Camino Francés Stages

The Camino Francés is the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago. It begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and crosses northern Spain before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, pilgrims pass through historic towns, small villages, vineyards, farmland and the mountains of Galicia.

Planning where to sleep each night is an important part of preparing for the walk. Some pilgrims follow a traditional itinerary, while others adjust their stages to suit their fitness, available time and preferred walking distance.

This guide to the Camino Francés stages explains the traditional overnight stops, highlights the main towns along the route and helps you decide where to look for accommodation. The suggested stages are a planning guide, not a fixed schedule. You can split longer days or combine shorter ones to suit your needs.

How Many Stages Are There on the Camino Francés?

Many pilgrims plan the Camino Francés over approximately 30 to 35 walking days, although some complete it faster and others take longer. The number of stages depends on your starting point, walking pace, rest days and chosen overnight stops.

The route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela is roughly 770 to 800 kilometres, depending on the route variations you follow. The first day over the Pyrenees is particularly demanding, while the final stages through Galicia include frequent climbs and descents.

You do not need to follow the same itinerary as other pilgrims. Choose daily distances that feel manageable and allow yourself time to rest when needed. Dont forget ‘It’s your Camino”

Stages 1–5: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Estella

The first section takes you from the French side of the Pyrenees into Navarra. It includes mountain scenery, historic villages and the lively city of Pamplona covering approx 112km.

• Stage 1: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles. This is a challenging mountain crossing on the traditional Route Napoléon, with significant climbing and exposure to changing weather. Check conditions before setting out. An alternative route through Valcarlos is available when appropriate.
• Stage 2: Roncesvalles to Zubiri. The route descends through woodland and small settlements. Zubiri is a popular overnight stop with several accommodation options.
• Stage 3: Zubiri to Pamplona. Continue through villages and countryside before reaching Pamplona, known for its historic centre and lively atmosphere.
• Stage 4: Pamplona to Puente la Reina. The route climbs towards Alto del Perdón before descending towards Puente la Reina, a traditional Camino town.
• Stage 5: Puente la Reina to Estella. Walk through small villages and agricultural landscapes towards Estella, which has shops, restaurants and accommodation.

These stages can be adjusted. Some walkers split the first day, while others shorten the approach to Pamplona or add a night in a smaller village.

Stages 6–10: Estella to Belorado

This part of the Camino Francés crosses the vineyards and towns of La Rioja before entering the province of Burgos. It offers a mixture of historic centres, rural paths and traditional pilgrim stops.

• Stage 6: Estella to Los Arcos. The route passes through vineyards and the village of Villamayor de Monjardín. Los Arcos is a common overnight stop.
• Stage 7: Los Arcos to Logroño. Continue through small settlements before reaching Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, with a wide choice of accommodation and places to eat.
• Stage 8: Logroño to Nájera. Walk through vineyards and open countryside towards Nájera, a historic town with several places to stay.
• Stage 9: Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This stage crosses agricultural landscapes and ends in a well-known Camino town with a strong pilgrimage tradition.
• Stage 10: Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado. The route continues through villages and farmland towards Belorado, where pilgrims can choose from albergues, hostels and hotels.

Logroño and Nájera are useful towns to consider if you need a rest day, extra services or more choice of accommodation.

Stages 11–15: Belorado to Frómista

Leaving La Rioja behind, the Camino crosses the landscapes of Castilla y León. This section includes forested hills, the approach to Burgos and the long, open paths of the Meseta.

• Stage 11: Belorado to San Juan de Ortega. The route climbs through woodland and rural countryside. Depending on your pace, you may prefer to stop earlier or continue towards Agés.
• Stage 12: San Juan de Ortega to Burgos. Continue towards Burgos, a major city with extensive accommodation options and an impressive Gothic cathedral.
• Stage 13: Burgos to Hontanas. The route leaves the city and enters the open Meseta. Hontanas is a traditional village stop, although some walkers divide this longer stage.
• Stage 14: Hontanas to Frómista. Pass the historic ruins of San Antón and the village of Castrojeriz before continuing towards Frómista. Consider a shorter day if the distance is too demanding.
• Stage 15: Frómista to Carrión de los Condes. This section follows relatively open terrain through small settlements and farmland.

The Meseta can feel exposed in hot or windy weather. Plan water and food stops carefully, and check accommodation availability in smaller villages before relying on them for the night.

Stages 16–20: Carrión de los Condes to León

This stretch includes long rural paths, small villages and the approach to León. Some sections have limited services between overnight stops, so plan your daily distances carefully.

