The Camino de Santiago, one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world, crosses the beautiful Navarra in northern Spain. The route through Navarra is one of the most impressive and significant parts of the Camino France, the most popular route to Santiago de Compostela. Every step in Navarra contributes to the sense of belonging to the thousands of pilgrims who have walked this route over the centuries. The Camino reminds us that it is not just about the destination, but the journey itself.
Crossing the Pyrenees and Roncesvalles
The Camino in Navarre begins with the crossing of the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles. This crossing is difficult, with steep paths and a lot of elevation. However, the views are worth it. There are two paths from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles: the Ruta de Valcarlos (23.5 km) and the Ruta de Napoleón (24.3 km). In winter and in bad weather, it is forbidden to walk the Ruta de Napoleón.
Roncesvalles is one of the most symbolic places on the Camino. The small village is steeped in pilgrimage traditions and has an impressive Gothic church, the Colegiata of Roncesvalles, with the famous statue of the Virgin Mary made of wood and silver. A daily pilgrim mass is also held here, which provides a deeply spiritual moment before continuing the journey. A historical fact about Roncesvalles is that Charlemagne's army suffered a heavy defeat here in 778.
Roncesvalles also offers one of the iconic overnight accommodation options along the route: the inn of the Colegiata de Roncesvalles. Here pilgrims find peace in a place that has been welcoming pilgrims since the 12th century. This hostel does not have exceptional rooms, but several floors with dozens of beds. If you want a bit more privacy, we recommend the Hotel Roncesvalles On.
Pamplona: a city of contrasts
After Roncesvalles the next destination is the capital of Navarra, Pamplona. It is common to divide this route into two stages: Roncesvalles-Zubiri (22 km) and Zubiri-Pamplona (21 km). For an overnight stay we recommend the beautiful Txantxorena Hotel arrive in the village of Zubiri.
Pamplona is a lively mix of old and new, with historic city gates, medieval churches and pleasant squares, but also modern buildings. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real is a must-see, with a beautiful Gothic façade and one of the best cloisters in Europe. Pamplona is known worldwide for the San Fermín festival and the running of the bulls, but the city offers much more. Pilgrims can enjoy the local gastronomy, such as pintxos (also known as tapas) and Navarrese wine, and experience the hospitality of the locals. For an overnight stay we recommend Hotel Europa on, which is located in the center of Pamplona.
From Pamplona to Puente la Reina
After visiting the capital, the Camino continues to Puente la Reina (24 km). Puente la Reina is a charming medieval village with one of the most recognizable symbols of the Camino. This village owes its name to the famous bridge over the Arga River. In Spanish, Puente la Reina means Queen's Bridge.
Legend has it that this bridge was built in the 11th century by an anonymous queen. Its purpose was to facilitate the departure of pilgrims from the village.
In the past, Puente la Reina was also home to important military orders that were responsible for protecting pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. One of these orders was one of the most famous, the Knights Templar. They had their main temple a few kilometres from Puente la Reina. This was the temple of Santa Maria de Eunate.
The theory that has received the most attention about the origins of this monastery is that it was built as a pilgrim hospital. This was built on behalf of Sancho VI, called the Wise, at the request of his wife.
In Eunate there is still a ritual where every pilgrim who arrives must walk around the church three times before going to the center. They do this to absorb the energy of this place. Eunate is known as a special place with special power and meaning.
To stay overnight in Puente la Reina we recommend the Albergue Jakue on, with a delicious breakfast buffet.
Estella and Los Arcos
The last two stages in Navarra along the Camino Francés are Puente la Reina-Estella (22 km) and Estella-Los Arcos (21 km). Estella is a small medieval town with much Romanesque architecture. Many pilgrims visit the church San Pedro de la Rua, built in the middle of the 13th century and dedicated to St. Andrew, the patron saint of Estella. To stay overnight in Estella we recommend the Hostal La Rúa on, a simple but very hospitable hostel.
The last destination of the Camino in Navarra is The Arcs. This village used to be an area where there was a lot of fighting, first between Muslims and Christians, and later between the Navarrese and the Castilians. On top of the hill there was a castle and a wall around the old center. Nowadays there is not much left to see of this busy past. Only three gates of the old wall, which give the village its name, remain as a reminder of that time. For an overnight stay we recommend Pension Los Arcos on, a simple but cozy pension.
After Los Arcos, pilgrims leave the province of Navarra towards Logrono (28 km), in the province of La Rioja. The Camino de Santiago in Navarra is more than a physical journey, it is also a journey for yourself. The quiet moments in the landscapes of Navarra give time to reflect and find yourself.
