Itinerary:
Friday April 26 - Saturday May 3rd
Day 0
April 26th: Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port, France
Starting Point: St. Jean Pied de Port is a charming French Basque town nestled at the base of the Pyrenees. The town is known for its picturesque streets, stone buildings, and the Citadel that offers stunning views. We will meet here as a group on April 26th to prepare to start our trek together the next morning. Scroll to see information on distance, terrain, and daily highlights.
Day 1
April 27th: St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (25 km / 15.5 mi)
Terrain: The journey begins with a steep ascent through the Pyrenees. This is one of the most physically demanding stages of the Camino, with breathtaking mountain vistas, lush green pastures, and occasional sightings of wildlife.
Key Highlight: The summit at Col de Lepoeder offers panoramic views before the descent into the Spanish side, culminating in the beautiful village of Roncesvalles. Roncesvalles is known for its historic monastery and as a traditional resting place for pilgrims.
Day 2
April 28th: Roncesvalles to Zubiri (22 km / 13.7 mi)
Terrain: This stage features a mix of wooded paths, rolling hills, and small rivers. The descent continues, but it’s less steep compared to the previous day.
Highlights: The medieval bridges, particularly the Puente de la Rabia in Zubiri, are iconic landmarks. The peaceful rural landscape is dotted with small villages and forests.
Day 3
April 29th: Zubiri to Pamplona (20 km / 12.4 mi)
Terrain: The path becomes more level with gentle undulations. The route follows the **Arga River** into the historic city of Pamplona.
Key Highlight: Pamplona, famous for its annual Running of the Bulls (San Fermín Festival), is rich in history and culture. The city's old quarter is a maze of narrow streets, with the majestic Cathedral of Santa María la Real and the Plaza del Castillo as must-see spots.
Day 4
April 30th: Pamplona to Puente la Reina (24 km / 15 mi)
Terrain: The journey involves a moderate climb to the **Alto del Perdón**, where a famous metal sculpture of pilgrims greets you. From here, you'll enjoy sweeping views before a descent into the plains.
Highlights: The medieval town of Puente la Reina is known for its impressive Romanesque bridge, which has been a vital crossing for pilgrims for centuries.
Day 5
May 1st: Puente la Reina to Estella (22 km / 13.7 mi)
Terrain: This stage features rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The landscape transitions from the lush greenery of the Basque region to the more arid terrain typical of the Navarre region.
Highlights: Estella is often called "Estella la Bella" for its wealth of historical buildings, including palaces, churches, and a medieval atmosphere.
Day 6
May 2nd: Estella to Los Arcos (21 km / 13 mi)
Terrain: The path weaves through vineyards and farmland, reflecting the agricultural richness of the region. The terrain is relatively flat, making for an easier day of walking.
Highlights: Along the way, you'll pass by the **Monastery of Irache**, where pilgrims can enjoy free wine from a famous wine fountain. Los Arcos is a small town with a beautiful central square and a church that dominates the skyline.
Day 7
May 3rd: Los Arcos to Viana (18.4 km / 11.4 mi)
Terrain:
The Camino de Santiago route from Los Arcos to Viana features a moderately challenging terrain with gentle rolling hills, stretches of vineyards, and farmland typical of La Rioja. There are some uphill sections, but overall it’s manageable for most pilgrims, offering picturesque countryside views along the way.
Highlights:
The main highlight of this stage is the historic town of Viana, renowned for its medieval architecture and the stunning Church of Santa María, home to the tomb of Cesare Borgia. The vibrant local culture and peaceful landscapes make this section a must-see on your Camino journey.
Day 8
May 4th: Viana to Logroño (9 km / 5.4 mi)
Terrain:
The Camino de Santiago route from Viana to Logroño features an easy to moderate terrain, with mostly flat paths and some gentle slopes. The 10 km stretch takes you through vineyards, olive groves, and farmlands, typical of the La Rioja region, with well-marked paths that are accessible for all levels of pilgrims.
Highlights:
The main highlight of this stage is arriving at Logroño, the vibrant capital of La Rioja, famous for its tapas, wine culture, and historical sites like the Co-cathedral of Santa María la Redonda. Along the way, you'll also pass through scenic countryside, charming rural villages, and catch a glimpse of the Ebro River as you approach the city. This stage is perfect for a relaxed yet fulfilling day on the Camino, whether self-guided or with a "Camino Contigo" service.