19 Unforgettable Towns on the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s most famous pilgrimages. Pilgrims can start this journey of a lifetime for any reason and must choose from a handful of different Camino routes. While the Camino de Santiago routes are different, the concept of the pilgrimage is very much the same.
This passage is all about putting one foot in front of the next, healing, finding peace, or taking a pause on the routine of everyday life. No matter what Camino route you choose, each way has impressive landscapes that pass through picturesque pilgrim towns on the Camino de Santiago.
All roads lead thousands of pilgrims to stand in front of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, the alleged burial place of Saint James and for many the end of the Camino journey.
Hands down, the most popular Camino route is the Camino Frances or the Original Way of Saint James. The French Way has been walked for centuries by Christians and thousands of years before that by pagans. There is no denying the powerful healing powers and magic that are found along the way.

The Camino Frances also boasts powerhouse historical cities like Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon. In the cities, you’ll find museums, stunning cathedrals, and important landmarks.
But where I left my heart was in all the little towns on the Camino de Santiago. Although small, these villages have so much to offer, from old hilltop ruins to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The small towns along the Camino de Santiago provide tranquility time to reflect and some seriously warm hospitality.
Here are some of the most unforgettable towns on the Camino de Santiago that have been forever embedded into my heart.
Table of Contents
- Underrated Towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way
- More Honorable Mention Towns on the Camino de Santiago
- Bonus | 2 Beautiful Camino de Santiago Towns on Camino Finisterre Muxia
- Conclusion | Camino de Santiago Villages That Are Worth a Stop
Planning on Walking the Camino de Santiago?
✔ Make sure to have a lightweight backpack and carry only what you need. Here’s my Ultimate Camino Packing List
✔ These are some of my top Camino de Santiago tips for first-time pilgrims
✔ Albergues are popular places to stay on any Camino de Santiago route. Here’s my favorite Camino Frances Albergues and more useful tips on sleeping in Albergues
✔ These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions About the Camino de Santiago
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
13 Underrated Towns on the Camino de Santiago | Camino Frances Route
Below are some of the best and underrated Camino de Santiago villages on the French Way of Saint James.
1 | Saint Jean Pied de Port France

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of the most iconic towns on the Camino de Santiago and is the official starting point of the Camino Frances route. This picturesque village is nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains and sits along the scenic River Nive.
Although a hub for pilgrims, this village still maintains its medieval charm. Follow the cobblestone streets, visit the hilltop fortress, or stop in at the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame du Bout du Pont.
Camino de Santiago Guide | The Pilgrim’s Guide to Saint Jean Pied de Port France
Pilgrims can spend a night or two here casually exploring the beautiful town all while sampling the typical cuisine and local Irouléguy wines. There are plenty of last-minute gear stores and grocery stores for pilgrims to stock up on supplies.

One of the most important places to visit in Saint Jean Pied de Port is the Pilgrim’s Office. This is where pilgrims officially register for the walk, pick up a pilgrim passport, and get any last-minute questions answered by volunteers who speak multiple languages.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Pilgrims can either leave from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for the Pyrenees Mountains via the Napoleon route or the Valcarlos Route to Roncesvalles Spain.
2 | Cirauqui | Navarra Region

Cirauqui is a dreamy town on the Camino Frances. It doesn’t get much better than on the walk into the village of Cirauqui. Be surrounded by vineyards as you stroll into the picturesque medieval hilltop town.
Climb along the twisting cobblestone streets and appreciate the two churches of San Román and Santa Catalina. Both churches boast unique carved doorways and were said to be built during the 13th century.
Cirauqui has a lively hang-out, Bar Iturrizar that comes alive at night with local families.
Since this is a hilltop village on the Camino de Santiago, the views here are fantastic. Don’t miss a chance to watch the sunset dip behind the rolling landscapes.
Albergue Cirauqui Casa Maralotx has a lovely terrace and warm hosts who also cook up a hearty communal pilgrim dinner served in an old cellar. Casa Maralotx was one of my favorite Albergues on the Camino Frances. Another reason to stay in Cirauqui is to walk as the sunrises as you leave the hilltop village.
Cirauqui is one of the most underrated towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way.
3 | Estella | Navarra Region

With a population of close to 14,000 residents, Estella is a fairly large town on the Camino de Santiago. Located in the Navarra region, Estella offers plenty of things to see. The Church of Santo Sepulcro welcomes pilgrims right before the town with is beautifully detailed church facade.
Cross over the Ega River via the Roman Carcel bridge. There are beautiful plazas connected by twisting streets. Appreciate the staircase at the San Pedro de la Rua Church or climb up to my favorite spot in the entire town, the San Miguel Church.
Estella boasts tons of cafes and restaurants with stellar views of the Ega River. Estella is also a popular spot for pilgrims to sleep. There are plenty of Estella accommodations including Albergues, hotels, pensions, and more.
Fuente de Vino

