Way of Saint James from Roncesvalles to Logroño

To do the Camino de Santiago from Roncesvalles (Orreaga), you will arrive at the starting point on your own or with our optional transport. In this wonderful Pyrenean village you will be able to enjoy not only an unparalleled natural setting, located at the foot of the Pyrenees, but also a rich and unknown architectural heritage.

It is an incredible monumental complex made up of the hospital, the chapel of Sancti Spiritus, the church of Santiago, the chapel of San Agustín, the church of the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María, the museum and the library. All designed to protect and promote the Way.

Hostel: Roncesvalles Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Sabina House or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Roncesvalles or similar

Distance: 21.6 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
Accommodation: Zubiri

You will begin your pilgrimage by descending to the towns of Burguete (Auritz) and Espinal (Aurizberri), then reaching the Mezkiritz pass. The itinerary of the first stage is typical of the mountains, with paths, dirt tracks and rocky stretches.

From Mezkiritz, you will begin a steep descent through small, charming villages in Navarre to the river Arga, which will accompany you on this and the following stages. At the end of the day, in Zubiri, you will cross the Gothic bridge that gives its name to the town, also known as the Bridge of Rabies - to which healing powers are attributed.

According to another legend, the body of Santa Quiteria is buried under one of its abutments. When you get to Zubiri, you can enjoy the gastronomy of Navarre through one of its best-known products: chistorra sausage.

Hostel: Second Stage Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Gau Txori Guesthouse or similar
Charming accommodation: Txantxorena Rural House or similar

Distance: 20.6 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Pamplona

In the first part of this short stage, which is not very steep, we will be accompanied by the river Arga along paths between pine and beech trees.

Of special relevance is the complex formed by the bridge and the basilica of La Trinidad de Arre, from where there are two alternatives for reaching Pamplona: the official route along the pavements of the town of Villava (Atarrabia) and Burlada (Burlata) for 3.7 km or its variant, the riverside walk along the Arga river: pleasant and shady until the bridge of La Magdalena, where you return to join the official section of 4.9 km.

On your arrival in Pamplona (Iruña), don't miss a visit to the historic quarter where you can enjoy the cathedral, the town hall and the citadel, among others. Near the Plaza del Castillo square and the streets San Nicolás, San Gregorio, Estafeta and Navarrería are the best-known places to go for pintxos (tapas).

Hostel: Casa Ibarrola Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel Rodas Pamplona or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Europa Pamplona or similar

Distance: 24.2 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Puente la Reina

The orographic difficulty of this stage lies in the Sierra del Perdón. But don't worry: the climb is very gradual and only in the final part is it a little steeper, reaching 260 metres in altitude.

At the Alto del Perdón you can enjoy a magnificent viewpoint where you can appreciate the extensive Navarrese plain and the descent towards the villages of Uterga, Muruzábal and Obanos. You will reach the end of this stage, Puente La Reina (Gares) via the impressive Romanesque bridge over the river Arga.

In the afternoon we suggest you enjoy good wine in a genuine winery in the area or, if you still feel up to it, take the opportunity to discover the hidden historical heritage of the Cerco de Artajona.

Hostel: Puente Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hostal La Plaza or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Rural El Cerco or similar

Distance: 21 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Estella

The fourth stage begins with the steep climb to Mañeru. Further on is Zirauki, which welcomes you with a beautiful ogival gate and offers you an authentic Roman road that crosses it until you reach the bridge, also Roman, over the Salado river.

After leaving it behind, in Villatuerta you are offered an alternative. You can continue along the signposted path - which we definitely recommend - or take the original path, known as the Montejurra (Jurramendi) variant, which does not reach the end of the stage, but goes around it. Only a few kilometres along the official route separate you from the rest area in Estella (Lizarra).

In the afternoon you can enjoy a wonderful visit to the Monastery of Nuestra Señora Real de Irache, one of the oldest pilgrims' hospitals, and its wine fountain.

Hostel: Agora Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hostería de Curtidores or similar
Charming accommodation: Chapitel Hostelry or similar

Distance: 21.3 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Los Arcos

This stage begins with a curious surprise: as soon as you leave Estella you will come across the famous wine fountain of the Monastery of Nuestra Señora Real de Irache (Iratxe). If you have not visited them the day before, we recommend that you take the time to make the visit. The monks of Irache received the pilgrims who came to the hospital with a glass of wine. Many of them arrived ill and the wine became a restorative.

Most of the stage runs along dirt tracks with a slight climb of just over a hundred metres, which takes us through cereal fields and vineyards to Villamayor de Monjardín, with its Fuente de los Moros, a 13th century cistern.

On your arrival at Los Arcos, where today's stage ends, be sure to enjoy the glazed rocks of San Blas. And if you're still in the mood for a cultural visit, don't miss the nearby Roman Villa of the Muses.

Hostel: Hostel Casa de la Abuela or similar
Standard accommodation: Suetxe Guesthouse or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Rural Latorrién de Ane or similar

Distance: 27.4 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Logroño

In general, this stage runs along dirt tracks and, at the entrance to Logroño, along asphalted pedestrian lanes. Your first objective will be Sansol, from where you will descend to the Linares river valley and then ascend to Torres del Río. There you should not miss the Romanesque church of Santo Sepulcro (visits 9:00-13:00h), of Templar origin and built in the 12th century.

Between this town and Viana there is a steep terrain, with some steep descents. At the end you will reach Viana among vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and uninhabited villages. The path climbs up to the old town and the church of Santa María. From this point the Camino descends to the city of Logroño, leaving the region of Navarre to enter La Rioja. You will enter Logroño by crossing the stone bridge over the river Ebro, the largest river on the French Way.

Hostel: Winederful Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel Condes de Haro or similar
Charming accommodation: Sercotel Portales or similar

The eighth day is a tribute to your efforts. After a night's rest and breakfast, the services of this programme come to an end. But it is worth stopping to get to know the city.

If you can spare an extra day, we recommend an extra night to make the most of the day with cultural visits. A private tour of the city with a local guide or visit one of the historic wineries of La Rioja, where some of the best wines of this fundamental designation of origin are made and aged.