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Camino Frances, the most famous pilgrimage of all the Camino de Santiago routes, is a month-long journey across the breadth of Northern Spain. Dealing with logistics is a hassle—how to secure accommodation every night, how to transfer all your luggage, what if you need help with the route… To avoid these issues, a self-guided tour of Camino Frances is the perfect pick: you’ve got 24/7 agency support, reserved accommodation in 2-3* hotels and guesthouses, and luggage transfer every day! Instead of focusing on the organization of it all, focus on your own enjoyment along the Camino, experience the camaraderie of the pilgrimage, and see what you’re made of over the course of 36 days. One step at a time and you’ll soon be in the historic Santiago de Compostela, whose monumental cathedral reputedly safeguards the remains of St. James, the apostle.
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Your first day on the Camino is all about settling in and getting some rest for the upcoming journey. Book into your hotel in the heart of town and get a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
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The first walking day of Camino Frances is considered the most difficult as it crosses the Pyrenees. The “Camino Napoleon” kicks off with a steep climb, and then continues along country houses and Alpine-looking meadows before meandering alongside beach woods towards the Spanish border. Soon you’ll be in Roncesvalles, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 24.3 km / 15 miles
Note: If you’d like to break this day into two (12 km (7.5 miles) on the first and 14 km (8.7 miles) on the second day), it’s possible to arrange that. Keep in mind that you’d be walking along the main road, which is not on the usual Camino itinerary, and it’s not as rewarding as the “Camino Napoleon”.
Important: “Camino Napoleon” is closed for pilgrims for the 1st of November until the 31st of March. Pilgrims need to use the alternative route via Valcarlos in this case. Traveling on the Napoleon Route at that time is forbidden and all pilgrims going over the Pyrenees and having to be rescued will be fined €5,000. -
Cross two mountain passes and continue on through beech and oak woods and meadows before reaching Espinal. Here is where panoramic views of the countryside open up, with the Pyrenees in the background. The river Arga runs alongside this part of the Camino and continues its course to Larrasoana.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.2 km / 13.2 miles -
Keep walking alongside the Arga river, at the foot of hills covered with beech, oak, and Scots pine. As you approach Pamplona, you’ll be going through reforested conifers and farmlands.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.2 km / 13.2 miles -
Leave Pamplona and the Atlantic area of Navarra behind. The landscape is now marked by cereal crops, Holm oaks, and Mediterranean brushwood. As you cross the Alto del Perdon, you’ll also leave the Pamplona basin behind.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 22.7 km / 14.1 miles -
This part of the path is very uneven and agricultural. You’ll be passing by small towns and villages, dotted among cereal fields, vineyards, and olive trees.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.6 km / 13.4 miles -
Today you’re going through the Rioja area of Navarra. Enjoy walking through olive groves, cereal fields, and many vineyards. From Villamayor de Monjardín to Los Arcos, you’ll cover 12 km without coming across a single village.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.8 km / 13.5 miles -
Leave Navarra and journey into Rioja. Today you have a pleasant walk ahead through the undulating countryside. On this route, you’ll pass the ruins of Clavijo castle. Finally, come into the town of Lotrono, which sits on the border between Alva and Navarra.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 27.9 km / 17.3 miles
Note: There’s an option to split this into two days with a stopover in Viana. -
For the first part of the day, you’ll mostly be walking through landscapes dominated by vineyards. At 12 km, you’ll pass Navarrete, a town built in the 12th century, where you’ll have a chance to stop for some refreshments and to visit the Baroque church of La Ascension. Finally you’ll arrive in Najera, where you can enjoy the panoramic views from this hill-top town.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 28.5 km / 17.7 miles -
Country roads dominate this stage, which runs through the Cantabrian mountains to the north, and La Demanda range to the south. You can also visit the monastery of Valvanera deep in the middle of the La Demanda mountains. Later today, arrive in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.2 km / 13.2 miles -
After a brief walk through a wooded area, the Camino continues through crop fields interspersed with woods. Soon you’ll see the Oca Mountains looming on the horizon. You’ll come to Belorado, where you can relax in the lovely main square. While on the route, don’t miss the Altarpiece in the 16th century church of San Juan Bautista, in Granon.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.5 km / 13.4 miles -
Until you reach Villafranca Montes de Oca at the 14 km mark, the walk is similar to the previous one. However, as you go deeper into the woods, you’ll soon discover the Oca Mountains. Once you’re in San Juan de Ortega, have a look at the Gothic Mausoleum.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 23.9 km / 14.9 miles -
