Stage by Stage: The Camino de Santiago Francés Route Breakdown

Walking the Camino Francés, One Stage at a Time

The Camino Francés is the most well-known and beloved Camino de Santiago route.

Spanning roughly 780 km (485 miles), it begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and winds its way across northern Spain to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

When I walked the Camino, the idea of nearly 500 miles felt overwhelming.

But breaking the journey into daily stages made it manageable — and gave me something to look forward to each day.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the traditional 33 stages of the Camino Francés.

Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or planning a return journey, this breakdown will help you understand:

• Average distances

• Terrain challenges

• Key highlights and towns

• Tips for pacing yourself and enjoying the experience
  
  

Related Post: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Walking the Camino

This was one of our favorite spots along the Camino de Santiago, Negeira-A Barca.

Overview of the Camino Francés

• Total Distance: 780 km / 485 miles
  

• Typical Duration: 30–35 days walking
  

• Starting Point: St. Jean Pied de Port, France
  

• Ending Point: Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The route passes through four main Spanish regions:

1. Navarra – Rolling hills and lush landscapes
   

2. La Rioja – Vineyards and medieval villages
   

3. Castilla y León – The vast Meseta plains and historical cities
   

4. Galicia – Green, rainy countryside leading to Santiago

   
   
   Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Walking the Camino de Santiago: Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

Here’s the classic 33-day itinerary many pilgrims follow.

Feel free to adjust based on your pace, fitness level, and time available.

We broke down some of the stages, so that our days weren’t as long. We also planned five rest days along the Camino. One of our Camino goals was to slow down and really take it all in.

Stage 1: St. Jean Pied de Port → Roncesvalles

• Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Challenging — steep ascent over the Pyrenees
  

• Highlights: Stunning mountain views, crossing into Spain, picturesque Roncesvalles monastery
  

Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon fog and heat. This is one of the toughest stages! Be sure to pack water, snacks and T.P.  (Carry a ziploc baggie to carry out any soiled T.P.) There is a long stretch with no services.

This was a very hard day, especially for our first day. However, once we accomplished this stage, we felt like we could accomplish anything.

Stage 2: Roncesvalles → Zubiri

• Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
  

• Terrain: Downhill with some rocky, uneven paths
  

• Highlights: Charming medieval bridges, beautiful forests

Stage 3: Zubiri → Pamplona

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Gentle ups and downs
  

• Highlights: Entering Pamplona, famous for the Running of the Bulls, vibrant city atmosphere
  
  

Related Post: What to Do in Pamplona as a Pilgrim

Stage 4: Pamplona → Puente la Reina

• Distance: 23 km / 14 miles
  

• Terrain: Moderate climbs, including the Alto del Perdón
  

• Highlights: Iconic pilgrim statue, historic medieval bridge at Puente la Reina
  
  

Pyrenees Mountains, Camino de Santiago

Stage 5: Puente la Reina → Estella

• Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
  

• Terrain: Rolling hills through vineyards and olive groves
  

• Highlights: Wine fountain at Irache, charming Estella streets
  
  

Stage 6: Estella → Los Arcos

• Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
  

• Terrain: Open countryside, limited shade
  

• Highlights: Peaceful farmland and quiet villages
  
  

Stage 7: Los Arcos → Logroño

• Distance: 28 km / 17 miles
  

• Terrain: Long day with varied terrain
  

• Highlights: Entering La Rioja wine country, Logroño’s lively tapas scene
  
  

Stage 8: Logroño → Nájera

• Distance: 29 km / 18 miles
  

• Terrain: Gradual uphill sections
  

• Highlights: Vineyards and red clay landscapes
  
  

Stage 9: Nájera → Santo Domingo de la Calzada

• Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
  

• Terrain: Gentle farmland paths
  

• Highlights: Cathedral with live chickens inside (unique Camino tradition!)
  
  

Stage 10: Santo Domingo → Belorado

• Distance: 23 km / 14 miles
  

• Terrain: Flat and easy walking
  

• Highlights: Quiet countryside and small villages
  
  

Stage 11: Belorado → San Juan de Ortega

• Distance: 24 km / 15 miles
  

• Terrain: Steady uphill climb through oak forests
  

• Highlights: Spiritual atmosphere at the San Juan monastery
  
  

Stage 12: San Juan de Ortega → Burgos

• Distance: 27 km / 16.7 miles
  

• Terrain: Mostly downhill, city approach can be industrial
  

• Highlights: Stunning Burgos Cathedral, rest day opportunity
  
  

Stage 13: Burgos → Hornillos del Camino

• Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
  

• Terrain: Flat Meseta landscapes
  

• Highlights: Quiet walking and expansive views
  
  

Stage 14: Hornillos → Castrojeriz

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Flat and open
  

• Highlights: Medieval ruins and peaceful scenery
  
  

