Camino Francés (Logroño - León)

Camino de Santiago Francés

Camino Francés is by far the most favoured, most traditional and internationally the most celebrated of the many Camino routes. The French Camino starts in the French village St. Jean Pied de Port and passes shortly hereafter the boarder to Spain. From here it crosses Northern Spain on a route that is all together 800 km. to Santiago de Compostela. Therefore it is also known as the French Camino. A Camino experience of a lifetime.

This pilgrimage varies from the beautiful vineyard covered hills and coniferous forests in La Rioja to the vast plains of Castille. In this stretch there are numerous small villages that have survived centuries, thanks to the Camino de Santiago. If you have time and desire in your schedule, you can visit the famous Monasteries Suso and Yuso, which are on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. And, if you stay an extra night in Logroño, you will have time to inspect some of the world's oldest dinosaur footprints and explore the old fortification and surrounding wine villages that characterize the Rioja region. Moreover, on this Camino route is an interminable chain of impressive cathedrals, ancient monasteries and hundreds of small idyllic churches.

This part of the route is characteristic for having fewer hikers than the route after León, which gives it a special charm. From Burgos to León the route is relatively flat and the stages are generally a little longer, but most can be divided into smaller segments, while from Logroño to Burgos the land is a little bumpier, although still considerably easy. The climate in this zone is warmer and drier than before Logroño and after León. Therefore, the season to do this route is a little longer. We recommend this route from early March to mid-November.

On this pilgrimage you will complete stage 8 to 20 of the 33 stages to Santiago.

Spain is More specializes in the Camino de Santiago, providing the best and most economic trips. We know the zones and hotels like no one else and we constantly update the guide that you will receive before leaving on your trip. We offer assistance 24/7 during your trip so that you never have to worry about anything.

Make your trip personal! Spain is More offers and guarantees the following on this trip:

✔ Daily Departures all year round

✔ Hotel-to-Hotel Baggage Service is optional.

✔ Your personal Pilgrim's Passport.

✔ Specially Selected Hotels - always with private bathroom - selected for best location, service and authentic charm.

✔ Spain is More Camino Guidebook (which you will receive some weeks before departure) contains practical pilgrim information, suggestions for packing list, recommended restaurants, maps of all cities along The Camino- and hotel location, Pilgrim's Passport/Credential, advice and guidance, service phone numbers and much more, all to make your trip on The Camino an experience of a lifetime!

✔ This trip can be combined with other Camino routes.

✔ Dividing stages: Yes, always!

It includes

From 795 Euro/pers.Per person in a double room.

Single room supplement: 195 Euro

It includes

13 nights in a double room - always with private bath/toilet.
13 x breakfast.
Train from Madrid, Bilbao or Barcelona to Logroño.
Transport from León to Madrid.
The price includes Spain-is-More-Digital-Travel Guidebook..
Pilgrim Passport / Credencial
24/7 emergency telephone number.
Taxes.

Not included

Some short local bus or taxi journeys, e.g. from airport to bus or train station in the same city.

Optional

Personalise your Camino: Divide stages, transportation to startingpoint from anywhere in the world and back. Please ask us, we will be happy to assist you.
Baggage Transport on the pilgrim route can be purchased. If you buy a luggage service your bag / suitcase will be transported from hotel to hotel on the scheduled days of hiking. Price 120 €/unit of max 15 kg.
Extension of stay in Madrid, León and Santiago de Compostela can be purchased.
The price include Spain-is-More-Digital-Travel Guidebook per every 4 travellers.
Cancellation insurance: available in the trip confirmation process. (can be added when ordering).

Description

The terrain from Logroño until Burgos is quite easy, often very dry and relatively flat. The Camino goes through vineyards, particularly at the beginning, as far as the eye can see. The Ebro River runs just a few kilometers north of the route, causing this area to be where some of the best Rioja wineries are located. If you have time, it is certainly recommended that you stay an extra night in Logroño to visit this beautiful region.

To the south you walk with the view of the mountains, the source of the Rio (River) Oja. There are two unforgettable UNESCO heritage experiences here to visit; firstly, the Monasteries of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and secondly the dinosaur and other archaeological sites at Atapuerca, just east of Burgos. Again, both are essential visits. In addition, of course, are Logroño and Burgos, both glorious cities, the latter with its impressive cathedral in the center of town. Along the way, is Santo Domingo, a beautifully preserved and historic part of the pilgrimage. All in all, this trek offers an enormous variety of experiences.

Service functions are generally good, but the distance between the cities is now little longer. In the evenings, however, there are always restaurants in or near the hotel. The route goes almost every day through cities, which have supermarkets, banks, laundry services, shops and other possibility for stocking up.

Possibility of dividing stages: Yes (see stage descriptions).

More information on Logroño - Burgos

The terrain between Burgos and León is easy and relatively flat. The biggest challenge might be the sun, the heat and sometimes the long stages that you might decide to divide.

The area is dry, without much shade or many trees, but the route has a lot of charm, in so many ways, and is definitely worth the trip.

Service functions are ok, although the cities are often small. You will pass through several towns every day, but a bit of lunch planning in advance is important. In the evenings there are always restaurants in or near the hotel.

Possibility of dividing stages: Yes, usually (see stage descriptions).

More information on Burgos - León

Detailed itinerary

Detailed itinerary (view all days )

Day 1.- Arrival Logroño

You will arrive by bus or train from Madrid, Bilbao or Barcelona depending on your arrival to Spain.

Bathed by the Ebro river, Logroño historically has been a place of passage and a crossroads of "the Camino de Santiago”.

