The Camino Francés is the most popular way of walking to Santiago de Compostela among pilgrims, and rightfully so! This wonderful route is not only a physical and mental challenge but also full of breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites, villages rich in history, and restaurants serving hearty local cuisine. In this blog post, we share with you the WAW team’s favourite spots that we believe everyone should visit on Camino Francés.
The Journey of the Camino Francés: More Than a Physical Trek
Although one cannot deny the physical effort that walking the Camino Francés requires, hiking all the way to Santiago de Compostela can be seen as a team-building activity with oneself. After a few days, our body, mind, and soul start to work together like the most organised group of little workers. Thanks to this phenomenon, you can become more open to the wonderful sights you visit along the way. The Camino Francés is known to have a wide variety of landscapes, from mountains to wide open spaces, from villages with a handful of people to cities with over 100,000 inhabitants.
1. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Most pilgrims choose the village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port as their Camino de Santiago starting point. Each year, tens of thousands of pilgrims visit this gem of the French Basque country, where one of the most exciting walks is actually not even on the Camino Francés yet: it takes ten minutes to walk from the train station to the Official Pilgrim’s office, where warm-hearted volunteers register the soon-to-be pilgrims so that they can embark on their first walking day through the Pyrenees.
2. Roncesvalles
The first walking day on the Camino is challenging and beautiful at the same time. Naturally, our body might be a little surprised by walking 25 kilometers – which probably is not an everyday thing for the average person – but the fascinating landscapes on this day make up for it, we guarantee it! The sweetest moment is arriving in the village of Roncesvalles in the municipality of Navarra. Relax a bit at your accommodation, then make sure to visit the village’s historic monastery and explore the library, museum, and treasury from the 13th century.
3. Puente la Reina
As you continue your journey, you arrive at the “Bridge of the Queen,” also known as Puente la Reina, a beautiful town lying between Pamplona and Estella. Don’t forget to visit the Romanesque bridge that has given the name to this town, as well as the “Monumento al Peregrino,” a statue standing over two meters tall that indicates the convergence point of the Camino. “And from here all roads become one” reads the inscription on this statue, as two famous routes converge here: the Camino Francés and the Camino Aragonés.
4. Estella-Lizarra
Estella-Lizarra offers one of the highlights of the Camino Francés with its unique wine fountain, a favourite spot of many pilgrims, where you can refresh yourself with a sip of local wine, a tradition dating back centuries. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Church of San Pedro de la Rúa, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with its elaborate façade and interior.
5. Burgos
Burgos is a jewel of Spain’s Castile region on the Camino Francés. At its heart stands the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking Gothic architecture. As you wander through the labyrinthine streets of the old town, you are going to keep encountering some references to the legendary El Cid, the celebrated Spanish hero. Not to mention enjoying the vibes of a big city, a good moment to refill on any essentials that are a bit more special.
6. León
The next stop on the Camino Francés is the beautiful city of León, where history, art, and gastronomy converge.
One of its architectural wonders is the Casa Botines, a masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Another must-visit landmark is the magnificent León Cathedral with its characteristic sculptures and stained glass windows, which gives a kaleidoscope-like effect to the interior of the cathedral. After exploring the city’s architectural marvels, experience León’s legendary tapas culture – the city is full of lively bars and taverns, where you can discuss your experiences with fellow pilgrims.
7. Cruz de Ferro
Cruz de Ferro, also known as the Iron Cross is a symbol of faith, reflection, and pilgrimage on the Camino Francés. Once the pilgrims reach the top of Monte Irago, they pause at this sacred site to participate in a centuries-old pilgrim ritual: laying a stone or memento at the base of the cross, symbolizing the burdens they wish to release or the intentions they carry with them on their pilgrimage.
8. O Cebreiro
As you traverse the winding paths that lead to O Cebreiro, you might immediately notice the lush countryside and the distant peaks of the Galician mountains. O Cebreiro is an unforgettable Camino Celtic heritage site, with some rustic cottages and traditional stone huts known as pallozas, making the sight of this Galician village incredibly special.
9. Sarria
Even though you are getting closer to the ending point of your journey, for many people Sarria is the start, as this picturesque town is a popular Camino de Santiago starting point. Sarria’s historic center is a treasure of those adoring Romanesque architecture, with ancient churches and charming stone bridges dotting the landscape. From here on the road gets busier, and even though it might seem unbelievable, it’s true: Camino last 100km!
10. Santiago de Compostela
No words can describe the feeling of finally seeing the Santiago Cathedral after the Camino Francés the with your own eyes. As pilgrims approach the end of their journey along the Camino de Santiago, the city of Santiago de Compostela emerges on the horizon like a guiding light of hope and fulfillment. You might arrive at the end of the Camino, but you are certainly embarking on a new journey from this moment. Make sure to treat yourself, share your experiences with fellow pilgrims and enjoy the lovely restaurants, bars, and nightlife of this beautiful city in the region of Galícia.
The Enduring Spirit of the Camino Francés
The Camino Francés is not only a spiritual journey, but for many, it is a life-changing experience: for some of us in our private lives, and for others in our careers! Here at WAW, we all share the same enthusiasm for this transformative pilgrimage and cannot wait to hear your stories about this experience of a lifetime.
Embark on Your Camino: Begin Your Adventure with WAW.travel
Are you feeling goosebumps already? At WAW.travel we are here to plan your Camino, so that you can fully focus on your own transformative experience while we create a tailor-made itinerary with accommodations, restaurants, and transportation. Should you be interested in starting your own Camino Francés journey, reach out to us at hey@waw.travel.
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