After a tranquil walk in the mountains, make your way down into the valley of Pico River. Here, the wilderness landscapes disappear, making way for the Burgos city and its outskirts.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 24.8 km / 15.4 miles -
Departing from Burgos, walk through crop fields that are typical of the region. You’ll also go through woods which serve as a memory of the time when one of the largest forests in Europe existed on these lands.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.4 km / 13.3 miles -
Continue your walk towards Castrojeriz, upwards to another plateau and then going down towards the valley of river Bol. Today is another pleasant day spent between pasture and crop fields.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 19.2 km / 11.9 miles -
Continue on to Alto Mosterales, situated between the valleys of two rivers, which is the highest point of the Meseta, and the last plains of the Burgos region. The river Pisuerga brings you into the province of Palencia and on into the “Tierra de Campo”. Make sure to visit Boadilla and its 14th-century church La Asuncion, famous for its Gothic pillars and wonderfully carved baptismal font.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 25.1 km / 15.6 miles -
Though this stage of Camino Frances goes through areas that have been heavily influenced by men, you’ll follow the charming banks of the river Uciesa under the canopies. There are plenty of resting places along the way. Passing Villalcázar de Sirga, you’ll come across a good example of a Campos village—just a few houses and inhabitants, but an impressive church full of treasures.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 18.8 km / 11.7 miles -
For 13 km of today’s walk, you’ll follow the historical “Aquitana Camino”, which is another route of Camino de Santiago. Walk through isolated countryside, passing popular woods, and crossing over several irrigation canals.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 miles -
Expect hilly terrain as you cross “cuezas”, or little valleys. Today you’re walking through oak woods before coming back to familiar cereal fields and crossing the river Valderaduey on your way to the countryside of Leon. Once in Sahagún, check out the church of San Lorenzo.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 -
Leave the “Tierra del Campo” behind and move through the cereal and grain-covered plateau of Leon.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 miles -
Descend from the plateau towards the capital of the province, Leon. You’ll pass the village of Reliegos, and you’ll have the chance to take the “Via Traiana”; another Camino de Santiago that originates in Bordeaux.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles -
Walk alongside land that’s been set aside for irrigated crop growing before seeing the first signs of industrial activity up ahead. Once you’re at Portillo Hill, enjoy panoramic views of the city of Leon. The historic center of the city is well-preserved and worth visiting—it became the capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages. Don’t miss out on The Pulchra Leonina, also known as the Sistine Chapel of Spanish architecture, and the old Hospital de San Marcos.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 19.1 km / 11.9 miles -
Departing from Leon, the urban area you’ll be walking along continues almost as far as Virgen del Camino (7 km). From this point on, the route becomes more interesting as you go along the Plateau of Leon.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 20.5 km / 12.7 miles -
Pass the famous Puente de Orbigo and leave behind the plateau. Soon you’ll see the Leon Mountains up ahead and the end of this stage will bring you to Astorga, the capital of Maragateria. Make sure you visit the Episcopal palace, the cathedral, and city walls.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 31.6 km / 19.6 miles -
Today you’re deep within the region as you gradually make your way up to the foothills of Leon Mountains. This part of the countryside is characterized by broom, oak trees, and conifer plantations.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 19.7 km / 12.2 miles -
Today you’ll have one of the most rewarding days on the Camino! Enjoy broom and heather surroundings as you ascend to Mount Irago. You’ll witness the iconic Iron Cross on the mountain pass before making your way downwards to the wealthy area of Bierzo.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 31.2 km / 19.4 miles
Note: You have an option to split this into two days (24 km (14.9 miles) on the first and 8 km (5 miles) on the second day). Accommodation would be in a superb chalet hotel in Molinaseca. -
Today you cross the region of Bierzo, a sunken plain nestled within a ring of mountains, perfect for the cultivation of many types of fruit and vegetables. In Villafranca, don’t miss out on the Iglesia de Santiago garden.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 24.5 km / 15.2 miles
Note: You have an option to split this into two days, with a stopover in La Portela de Valcarce. -
Get ready for a challenging day with an ascent of 1,000 m. Pass through the narrow valley of the river Valcace before tackling the ascent of O Cebreiro. Nestled between Los Ancares and La Sierra do Courel ranges, this stage involves a steep climb in the course of only a few kilometers.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 28.6 km / 17.8 miles -
Starting from O Cebreiro, the trail goes through the Sierra de Ranadoiro, and, after crossing the Alto do Poio, it descends into the valley to the village of Triacastela.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 20.4 km / 12.7 miles -
