Camino Frances Stage 4: Zubiri to Pamplona

Camino Frances, downtown Pamplona

Camino Francés, Gate entering Old Pamplon

Camino Francés, Pamplona

Camino Francés Pamplona building detail

Trail Notes

Camino Frances Elevation by Stage

Try to book your stay in Old Pamplona. It is very lively with many restaurants and shops.

• Quick Snapshot

  • Distance: 20.3 – 22 km (12.6 – 13.6 miles)

  • Time: 5 – 6 hours

  • Elevation Gain: ~405–485 m (about 1,558+ feet)

  • Difficulty: Low-Moderate (2 out of 5)

  • Alternative transportation: available buses and taxis to the next stage

• Food, Water & Stops

  • Limited stops—Espinal( get snacks & water), cafe in Bizkarreta may not be open.

  • Carry enough water (at least 1.5–2L)

  • Cafés/bars: Espinal, Bizkarreta (if open)

  • Water availability: Espinal, Bizkarreta

• Where to Stay in Pamplona

  Albergues:

  • Albergue Casa Ibarolla: 20–25 € (they have pods)

  • Private pensions: Pension Pasadena: 41–49 €

  • Pension Sarasate: 65–75 €

  • Personal recommendation: Albergue Ibarolla. Just past the Portal de Francia, inside the old medieval walls of Pamplona.

• Tips for Future Pilgrims

  • Stay in Old Pamplona—there is a lot to do.

  • There is a Correos in Pamplona. Lighten your pack and send it home or to Santiago de Compostela.

  • By stage 4, many pilgrims had blisters. To treat blisters, cover the blister with lambswool before taping; you don’t want the tape pulling off the roof of your blister. To prevent blisters, the moment you feel a hotspot—cover it with Luko tape. (See my Hiking Gear List.)

  • Keep your feet dry. Always carry an extra set of socks.

  • Alternative transportation: available buses and taxis to the next stage

Camino Frances Dowtown Pamplona

Camino Francés Graphic Image of Dwelling

Camino Francés Mountains in Early Morning

JOURNAL

By the time I reached downtown Pamplona, my body was spent— my legs were aching. I kept wondering when my trail legs would finally show up. I stayed the night in Old Pamplona. It is a very lively area filled with restaurants and pubs. -That Eva!

Your packing list post

Your “Start Here” post