In Logroño you will stay in a hotel in the historical centre. This is the same quarter in which monuments, streets, houses, shops, bars and the most famous squares in the city can be found and where of course you can go out for tapas. In Logroño you can also visit different cellars and in the Spain is More guide that you will be given before starting your journey, you will find some suggestions of the best ones.

Day 2.- Logroño - Nájera 29 Km

The parks and natural environment of the Grajera Reservoir top off the stay in Logroño and open the doors to the incredible Rioja landscape, filled with vineyards and orchards filled with fruit trees.

This stage takes you to Nájera, passing through Navarrete, a town celebrated for its traditional pottery. Later you walk on to Ventosa and the heights of San Antón. These hills offer views of unending rows of vineyards, a beautiful sight especially in September when harvest has reached its peak.

Distance: 29 Km

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Day 3.- Nájera - Sto. Domingo 21 Km

Today the goal is Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town in Rioja Alta. The route passes through the charming town of Azofra.

In this segment, due to its proximity to Castilla, the landscape is rich with abundant fields of grain. Moreover, Santo Domingo itself is a vibrant town. There are many restaurants with delicious food and a very well preserved city centre that attract tourists all year round.

Distance: 21 Km

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Day 4.- Sto. Domingo - Belorado 21 Km

Today the Camino enters Castilla y León. From now on, and for a couple of weeks, you will pass through the widened passages of the “Meseta Castellana,” the Castillian plateau. The next closest objective is Belorado, located in the shade of a peak where ancient hermit caves and the ruins of a mythical Castle still remain.

Distance: 21 Km

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Day 5.- Belorado - San Juan de Ortega 25 Km

The following stage passes through several interesting monuments such as the Virgen de la Peña Church, carved out of the rock as well as some nicely located castle ruins.

This part of the journey passes through hillside landscapes and extensive forests (the last before reaching León, and if you have chosen to continue walking from Leon to Santiago, you will not see true forests for approximately 300 km.).

Distance: 25 Km

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Day 6.- San Juan de Ortega - Burgos 26 Km

The first leg of the trip passes through a small pine forest before seeing the outskirts of Burgos.

Burgos was founded in the year 884 and its heritage shines with its own light. The city is filled with monuments that include its crowned jewel, an amazing gothic cathedral. In fact, the cathedral of Burgos became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Overall, Burgos gives off a medieval feeling, a sensation completed by its inviting tapas bars.

Distance: 26 Km

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Day 7.- Burgos - Hontanas 31 Km

Today you enter the unpopulated plateau where you only be accompanied by your own shadow and if you're lucky, some other pilgrim that you find along the Camino. You will discover scenery and almost medieval towns that have become embedded in the legend of the Camino since its beginning.

Distance: 31 Km

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Day 8.- Hontanas - Fromista 32 Km

This day, without tree coverage from the elements - be it the summer sun, the penetrating winter cold or the uncomfortable wind - what will stay etched in your mind will be the walk under the arches of San Antón, the visit to the Castrojeriz and the later climb to the Teso de Mostelares. From this hill the extensive "Tierra de Campos" opens up to the pilgrim, a region proud of its grain, pigeon flocks and valuable art.

NOTE: The stages of today and tomorrow can be divided in 3 if the distance seemss too long to you.

Distance: 32 Km

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Day 9.- Fromista - Carrion de los Condes 19 Km

In this stage the flatness of the land and monotony of a walk take over as the walker passes through the nucleus of the countryside. In the final leg you will find yourself in Santa María la Blanca Church- a stronghold attributed to the Templars.

Distance: 19 Km

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Day 10.- Carrion de los Condes - Moratinos 28 Km

Today you can visit "Monesterio de San Zoilo" that is found on the outskirts of Carrión de los Condes (if you reserve your trip enough in advance it is possible to stay the night at the monastery).

Distance: 28 Km

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Day 11.- Moratinos - Burgo Ranero 25 Km

The route continues through unending fields until you reach Sahagún, an important pilgrimage stop, with points of interest like monasteries, churches and a fantastic Roman bridge.

Grain, corn, sunflowers and numerous other crops provide striking color during this flat stage. Although initially the general scenery may appear a little boring, be sure to be on the look out as this is a wonderful place to see eagles and storks and much more. The route passes through several typical towns that probably wouldn't exist if it weren't for El Camino.

Distance: 25 Km

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Day 12.- El Burgo Ranero - Mansilla 19 Km

Today a tree lined path will take you to Reliegos y Mansilla. On the way you will see many cellars that appear as caves carved out of the hills. These were traditionally used to mature the wine, but today these traditional cellars are far from modern wine manufacturing, hence many of them are now used for restaurants or private gatherings places where friends and family meet. Examples of this are found in the small town of Reliegos.

Distance: 19 Km

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Day 13.- Mansilla - León 19 Km

Today you will arrive in León. The first few kilometres after Mansilla are fairly nice although later they are followed by a walk throughthe industrial area of León (for which reason some chose to take the bus at this point).

Once you have reached Leon, and catch your first sight of the Cathedral you will know that every step of the journey so far has been worth it.

This old Roman capital is one of the main towns of the pilgrimage. In 910 León was the capital of the kingdom that later became the Spain, the country, that we know today. The medieval importance of this city is reflected in numerous monuments such as the Cathedral, San Marcos and the Basilica San Isidoro where several kings of historical importance are buried and where the much sought after Holy Grail is believed by many historians to be housed.
The town is filled with tapas bars and inviting places and observe sore-footed pilgrims walking around with the hope of finally reaching Santiago during this journey or the next.

Distance: 19 Km

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Day 14.- Departure

Normally you will go by train to Madrid, from where you will fly home.