Your personalized Camino de Santiago from SAINT JEAN

Arrival to Saint Jean Pied de Port by your own means where you will spend the night in order to start with the first stage of the French Way the next morning. You will stay at an accommodation in Saint Jean Pied de Port.

• Day 2
• Saint Jean Pied de Port
• Roncesvalles
• 25 Km.

The Way of Saint James starts on the bridge over the Nive River in Saint Jean Pied de Port. You will cross the city until you see a sign of the Camino de Santiago that will lead you to the first ascent of the day through various towns until Huntto and Orisson. You will walk by a mountain road until you come across an indication towards Roncevaux (Roncesvalles). You will leave behind the road and continue across the hills, you will pass in front of the Roldán fountain and you will soon enter Navarra. The Camino hardens until Collado Lepoeder, attaining the maximum height of this stage at 1430 metres. You will have to choose between two alternatives to continue, one shorter with steep slopes through the woods and the other a bit longer passes through the Ibañeta pass. You will arrive to Roncesvalles where you will rest tonight.

• Day 3
• Roncesvalles
• Zubiri
• 21 Km.

After breakfast, you will start the second stage of this adventure. You will start walking by the Brujas oak grove until you get to the industrial estate of Ipetea. You will cross Auritz/Burguete by the road and you will continue through a track surrounded by industrial units and meadows until you arrive to Espinal. You will climb to the height of Mezkiritz, pay special attention to the Camino sign when traversing the road as it is a bit hidden. You will continue through a beech wood and then a path will take you to Bizkarreta. You will keep going until Lintzoain, a section with short slopes and ascents will take you to the Erro height. Finally, you will descend until the Rabia bridge that will bring you closer to your destination: Zubiri. Today you will rest and have dinner in the centre of Zubiri.

• Day 4
• Zubiri
• Pamplona
• 20 Km.

You will have to retrace your steps and cross again the Rabia Bridge to take up the Camino again; you will find the proper yellow arrows pointing out the path. You will arrive at the edge of the road in front of a factory and you will keep walking by the road until you leave the industrial area. You will pass by different towns: Ilaratz, Eskirotz, Larrasoaña and Akerreta. You will continue by a wooded stretch on the banks of the river Arga till you arrive to Zuriain. After passing by Irotz and the bridge of Iturgaiz you will find a point with two signs, you have to follow the one leading to Señorío de Arleta. You will go down to the chapel of Trinidad de Arre and the town of Villava. You will arrive to Burlada, pay attention to the signs located on the floor in order to continue to Pamplona. You will cross the Magdalena bridge and you will go through the drawbridge to finally enter the streets of Pamplona city.

• Day 5
• Pamplona
• Puente la Reina
• 23 Km.

After breakfast, you will start a new stage. You will pass by the famous corner where the bulls run during San Fermín celebrations and also by the city council. You will continue towards the university and you will cross the bridge over the river Sadar to then continue until Cizur Menor. You will gain altitude until you arrive to Zariquiegui and the height of Sierra del Perdón. An uncomfortable descent will take you to Uterga and then Muruzábal. You will arrive to Obanos and you will keep walking the path along the banks of the river Robo till you reach Puente de la Reina.

• Day 6
• Puente la Reina
• Estella
• 21 Km.

Today you will continue until Estella. You will leave behind Puente la Reina through the Romanesque bridge over the Arga river and you will follow the course of the river until you distance it and start a hard climb until Mañeru. Once you pass the town you will continue by a path surrounded by cereal crops and vineyards and another hard ascent will bring you to Cirauqui. You will start descending towards a stretch of Roman paved road and a bridge that crosses the waters of the Iguste river. You will go on by tracks and roads until the shore of the river Salado and the next village called Lorca. You will proceed with your itinerary until Villatuerta and soon after the course of the river will take you to Estella. You will spend the night in Estella.

• Day 7
• Estella
• Los Arcos
• 21 Km.

