Camino Francés Stage Guide
Welcome to your complete companion for the Camino Francés! Here, you’ll find detailed stage guides—each one crafted to help you walk smarter, not harder. Whether you’re planning the entire route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or walking only the famed last 100 km from Sarria, this collection gives you everything you need.
What You'll Find in Each Guide:
- Distance, terrain & elevation details
- Trail conditions, landmarks, and waymarks
- Historic sites, viewpoints, and local culture
- Accommodation & dining recommendations
Expert Insights:
- Stage-specific gear suggestions
- Weather and terrain considerations
- Quick tips from experienced pilgrims
- Cultural and historical context
How to Navigate the Stages
Each stage guide provides comprehensive information to help you prepare for that specific day’s journey. Click on any stage below to access detailed information including trail breakdown, accommodation options, gear recommendations, and insider tips from fellow pilgrims.
Pro Tip: Use the previous/next navigation on each stage page to plan your entire journey seamlessly.
Complete Stage Directory
Stage 1
Hard
- 25.1 km
- 7-9 hours
- 1,200m ascent
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles
The legendary first stage crossing the Pyrenees. Challenge yourself with the Napoleon Route through stunning mountain landscapes while stepping into centuries of pilgrim tradition.
Stage Highlights:
Napoleon Route
Pyrenees crossing
Roncesvalles Abbey
Terrain Type:
Mountain paths, steep ascents
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 2
Moderate
- 21.9 km
- 5-6 hours
- 600m descent
Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Descend through enchanting Basque forests and medieval villages. Experience authentic rural Spain with ancient beech woods and traditional stone architecture.
Stage Highlights:
Burguete village
Espinal
Medieval bridge
Terrain Type:
Forest paths, gentle descent
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 3
Easy
- 20.4 km
- 4-5 hours
- 200m ascent
Zubiri to Pamplona
Enter the famous Running of the Bulls city through the scenic Arga valley. Modern suburbs give way to historic Pamplona with its magnificent cathedral and vibrant old quarter.
Stage Highlights:
Pamplona Cathedral
Plaza del Castillo
City walls
Terrain Type:
River valley, paved paths
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 4
Moderate
- 24.0 km
- 5-6 hours
- 400m ascent
Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Cross the windswept Sierra del Perdón with its iconic pilgrim monument. This stage marks where the Aragonese route joins the French Way at the historic bridge.
Stage Highlights:
Alto del Perdón
Wind turbines
Romanesque bridge
Terrain Type:
Ridge walking, open countryside
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 5
Easy
- 22.0 km
- 4-5 hours
- 150m ascent
Puente la Reina to Estella
Enter Navarra’s wine country through rolling hills and ancient villages. Medieval Estella awaits with its stunning churches and rich pilgrimage history.
Stage Highlights:
Cirauqui village
Roman bridge
Estella palaces
Terrain Type:
Gentle hills, vineyard paths
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 6
Moderate
- 28.9 km
- 6-7 hours
- 300m ascent
Estella to Torres del Río
Journey through the spiritual heart of Navarra. Visit the monastery of Irache with its famous wine fountain and discover octagonal Templar architecture.
Stage Highlights:
Irache Monastery
Wine fountain
Holy Sepulchre Church
Terrain Type:
Mixed terrain, monastery visits
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 7
Easy
- 20.3 km
- 4-5 hours
- 200m descent
Torres del Río to Logroño
Cross into La Rioja, Spain’s premier wine region. End your day in vibrant Logroño, capital of Rioja wine with exceptional tapas culture.
Stage Highlights:
La Rioja entry
Viana walls
Logroño old town
Terrain Type:
Gentle descent, vineyard landscapes
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 8
Easy
- 29.8 km
- 6-7 hours
- 100m ascent
Logroño to Nájera
Walk through endless vineyards and discover hidden villages. Nájera’s royal monastery holds centuries of Spanish history and Camino tradition.
Stage Highlights:
Navarrete ceramics
Ventosa views
Royal Monastery
Terrain Type:
Flat vineyard paths
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 9
Easy
- 21.0 km
- 4-5 hours
- 50m ascent
Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Follow ancient Roman roads to the city of the miracle. Witness the living legend of the rooster and hen in the cathedral of this patron saint of engineers.
Stage Highlights:
Azofra village
Cathedral miracle
Parador hotel
Terrain Type:
Ancient Roman roads
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Stage 10
Easy
- 22.7 km
- 4-5 hours
- 100m ascent
Santo Domingo to Belorado
Enter Castilla y León through rolling farmland. Charming Belorado welcomes pilgrims with medieval architecture and mountain views ahead.
Stage Highlights:
Granón village
Regional border
Mountain vistas
Terrain Type:
Agricultural plains
Click to read the full stage guide with accommodation tips, gear recommendations, and detailed trail information.
Ready to Begin Your Camino Journey?
Each stage guide includes specific gear recommendations tailored to that day’s terrain and conditions. Start with our essential Camino gear collection to ensure you’re properly equipped for every step of your pilgrimage.
About the Camino Francés Route
The Camino Francés is the most popular and well-established route to Santiago de Compostela, stretching approximately 800 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This ancient pilgrimage route, also known as the French Way, has been traveled by pilgrims for over 1,000 years and offers an unparalleled journey through diverse landscapes, rich history, and profound spiritual experiences.
Our comprehensive stage guides break down this magnificent journey into manageable daily walks, each typically ranging from 20-30 kilometers. Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or returning to walk the Camino again, these detailed guides provide the practical information and cultural insights you need to make the most of every step on your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.