500Miles
30–40Days
30,000 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
Credencial pilgrim passport — free from churches or pilgrim officesGet your Credencial in St. Jean Pied de Port before departure. Stamp it at churches, albergues, and cafes along the way — 2 stamps/day required in last 100km. Book albergues 1–2 days ahead in peak season (April–June, September).Apply or read more
Cost
Free. Albergues €10–15/night. Municipal albergues €8–12.
Bear storage
Not applicable
Season
Best
April–June and September–October. July–August is very crowded and hot.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Safe tap water throughout Spain. No filtration needed in towns.
Resupply
Villages and towns every 5–15 km — easiest resupply logistics of any major trail.
Notes
The most-walked pilgrimage trail in the world — 300,000+ pilgrims annually. Well-marked (yellow arrows), extensive albergue infrastructure, and extraordinary food/wine culture along the way. More cultural experience than backcountry adventure. Ultralight here means a different thing: no tent needed, just a 20–25L daypack.
Elevation
165 ftHigh 1,450 ft
Resupply towns
St. Jean Pied de Port
Pamplona
Logroño
Burgos
León
Sarria
Santiago
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