What is the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago?
Determining the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago is complicated, as it’s subjective and highly personal. However, here are 10 of the most talked-about stages due to their physical difficulty, with their challenging sections and climbs. Many consider these to be among the toughest stages of the Camino de Santiago.
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Lepoeder Pass (French Way)
The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles features the legendary Lepoeder Pass. Over a distance of about 20 km, you climb from 150 m to around 1,450 m. This official section, known as the “Napoleon Route,” is a tough but beautiful stretch that has an alternative via Valcarlos, which is shorter and less strenuous. Any pilgrim walking this stage between November and March must take the Valcarlos route due to extreme weather conditions and snow. Fines are imposed for non-compliance.
- Cizur Menor – Alto del Perdón (French Way)
Continuing along the French route, the stage between Pamplona and Puente La Reina includes one of the most famous climbs among pilgrims: the ascent to Alto del Perdón. Between Cizur Menor and this iconic point, known for its famous Camino sculpture, there are about 8.5 km where you ascend roughly 300 m.
- Hospital – O Cebreiro (French Way)
For some, this is the most demanding stage and one of the hardest on the Way. The stage between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro is considered the “Queen Stage,” as it has the highest ascent on the French route. After covering around 20 km, the final challenge is a steep climb of about 600 m over 8 km.
- Boente – Arzúa (French Way)
To finish off the French Way, we can’t forget the infamous “leg-breaker,” the stage between Melide and Arzúa. This section of the last 100 km of the French route is a constant up-and-down, where the legs, ankles, and knees take a beating. Though the gradients aren’t too steep, the final 8 km can be tough, especially for those starting from Palas de Rei.
- Codesal – Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (Portuguese Way)
While the Portuguese Way is relatively flat and accessible for any pilgrim, it does have a notable climb. On the stage between Ponte de Lima and Rubiães, walkers face the ascent to Alto de A Portela Grande in Labruja. Over 4.2 km, you climb about 300 m through forests and beautiful scenery on a short but demanding stage.
- Combarro – Armenteira (Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way)
Still on the Portuguese Way, but taking the Spiritual Variant in its first stage from Pontevedra to Armenteira, pilgrims face another tough climb. After reaching the beautiful seaside town of Combarro, known for its traditional granaries, you ascend about 400 m over 7 km.
- Pola de Allande – Puerto del Palo (Primitive Way)
On the Primitive Way, the stage between Pola de Allande and La Mesa includes a challenging climb. The stage starts with a gradual ascent, from 525 m to nearly 1,200 m at Puerto del Palo over 8.4 km.
- Augapesada – Trasmonte (Finisterre and Muxía Way)
On the Finisterre and Muxía Way, the first stage between Santiago de Compostela and Negreira features an interesting climb. Starting at Augapesada, pilgrims face a moderately tough ascent of about 200 m over 2 km. Midway through the climb, you can refresh yourself at a fountain before descending to Pontemaceira, a beautiful reward on the Way to Finisterre.
- Vao – As Travesas (English Way)
On the English Way from Ferrol, the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma includes a brief but steep ascent between Vao and As Travesas. In about 1.5 km, you climb roughly 125 m to reach the highest point of the last 100 km on this route.
- Oseira – Villarero (Sanabrian Way)
Lastly, on the Sanabrian Way, the stage between Cea and A Laxe-Lalín, within the last 100 km from Ourense, includes a notable climb. This is a longer variant of the 11th stage, offering a challenging ascent starting from the Oseira Monastery, well worth the effort to visit. After exploring the monastery, you face a climb of 180 m over 2 km.
