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Navarre is the gateway to the Way of St James on the Iberian Peninsula.
A gate that opens onto a land of ancient traditions, wild nature and an exceptional historical heritage.
Reaching Santiago de Compostela is the goal, and we encourage you to achieve it. But starting, taking the first step, is just as important. And in Navarre, you can do it on a ‘Way’ which is certain to change you.
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The five routes of the Way of St James in Navarre
Five different routes of the Way of St James pass through Navarre: two branches of the French route, the Baztan route, the Ebro route and the Sakana route.
This popular version of the Way of St James takes you from the Pyrenees to Rioja, passing through such emblematic places as Orreaga/Roncesvalles, Pamplona and Puente la Reina.
Besides discovering the rich artistic heritage along the way, getting to see a mediaeval collegiate church, a cathedral with an exceptional Gothic cloister, ancient monasteries and delightful Romanesque churches (click here to check out the Sites of Cultural Interest on the Way of St James in Navarre), you can also enjoy a journey through all the landscapes and good food that Navarre has to offer. Three in one, how about that?
You'll notice how the terrain changes from the green Pyrenees to the gentle slope taking you down into the Basin of Pamplona, and then the lower mountains interspersed with fields of grain and vineyards beyond it. A landscape which turns bright green in spring and takes on the ruddy tones of the vines when autumn sets in, and is, all year round, a delight for walkers.
And as for the food, well, what can we say? We hope you don’t leave before trying the tasty meats and cheeses of the Pyrenees, the pintxos in Pamplona, the red peppers of Puente la Reina, suckling pig in Estella-Lizarra, the wines of the Central Zone and the delicious vegetables grown in the Ribera, which, lucky you, you can order in any restaurant in Navarre.
Because you have to get your energy back and there’s no better way than trying the local fare.
Carry on reading because we’re going to offer you some practical advice and tell you about everything you can do on and around our five routes.
Buen Camino!
Warning. The passage of pilgrims is prohibited.
From 1 November 2024to 31 March 2025, for reasons of safety, the winter closure resolution comes into effect. This prohibits the passage of pilgims through the Eastern variant of the French Way of St James on the stage between Saint Jean de Pied-de-Port and Orreaga/Roncesvalles over the crest of Lepoeder (known as the "Napoleon Route").
Instead, pilgrims should use the Western route through Luzaide /Valcarlos.
The French Way of St James, the stand-out route
If you want to take the most popular route of them all to discover the Way of St James, then this is the one for you.
Other routes of the Way of St James in Navarre
If you’ve chosen not to take the more traditional French route and are looking for somewhere else to set off from, there are four other ways to enjoy your pilgrimage.
How do you want to do “your Way”?
There are many ways to follow it and many ways to look at it. As a challenge of endurance, a way to find yourself, to meet people, to switch off, to fulfil a promise, to venerate the Saint...
Do it as you wish, but the Way is yours.
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On foot
On foot
Extensive information about different routes in Spain with the Buen Camino guide.
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By bike
By bike
All the practical information you need to do the Way by bike from Bicigrino.
Organise your journey along the Way of St James
The Way of St James is a journey on which nothing should be left to chance if you decide to do it on foot or by bicycle. You don’t need much — on the contrary, the less you take with you, the better —, but it’s absolutely necessary to arrange everything in advance.
Let's start with accommodation:
Accommodation
Use the map below to get information on all the hostels and other types of accommodation on the 5 routes crossing through Navarre.
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Point of departure
If you decide to take the more traditional French route, you can get to Orreaga/Roncesvalles and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port from Pamplona by coach. Another option is to take a taxi from wherever you may be.
Pamplona - Orreaga/Roncesvalles line
Pamplona - St Jean de Pied de Port line
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Weather forecast
What's the weather going to be like today and tomorrow? Is it going to rain or will it be sunny?
Check here the weather forecast all along the Way of St James in Navarre. -
Luggage forwarding
If you'd rather forget about your backpack during your daily hike or need to send on a package or your bike, there are several companies providing the service, such as Jacotrans, NCS and the Spanish Postal Service.
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Medical services
If you need medical attention while you’re on the Way of St James, Navarre has an excellent health care system. Find out about it here and learn hoy to use the European Health Insurance Card.
And if you're a woman travelling alone, then check out the following website: www.caminodesantiagolibre.com
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Credencial and Compostela
If you want to demonstrate your pilgrim status, you have to do two things. First, get a Credencial, or pilgrim’s passport, the document which is stamped each day to show that you’re completing the Way of St James. Second, get your Compostela, or certificate of accomplishment, by using your credencial to prove that you’ve reached Santiago by walking at least 100 kilometres or cycling 200.
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Waymarks
These are the signs that tell you that you’re on the right path: yellow arrows, the most important signs, because all the branches are marked with them; milestones or markers, which are made of stone or concrete and normally bear the yellow arrow, together with other Way of St James symbols, such as the yellow scallop. There are also traffic signs and information panels to show you the way.
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Organise your journey along the Way of St James
Park your bike in Pamplona
Sign up for the NBici-Biziz app, available for iPhone and Android, and park your bike at 14 Calle Mayor, Pamplona, in the heart of the city.
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The accessible Way of St James
This website gives practical information for persons with physical disabilities, the characteristics of the paths, roads and sections, as well as the places to visit, where to eat and sleep along the Way.
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Organised trips
And if you want someone to organise your trip, there are several agencies that can deal with the details:
Do a complete section of the Way in just one week
Have you got a month to do the entire Way? Perfect. Not got so long? No problem. A week is long enough to travel the sections in Navarre and remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience for ever.
Start from Orreaga/Roncesvalles and end in Viana to make the complete journey through Navarre, the first region on the Way of St James. Enjoy a week of fun, culture, varied landscapes, cuisine, inner experiences and those shared with others, effort and reward.
And mark the next date on your calendar to restart the Way.
Warning. The passage of pilgrims is prohibited.
From 1 November 2024to 31 March 2025, for reasons of safety, the winter closure resolution comes into effect. This prohibits the passage of pilgims through the Eastern variant of the French Way of St James on the stage between Saint Jean de Pied-de-Port and Orreaga/Roncesvalles over the crest of Lepoeder (known as the "Napoleon Route").
Instead, pilgrims should use the Western route through Luzaide /Valcarlos.
Things to do on the Way of St James
Articlesof interest
El Camino Baztanés, la belleza del Camino de Santiago en Navarra
5 routes to get you started on the Way of St James in Navarre
3 Leyendas del Camino de Santiago en Navarra
The additional highlights of the Way of St James
Each pilgrimage comes with its story; each season has its appeal, and each destination holds different pleasures for different people. Navarre can be enjoyed in many ways and offers you activities and experiences to make yours the perfect ‘Way’:
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Gastronomy
Gastronomy
Try some of the pintxos you're bound not to be able to find back home, enjoy a rosé wine when it’s just right for drinking or try some of Navarre’s most authentic dishes. How long is it since you last allowed yourself a treat?
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Nature
Nature
Wander through an ancient beech forest, contemplate the most turquoise river waters you've ever seen or marvel before a vast desert landscape. Navarre has all this and more
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Culture
Culture
Romanesque architecture abounds in Navarre, with churches, convents, collegiate churches and historical town centres taken straight from mediaeval legends. Discovering the personality of Navarre means discovering its history. And it’s anything but boring.
The gate to the Way of St James is open to you:
Enter through Navarre. Make your own Way