The Camino de Santiago is a journey brimming with discoveries, taking you through some of Spain’s most picturesque and charming villages. Along the Camino, pilgrims traverse magical, somewhat unknown places, away from the country’s typical tourist spots. Scattered across its geography are many villages with a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them extra special, so much so that it’s tough to pick the prettiest, as each has its own unique charm. In the following article, we’re dishing out our top 10 most enchanting villages on the Camino de Santiago, based on our own and other pilgrims’ experiences.
Discovering Spain on the Way
There are many reasons and ways to do the Camino: for religion, spirituality, sport, or culture, and whether on foot, by bike, or other means. It’s the same journey but with different experiences. But you should know, the Camino de Santiago isn’t just one path; there’s no single itinerary. In fact, on the Iberian Peninsula alone, there are over 50 recognized Caminos currently.
Each route is dotted with beautiful, charming villages, some even ranked among Spain’s most beautiful. From the historic French Way to the legendary Finisterre and Muxía Way, we’ve found villages that have earned a well-deserved spot on this list, and if you decide to do the Camino de Santiago or just visit them, you’ll see why.
Jaca (Huesca)
Nestled in the inner ranges of the Pyrenees, this town lies on the Aragonese variant of the French Way, a lesser-known stretch among pilgrims but no less beautiful. This lovely spot boasts one of the region’s most valuable monuments, the Citadel of Jaca, a stunning fortress that served as protection against invasions during the reign of Philip II and is declared a National Monument.
In Jaca, you can do more than just walk; you can ski too
Flanked by the idyllic mountainous landscapes of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park and the Valles Occidentales Natural Park, Jaca is a town rich in historical and architectural heritage. Besides the Citadel, its historic center is notable, housing the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pedro, the Church of Santiago, the Benedictine Monastery, and its Clock Tower.
Puente La Reina (Navarra)
South of the Sierra del Perdón, you’ll find a marvelous town named Puente La Reina, a cobblestoned village steeped in history at every turn. This town is a significant spot on the Camino de Santiago, where two routes coming from France merge.
Tradition holds that its name comes from a bridge commissioned in the 11th century by an anonymous queen of Navarra.
Indeed, its most prominent monument is the bridge built over the Arga River, which the French Way of the Camino passes over. Additionally, it’s home to several churches worth visiting if you get the chance, like the parish church of Santiago, San Pedro Apóstol, or the Church of the Crucifix.
Nájera (La Rioja)
This small but beautiful town is a significant stop on the Camino de Santiago. It’s nestled among hills inhabited since prehistoric times and bordered by the Najerilla River. Its history is marked by battles between Moors and Christians dating back to the 10th century. As for heritage sites, you can’t miss visiting the Santa María La Real Monastery, the Mota Castle, the Alcázar, or its Botanical Garden.
La Rioja isn’t just about wine…
In its region, you’ll also find the Suso and Yuso Monasteries in San Millán de la Cogolla, a crucial site for the origin of the Spanish language and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So much so that many pilgrims on the French Way still make a detour to experience this place firsthand.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja)
This charming municipality sits on the banks of the Oja River and is a quintessential example of a town created by and for the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. Its founder, Domingo García, built a bridge to cross the river, a hospital, and a pilgrim’s hostel for those seeking rest in this town. Today, in its historic center, pilgrims can admire the cathedral and its detached tower, the medieval wall, and the Cistercian abbey, among much more heritage.
“Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where the hen sang after being roasted”
This saying captures the town’s charm, both inside and out. It refers to the miracle of the rooster and the hen, in which good Domingo was instrumental in proving the innocence of a pilgrim wrongly accused of a crime.
Castrojeriz (Burgos)
Castrojeriz is a charming village in Burgos on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. In fact, the Camino runs longitudinally through its historic center, making it the longest urban crossing on the Jacobean route. It’s another prime example of a town built by and for the Camino, where numerous hospitals and pilgrim hostels once stood.
It’s listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain
What’s striking is its location beneath a hilltop crowned by a castle. Among its vast heritage is the Palacio de los Condes de Castro, a Gothic-style building featuring a beautiful 16th-century façade. In Castrojeriz, you’ll also find the Virgen del Manzano Church, the Santa Clara Monastery, and the ruins of the San Antón Convent.
