Camino Francés The French Way Stage 3: Zubiri to Pamplona – Your First Big City!

Quick Facts

  • Starting point: Zubiri
  • Destination: Pamplona
  • Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
  • Walking time: Around 4.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Special features: First major city on your Camino!

Where to Stay in Pamplona

What You Need to Know About Stage 3

Good vibes continue! Day 3 on The French Way is just as chill as yesterday. From Zubiri, you’ll walk mostly flat terrain with only about 180 meters of elevation gain spread throughout the day until you reach Pamplona.

And what a destination! Pamplona is a historic city famous for its bullring and over 2,000 years of history. The city is surrounded by some of Europe’s best-preserved city walls – originally dating back to Roman times, but renovated in 1530 during King Carlos V’s reign. Pretty cool, right?

Heads up: Pamplona has several albergues and gets packed with pilgrims in summer, so it’s smart to book ahead or arrive early to snag a bed.

Once you’re settled in, take some time to explore the colorful streets and soak up the city vibes. You’ve earned it after three days on the Camino de Santiago!

Looking for more accommodation tips along the route? Our eBook „Camino Francés for Beginners“ has a complete accommodation directory to help you plan your stops.

Bottom line: An easy walking day leading into your first major city – perfect combo for exploring Pamplona’s historic charm!

Buen Camino! 🥾

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