay longer in Santiago please ask for our rates. Also see below for details of a day trip excursion to Fisterra.