Itinerary
- Day 1
Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
You'll start with the toughest day ahead—a 25km trek through the Pyrenees from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles. The climb goes from 200m to over 1,400m elevation, and you can choose between the Napoleon Route (traditional but steep) or the Valcarlos Route (safer if weather turns bad). Plan for 7-9 hours of walking depending on your fitness level, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular mountain views and real peace once you reach the higher elevations.
Included Activities
- Walk from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles via Napoleon Route or Valcarlos Route
Optional Activities
- Luggage forwarding service via courier (available if packed more than 10% of body weight)
Landmarks/POIs Saint Jean Pied de Port Pyrenees Roncesvalles - Day 2
Roncesvalles to Larrasoan͂a
After checking out the Chapel of St James or Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary, you'll walk roughly 24.8km across two mountain passes—Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro. From there you'll descend through Zubiri before continuing to Larrasoan. Many pilgrims traditionally break here after that challenging first day, so don't be surprised if you see people taking it easier.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Chapel of St James or Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Roncesvalles
- Walk from Roncesvalles to Larrasoan͂a via Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro
Landmarks/POIs Chapel of St James (Roncesvalles) Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary (Roncesvalles) Alto de Mezquiriz Alto de Erro Zubiri - Day 3
Zubiri to Pamplona
This is a shorter 19.1km walk that leaves plenty of time to explore Pamplona once you arrive. You'll cross the Rabies bridge at the start and La Magdalena bridge as you enter the city. The route has gentle hills and you can choose between the original Jacobean route or take the pleasant riverside path instead. Once there, you'll have the whole afternoon and evening to enjoy this first city on the French Way with its cultural attractions and food scene.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Zubiri to Pamplona crossing Rabies bridge and La Magdalena bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit Cathedral in Pamplona
- Experience Good Friday Parade (if timing aligns)
- Sample Tapas and Wine in Pamplona
- Follow original Jacobean route or riverside path variation
Landmarks/POIs Rabies Bridge La Magdalena Bridge Pamplona Cathedral Arga River - Day 4
Pamplona to Puente La Reina
Walk 25.5km through countryside and roads with excellent views of Pamplona as you leave. You'll climb to Cizur Menor and visit the 12th-century Church of San Miguel, then face the Alto del Perdon at over 3,000 feet with loose gravel on the descent—take that part slowly. After that, the terrain becomes gentle as you head downhill through crop fields to reach Puente La Reina.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Pamplona to Puente La Reina
- Pass Church of San Miguel in Cizur Menor
Optional Activities
- Purchase refreshments from vendor at Alto del Perdon summit
- Receive basic medical supplies for blisters at Alto del Perdon
Landmarks/POIs Church of San Miguel Cizur Menor Alto del Perdon Uterga Muruzabal - Day 5
Puente La Reina to Estella
Much easier than the previous day—a gentle 25.1km walk with minimal elevation gain. You'll pass through grain crops that gradually transition into vineyards as you enter La Rioja region. Near the end of the day you'll find a saltwater spring with healing properties. Estella is a beautiful town with markets, a river running through it, and plenty of places for wine, tapas, and local nightlife if that's what you're after.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Puente La Reina to Estella through vineyards and grain crops
Optional Activities
- Visit saltwater spring with healing properties near Estella
Landmarks/POIs La Rioja Region Estella - Day 6
Estella to Torres del Rio
A longer 30.2km day walking through vineyards and farmland. You'll pass through Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardin, so stock up on water and supplies there since no villages appear for the next 3 hours. You'll arrive at the small but remarkable Torres del Rio, home to the 12th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre—an architectural gem with an octagonal design and star-shaped vault that's really worth seeing.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Estella to Torres del Rio through vineyards and farmland
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del Rio
Landmarks/POIs Azqueta Villamayor de Monjardin Church of the Holy Sepulchre Torres del Rio - Day 7
Torres del Rio to Logroño
Walk 21.7km starting from Torres del Rio's highest point, passing the 16th-century Hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo. Continue through Bargota and then descend the Cornava ravine—it's a 125m drop so be careful on those steep sections. After passing Viana, the last village in Navarre, you'll enter Logron and arrive at the Cathedral of Santa Mara de la Redonda. Time to settle in for your first rest day.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Torres del Rio to Logroño via Bargota and Viana
Optional Activities
- Visit Hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo
Landmarks/POIs Hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo Bargota Cornava Ravine Viana Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda Logroño Ebro River - Day 8
Logroño