After breakfast, you will resume the French Way again, you will continue until the next town: Ayegui. You will descend until the wine fountain (Fuente del Vino) that really sprouts wine and the monastery of Irache, once surpassed you will have two options to continue until Los Arcos. One alternative goes straight ahead through wooded stretches and the hillside of Montejurra, the other option considered as the traditional one turns right and passes by Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardín. Both variations merge before you arrive to Los Arcos. If you choose the traditional option you will go on by a service road till Azqueta. After passing industrial units you will start to descend in between vineyards until you go up to Villamayor de Monjardín. Just after you will arrive to the Urbiola road where can be found a fountain, we recommend you to drink and hydrate properly as there are no other towns during the next 10 kilometres. You will keep going through long tracks until Los Arcos.

• Day 8
• Los Arcos
• Logroño
• 27 Km.

After breakfast you will continue your Camino de Santiago walking this new stage from Los Arcos to Logroño. As soon as you pass the last houses of the town you will keep going by a path parallel to the road for approximately 3 kilometres. You will divert by a marked route until the village of Sansol and right after you will get to Torres del Río and its steep streets. The stretch starts to toughen up till you reach the shrine of Virgen del Poyo. Then you will start descending by a track with a steep drop to Viana. You will go on to the chapel of Virgen de las Cuevas and your walk will continue circled by cultivated fields and pine forests. You will enter the province of La Rioja and you will finally reach Logroño through the stone bridge over the River Ebro.

• Day 9
• Logroño
• Nájera
• 29 Km.

The French Way on its journey through Logroño will take you to the Plaza de Santiago where is located the church with the same name and the arch of Puerta del Camino. You will continue until Vía Verde, a walk flanked by cypress trees that will lead you to the reservoir of Grajera. Soon after you will start a short climb till the Alto from where you will have astonishing views over Logroño. You will then begin your descent to Navarrete. The Way of Saint James passes by the cooperative of Sotés and continues until Ventosa. A stony path will take you to the height of San Antón from where you will spy the valley of Najerilla and Nájera. You will cross the river Yalde through a wooden and concrete bridge and you will finally cross the national road to arrive to Nájera.

• Day 10
• Nájera
• Santo Domingo de la Calzada
• 21 Km.

You will abandon Nájera passing next to the monastery of Santa María la Real and soon after you will cross the Valdecañas stream. You will arrive at a paved road that will take you to Azofra. You will traverse this farming town through the Calle Mayor where you can find all the services needed. We recommend you to buy provisions as the next town, Cirueña, is located more than 9 kilometres away and there are no shops or services in between. Soon you will find the pillory of O Crucero dated mid 16th Century. The next kilometres will bring you closer to the national highway and the cereal fields will appear on the scene. You will arrive to Cirueña and your walk will continue through farming tracks next to the highway until you arrive to your destination: Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

• Day 11
• Santo Domingo de la Calzada
• Belorado
• 24 Km.

In the morning you will have breakfast at your accommodation before facing the last kilometres of the Camino in La Rioja and the first kilometres in Castilla y León. You will cross the bridge over the river Oja and then the highway, you will continue walking parallel to the road until you reach Grañón. The Way of Saint James continues through paths with views to the grain fields until you enter Castilla y León and soon after you will arrive to Redecilla del Camino. The path crosses the highway again and the river Reláchigo to reach the next locality Castildelgado, where can be found the chapel of Santa María del Campo. You will continue by a stretch parallel to the highway until Viloria de Rioja and Villamayor del Río. A few kilometres after you will arrive to Belorado where you will spend the night.

• Day 12
• Belorado
• Atapuerca
• 30 Km.

You will quit Belorado and cross the highway and the river Tirón through a wooden bridge. You will continue walking through a path separated from the highway by the river Retorto that will take you to Tosantos. An easy stretch will lead you to Villambistia and Espinosa del Camino. From then on the profile of the stage toughens a bit until the remains of the monastery of San Félix. Shortly after you will arrive to Villafranca Montes de Oca where we recommend you to stop for lunch or rest and buy all the necessary items for the next section until San Juan de Ortega. A hard climb will take you to the Mojapán fountain. From there the ascent becomes gentler till the monument of the deceased and then descends towards the river, a short climb will make way to a forest track that will bring you to San Juan de Ortega. You will leave behind the monastery of this town and you will keep going through a wooded path until Agés to finally continue by the hard shoulder until you reach Atapuerca, where you will end this stage of the Camino de Santiago.

