Camino Francés: Pamplona to Logrono
About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
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Walls of Pamplona to the vineyards of Logroño
This section of the Camino Francés starts in Pamplona, famous for its Bull Running festival, and finishes in Logroño, at the heart of the Rioja wine region. The walking crosses hilly Navarra, past 12th-century castles, picturesque villages and vineyards.
Wine is part of the trip. Rioja is made from grapes grown specially in the region, and there are good chances to stop and try it along the way. Some fountains on the route pour wine for pilgrims instead of water. The best known is at the Bodegas Irache winery.
Arriving in Logroño
Logroño is the capital of La Rioja, but the city owes its importance to the Camino de Santiago, which has run through its cobbled streets since the Middle Ages. Pilgrims still cross the River Ebro into the city on the Puente de Piedra, the oldest bridge over the river.
The historic centre is easy to explore on foot, with medieval castles, temples, palaces and squares. The Cathedral of Santa María la Redonda holds a painting of Christ on the Cross by Michelangelo. There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can try the local wine and dishes.
What's included and what to carry
Accommodation is bed and breakfast in hand-picked places to stay. You also get a holiday or pilgrim pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before you leave. Luggage transfers between hotels are an optional extra and aren't included in the starting price.
Facilities along this stretch are adequate, but there are some noticeable gaps. Each person should carry at least two or three snacks, or a light lunch or sandwich, for the longer stretches. Drink plenty of water, and eat regularly between places with services.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