This is your rest and relaxation day in Logron. Use the time to explore the city's rich history and architecture—there are multiple churches, bridges, museums, and plazas to check out. Take the opportunity to recover properly, enjoy some local food, and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the next leg of the journey.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Sta. María de La Redonda Procathedral
- Visit Santa María de Palacio Church
- Visit Santiago el Real Church
- Visit Church of San Bartolomé
- Cross Puente de Piedra bridge
- Explore La Rioja Museum
- Visit Los Peregrinos Fountain
- Walk Paseo del Espol ón
Landmarks/POIs Sta. María de La Redonda Procathedral Santa María de Palacio Church Santiago el Real Church Church of San Bartolomé Puente de Piedra La Rioja Museum Los Peregrinos Fountain Paseo del Espol ón - Day 9
Logroño to Nájera
Leaving Logron you'll pass through the natural environment around La Granjera dam. Walk 30.1km between vineyards and fruit trees, passing through Navarrete which is known for its pottery. From the San Antn peak you'll get magnificent views across the landscape. It's a long day but manageable, taking you through La Rioja's wine country.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Logroño to Nájera via La Granjera dam, Navarrete, and San Antón peak
Landmarks/POIs La Granjera Dam Navarrete San Antón Peak Nájera - Day 10
Nájera to Santo Domingo
Walk 21.8km through vineyards and large fields of cereal from Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This is the ninth stage if you started at Saint Jean Pied de Port, and you'll arrive at one of the most important towns in the Jacobean tradition with significant history.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada through vineyards and cereal fields
Landmarks/POIs Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Day 11
Santo Domingo to Belorado
Walk 23.5km from Santo Domingo to Belorado. You'll depart via the Puente del Santo bridge over the Río Oja, passing the 16th-century Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle before arriving at Belorado, a town with roots that go back to Roman times.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Santo Domingo to Belorado via Puente del Santo bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
- Visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle
Landmarks/POIs Puente del Santo Río Oja Iglesia de San Juan Bautista Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle Belorado - Day 12
Belorado to Burgos
Walk 24.5km from Belorado to Burgos, birthplace of El Cid. Start by exploring Belorado's interesting old town centre before heading to the beautiful city of Burgos, known as the Gothic capital of Spain. This walk marks the end of your second major walking stage as you arrive at your second rest day.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Belorado to Burgos
Landmarks/POIs Belorado Burgos - Day 13
Burgos
Your second rest day is in Burgos. This historic city has roughly 180,000 inhabitants and sits in Castile and Len. Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, historic centre, plazas, museums, and bridges. Use this time to fully recover before heading back out for the next portion of your journey.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Catedral de Burgos
- Explore Historic Center of Burgos
- Visit Plaza Mayor
- Visit Plaza del Mio Cid
- Visit Museo de Burgos
- Visit Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia
- Cross Puente de San Pablo
- Visit Hospital del Rey
Landmarks/POIs Catedral de Burgos Historic Center of Burgos Plaza Mayor Plaza del Mio Cid Museo de Burgos Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia Puente de San Pablo Hospital del Rey Arlanzón River - Day 14
Burgos to Hontanas
Walk 27.2km out of Burgos, starting through suburbs like Villalbilla. You'll pass Tandajos with its 13th-century church, Rabe de las Calzadas, and Hornillos del Camino, a small village with a bar where you can grab something. The path is easy and well-marked as you progress toward the Meseta, though you'll notice there's limited shade out here.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Burgos to Hontanas via Villalbilla, Tandajos, Rabe de las Calzadas, and Hornillos del Camino
Landmarks/POIs Villalbilla de Burgos Tandajos Rabe de las Calzadas Hornillos del Camino Hontanas - Day 15
Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino
Walk 32.1km across largely treeless terrain, which makes you more vulnerable to whatever weather comes. You'll head toward the 12th-century ruins of the Hospital of San Antn, founded by the Antonianos monastic order who cared for sick or injured pilgrims. It's a long day with limited shelter, so plan accordingly.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino via ruins of Hospital of San Antón
Landmarks/POIs Hospital of San Antón ruins Boadilla del Camino - Day 16
Boadilla del Camino to Carrión de los Condes
Walk 29.8km effortlessly across flatland through small Castilian villages. You'll pass the Canal de Castilla, an old waterway that once transported cereal toward the Bay of Biscay and now serves for irrigation. Reach Frmista with its Romanesque Church of San Martn, which appears about 6km into the walk. The terrain is easy and manageable.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Boadilla del Camino to Carrión de los Condes via Canal de Castilla and Frómista
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of San Martín in Frómista
Landmarks/POIs Canal de Castilla Frómista Church of San Martín Carrión de los Condes - Day 17
Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de Templarios