Sahagún (León)
In the historic town of Sahagún, situated at the heart of the Camino, you can still see houses made of bricks, wooden structures, as well as clay and straw, typical of the province of León. The local artistic heritage, showcasing a successful past, includes the notable San Benito el Real Monastery, of which only the San Benito Arch, the Clock Tower, and the San Mancio Chapel remain. In fact, this complex is a testament to the origins of this beautiful Jacobean enclave.
Apart from the French Way, the Madrid Way also ends (or continues to Santiago) here
The Mudejar churches of San Tirso and San Lorenzo, the Benedictine convent, and on the outskirts of the town, the Peregrina sanctuary, make Sahagún one of the prettiest towns on the French Way.
Astorga (León)
This beautiful town on the French Way boasts a walled historic center and a stunning cathedral blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Next to it stands the spectacular Episcopal Palace designed by Antoni Gaudí, which replaced the previous medieval one after a tragic fire.
The Silver Route ends here, bearing witness to the town’s Roman origins
Originally a Roman military camp in the late 1st century BC, a stroll through its streets allows you to admire remnants of Roman occupation. An additional attraction is the Chocolate Museum, a great excuse to take a break and indulge in this sweet treat. And if chocolate’s not your thing, the local mantecadas (a type of pastry) are also highly recommended.
O Cebreiro (Lugo)
This is undoubtedly one of the major highlights of the French Way, as it marks the natural border between Galicia and León on this route. Surrounded by the Ancares Lucenses Biosphere Reserve and the Sierra de Caurel, several reasons make this small parish such an emblematic point on all the Jacobean routes. A notable aspect is the joy pilgrims feel upon arriving here, after ascending to 1300 meters above sea level where this beautiful village and its enchanting mountains are located.
O Cebreiro is the gateway to Galicia and the beginning of the last stretch of the French Way.
Moreover, its distinctive traditional architecture, with pallozas (traditional stone and straw houses) as a main feature, bears witness to significant architectural and ethnographic heritage. The Church of Santa María is also noteworthy, housing a miraculous chalice, the Holy Grail, which is also featured on Galicia’s coat of arms. Elías Valiña, the parish priest of this church, was a painter of yellow arrows and one of the great promoters of the Camino in the last century.
Portomarín (Lugo)
Portomarín is a gem on the French Way and undoubtedly a favorite spot for all pilgrims starting their journey from Sarria. This town is located by the Miño River, and its iconic Roman bridge marks the end of the first stage for many, bringing a mix of excitement and happiness. Additionally, it’s a town with a meticulously maintained aesthetic, as nearly all its buildings feature white walls and slate roofs.
A charming town, moved stone by stone due to the construction of a reservoir
Indeed: a visit to the Church of San Juan and San Nicolás is recommended to learn about its unique history, as it was relocated stone by stone from its original site. This event is the reason for the numbers seen on the stones of its walls, necessary to reposition the church correctly, almost like a giant Lego set. Also worth visiting is the intriguing stone staircase leading to the Chapel of Las Nieves. But beware, it’s said to be cursed: climb it without resting, or you’ll face several years of bad luck in love.
Pontemaceira (A Coruña)
Once in Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims can head towards Finisterre and Muxía via the epilogue of the Camino, namely, the Finisterre and Muxía Way. In the first stage, you reach this green and charming place, another of Spain’s Most Beautiful Villages. The village of Pontemaceira, washed by the Tambre River, is home to a beautiful medieval bridge, ancient mills, the Chapel of San Blas, and the imposing Pazo de Baladrón.
A legendary bridge, deeply connected to the Apostle
Legend has it that Theodorus and Athanasius, disciples of Saint James, while searching for a place to bury their master’s remains, were being chased by pagan enemies. When they reached this spot and crossed the bridge, divine intervention destroyed it, preventing their pursuers from following them.
Many Paths and Villages to Discover
That’s our roundup of the most beautiful and charming villages along the Camino de Santiago. It’s not an easy list to compile, as we have to admit that many villages didn’t make the cut. As we mentioned, there are many routes and even more villages, and no matter which Camino you choose, you’ll find plenty of charming places along the way. Embark on this magical journey, where beauty is found in every corner and history comes alive in every alley. If you dream of exploring villages with a unique charm, get ready for an extraordinary trip!
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