• Day 13
• Atapuerca
• Burgos
• 20 Km.

Today you will continue your Camino de Santiago until Burgos. You will abandon the asphalt and you will walk by a stony trail until you reach a wooden cross. A descent with views over the valley of river Pico will take you to the town of Villaval. Your route will continue through a regional road until you arrive to Cardeñuela Riopico and shortly after Orbaneja Riopico. Soon you will find two signs indicating Villafría or Castañares. We recommend you to continue towards Castañares as the other option is more annoying. From here the signs to Burgos invite you to continue by the walkers of the highway but if you prefer you can follow the riverside walk of river Arlanzón which is more pleasant and that will lead you to the centre of Burgos. This riverside walk starts on the pedestrian bridge over the river and continues through the beach Fuente del Prior and finally gets to the Cid Bridge that enters in Burgos.

• Day 14
• Burgos
• Hornillos del Camino
• 20 Km.

Today you will leave Burgos behind with its cathedral and streets. You will cross the Arlanzón river and you will turn right following its route until the deviation marked as “Los Guindales, Vivero Forestal”. Once you pass the town of Tardajos through the street Calle del Mediodía, the square plaza Leandro Mayoral and the street Real Poniente you will head along the road to the neighbouring village of Rabé de las Calzadas. During this short route, you will pass by the river Urbel until you reach Rabé de las Calzadas. The Castillian plateau will accompany you from now on, with long straights at an altitude of 800 metres and more. Almost 3 kilometres after Rabé, on your right hand, can be found the fountain of Praotorre, and also a seating area. After an ascent will take you to the valley and you will descend to finally arrive to Hornillos del Camino.

• Day 15
• Hornillos del Camino
• Castrojeriz
• 20 Km.

You will abandon Hornillos del Camino to continue with a very similar route to the one you did yesterday, through a ground track ascending by the Castillian plateau. You will get to the town of San Bol and after walking another hour along the Camino de Santiago you will arrive to the village of Hontanas. You will continue walking by a road lacking a hard shoulder, instead, a row of ashes will shade the path and make it more enjoyable. In the distance, you will distinguish the remains of the San Antón convent whose arches rise above the road. After crossing the Triumphal Arch you will face a straight line of more than two kilometres to finally arrive to Castrojeriz where you will spend the night.

• Day 16
• Castrojeriz
• Frómista
• 25 Km.

You will depart from Castrojeriz, the last village of the province of Burgos, through the street Calle Real de Poniente. You will be confronted with the first climb of the day that will bring you towards Teso de Mostelares and you will gradually discover the landscapes of Tierra de Campos, also known as the granary of Spain. The Way of Saint James will take you to the fountain Fuente del Piojo and the bridge Fitero over the river Pisuerga. You will leave behind Burgos to go deep into Palencia. You will arrive to Itero de la Vega and two kilometres after to the Pisuerga irrigation canal, an esplanade separates you from Boadilla del Camino. After passing by the locality and the temple of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción you will find the Castilla canal. The Camino keeps on going parallel to the canal for about three kilometres until you arrive to Frómista.

• Day 17
• Frómista
• Carrión de los Condes
• 19 Km.

You will restart the Camino de Santiago walking by the road until you arrive to the closest village, Campos. You will traverse the towns of Revenga de Campos, Villarmentero de Campos and Villalcázar de Sirga, where you can admire the southern façade of the Templar church Santa María la Blanca where is represented a Pantocrator surrounded by the evangelists and apostles. You will leave Villalcázar de Sirga and continue your walk that will be sprinkled with some easy climbs in this last stretch until you get to Carrión de los Condes.

• Day 18
• Carrión de los Condes
• Lédigos
• 23 Km.

Today you will continue your route towards Lédigos leaving behind the river Carrión and the Benedictine monastery of San Zoilo. Progressing through the departures roadway you will find the N-120 road that you will cross in order to continue by the road leading to Villotilla. Three and a half kilometres after you will abandon the road to take the Vía Aquitania, the ancient Roman road that connected Bordeaux with Astorga and that still preserves part of the original layout. You will pass near a stone sign that informs you about your passage through the León Royal Livestock, a path used by the migrating shepherds to take livestock from León to Extremadura. You will cross the town of Calzadilla de la Cueza, the only village you will find on the Camino de Santiago before you finally reach Lédigos.