Walk 26.9km across endless straight stretches with no shade or shelter, which can be tough. You'll pass through Carrin (405.3 kilometres from Santiago), visiting the Church of Santiago with its famous Romanesque frieze sculptures. The day continues across the flat Meseta with limited protection from the elements.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de Templarios via Church of Santiago
Landmarks/POIs Church of Santiago (Carrión de los Condes) Carrión de los Condes Terradillos de Templarios - Day 18
Terradillos de Templarios to Puente Villarente
Walk 27km to Puente Villarente, notable for its medieval bridge of 17 arches. This bridge impressed medieval chronicler Aymeric so much he called it 'huge'. The town also features the Parish Church of San Pelayo and served as home to a pioneering hospital facility in its time.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Terradillos de Templarios to Puente Villarente via medieval bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit Parish Church of San Pelayo
Landmarks/POIs Puente Villarente bridge Parish Church of San Pelayo Puente Villarente - Day 19
Puente Villarente to Mansilla de las Mulas
Walk 23.5km passing through Sahagn, which marks the halfway point. This town has some of the earliest examples of Mudjar architecture in Spain. You'll receive your Compostella Halfway Certificate here. Continue to Mansilla de las Mulas, a walled town founded in 1181 by King Ferdinand II. If it's warm, cool your feet in the river or even swim. Explore the town's historic churches, hospitals, and monasteries.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Puente Villarente to Mansilla de las Mulas via Sahagún
Optional Activities
- Swim or cool feet in river at Mansilla de las Mulas
- Receive Compostella Halfway Certificate in Sahagún
Landmarks/POIs Sahagún Mansilla de las Mulas - Day 20
Mansilla de las Mulas to León
Walk 28.5km from Mansilla to Len via a medieval bridge over the Río Elsa. The terrain is easy with just one small rise and fall between Arcahueja and Len. As you approach, you'll see another major city ahead—the last major city until Santiago. Enter Len either via the Puerta de Santiago (south gate) or Arco de los Concepcin (east gate, the only entrance with an intact arch). Walk along the 12th-century town walls for great photos.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Mansilla de las Mulas to León via medieval bridge over Río Elsa
Optional Activities
- Walk along 12th-century town walls in León for views and photos
Landmarks/POIs Río Elsa Arcahueja Puerta de Santiago Arco de los Concepcion León - Day 21
León
Rest day in this historic city that was capital of the Kingdom of Len from the 10th to 12th centuries and an important medieval stop for pilgrims. See the magnificent Gothic cathedral with spectacular stained-glass windows, the 11th-century Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore, and the old monastery now operating as a luxury hotel representing Spanish Renaissance architecture. Sample regional specialties including cured meats, croquettes, and tapas at the city's lively restaurants.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Gothic Cathedral in León
- Visit 11th-century Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore
- Visit old monastery (now luxury hotel)
- Sample regional culinary specialties and tapas
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of León Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore Old Monastery (now luxury hotel) - Day 22
León to Villar de Mazarife
Walk 14km out of Len on a shorter, easier day. The route leaving the city passes through some uninspiring areas with rubbish dumps and industrial zones, but locals are great with pilgrims and will redirect you if needed. Follow waymarks past the magnificent cathedral and exit via San Marcos. You'll take a quieter route to Villar de Mazarife instead of the busier N-120.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from León to Villar de Mazarife via quieter route (avoiding main N-120)
Landmarks/POIs San Marcos (León exit point) Villar de Mazarife - Day 23
Villar de Mazarife to Astorga
Walk 24km through Hospital de Orbigo where you'll cross a Gothic bridge over the Río Orbigo—the site of a legendary 1434 medieval jousting competition. Continue to beautiful Astorga, one of the tour favorites, featuring a lovely plaza, music, food, dancing, and a historic cathedral. This is an easy and enjoyable walk into a charming city.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Villar de Mazarife to Astorga via Hospital de Orbigo and Río Orbigo bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit Astorga Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Hospital de Orbigo Río Orbigo bridge Río Orbigo Astorga Astorga Cathedral - Day 24
Astorga to Foncebadon
Walk 27km on a heavily trafficked point-to-point trail featuring a river. This moderate-rated hiking trail is accessible year-round and you'll encounter many other pilgrims, cyclists, and travelers. The landscape is varied and the terrain is manageable for most fitness levels.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Astorga to Foncebadon
Landmarks/POIs Foncebadon - Day 25
Foncebadon to Ponferrada
Walk 29.6km from Foncebadn following closely along the LE-142 motorway toward the famous Cruz de Fierro (Iron Cross) at 1,500m elevation—the highest point on the Spanish side of the French Way and home to a chapel devoted to Santiago Apstol. You'll pass through Campo with its Roman fountain and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina. Arrive at Ponferrada, the capital of El Bierzo and last major city before Santiago, home to the fantastic 11th-century Templar Castle.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Foncebadon to Ponferrada via Cruz de Fierro
