From Ponferrada to Sarria is about 100 km. You’ll cross Bierzo’s vineyards, pass through Villafranca, and tackle the climb to O Cebreiro before descending into lush Galician hills.
From Astorga to Ponferrada is 53 km through mountain villages like Rabanal and Foncebadón. Highlights include the Cruz de Ferro, river swims in Molinaseca, and Ponferrada’s Templar castle.
The 48 km walk from León to Astorga is flat and peaceful. Take the Villar de Mazarife route, enjoy quiet villages, Hospital de Órbigo’s bridge, and Astorga’s Gaudí palace.
From Carrión to León is about 95 km through the Meseta. Pass the Camino halfway point near Sahagún and enjoy a stunning, remote walk along an old Roman road.
This first half of the Meseta is, for me, the best part of the Camino. Vast skies, quiet villages, and golden wheat fields—magical, not boring. Don’t skip it.
From Logroño to Burgos is 120 km of vineyard paths and quiet villages. Sleep in monasteries, taste Rioja grapes, and finish at the stunning Gothic cathedral in Burgos. Unforgettable.
From Pamplona to Logroño is 95 km of vineyards, villages, and history. Climb the Hill of Forgiveness, walk Roman roads, drink from a wine fountain, and enjoy pintxos in Logroño.
After the Pyrenees, the Camino eases into Navarre. From Roncesvalles to Pamplona, it’s 50 km of forest trails, riverside paths, and peaceful villages—mostly flat or downhill, usually done over two days.
The Camino begins with a tough but stunning climb over the Pyrenees, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles—a breathtaking start and one of the hardest days on the route.
Planning to walk the Camino francés ? Here are my 10 Top Tips. Hopefully they will help And, if you’ve got any other tips, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them.
