Camino de Santiago walking route: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
The Santiago Way is 822 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Pora in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims pass through the historic cities of Logroño, Burgos, Asturga and Ponferrado, cross the Pyrenees at Pedrafita do Quebreiro and complete the route in Galicia via Saria, Portomarin and Melide.
- Distance
- 822.1 km
- Duration
- 5 days
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- End
- Final Days
- Stops
- 13
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port — Traditional beginning of the Camino de Santiago from France
- First Crossing Border — Border crossing from France into Spain
- Logroño — Important milestone on the Camino route
- Burgos — Wine region town along the route
- Quintana del Castillo Historic City — Major pilgrimage city with cathedral
- Astorga — Important pilgrimage destination
- Ponferrada — Significant waypoint in the journey
- Pedrafita do Cebreiro — Historic castle and pilgrimage stop
- Sarria — High altitude mountain village on the route
- Portomarín — Popular starting point for shorter pilgrimages
- Palas de Rei — Historic town relocated due to dam construction
- Melide — Town in western Galicia
- Final Days — Approaching Santiago de Compostela
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Get your pilgrim's passport (credensial) before starting your itinerary. It allows you to collect stamps in churches, hostels and cafes, turning into a book of memories of the path.
- Where to stay
- Spend the night in the alberges (hostels on the way). Prices start from €10 per night. Monasteries and hotels of different levels of comfort are also available.
- Timing
- Avoid the summer season for a relaxed journey. The author was published in November-December, when there were fewer tourists and places in albergues were freer.
- Tip
- Turn off notifications on your phone and minimize communication while you're on the go. This helps to be in the present moment and avoid distractions.
- Transport
- The route of the French Road is about 800 km through northern Spain. Start in the south of France (Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port). Follow the yellow arrows and shell signs.
- Tip
- Do not book accommodation 3-5 days in advance. This allows you to flexibly change the route depending on your well-being and allows unexpected meetings to take place.
- Tip
- Walk an average of 25-35 km per day. Go out an hour before dawn with a headlamp, finish an hour after sunset for safety.
- Avoid
- Avoid industrial areas of cities (like León). They contrast with the nature of the route and affect the mood negatively. Complete them faster.
- Tip
- Come to the hostels after 15:00-16:00 hours (after walking 25-35 km). Do not plan far ahead, only learn about the next village for the night.
- Timing
- The main route takes about 30 days to cover 800-900 km. November-December is a low season with changeable weather and snow.
- Tip
- Prepare for four seasons of weather on one route. Take gear for snow, rain, cold, and changeable conditions.
Video on this route
I walked 900 km and found my way of life. The Camino de Santiago, all the way from France to Spain.