Of the two Camino options, the San Xil Camino offers scenery that will encourage you with its many corredoiras (narrow forest routes) and paved pathways that cut through typical Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit Samos, you’ll pass through the narrow valley of the Ouribio river, mostly along the road.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles -
Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods and villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo has an incredible Romanesque church well worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros, and soon you’ll arrive in Portomarin where you can relax on one of the many terraces on the main plaza.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 21.9 km / 13.6 miles -
Camino Frances crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On your way, you’ll be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria, Castromaior as well as the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde. In Eirexe, one must see the Romanesque portal of the church, featuring a sculpture of Daniel and animals as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino. Arrive in Palas de Rei.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 24.2 km / 15 miles -
Continue slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. At Melide, stop in one of the many restaurants. Later today, the Camino will follow a forest track and cross several streams, finally bringing you to the village of Boente and its Santiago church. Pass through Ribadiso and finally arrive in Arzua. This small town has two churches you might consider visiting, Santa María and La Magdalena.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 29 km / 18 miles
Note: You have an option to split this into two days (14 km (8.7 miles) on both days). -
This shaded section of the trail goes through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena and its unique Santiago statues. The rest of the way to Rua-O Pino is on a quiet road.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 17.5 km / 10.9 miles -
Nearly there! Pass through Lavacolla, a place where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo (Mount of Joy), from which you can see your goal—the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela! After descending into the city, you’ll be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site upclose. Congratulations, you completed your Camino Frances!
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 20.5 km / 12.7 miles -
After breakfast, you can either stay longer and explore the area, or head back home!
Meals: Breakfast
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Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
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By going on a self-guided tour, you’re able to walk at your own pace and enjoy the journey at your own pace without worrying about the logistics of it all. The guiding company who put this all together is Follow the Camino—they are local guides who have been leading pilgrims along their journey since 2007 and they were the first ever operator to organize walking along Camino de Santiago!
There are many perks of choosing a self-guided tour. Apart from not having to adjust to the group, you’ll have the accommodation, breakfasts, luggage transfer, and route instructions sorted. You’ll be staying in handpicked, carefully-selected 2 or 3-star hotels and guesthouses and there’s no need to print out anything upon checking-in—your guides booked and arranged everything for you, all you have to do is show your I.D.
This is a hassle-free trip so if you want to focus on enjoying your pilgrimage in the Spanish bucolic countryside, these self-guided tours are the perfect match.
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Included:
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- Self-guided tour along the Camino Frances:
- Walk the full Camino Frances
- Walk the final 100 km
- Walk from Leon to Ponferrada
- Walk from Logroño to Burgos
- Holiday pack — pilgrim passport, luggage tag, route notes or guidebook if you have requested a hard copy (this will be waiting for you at your first accommodation)
- Pre-departure meeting (a week or two before the departure, online meeting)
- Walking notes and vouchers — download them yourself, the vouchers contain all the information about your accommodation and there’s no need to print them as your reservation will be confirmed
- Breakfasts
- Accommodation during the tour (2 to 3-star hotels or equivalent)*
- Luggage transfers
- 24/7 Customer service
- Self-guided tour along the Camino Frances:
Add-ons:
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- Premium accommodation
- Airport pick-up
- Additional nights
- Additional luggage
Not included:
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- Transportation to and from the starting/end point
- Lunch, dinners, and drinks
- Travel and medical insurance
If you have any special dietary requirements, let us know in time so we can make arrangements. Please remember to mention it once again upon check-in, it’s always best to double check.
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
*Please note that refrigerators are not guaranteed in the accommodations.
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The most important thing about walking the Camino Santiago is that you enjoy the journey at your own pace. Whether you’re a very fast or a slow walker, we encourage you to enjoy the trail. Check out the day-by-day itinerary to learn about daily distances. Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a daypack of things you might need on the trail. Don’t worry about the baggage, though, as the support vehicle will carry everything for you!