• Stage 16: Carrión de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza. This is a quieter rural section with a long stretch of open walking. Check where food and water are available before leaving.
• Stage 17: Calzadilla de la Cueza to Sahagún. Continue across the plains towards Sahagún, an important historic Camino town with accommodation and services.
• Stage 18: Sahagún to El Burgo Ranero. Walk through open countryside and small settlements. Some pilgrims choose a different overnight stop depending on their pace.
• Stage 19: El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas. This stage continues across the plains towards Mansilla, a useful stopping point before León.
• Stage 20: Mansilla de las Mulas to León. Follow the Camino towards León, where you will find a broad choice of accommodation, restaurants and services.

If you prefer shorter walking days, consider adding overnight stops in intermediate villages where accommodation is available.

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Stages 21–25: León to Ponferrada

After León, the route passes through villages and farming country before reaching Astorga and climbing into the mountains towards Galicia. The landscape becomes more varied as you approach the Bierzo region.

• Stage 21: León to Villadangos del Páramo or San Martín del Camino. These are useful options for breaking up the walk west of León.
• Stage 22: San Martín del Camino to Astorga. Continue towards Astorga, a historic town known for its cathedral, architecture and pilgrim facilities.
• Stage 23: Astorga to Foncebadón. The route begins its climb towards the mountains. You may prefer to divide this section if you want a shorter day.
• Stage 24: Foncebadón to Ponferrada. Pass Cruz de Ferro and descend through mountain villages towards Ponferrada. The descent can be demanding on tired legs.
• Stage 25: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo. Walk through the Bierzo region, with vineyards, villages and a range of accommodation options.

Mountain weather can change quickly around Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro. Check conditions, carry suitable clothing and avoid pushing on simply to reach a planned overnight stop.

Stages 26–30: Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago de Compostela

The final section includes the climb into Galicia, green countryside, traditional villages and the increasingly busy route from Sarria to Santiago.

• Stage 26: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro. This is a demanding stage with a significant climb towards Galicia. Some walkers divide the distance and stay in an intermediate village.
• Stage 27: O Cebreiro to Triacastela. Enjoy mountain views before descending through rural Galicia. Weather and terrain can affect your pace.
• Stage 28: Triacastela to Sarria. You can follow the route via Samos or the alternative via San Xil. Both lead towards Sarria, a major starting point for pilgrims walking the final 100 kilometres or more.
• Stage 29: Sarria to Portomarín. Walk through wooded countryside and small villages towards Portomarín, beside the Miño River.
• Stage 30: Portomarín to Palas de Rei. The route crosses rolling countryside and passes through small Galician settlements.
• Stage 31: Palas de Rei to Arzúa. This is a longer stage for many walkers. Melide is a popular stop if you want to divide the distance.
• Stage 32: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo. Continue through eucalyptus woodland and rural villages towards O Pedrouzo, a common overnight stop before Santiago.
• Stage 33: O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela. Set out for the final walk to Santiago and the Cathedral. Allow time for the arrival, particularly if you want to attend a Pilgrim’s Mass or collect your Compostela.

This is a traditional planning outline rather than a fixed 33-day itinerary. Some stages are long, and many pilgrims add stops in places such as Samos, Melide or other intermediate villages to make the walk more comfortable.

How to Choose the Right Overnight Stops

You do not have to follow a traditional itinerary exactly. Your ideal stages depend on your fitness, experience, available time and the type of accommodation you prefer.

• Be realistic about walking distance. Allow for hills, heat, rain, breaks and the weight of your backpack.
• Check the next available accommodation. A village may have limited beds, especially outside the larger towns.
• Consider your arrival time. If you want to visit a town or relax after walking, avoid planning a stage that leaves you arriving late.
• Allow for rest days. Burgos, León and other larger towns can be useful places to pause, explore or recover.
• Stay flexible. You may feel stronger or more tired than expected. Adjust your plans when necessary.

When Should You Book Camino Francés Accommodation?

Booking needs vary along the route. Some public albergues do not accept advance reservations, while many private albergues and hotels do.

During busy periods, consider reserving accommodation in popular towns and at locations with limited alternatives. This can be particularly useful if you have a fixed schedule, need a private room or want to avoid uncertainty at the end of a long day.

Where there are several accommodation options, you may prefer to keep your plans flexible. Always check opening dates and reservation policies, as some properties close seasonally.

For more advice, read our guide to how to book albergues on the Camino de Santiago.

Find Accommodation for Your Camino Francés Stages

Planning your overnight stops before you start walking can make the Camino easier to manage. It helps you estimate daily distances, identify towns with the facilities you need and decide where to reserve a bed.

Use our Camino Francés accommodation directory to explore albergues, hostels, pensions and hotels along the route. Compare locations, prices, facilities and booking options before choosing where to stay.

Remember that the traditional stages are only a guide. Choose distances that work for you, allow time to enjoy the journey and change your plans when necessary.

Buen Camino!