- Index
- Why from Burgos
- Stages on foot
- Stages by bike
- How to get there
- Where to sleep
- Where can I get the Credential
- What to see
In this blog post we will show you one of the most important starting points on the Camino de Santiago, the city of Burgos. There are several reasons that can motivate you to do it from this location, but we know that one of them will be the reason that will help you to take the definitive step, and we will talk about it in the first point.
You may also be interested in: Camino de Santiago from León
There are 485 km that separate this city from Santiago de Compostela. If you do it on foot, the experience will consist of 21 stages and, if you do it by bicycle, there will be 8.
Its route is not of great difficulty, however, it is an extensive route, more than half of the whole French Way, so you will need a good physical preparation so that you can take on all the miles, as well as knowledge to be able to take care of your feet and no problems can arise that could complicate your walk.
Why the Camino from Burgos?
Burgos is one of the best known cities in Spain. The main reason for this is the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa María. An astonishing cathedral in Gothic style that has achieved the honour of being recognised as a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For this reason, and because it is located in the heart of the Camino de Santiago, more specifically, on the French Way, it is considered to be one of the main points on the French route.
As a picture is worth a thousand words, we leave you a picture so you can admire the cathedral and you can understand why many pilgrims decide to start from this place and dedicate a whole day or two to admire its old town.
Surrounding this magnificent work of art is an ancient area of great value, which you should take the time to explore and appreciate in every possible detail. It is, without doubt, a living history of the Camino and of the different eras.
Stages on foot from Burgos
| STAGE | START | END | LENGTH OF JOURNEY | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Burgos | Hornillos del Camino | 21 km | |
| Stage 2 | Hornillos del Camino | Catrojeriz | 19,9 km | |
| Stage 3 | Catrojeriz | Frómista | 24,7 km | |
| Stage 4 | Frómista | Carrión de los Condes | 18,8 km | |
| Stage 5 | Carrión de los Condes | Terradillos de los Templarios | 26,3 km | |
| Stage 6 | Terradillos de los Templarios | Bercianos del Real Camino | 23,2 km | |
| Stage 7 | Bercianos del Real Camino | Mansilla de las Mulas | 26,3 km | |
| Stage 8 | Mansilla de las Mulas | León | 18,5 km | |
| Stage 9 | León | San Martín del Camino | 24,6 km | |
| Stage 10 | San Martín del Camino | Astorga | 23,7 km | |
| Stage 11 | Astorga | Foncebadón | 25,8 km | |
| Stage 12 | Foncebadón | Ponferrada | 26,8 km | |
| Stage 14 | Ponferrada | Villafranca | 24,2 km | |
| Stage 14 | Villafranca | O Cebreiro | (27,8 km/17 miles) | |
| Stage 15 | O Cebreiro | Triacastela | (20,8 km/13 miles) | |
| Stage 16 | Triacastela | Sarria | (18,4 km/11 miles) | |
| Stage 17 | Sarria | Portomarín | 22,2 km | |
| Stage 18 | Portomarín | Palas de Rei | 24,8 km | |
| Stage 19 | Palas de Rei | Arzua | 28,5 km | |
| Stage 20 | Arzua | O Pedrouzo | 19,3 km | |
| Stage 21 | O Pedrouzo | Santiago de Compostela. | 19,4 km |
Stages by bike from Burgos
| STAGE | START | END | LENGTH OF JOURNEY | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Burgos | Carrión de los Condes | (87 km/54 miles) | |
| Stage 2 | Carrión de los Condes | León | 53 km | |
| Stage 3 | León | Astorga | (49 km/30 miles) | |
| Stage 4 | Astorga | Ponferrada | 53 km | |
| Stage 5 | Ponferrada | O Cebreiro | (55 km/34 miles) | |
| Stage 6 | O Cebreiro | Portomarín | (62 km/39 miles) | |
| Stage 7 | Portomarín | Arzua | (54 km/33 miles) | |
| Stage 8 | Arzua | Santiago de Compostela. | (39 km/24 miles) |
How to get to Burgos
In our section on how to get to the most important starting points of the Camino, we have all the necessary information to support all those pilgrims who need advice on how to reach each location on the Camino.
The main way to get to the city of Burgos is by road, it is connected by major roads such as the A-1, the A-73, the N-627, the A-62, the N-120 and secondary roads such as BU-11, BU-30 and the E-5. Burgos is therefore perfectly communicated with the main cities in Spain.
In case you are from another country and you have to buy a flight, we recommend you to fly to Madrid or Santiago de Compostela, as they have the best connections. To get from there to Burgos, one of the most recommended ways is by train or by taking another plane to the city’s airport (from Barcelona). You can buy the necessary tickets on the Renfe website.
Where to sleep in Burgos
We cannot guarantee availability as there is a large volume of pilgrims on the Camino and capacity may be limited. If you would like assistance with accommodation, don’t hesitate to ask us for help, we have a large network of reliable accommodation.
In any case, here are two recommendations to rest in Burgos before leaving for Santiago:
- Albergue Municipal de Burgos
- Capacity: 150 beds
- Address: C/ Fernán González, 28 (Burgos)
- Phone number: +34 947 460 922
- Albergue Parroquial de peregrinos Emaus
- Capacity: 20 beds
- Address: C/ San Pedro Cardeña 31 Bis (Burgos)
Plan your adventure!
We give you all the information without any commitment!Where to get the Pilgrim’s Credential in Burgos
If you plan your Camino experience with us, you will receive the appropriate documentation in your first accommodation where you sleep or in your own home. If you do it on your own, you can buy it at the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago in Burgos, located at Fernán González, 28. Apartado 331 (09003 – Burgos), or at the Municipal Hostel mentioned in the previous point.
What to see in Burgos
If you’ve read this far, we think it’s clear what your first stop in Burgos should be. However, there are other places you can visit and spend a day (at least) wandering the streets of this beautiful city.
Burgos Cathedral
Burgos Cathedral is dedicated to Santa María la Mayor, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and is considered the most representative monument of the city. Its construction began in 1221 and was completed in 1260.
Hospital de Rey
One of the most famous hospitals on the Camino de Santiago route. It was protected by the kings of Castile who always maintained it with great privileges and honours. It is currently the headquarters of the Rectorate of the University of Burgos and the Faculty of Law.
Monasterio de las Huelgas
Located in the Huelgas district, this monastery was built by order of King Alfonso VIII and was the first monastic centre in Castile due to its great importance.
Adventure awaits you
We hope that all the information we have just given you about doing the Camino from Burgos, give you the impetus and help you need to face the adventure and enjoy the magic of the Camino de Santiago.
If you need help in planning, we are always at your disposal. Just leave us your contact details and together we will find the best way to help you.
¡Ultreia peregrino!
Plan your adventure!
We give you all the information without any commitment!