Full walk of the Camino Frances
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- Hiking for more than a month is strenuous. If you’ve never done any long-distance hiking, you should start your workout regime at least 12 weeks prior to the start of the hike. Work on your strength, stability, and cardio. Let us know if you have any questions regarding preparation.
Other 6 and 7-day itineraries
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- A reasonable level of fitness is required for 6 and 7-day itineraries. If you can comfortably walk for several hours at a time and enjoy being active, you should do well. It’s recommended to do some training walks beforehand to build up your stamina and ensure you’re comfortable with the daily distances.
Remember, the Camino is not a race, and there will be plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
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Here’s a list of clothing we recommend bringing:
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- Clothes made from quick-drying fabrics (avoid cotton)
- Leisure clothing and footwear for the evenings
- Spare clothes for layering
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Fleece pullover or jacket
- Quick-dry short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops
- Quick–dry walking pants (consider the ones that zip off to make shorts)
- Waterproof pants — optional (unless it’s very cold, it’s usually best to hike in shorts, but feel free to bring these pants if you’d feel more comfortable)
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Hiking socks
- Sunhat
- Gloves
Here’s a list of other equipment we suggest you bring:
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- Daypack or backpack large enough to carry everything you might need
- Duffle bag for all your belongings if you decide to have your luggage transferred
- Hydration bladder or a water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles — optional
- Earplugs — optional
- Basic first aid essentials, such as blister protection
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. This packing list works best for the May-October season. If you’ll be walking in cooler months, consider adding a warmer base layer, mittens, rain pants and sturdier, waterproof Gore-tex shoes/boots.
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Your guides will send you a pre-departure pack by post. The pack contains your pilgrim passport, luggage tag, route notes or guidebook if you’ve requested a hard copy. In case there are certain complications with receiving the pre-departure pack, it will wait for you at your first accommodation.
You’ll have to download the walking notes and vouches yourself. The walking notes are here to assist you. Although the Camino is pretty well-marked and you only need to follow the yellow arrows, there are sometimes variations on the routes or some of them are more difficult to follow than the others. We recommend that you always familiarize yourself with the daily journey ahead. You’ll also download the vouchers yourself. These vouchers contain all the information about your confirmed accommodation—there will be an address, their phone number, any special instructions on how to get there, and a small map.
You will find a 24/7 support phone number on the bottom of each voucher. Keep in mind that there’s no need to print out the vouchers, as your reservations will be confirmed.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is based on a number of criteria, including location, comfort, services, price, and character. Though accommodation on the Camino is limited, your guides will always try to book something that is near the Camino as well as the historical center of the city. Expect hotels of a 3-star standard in larger cities, while for the smaller villages and towns, your guide choose hotels or guesthouses of a 2-star standard. Exceptions may be made.
In case your accommodation is located outside the town, you’ll need to check your vouchers for specific instructions on how to get to your accommodation. Most likely the accommodation will organize a taxi transfer or they will pick you up themselves. All the necessary information will be on the vouchers, which is why it’s important to check them every morning so you can plan ahead.
Pricing is based on double occupancy. Still, a solo traveler can certainly sign up, but please note there will be an additional single supplement fee.
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One of the best things about these guided tours is that luggage transfers between hotels are included! This means that all you’ll have to carry with you throughout the day is your daypack with essentials.
You are limited to 1 bag per person with a maximum weight of 15 kg/ 33 lbs per bag, it does not matter the size of the bag. Additional bags can be transferred for an extra €10 per bag per transfer. Please note that boots or smaller bags attached to the main bag count as an extra bag and will be charged accordingly.
Luggage is transferred on the days that you are walking to a different hotel. We ask you to have it ready at reception by 8am so as to make sure your luggage is delivered as early as possible in the afternoon.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- It’s possible to arrange self-guided tours for both solo travelers as well as large groups.
- Pricing is based on double occupancy. Still, a solo traveler can certainly sign up, but please note there will be an additional single supplement fee.
- Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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The departure point varies based on the itinerary you choose.
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- To reach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the easiest option is to fly into Bilbao or Toulouse, then take a train or bus for the final leg.
- For Sarria, fly into Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña, both offering good train and bus connections.
- León is best accessed via Madrid’s Barajas Airport, with frequent high-speed trains to the city.
- For Logroño, the most convenient major airports are Bilbao and Madrid, with train and bus options available to reach the city.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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