• Day 19
• Lédigos
• Sahagún
• 16 Km.

Today you will continue your Camino de Santiago with another stage departing from Lédigos, you will start walking parallel to the road until Terradillos de los Templarios. The route continues through a path surrounded by cereals and lines of poplars until Moratinos, a town that shows off wine cellars that are dug out and adobe houses. You will cross San Nicolás del Real Camino and the river Valderabuey through a stone bridge, at this point you will find the shrine of Virgen del Puente. A few kilometres after you will arrive to Sahagún where you can visit the churches of San Lorenzo and San Tirso.

• Day 20
• Sahagún
• El Burgo Ranero
• 18 Km.

You will leave behind Sahagún to continue your walk through a wooded area next to the road. You will find a sign indicating various directions: you will have to continue straight through the French Way until Bercianos and Burgo Ranero. A soil lane made for pilgrims will accompany for the next kilometres. You will cross Bercianos del Real Camino where you will find, just at the entrance of the town, a fountain decorated with a scallop shell. You will finally arrive to El Burgo Ranero where you will spend the night and have dinner.

• Day 21
• El Burgo Ranero
• Mansilla de las Mulas
• 19 Km.

At the exit of the town, you will find the lagoon of La Manzana. The Camino de Santiago goes on a forest stretch with an identical landscape to yesterday: full of great cultivated plains. You will pass through the Valle de la Granja stream and Valdasneros, continuing by long straights until the village of Reliegos where can be found traditional wine cellars made of bricks and adobe. A few kilometres after you will pass near a resting area and an irrigation canal to finally enter in Mansilla de las Mulas where you will sleep tonight

• Day 22
• Mansilla de las Mulas
• León
• 18 Km.

You will go through Mansilla de las Mulas and the bridge over the river Esla, the Camino runs parallel to the road until Villamoros de Mansilla. Another stretch along the hard shoulder will lead you to Puente Villarente, once surpassed this village and the canal of Arriola you will continue towards Arcachueja. From this point, the path hardens with several ups and downs. You will go across an industrial estate located next to the road and a footbridge towards Puente Castro. Finally, you will cross the river Torío before you enter León and conclude this stage of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago.

• Day 23
• León
• Villadangos del Páramo
• 20 Km.

Today’s stage of the Camino de Santiago is rather flat, part of the route passes by the road. On your way to León, you will pass in front of the Real Colegiata of San Isidoro, an impressive Romanesque monument, you will continue through the Parador and you will cross the river Bernesga until you get to the town of Trobajo del Camino. You will proceed through the industrial estate and you will enter in Virgen del Camino, the national road that you will traverse shortly after divides this town. You will keep going parallel to the road until Valverde de la Virgen and San Miguel del Camino. Finally, you will arrive to Villadángos del Páramo where you will spend the night.

• Day 24
• Villadangos del Páramo
• Hospital de Órbigo
• 12 Km.

You will start this new stage crossing the national road N-120 and walking through the Calle Real where can be found many shops and cafes. You will continue your walk surrounded by black poplars until you arrive again next to the national road. The Camino de Santiago will take you to San Martín del Camino. You will continue your route encircled with corn fields until Puente de Órbigo, soon after you will come across river Órbigo that you will cross through the famous bridge of El Paso Honroso. Lastly, you will arrive to the village of Hospital de Órbigo where the church of San Juan Bautista will greet you.

• Day 25
• Hospital de Órbigo
• Astorga
• 16 Km.