Optional Activities
- Visit Ponferrada Templar Castle
- Visit Calle del Reloj with its tower
- Visit Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Town Hall (discounted rate for pilgrims)
Landmarks/POIs Cruz de Fierro Chapel of Santiago Apóstol Campo Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina Ponferrada Templar Castle Calle del Reloj Plaza del Ayuntamiento Ponferrada - Day 26
Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo
Walk 25.8km to Villafranca del Bierzo, a gorgeous mountain town surrounded by idyllic countryside. The St. James Church here is notable as one of only two churches on the Camino de Santiago where pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence, making it spiritually significant.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo
Optional Activities
- Visit St. James Church in Villafranca del Bierzo (one of only two churches on Camino offering plenary indulgence)
Landmarks/POIs St. James Church (Villafranca del Bierzo) Villafranca del Bierzo - Day 27
Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro
Walk 29.5km on the second-hardest climb of the Camino, gaining over 900m elevation. The first part offers two possible routes: the main road through Pereje or a more scenic (but harder) option with climbing and descending. You'll take the scenic route. Stock up on supplies in Villafranca since you may not find another settlement for three hours. This challenging day rewards you with arrival in Galicia.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro via scenic uphill route through Galicia
Landmarks/POIs Pereje Trabadelo O Cebreiro Galicia - Day 28
O Cebreiro to Samos
Walk approximately 32km with time to explore O Cebreiro and its natural surroundings. The area offers several attractions including the Sierra de O Courel, the Campodola natural monument, and the important Samos Monastery. It's a scenic day through Galicia's beautiful landscape.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from O Cebreiro to Samos
Optional Activities
- Explore O Cebreiro and surroundings
- Visit Sierra de O Courel
- Visit Campodola natural monument
- Visit Samos Monastery
Landmarks/POIs O Cebreiro Sierra de O Courel Campodola Samos Monastery Samos - Day 29
Samos to Ferreiros via Sarria
Walk 29.4km through a beautiful trail covered with chestnut trees, fieldstone rock fences (many moss-covered), and green Galician landscape. Pass through Sarria, a popular starting point for people wanting to walk just the last 100km of the Camino to get their Compostella. You'll notice newer pilgrims here with fresh gear and energy—quite different from long-distance walkers.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Samos to Ferreiros via Sarria
Landmarks/POIs Sarria Ferreiros - Day 30
Ferreiros to Palas del Rey
Walk a long 34.9km day with the goal in sight and elevation gains of 651m. Palas del Rey is a small, pretty town with its main strip running along a road that arcs around an incline. The town has local facilities including shops, bars, and cafes for social activity and people-watching.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Ferreiros to Palas del Rey
Landmarks/POIs Palas del Rey - Day 31
Palas del Rey to Arzúa
Walk 30.1km through flat, easy terrain passing medieval villages, local chapels, and cross-arched stone bridges. After Melide, where the Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, you'll walk through beautiful Oak and Eucalyptus forests with wonderful aromas. The Spanish call this section the 'leg breaker' due to its length, not difficulty. Arzúa is the last large town (approximately 7,000 people) before Santiago.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Palas del Rey to Arzúa via Melide and Oak/Eucalyptus forest
Optional Activities
- Visit Parish Church of St James in Arzúa
- Visit ruins of Convent of La Magdalena in Arzúa
Landmarks/POIs Melide Oak and Eucalyptus Forest Arzúa Parish Church of St James (Arzúa) Convent of La Magdalena ruins - Day 32
Arzúa to San Marcos
Walk 35.7km passing through several hamlets. Visit Santa Irene with its small 18th-century chapel, then continue through Arca do Pino and Amenal to Labacolla where you'll find the Parish Church of Sabugueira dedicated to San Pelayo. The highlight is Monte del Gozo (Mount of Joy), the summit where you'll get your first glimpse of the Santiago cathedral—a powerful moment after weeks of walking.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk from Arzúa to San Marcos via Santa Irene, Labacolla, and Monte del Gozo
Optional Activities
- Visit Santa Irene 18th-century chapel
- Visit Parish Church of Sabugueira in Labacolla
Landmarks/POIs Santa Irene Arca do Pino Amenal Labacolla Parish Church of Sabugueira Monte del Gozo San Marcos - Day 33
San Marcos to Santiago de Compostela
Start early for sunrise as you walk the final 5.4km downhill to Santiago de Compostela. Arrive at the Santiago cathedral, the reliquary of the Apostle Saint James, get your final stamp, and receive your Compostella certificate. After weeks of walking, you've completed the journey. Optional: you can shorten the overall trip by skipping the final night stop and walking from Arzúa directly to Santiago instead.
Included Activities
- Final walk from San Marcos to Santiago de Compostela cathedral
Optional Activities
- Receive Compostella certificate at Santiago cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Santiago de Compostela