Of course, the famous Irache Fuente de Vino, or wine fountain is just 2 miles after Estella. Yes, this fountain does offer thirsty pilgrims free wine. Make sure to only take what you need, as the Bodegas Irache only distributes about 100 Liters per day.
Stop in at the connected wine museum to get a stamp for your Credencial Peregrino (pilgrim passport).
Psst… Walking past the Irache Free Wine Fountain? Tell your family and friends who can spot you on their live webcam
4 | Nájera | La Rioja

Najera is a beautiful and tranquil village on the Camino Frances. It is also a fantastic village to see in La Rioja.
Najera sits right on the lovely Najerillo River. There are plenty of things to do in Najera from visiting the Monastery of Santa María la Real, climbing up to the abandoned Alcazar ruins, or joining a guided tour to the Cueva el Castillo, or Cave castle. Guided cave tours must be arranged with the Najera Tourist Information Center and are only available on the weekends.

Najera is the access point to the incredible and little trekked Camino Real path. This breathtaking Camino Frances detour passes by the town’s red cliffs, twists through the vineyards of the La Rioja region, and ends at the hamlet of San Millan de la Cogolla.
San Millan de la Cogolla is home to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Yuso Monastery and Suso Monastery. The Suso Monastery is an ancient hilltop monastery where it is believed the first Spanish writings were ever written. The Yuso Monastery is impressive and is home to massive Gregorian Chant books and other treasured relics.
The village is a pilgrim hub, so there are plenty of albergues and places to stay in Najera.
5 | Agés | Castile & León
Ages might be one of the most overlooked towns on the Camino de Santiago. In fact, before you arrive there is a sign that reads “un pueblo con encanto.” Yes, this is a town with charm.

Agés is home to just 60 residents, but there is something special about it. Just stroll around the few streets and you will immediately fall in love.
Visit the Gothic church of Santa Eulalia, which was believed to be built sometime during the 16th century. Stop in at the cute La Rustica Caravan Bar. Here it’s possible to order local Spanish wines by the glass and pair it with a hamburger from the food truck. Seriously, the atmosphere here is on point.
There’s also a handful of nice albergues, including the clean Municipal Albergue that steps out into a large park. There are a few places to stay in Ages.
While there isn’t so much “to do” here, Ages is the perfect village to enjoy the good life, rest with intention, and reflect on the journey thus far.
6 | Castrojeriz | Castile & León

Castrojeriz is a breathtaking town found in the endless vastness of the Meseta. The Meseta is found between the cities of Burgos and Astorga.
Most pilgrims dread this long stretch of miles upon miles of dry flat plains. There are almost no trees or shade. I loved the Meseta and found so much beauty in the little towns of the Meseta on the Camino de Santiago.
One of the best towns in the Camino de Santiago Mesta area is Castrojeriz.
Right before Castrojeriz is the stunning ruins of Arco San Anton. The actual village welcomes pilgrims with the beautiful Church of Santa María del Manzano.

One of the best views in the entire town can be found from the abandoned hilltop Castle of Castrojeriz. The views from here really highlight the grandness that is the Meseta.
The village has beautiful streets, open plazas, and small artisan shops. There are some silent retreat spaces and meditation-based places that are starting to pop up in Castrojeriz. Many people love the peace and quiet of this sleepy town.
There are plenty of places to stay in Castrojeriz to soak in all the serene energy.
After Castrojeriz comes the steep climb up to the Mirador del Alto de Mostelares. From here are some of the most breathtaking views of the Meseta, quite literally.
7 | Villalcazar de Sirga | Castile & León

Villalcazar de Sirga is another overlooked town on the Camino Frances. This small village is home to the stunning Church of Santa María La Blanca which was said to be built at the end of the 12th century. The church is said to have deep connections to the Knight’s Templar and showcases the transition between Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
On a hot day, the church provides a nice cool break. However, the church is rich in history and is worth a visit no matter what time of day or year.
The Church of Santa Maria La Blanca highlights a beautiful rose window. It is also home to a statue of Mary who is said to provide healing powers to those who pray to her. Additionally, there are legends that if you walk along the church on the spring equinox the bull’s mouth will point to the Templar’s hidden treasures.
The Santa Maria La Blanca is worth a stop and is only 1 Euro to enter for pilgrims that show their Pilgrim Credencial.
Villalcazar de Sirga also has an open plaza with the famous pilgrim statue. The Villalcazar de Sirga can be visited in a few hours or makes a great place to sleep.
8 | Moratinos | Castile & León