You will leave behind Hospital de Órbigo through the main street of the town, a sign will indicate you two different options: you can continue straight and the route will take you to a path located close to the national road or you can continue on your right and the path will guide you towards Villares de Órbigo and Santibañez de Valdeiglesias through an agricultural landscape with low mountains. This last option is usually the one preferred by pilgrims. Both paths merge in Santo Toribio. If you choose the last option soon after you will arrive to Villares de Órbigo, your walk will continue with views over the fertile plains of river Órbigo. You will pass through Santibañez de Valdeiglesias and the route will keep going with various ups and downs along a stony path, you will traverse the road and a long straight line will bring you closer to the stone cross of Santo Toribio. From this point, you will enjoy amazing views over the city of Astorga and mount Teleno. You will pass by San Justo de la Vega where you will cross the river Jerga and shortly after you will also cross the pedestrian bridge over the rail tracks to finally enter Astorga, one of the main cities of the Way of Saint James.

• Day 26
• Astorga
• Rabanal del Camino
• 20 Km.

After breakfast, you will start another stage towards Santiago. Leaving behind Astorga without trying some of its sweet treats such as the mantecados and hojaldrados will be difficult, you will find many pastry shops along the city. You will quit the city and continue towards Valdeviejas where you can stamp your pilgrim passport at the Ecce Homo chapel. You will traverse the road and your walk will continue until Murias de Rechivaldo, a straight line will make you cross the road LE-142, approximately half an hour later you will get to Santa Catalina de Somoza. You will keep going near to the road until the small town of El Ganso. A great part of the Camino de Santiago goes then by the road and a small trail, you will pass next to a fence decorated with crosses and the shrine of Cristo de la Vera Cruz. Finally, you will reach the town of Rabanal del Camino.

• Day 27
• Rabanal del Camino
• Ponferrada
• 33 Km.

You will abandon Rabanal del Camino and proceed your Way of Saint James through a path surrounded by shrubs, a kilometre after you will arrive to a fountain and you will keep on climbing until Foncebadón. You will arrive to Cruz de Ferro located 1500 high. You will keep walking next to the road until Manjarín, a few kilometres after you will pass near a military base and you will start a hard climb towards El Acebo. You will continue through a path until Riego de Ambrós, you will traverse the town and continue your walk under the shade of chestnuts. Once again near the road, you will start a tortuous descent, you will cross the medieval bridge over the river Meruelo and you will enter in Molinaseca where we recommend you to buy water and supplies needed. You will continue close to the river and you will soon arrive again next to the road, pay special attention to the milestone located under the left hard shoulder which is a bit hidden. A stretch with few ups and downs will take you to the town of Campo, you will keep walking near the river Boeza and you will cross several neighbourhoods until you finally cross again the river and reach Ponferrada.

• Day 28
• Ponferrada
• Villafranca del Bierzo
• 22 Km.

After breakfast you will start a new stage, you will see the signs indicating the Camino de Santiago going through Avenida de la Libertad and several streets that will take you on the outskirts of the town. Today’s stage is pretty flat and goes by paved sections surrounded by vineyards and crops. You will pass through many towns among which are the following Compostilla, Columbrianos and Fuentes Nuevas. From Camponaraya starts the best part of this stage, once surpassed the highway A-6 you will enjoy beautiful landscapes sprinkled with vineyards. You will go on until Cacabelos and finally, you will face a hard climb until the entrance of Villafranca del Bierzo.

• Day 29
• Villafranca del Bierzo
• O Cebreiro
• 28 Km.

This stage is tougher than yesterday and has much more slopes in the last stretch. You will leave Villafranca through the hard shoulder of the road and you will pass through several viaducts of the A-6 road before taking the detour towards Pereje. You will continue by a pedestrian lane till there and you will continue towards Trabadelo, La Portela de Valcarce, Ambasmestas, Vega de Valcarce and Ruitelán. You will get to las Herrerías, after leaving this town you will start the real ascent until O Cebreiro. You will traverse the village of La Faba and the astonishing views over the meadows and the Atlantic forest will go with you until Laguna de Castilla. Approximately 700 metres after you will find the first Jacobean milestone marking the remaining distance to Santiago. You will enter Galicia and one kilometre after you will reach O Cebreiro.

• Day 30
• O Cebreiro
• Triacastela
• 22 Km.

Your course starts in the small town of O Cebreiro. Located at the height of 1200m you’ll have an excellent view of one of the most renowned landscapes of Galicia, the Courel mountain chain. After ascending to the Alto do Poio, the highest point of the Camino at 1335m high, you’ll descend progressively to Triacastela. Despite this stage goes nearby the road the scenery is the most amazing of the Camino. You’ll spend the night in Triacastela.

