We start at this stage from Roncesvalles, place of the legendary battle between the army of Charlemagne and the Basques. We can visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, supposedly built to bury the Frankish knights fallen in battle.
The route to Zubiri runs between forests and mountains, with two difficult climbs in Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro. After the latter, a steep descent takes us to our destination.
In Zubiri, we cross the medieval bridge called "bridge of rage", because in the past the animals were taken three times around their central pylon to cure them of said evil.
The Camino at this stage is following the course of the Arga River. Arriving in Akerreta we will pass next to your rural hotel, which appeared in the movie "The Way". We will also cross Villava, hometown of the famous cyclist Miguel Indurain.
Pamplona, the first big city that we will find on the Camino, is known for its enclosures in San Fermín (July 7), but it is a city with many attractions that should be explored: gastronomy, cafes, the cathedral, the Plaza del Castillo .. .
The Camino, after leaving Pamplona, begins a gentle ascent that will take us first to the towns of Cizur Menor and Zariquiegui, and then to Alto del Perdón, one of the best known places on the Camino. From the top we can enjoy a spectacular view of the whole environment, as well as contemplate the sculpture dedicated to the pilgrims.
Descending from Alto del Perdón, we will pass through Muruzábal. Here we can turn aside to contemplate the enigmatic church of Santa María de Eunate, one of the few Romanesque churches of octagonal plants in the world. The Camino continues to take us to Óbanos and then to Puente la Reina, a beautiful village with an impressive medieval bridge.
Leaving Puente la Reina, we cross the Mañeru valley, with a short but steep climb. After it, we will reach Cirauqui, where we can see one of the best preserved stretches of the old Roman road between Bordeaux and Astorga. We will continue crossing Lorca and Villatuerta until we reach our destination in Estella.
Just leave Estella and cross Ayegui, we find the famous source of wine, totally free, maintained by Irache wineries. After tasting a bit (or a lot) of the local wine, we will continue to the Irache monastery, where one of the scenes of the famous movie "The way" was filmed.
We will continue until crossing Ázqueta and Villamayor de Monjardín. From here a stretch of 12 km begins. without populations or trees, so you have to be well provisioned and be prudent if it's hot.
At the end of this stretch we arrive at Los Arcos, with its famous square next to the church of Santa María. We left this town by the so-called Portal de Castilla, from the XVII century, and we will advance between vineyards until we reach Sansol and Torres del Río, two towns very close to each other.
In Torres del Rio you have to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of the most original works of the entire Camino, whose construction is attributed to the Templars.
After this town, we will find an area of steep descents and climbs, in which we will cross several ravines. Extreme caution should be used, especially if we go by bicycle. After overcoming it, we will arrive at Viana, known for being the place where Cesar Borgia was assassinated and buried.
After passing Viana, the rest of the road passes through flat lands and culture until you reach Logroño, capital of La Rioja, a beautiful and quiet city where we can do all kinds of activities: visit the cathedral, take pintxos in Laurel Street, make an excursion to a nearby winery ...
In this stage, the traveler leaves Logroño crossing the Grajera park and its reservoir, where it is common to see fishermen and people practicing water sports. After that, about 10 km. away there is Navarrete, whose entrance is the ruins of the old pilgrim hospital of San Juan de Arce, whose cover was saved and installed in the current cemetery of the town.
In Navarrete we can visit the church of La Asunción, from the 16th century. After that, we will continue on our way to Nájera, a city of medieval origin that was the capital of the Kingdom of Navarre, and where we can see the monastery of Santa María la Real.
All this stage passes through the vineyards that make La Rioja one of the most important wine regions in the world.
After leaving Nájera, we will go through rural roads (some asphalted) until we reach the small towns of Azofra and Cirueña. Before reaching this there is a slight slope, followed by an urbanization and a golf course of recent construction. After Cirueña, we travel 6 km. more until you reach Santo Domingo de la Calzada, named after one of the most famous saints and associated with the Camino.
From Nájera or Santo Domingo we can also make an excursion to San Millán de la Cogolla, seat of the monasteries of Suso and Yuso, where the first texts in Spanish were written.
In this stage we left the Rioja to enter Castile; the vineyards are replaced little by little by fields of cereals. It should also be noted that much of this stage passes along the N-120 road, so it is wise to be prudent, especially in the sections where it crosses.
The first town we find in Castile is Redecilla del Camino, with a church where a baptismal font from the 12th century is preserved. After passing through Castildelgado and Viloria de Rioja, we arrive in Belorado, a town where we can visit churches such as Santa María. Those interested in technology can also see the Museo de Radiocomunicación Innocencia Bocanegra, with a wide collection of radios dating back to the First World War.
Tosantos, where we can see the chapel of the Virgen de la Peña, excavated in rock. After that we cross Villambistia and Espinosa del Camino until we reach Villafranca Montes de Oca, a small town in the outskirts of which there is another beautiful hermitage.
After Villafranca begins the stage of the Montes de Oca, one of the most difficult of the Camino for its slopes. The forests through which it passes were in ancient times the refuge of bandits; Fortunately, the only risk at present is for the legs of the walkers. Finally, after crossing the forest and the mountains, we arrive at the monastery of San Juan de Ortega, where the saint of the same name is buried, one of those who most contributed in the Middle Ages to making the Camino more walkable.
After leaving San Juan, we will pass through Atapuerca, known for its prehistoric site, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site. After crossing the villages of Cardeñuela-Riopico and Orbaneja, we will reach the outskirts of Burgos.
The "traditional" entrance road to Burgos is more than 10 km. walking among the industrial estates on the outskirts of the city. Instead, we recommend taking a dirt track that will take us to the town of Castañares, and from there to the city.
The historical center of Burgos is one of the most beautiful places that travelers can find. You can see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, as well as the King San Fernando square and the Santa María arch.
