I had a month for my Camino. I wanted to complete it all but at the same time I didn’t want to rush and have some spare time to enjoy the beautiful towns on my way. Planning the right rest days is what transforms the Camino from running a marathon into an unforgettable journey.
The main rule for me was: rest where there’s something to see and it worked for me perfectly! Even if you don’t consider having rest days for sightseeing, please consider having one full rest day for every 7-8 days so Camino doesn’t become torture for you and your body. So with mine or yours schedule it gives us 4-5 days for the entire route. Also I was planning to spend 1 day in Santiago de Compostela (decided to leave Finisterre or Muxia for the next Camino).
At this point I was overwhelmed with a numerous open browser tabs with suggestions on towns for the rest days. How to make the choice? My research brought me to understanding that the rest days for me are best to be scheduled in major historical centres since they offer many sights, museums, parks, architectural landmarks, and delicious food. The ideal stops are actually distributed quite evenly along the Camino Frances:
Pamplona:
ideal for catching your breath after a challenging trek through the Pyrenees, eating famous Basque pintxos, and exploring Hemingway’s past.I loved the vibe of this city so much that I caught myself imagining living here – but the Camino was calling, and the backpack wasn’t going to carry itself.
Logrono:
the capital of La Rioja wine region and your perfect excuse to stop walking and start sipping. The legendary Calle Laurel is packed with pintxos bars — locals hop between them with a glass of Rioja in hand. Don’t miss the Santa María de la Redonda cathedral and the charming old town.
Burgos:
just on the border before the Meseta. Here you’ll find an incredible Gothic cathedral (a must-see on the Camino, it took my breath away!), an old town, and excellent restaurants.
P.S.: Yes, I know -that’s not the cathedral in the photo, I am saving it for later. You’re welcome!
Leon:
a city with a stunning stained-glass cathedral, Gaudí’s modernist palace (Casa Botines), and the iconic Barrio Humedo, where you get free tapas with every drink. And if you want to treat yourself – Leon has one of the most beautiful Paradores in Spain, housed in a stunning medieval convent right in the heart of the old town.
Astorga:
a small but magical town just beyond Leon. Here you’ll find another Gaudí palace, Roman ruins, and famous chocolate. I didn’t have a rest day here, but this town definitely stole my heart. Consider staying here for 2 nights if you don’t like the vibes of big cities.
Ponferrada:
the city’s main attraction is the enormous, stunningly preserved Templar Castle. You can spend half a day there, walking along the ramparts and examining ancient manuscripts. The city also has a very cozy old town, the Basilica de la Encina, and the cool Energy Museum (if you’re looking for something unusual).
I would really suggest that in the big cities you book your accommodation in advance and treat yourself well! There are plenty of private albergues and hotels. And the moment when you realize that you don’t need to get up tomorrow and pack your backpack is truly precious.