Camino Francés

The first section of the trail requires about a week to cross the Navarra region. Within these 7 to 8 days, the hikers will climb down the Pyrenees to travel through the valleys of Navarra, stopping in the festive Pamplona along the way, before finally reaching Logroño.

Leaving Logroño and Navarra behind, you will cross Rioja over the next section to reach Burgos. There is a change of scenery this week, Rioja being renowned for its vineyards and hilly landscapes. The section ends in Burgos, where all eyes turn towards its major cathedral.

The 3rd section is more desertic, as you cross the Meseta. Hiking through the fields, you’ll be able to see the Castilian villages from far away, among which are Castrojeriz and Carrion de los Condes to name just two. The section ends in León, not without a well-deserved refresher next to its cathedral.

The 4th section unravels new landscapes. The meseta desert is now over, and you’ll soon walk within greener forests, gaining elevation up to the highest point of the Camino Francès, the Cruz de Ferro, not long after Ponferrada. In about 7 to 9 days from León, you’ll arrive in Sarria, end of this 4th section.

Finally, the 5th section stretches from Sarria to Santiago! In four to six days you’ll stand in front of the cathedral.

But before that, you’ll pass by Melide, not without tasting Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician octopus)! Also, the last 100km can be pretty busy, so for this section, you might want to book all your accommodations (including the one in Santiago). Indeed many hikers only walk the last 100km, and the Camino Primitivo also joins the Francès in Melide.

900km after your first step on the Camino, you’re in front of the cathedral. Take a moment to enjoy the journey and visit the city – not without collecting your compostella (your pilgrim diploma).

And if you’re not ready to stop yet, well, lucky for you! You can continue and walk a less busy trail up to the sea. It will require up to 3 or 4 days to walk up to Fisterra, literally “the end of the world”, or to Muxía.

A few days the authors do recommend, as after the crowded last 3 days up to Santiago, walking a less busy trail up to the sea is a charm.

The best time of the year to hike the Camino Francés is undoubtedly from May to the end of September. In theory, the trail is possible to hike across the whole year. Only the accommodations and services must be checked for their opening/closing dates.

As you’re hiking on the Camino, be aware that there might be some challenging weather along the way, particularly in the Pyrenees if you start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and in the highlands of Galicia at the end of the hike.

Keep in mind that the weather in those areas can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for various conditions, including sudden rain and storms/lightning or even snow showers. Always check trail conditions, and local weather forecasts before embarking on the hike.

This hike is well-traversed, but we still recommend you familiarize yourself with the trail before starting.

Share your itinerary with someone you trust, including details like your start and end times, chosen route, and emergency contact information.

Do your best to avoid hiking during severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat. The afternoons can get very hot on the Camino Frances, so start early!

You’ll be able to buy lunch and snacks in towns along the way, but try to bring at least two liters of water with you.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (when needed), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, pack out all trash, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats.