Walk the second stage of the Camino de Santiago, from Pamplona (running of the bulls) to Logrono, the capital of the wine region of Spain.
Experience a pilgrimage journey as you join fellow pilgrims across stunning vineyards, quaint Spanish villages and wonderful Olive Orchards.
SEPTEMBER 21st – TRAVEL DAY
- Depart from London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- 11:30 Arrive at Bilbao Airport – Bilbao Airport
- 12:30 Private Transfer to Hotel Maisonnave, Pamplona.
- Remember to grab your first stamp! Exploring Pamplona
SEPTEMBER 22nd – DAY 1 – PAMPLONA TO PUENTE LA REINA (15 miles/24km)
After the first 3 miles (or so) along suburban roads, you are soon back in the countryside. From Cizur Menor, a climb takes you through a field of wind turbines, with wonderful views back over Pamplona. Today’s stage is dominated by the Alto delPerdón (Mount of Forgiveness/iron statues). Most of the day will be spent going up and down this mountain range. Once you’ve reached the top of Alto del Perdón there is often a van selling food and drinks (although this is not guaranteed). The descent from the peak is complicated due to the steepness of the hill and the many loose stones. You will then enjoy a pleasant walk for a few miles until you reach Puente La Reina where your comfy hotel room awaits as does a pilgrim meal.
September 23rd – Day 2 – Puente la Reina to Estella (14 miles/22km)
Most of this day’s walk will lead you through farmlands, away from the more crowded areas. Check to see if you can spot the storks on the top of the church! Leaving Puente La Reina you will cross the Pilgrims’ Bridge but it is advisable to take the little side trail so that you are under the bridge to capture a fabulous photo. It’s rather beautiful! Then come back over the bridge.
Today you will pass olive groves and wheat fields. You will also pass some small towns and villages where you can get refreshments. We spend some time walking alongside the river which is incredibly peaceful and an easy trail to follow. Then there is a rather steep climb which will get your heart pumping. You will pass Maneru where you can find the ruins of a gothic church and is an ideal place for your first cafe con Leche the day.
40 minutes or so later you will reach the village of Cirauqui which is found on the top of a rocky hill where you can find the Church of San Roman built in the 13th century. In both of these places, you should be able to grab a Camino stamp in your passport. Passing through the Salado River you will reach the village of Lorca where you can find refreshments as well as the ruins of a hostel dating back to the 11th century, the Hospital de Peregrinos de Arandigoyen. Most pilgrims will stop at one of the hostels on the main strip here, however, I would highly recommend popping into the cafe on the little plaza before you reach the hostels – the cafe not only sells amazing orange juice and snacks but also gives demonstrations and talks on sound bathing and beekeeping! It’s a fascinating place.
One of the best places that you will visit today is the Zen Garden. I won’t spoil the surprise, but here is where you may want to lay a stone (or perhaps leave it for the prayer garden on the last day). You can buy refreshments here and take some time to air your feet and have a rest. Next, you will pass the village of Villatuerta before reaching Estella where you are stopping for the night. Estella is a fabulous city and I’d highly recommend grabbing a stamp from the Cathedral. Today is a long day full of lots of ups and downs. Please take your time and make the most of the journey. Perhaps spend time having a paddle in the river and chatting to other pilgrims along the way. Once you reach Estella you will see a sign welcoming you to the town (see below). It is here that you need to turn on Google Maps and plug in the name of your hotel/hostel.
SEPTEMBER 24th – DAY 3 – ESTELLA TO SANSOL (18 miles/23km)
As soon as you leave Estella you will find three places of interest which are all in a row! After the cafe, you have a blacksmith, where you can grab a stamp and pick up some homemade artefacts. Next is the Bourgas Irache, a wine museum & free wine fountain where you can taste the Rioja, the famous wine of the region. Please pop into the museum (many people miss this and it’s something worth seeing, and of course, to grab a stamp in your passport).
Not long after the wine fountain, you will arrive at a junction. Continue straight to go up and over (steep climb), or turn right to go through little villages and forest trails which are fairly flat (a few hills). Turning right is a little bit longer. The choice is yours as they both end up at the same destination.
For most of today’s walk, you will pass through vineyards and farmland. Along your route you will walk through the village of Azqueta and then Villamayor de Monjardin.Important! From Villamayor de Monjardin on, you will not find any other village for almost three hours so make sure to stock up on water and essentials before departing. There may be a few “truck vans” but this is never guaranteed. You will then reach the small town of Los Arcos which has all the amenities you need. Many pilgrims choose Los Arcos as their stop for the day but this means the next day they will take a 28.5 km walk to Logroño, the next stage. The small village of Sansol is located another 6 km away from Los Arcos.
SEPTEMBER 25th – DAY 4 – SANSOL TO LOGRONO (13 miles / 20KM)
Leaving Sansol turn right back onto the Camino and follow the signs to Torres del Rio. Check out the amazing church which is a hexagon shape (but you may need to donate €1 to the pot). You will soon arrive at the village of Virgen del Poyo. After a two-hour walk, you will reach the town of Viana where you can find two palaces: one in Plaza de los Fueros and the other in Plaza del Coso. The Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion was built between 1250 and 1329. Also, while you are in Viana, make your way to the main hostel where you can grab another stamp and have a look around the grounds. (When we came here in October 2022, we went to a little supermarket and bought items for a picnic). About 30 minutes walking along the Camino, after Viana is a fabulous picnic area with wonderful murals. It’s a great place to sit and just watch the world go by whilst eating a lovely lunch. (Picnic tables are provided). The second part of the day will be spent walking from Viana to Logroño, the capital of the state of La Rioja. Logroño is the second largest city on the Camino Frances and it has a lot to offer. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Redonda dates back to the 15th century and features a painting by Michelangelo that shows the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
You have now completed stage two of the Camino de Santiago! Well done.
SEPTEMBER 26th – TRAVEL DAY
- 12 noon : Check out at Sercotel Portales, Logrono
- 13:00 Private Transfer
- 18:10 Depart from Bilbao Airport –
- 19:00 Arrive at London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