The tiny village of Moratinos is another fabulous small village on the Camino Frances. The town is home to the San Bruno Hospital Albergue, a fantastic private alberuge that was built by a pilgrim for pilgrims.
The sleeping room has bunk beds, each with its own light and USB charging ports. The garden space is inviting, and tranquil, and has the perfect foot soak tub. Look for fun and neat little handmade touches found throughout the grounds.
While the San Bruno Hospital Albergue in Moratinos is nice, it was the village that I truly loved. Make sure to walk through the small, but picturesque village. The main plaza is uniquely decorated and colorful.
Wander next to the old wine cellars that are built into the hillside.
9 | Rabanal del Camino | Montes de Leon


Rabanal del Camino is a tiny pueblo located in a very unique region in Spain, La Maragatería. The Maragateria region is made up of around 40 villages spread across the Montes de Leon and is home to the mysterious Maragatos culture. Maragatos have their own cuisine, traditions, and colorful clothing, yet their origin story still remains a mystery.
Rabanal del Camino is one of the 40 villages, which is recognized for its distinctive stone building techniques.
Rabanal del Camino has a lovely chapel in town that is always quiet, except for the mesmerizing recordings playing Gregorian chants. The town has a very artistic feeling, so look for poems that can be found around town. When I was walking through the village, there were free poems and love notes for pilgrims to take to be inspired by.
This is one of those very special towns on the Camino de Santiago. The Monasterio de San Salvador del Monte Irago offers a sacred place for pilgrims to rest and participate in a silent retreat.
Rabanal del Camino is a beautiful town to sleep in before climbing higher up Irago Mountain. After Rabanal del Camino is the village of Foncebadon, which is right before the famous Cruz de Ferro.
The Cruz de Ferro is a popular pass marked with a cross. Pilgrims leave behind a stone or a symbolic memento that they have been carrying with them along the way. The Cruz de Ferro is an important landmark on the Camino Frances Way.
10 | Villafranca del Bierzo | Bierzo Territory

Villafranca del Bierzo has a deep history with the Camino. It was one of the more significant towns on the Camino de Santiago. The picturesque hilltop village was once called “Little Santiago” for its Door of Forgiveness on the Church of Santiago.
Pilgrims who could not continue further had the opportunity to be forgiven for their sins by passing through this doorway. They could even be awarded a compostela from the church.
Villafranca del Bierzo has lots of things to see and do. The open Plaza Mayor is lined with cafes, and restaurants and during the summer is filled with pilgrims enjoying the many outdoor terraces. Colegiata Church can be visited by donation. If you don’t want to step inside, there is lots of spacious green space to relax in and stretch out.

Don’t miss a stroll through the inviting Alameda Garden in the middle of town. The Burbia River is a nice place to savor the views.
➜ Villafranca del Bierzo is a popular pilgrim village to sleep
Villafranca del Bierzo is the gateway village to the mountainous and strenuous Camino Dragonte route. The full-day Dragonte trek passes through the Bierzo vineyards, and tiny villages, and traverses the mountains.
The Camino Dragonte is an epic alternative route for confident and intrepid hikers looking to experience the mountains with their endless valley views.
Since this route is quite remote, an offline Camino Dragonte map is essential
11 | O Cebreiro | Lugo


O Cebreiro is the first town on the Camino de Santiago French way to welcome pilgrims to the fertile lands of Galicia. The Galicia region in Spain is unique and has ancient ties to the Celts.
O Cebreiro has a magical church, Santuario do Santa María a Real, where it’s possible to light a candle and sit in solitude. This ancient chapel dates back all the way to the 9th century.
While O Cebreiro is frequented by curious day trippers by bus, the small pueblo still maintains its magic. The small streets don’t have a single bad view and the stone buildings are enchanting.
12 | Samos | Lugo

Samos is a beautiful town that is actually not found on the “Official Camino Frances Route.” However, the village of Samos is a popular Camino Frances detour from Triacastela village that is very well marked!
The main draw of Samos is the Samos Monastery. The Samos Monastery is the oldest inhabited monastery in all of Spain, with monks continually residing here for more than 1,500 years. Tours are available but are only offered in Spanish by the local monks.
What’s cool about Samos is that it’s possible to sleep at the actual Monastery. The Samos Monastery is one of the best donation-based Camino Frances Albergues. The albergue is rustic and is no-frills, but the volunteers that run it are so sweet. Their love for the village of Samos is contagious.
Besides visiting the Samos Monastery, make sure to walk the lovely circular route up to Capela do Ciprés, or take a dip in the refreshing river. This small chapel was believed to be built in the 9th century in a different Mozarabic style.

