The charming town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at the foot of the majestic Pyrenees – the starting point of the famous Way of St. James. Stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, passing traditional stone houses and lively cafés. Soak up the special energy of this historic pilgrimage site, which has welcomed travellers from all over the world for centuries. Savour the excitement of setting off on your journey to Santiago de Compostela. Your unforgettable journey begins here.

The first major ascent of the Camino takes you through the majestic silence of the Pyrenees, offering a challenging yet deeply moving experience for body and mind. On the 'Ruta Imperial', you hike above the clouds, enjoying spectacular panoramic views and the sight of grazing horses, while experiencing a sense of boundless freedom. You then reach Spain, immersing yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Roncesvalles, which is dominated by the venerable collegiate church. Those who prefer a gentler start can follow the green Valcarlos Valley, where rushing streams and tranquil woodlands line the route. Whether you hike high up or take it easy through the valley, the Camino begins to change you.

Ruta Imperial: Ascent: 1,330m (4,364ft) / Descent: 543m (1,782ft)
Valcarlos Route: Ascent: 1,185m (3,888ft) / Descent: 409m (1,342ft)

Once you have crossed the Pyrenees, the trail becomes gentler, offering a pleasant undulating route through the final foothills of the mountains. You will hike through tranquil beech and oak forests, accompanied by the sounds of trickling streams and the scent of damp earth. Gradually, the landscape opens up as you approach the fertile plains of Navarre. The path leads you through small villages and over ancient bridges to Akerreta, where your cosy rural accommodation awaits. It's a day to breathe deeply and enjoy.

Ascent: 446m (1,463ft) / Descent: 857m (2,812ft)

Accompanied by the Arga River, the trail winds through green valleys, past old bridges, dense forests and picturesque villages. The landscape widens and civilisation becomes more noticeable, finally announcing the arrival of Pamplona with its towers and narrow streets. The capital of Navarre captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. Ernest Hemingway fell in love with the city and immortalised it in his novel The Sun Also Rises. After days spent in nature, Pamplona offers an exciting contrast, brimming with energy, culture and the spirit of the Camino.

Ascent: 94m (308ft) / Descent: 170m (558ft)

After passing through the lively city of Pamplona, you will once again immerse yourself in the vastness and tranquillity of Navarre's rural landscape. The route winds through rolling hills, fields and small villages, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and breathe in the fresh air. A worthwhile detour will take you to the magically situated Church of Santa María de Eunate, a Romanesque gem nestled in the heart of the fields. Finally, you will reach Puente de la Reina, named after the impressive medieval bridge spanning the Arga River with its six arches. This is a place where history, spirituality and scenic beauty converge.

Ascent: 403m (1,322ft) / Descent: 507m (1,663ft)

Today's stage takes you through open farmland and wide fields of sun-drenched vineyards. Shade is scarce here, so remember to bring sunscreen. En route from Cirauqui to Lorca, you will walk over the well-preserved remains of Roman roads, bringing a piece of history to life beneath your feet. There are several short but steep climbs through traditional mountain villages, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. After that, the route descends into the charming town of Estella, which is steeped in history and pilgrimage tradition and has a lively atmosphere.

Ascent: 336m (1,102ft) / Descent: 237m (778ft)

After Villamayor de Monjardín, the trail becomes quieter and you find yourself immersed in a lonely, expansive landscape with no villages or distractions. For around 12 kilometres, you are accompanied only by the sound of your footsteps crunching on the ground, the wind rustling through the bushes and the light dancing over the fields and hills. Olive groves, vineyards and dry earth now dominate the landscape, offering a glimpse of the heart of Spain. This vastness invites you to pause and walk mindfully. Finally, you reach the peaceful town of Los Arcos.

Ascent: 338m (1,109ft) / Descent: 314m (1,030ft)

Wander through La Rioja, a traditional wine region surrounded by rolling hills, endless vineyards and fragrant fields. You will soon reach Logroño, a modern, lively city with strong links to the history of the Camino de Santiago. Here, pilgrim culture and joie de vivre converge, which is particularly noticeable in the charming old town, with its tapas bars and historic squares. With a population of around 120,000, Logroño offers an exciting contrast to the rural tranquillity of previous days. It's the perfect place to finish the first stage of your pilgrimage in style.

Ascent: 350m (1,148ft) / Descent: 418m (1,371ft)

Enjoy a relaxing day of hiking through the heart of the Rioja region, surrounded by sprawling vineyards and golden grain fields. The gentle landscape and soft light lend this area a unique charm. As you hike, you will pass through small villages where the pilgrimage tradition is still alive and well. Your destination today is Nájera, once the royal city of Navarre and an important stop on the historic Way of St James. Surrounded by red rocks and rich in history, this atmospheric city is the perfect place to end your day on the Camino.

Ascent: 341m (1,119ft) / Descent: 234m (768ft)

As you make your way through the quiet, open expanse of La Rioja, wide farmland and rolling hills accompany you, with the mountain ranges to the north and south always in view. The wide paths encourage you to walk at a steady pace and reflect on yourself. You will encounter only a few villages along the way, but many horizons. Your destination is the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, named after the saint who dedicated his life to helping pilgrims. This special place on the Way of St. James awaits you with cobblestone streets, legends and monastic silence.

Ascent: 323m (1,060ft) / Descent: 168m (551ft)

Today, you will enter Castilla y León, Spain's largest autonomous region and the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Castile. The landscape opens up, revealing the first castle ruins on the horizon – silent witnesses to an eventful history. Over the next few days, you will discover many more of these historic stone ruins. Your destination today is the picturesque town of Belorado, situated in the narrow valley of the Río Tirón. This peaceful place, with its relaxed atmosphere, is the perfect place to unwind.

Ascent: 310m (1,017ft) / Descent: 192m (630ft)

This stage is captivating thanks to its ever-changing landscape. Initially, the route winds through open fields and gentle plains, which are lined with hedges and small woodlands. From Villafranca del Bierzo, the ascent into the wooded Oca Mountains begins, following a quiet path through fragrant oak and pine forests up to an altitude of around 1,000 metres. Once you reach the summit, you can take in the sweeping views before descending back into the valley. Your destination for the day is San Juan de Ortega, a small historic town with a monastic atmosphere.

Ascent: 470m (1,542ft) / Descent: 241m (791ft)

Initially, the route passes through tranquil pine forests and open fields, providing an ideal setting to enjoy the morning calm. As you approach Burgos, signs of urban life become more noticeable. We recommend taking the scenic route via Castañares, which follows the Arlanzón River into the heart of the city. From afar, the impressive silhouette of the Gothic cathedral greets you. In the former royal city of Burgos, history meets vibrant culture, providing a fitting end to this stage of the journey.

Ascent: 132m (433ft) / Descent: 294m (965ft)

After your unforgettable journey along the Camino Francés, it's time to say goodbye. Depending on your plans for the rest of your trip, you can travel home comfortably by bus, taxi or train. Many pilgrims also use this final day to reflect on their experiences and purchase souvenirs. If you would like to extend your stay or explore further stages, we will be happy to help you plan. Buen Camino – perhaps we will see you again next time!