Stage 15: Castrojeriz → Frómista

• Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Steep hill at the start, then flat canal paths
  

• Highlights: Romanesque church in Frómista
  

Monastery in Carrion de los Condes

Stage 16: Frómista → Carrión de los Condes

• Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles Historic churches and pilgrim traditions

• Terrain: Flat, easy walkingHighlights:

• Historic churches and pilgrim traditions

  
  
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Stage 17: Carrión de los Condes → Terradillos de los Templarios

• Distance: 26 km / 16 miles
  

• Terrain: Long, isolated stretch — pack plenty of water and snacks
  

• Highlights: Tranquil Meseta experience
  

Stage 18: Terradillos → Sahagún

• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
  

• Terrain: Easy walking day
  

• Highlights: Great spot for a short stage or rest day
  
  
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Stage 19: Sahagún → El Burgo Ranero

• Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Straight, flat paths
  

• Highlights: Quiet reflection time
  

Stage 20: El Burgo Ranero → Mansilla de las Mulas

• Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
  

• Terrain: Gradual terrain, easy pace
  

• Highlights: Traditional Spanish town with great food options
  

Stage 21: Mansilla → León

• Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
  

• Terrain: Mostly urban approach
  

• Highlights: León Cathedral and tapas streets
  

Stage 22: León → Villadangos del Páramo

• Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
  

• Terrain: Easy, flat walking
  

• Highlights: Transitioning back to rural landscapes
  
  
  

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Stage 23: Villadangos → Astorga

• Distance: 27 km / 16.7 miles
  

• Terrain: Moderate climbs
  

• Highlights: Gaudí-designed Episcopal Palace in Astorga
  

Stage 24: Astorga → Rabanal del Camino

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Gradual uphill
  

• Highlights: Stunning mountain views
  
  

A beautiful Oak tree along the Camino de Santiago trail

Stage 25: Rabanal → Ponferrada

• Distance: 32 km / 20 miles
  

• Terrain: Steep uphill and downhill sections — challenging day
  

• Highlights: Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro), Ponferrada’s Templar Castle
  

Stage 26: Ponferrada → Villafranca del Bierzo

• Distance: 24 km / 15 miles
  

• Terrain: Gentle walking through vineyards
  

• Highlights: Beautiful valley scenery
  

Stage 27: Villafranca → O Cebreiro

• Distance: 28 km / 17 miles
  
  

• Terrain: Difficult climb into Galicia
  
  

• Highlights: Traditional stone houses and mountain views
  
  My favorite stretch of the Camino de Santiago is from Villafranca to Samos. It’s stunning!

Stage 28: O Cebreiro → Triacastela

• Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
  

• Terrain: Rolling hills, easier than the previous day
  

• Highlights: Misty forests and green landscapes
  

Stage 29: Triacastela → Sarria

• Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
  

• Terrain: Downhill sections through small villages
  

• Highlights: Transition point for pilgrims starting at Sarria
  

Stage 30: Sarria → Portomarín

• Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles

• Terrain: Rolling hills
  

• Highlights: Scenic riverside town
  

Stage 31: Portomarín → Palas de Rei

• Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
  

• Terrain: Moderate, mixed terrain
  

• Highlights: Rural Galicia at its finest
  

Stage 32: Palas de Rei → Arzúa

• Distance: 29 km / 18 miles
  

• Terrain: Longer stage but not difficult
  

• Highlights: Dairy farms and peaceful walking
  
  

Stage 33: Arzúa → Santiago de Compostela

• Distance: 39 km / 24 miles (often split into two days)
  

• Terrain: Mostly rolling hills and wooded paths
  

• Highlights: The emotional arrival at Santiago Cathedral
  
  

Related Post: How to Get Your Compostela Certificate

Tips for Pacing Yourself

• Start slow: Don’t overdo the first week — your body needs time to adjust.
  

• Take rest days in major cities like Pamplona, Burgos, León, or Sarria.
  

• Listen to your feet: Blisters and shin splints are common signs you need to slow down. (I learned this the hard way and I got huge blisters on day 3.)
  

• Be flexible: You can combine or split stages depending on how you feel.
  
  

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Many Steps

Walking the Camino Francés is about so much more than distances and towns.

Each stage brings its own challenges, beauty, and moments of connection.

As you walk toward Santiago, remember that every step is part of your story.

Whether you complete the route in 30 days or 40, the Camino is about the journey, not just the destination.

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• Ready to plan your own pilgrimage?

  • Download my free Camino Packing Guide to start your journey prepared.

  • Check out my Camino Route Guide to choose the path that’s perfect for you.

  • Read my guide on 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Walking the Camino for tips on preparation.

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Buen Camino, friends! 

Renae