It’s impossible to miss the towering Cypress tree right next to the chapel. Also, it might just be how the chapel got its name. The Cypress tree is believed to be at least 500 years old. Legends say that if you rub the tree it will help prevent blisters.
Samos has a few bars and restaurants. If you opt to sleep in Samos there are a few different places besides the rustic Samos Monastery.
13 | Ribadiso de Baixo | A Coruña

Cross the Iso River via a Roman bridge to step foot in the small hamlet of Ribadiso de Baixo. This tiny village is home to the Municipal Albergue in Ribadiso de Baixo, which is one of the oldest pilgrim hospitals in Galicia. The original hospital was built sometime in the 13th century, and today the Xunta is a welcome stop on the Camino Frances.
The Albergue sits right along the Iso River. Tired pilgrims can appreciate the old Roman bridge while swimming or soaking their feet in the cold water. There is so much green space to relax, meditate, and reflect.
The village is built along the road and next door find the restaurant Mesón Ribadiso. There is lots of outdoor seating and when I visited musicians were serenading hungry pilgrims.
Ribadiso de Baixo is a tranquil retreat found on the last 100 Km stretch of the Camino de Santiago.
More Honorable Mention Towns on the Camino de Santiago

It’s hard to narrow down all the beautiful towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way. These towns also made my heart full.
✔ Viana – Before Viana lies the equally impressive village of Torres del Rio. Torres del Rio is almost a 10 Km walk to Viana, but this stretch of walk is truly a grand finale of the Navarra region. Those first views of Viana will take your breath away. Viana is a well-preserved town, but my favorite place in the village was the crumbling ruins of the Church of San Pedro. ➜ Viana accommodation options
✔ Hontanas – Another special and surprisingly quiet pilgrim village. Find it tucked away in the vastness of the Meseta. ➜ Places to Stay in Hontanas
✔ Acebo – Found on the descent of Monte Irago, those first views of Acebo are nothing short of spectacular. Walk through the town and head to the cross that highlights views of the surrounding mountains. ➜ Sleep in Acebo
✔ Cacabelos – A fantastic town on the Camino de Santiago that offers a few worthwhile detours. Nestled in the Bierzo wine region, there are lots of unique wine bars to sample the local treasures. Cacabelos has an inviting green space to relax or swim at the Cua River. From Cacabelos it’s possible to visit the hilltop Castro Ventosa ruins or the Monasterio Santa María de Carracedo. ➜ Cacabelos accommodation options
Bonus | 2 Beautiful Towns on the Camino Finisterre Muxia

If you have the time and feel the calling, take the walk to the “End of the World.” Especially after walking the landlocked Camino Frances route, there is something so magical about gazing upon the Ocean after weeks of walking.
The Camino Finisterre Muxia is the only Camino that starts from the Cathedral de Compostela de Santiago and can finish at either the seaside villages of Finisterre or Muxia.
Here are two special towns on the Camino de Santiago route to the End of the World.
18 | A Ponte Maceira

The medieval village of A Ponte Maceira is said to be one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Although small, A Ponte Maceira has a beautiful Roman bridge, an abandoned mill, a chapel, and a palace.
There are a few footpaths under the old bridge that offer tired pilgrims a chance to swim or soak their feet in the Tambre River. Next to the river is the perfect place to relax and have a picnic. Additionally, find Restaurante Pontemaceira, a typical restaurant that offers Galician fare.
A Ponte Maceira is a truly stunning village found on the first day of the Camino Finisterre.
19 | Muxia

Muxia is one of the optional places to end the Camino Finisterre Muxia. In fact, you can choose to walk to Fisterra or Muxia first. This small fishing village is located along the rocky coastline of the Costa da Morte, or Death Coast.
The Costa da Morte is lined with a rich Celtic history, lighthouses, and stunning landscapes and Muxía is located in the heart of it all. Muxia Spain is a magical village in Galicia.
Muxia boasts the Sanctuary of A Nosa Señora da Barca, where the legends of the Virgin Mary appearing here can still be “seen” in the massive rocks. There are also lovely beaches if you wish to relax. Don’t miss an epic sunset from the top of Monte Corpiño. There are even nice little hikes nearby, like the Senda do Rio Negro.
This quaint village has a way of keeping you here, so sleep a few days in Muxia to slow down and appreciate all the beauty.
Conclusion | Camino de Santiago Villages That Are Extra Special

In short, these are some of the top towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way. Each village offers something different and special that adds to the entire journey. While the large cities are filled with history, the towns on the Camino de Santiago are where to find the space and time to reflect.
Of course, there are hundreds of towns on the Camino de Santiago routes. These villages on the Camino Frances really stuck with me and will forever stay cherished in my memories. Each person will find their own magic and fondness for places and spaces as they undertake the journey to Santiago de Compostela.
Please don’t rush through all the magical towns on the Camino de Santiago.
Did you fall in love with any of these towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way? Are there different Camino villages that you loved on alternative routes? Let me know in the comments below!
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