• Day 31
• Triacastela
• Sarria
• 25 Km.

There are two different paths leading to Sarria but we highly encourage you to choose the longest one that passes through Samos, the monastery really deserves a visit. In order to follow this route you must walk the road to the south to San Cristovo do Real, the road will be marked with yellow arrows. After a few kilometres going along the road the route will take you to a forest and then to cross many villages. You’ll rest in Sarria, one of the focal points of the Camino.

• Day 32
• Sarria
• Portomarín
• 24 Km.

This stage brings you closer to the last 100kms of this journey. After passing Sarria and walking through a wooded path you’ll face the first rise of the day until you arrive to Barbadelo. Passing through different towns you will have views on the green meadows until you start walking down a stony trail to reach at last Portomarín traversing the bridge with lake Miño sights. You will stay overnight in Portomarín.

• Day 33
• Portomarín
• Palas de Rei
• 25 Km.

Today’s stage will firstly take you to walk throughout a pine forest and then along the route through various villages, Castromaior stands out with its pre-Roman settlement remains. Before you reach Ligonde you’ll come across the Cruceiro de Lameiros, one of the most popular stone cross of the Camino. After passing the Ligonde mountains you will arrive to Palas de Rei where you will be able to visit the San Tirso church. You will sleep in Palas de Rei.

• Day 34
• Palas de Rei
• Melide
• 15 Km.

To resume the Camino de Santiago you will leave behind the village of Palas de Rei, the path will lead you through wooded trails until San Xulián do Camiño and you will continue through a paved path till Pontecampaña. Then an impressive stretch surrounded with forests will guide you towards Casanova. You will pass O Coto where you will be able to see a "cabazo", a huge basket that was used to stock the corn cereal, it is located just behind the church of Santa María. You will cross the river Seco through a medieval bridge and you will keep walking near an industrial estate until you arrive on the banks of the river Furelos and the small town with the same name crowded with stone houses. Soon after you will arrive to Melide where we recommend you to try the traditional recipe of the "pulpo" (octopus) and also visit the museum Terra de Melide and the parochial church.

• Day 35
• Melide
• Arzúa
• 14 Km.

You will abandon Melide crossing the main road to Santiago de Compostela, a few metres after you will pass by the church of Santa María and the place of Carballal surrounded by eucalyptus. Shortly after you will cross the Catasol stone path, one of the most famous and photographed places of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. You will continue through this beautiful landscape until Raido, and you will traverse the towns of Peroxa and Boente. A hard climb with views over the national road will take you to Castañeda. From this point, the Way of Saint James continues through paved paths until Ribadiso de Baixo, once overtook the medieval bridge you will keep walking near the road until Arzúa.

• Day 36
• Arzúa
• Pedrouzo
• 19 Km.

This stage defines by easy slopes, trails crossing fields and streams but still keeping in sight the road. Before we arrive to Pedrouzo you’ll be able to visit Santa Irene chapel dated of the Middle Ages. You’ll be resting in Pedrouzo.

• Day 37
• Pedrouzo
• Santiago
• 20 Km.

Your last step to Santiago will take you to the Monte do Gozo hill from where you’ll have a panoramic view of the Cathedral before you continue your itinerary through urban paths. You’ll go across different residential areas until you arrive to the old part of town and finally the Obradoiro square with Santiago’s Cathedral will appear in front of you. If you wish to do so you’ll be able to apply for the Compostela certificate at the pilgrim office. You will stay in Santiago.

Once in Santiago, you can visit the Cathedral and if you wish you can attend the pilgrim mass officiated every day at 12 noon. Galicia is not only the Camino de Santiago, get to know the best places of Galicia with Galician Roots: the Cíes Islands, endless forests in as Fraguas do Eume, the Costa da Morte, Rías Baixas, endless vineyards in a Ribeira Sacra and impressive cities such as Santiago, Lugo, Ourense, Coruña and much more…
And if you want to enjoy a personalised tour do not hesitate to contact us and we will organise a tailor-made trip for you.