Stage 8: Logroño - Nájera

Logroño is a stately wine city with a heart of tree-lined squares, narrow streets and hidden corners. Logroño is the capital of La Rioja and therefore the heart of this beautiful region.

With an endless selection of pinchos bars, Logroño has a culinary reputation that surpasses other major cities in Spain.

The Ebro River and the Camino de Santiago cross Logroño, making it a commercial, spiritual and cultural crossroads.

In September, the San Mateo festival, also known as the Fiesta de la Vendimia, attracts revelers from all over Spain and the world who come to enjoy traditions and events that date back centuries.

Entering Logroño is a bit of a shock to the senses if you are used to walking in more rural areas. As you pass through Logroño, you will pass the baroque Fuente del Peregrino (Rua Vieja) and the Church of Santiago el Real.

Legend has it that there was a church built here by Ramiro I after his victory over the Moors in Clavijo during the 9th century. We will leave Logroño through the only remaining gate in the western part of the city, called Puerta del Camino. Charles V rebuilt this gate around 1520.

From Logroño to Navarrete, where you will find all the services you may need on your route, there is a total distance of about 12.5 km.

Navarrete is a municipality located in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja, Spain. On your route along the French Way you will cross this town, which is an obligatory stop for all pilgrims because of the culture and history reflected in its streets and monuments.

Despite being one of the longest stages of the French Way, it is not particularly complicated, but make sure you have what you need from Navarrete to the end, Nájera.