Camino de Baztán

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Bayonne → Pamplona
• Length: 106.4 km
• Elevation gain:↗ 2,260 m / ↘ 1,825 m
• Duration: about 4–5 days on foot
• Other names: Camino de Bayona, Baztán Trail
• Character: A short, green hike through the Pyrenees via the Baztán Valley to the The French Way

Overview

The Camino de Baztán is one of the oldest Pyrenean crossings on the Way of St. James. As early as the Middle Ages, it was the direct route from Bayonne on the Basque coast to Pamplona—shorter and at a lower elevation than the famous crossing via Roncesvalles. It winds through the lush Baztán Valley, past the Urdax Monastery and over the Velate Pass, before joining the Camino Francés in Pamplona.

Today, it is a peaceful, scenic route for anyone who wants to start the Camino Francés away from the crowded starting point in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Other Names

• Spanish: The Baztán Route, The Bayonne Route
• English: Baztán Way
• German: Baztán-Weg

The name comes from the Baztán Valley in Navarre, through which the trail runs on the Spanish side.

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

This is ideal if you're looking for a short, green, and historic start to your journey through the Pyrenees and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. If you love the Basque countryside and tranquility, this is the place for you.

It's not the best choice if you want to be surrounded by fellow pilgrims or if you're averse to rainy weather: The Basque Country is green because it rains often.

Route & Landscape

From Bayonne, the trail leads into the Basque hills and across the border into the Baztán Valley—a wide, green valley dotted with white-and-red Basque villages. Passing the Urdax Monastery and through Elizondo, the trail climbs to the Velate Pass.

Beyond the pass, Navarre opens up; the trail leads down to Pamplona, where it joins the Camino Francés.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

At about 106 kilometers and 2,260 meters of elevation gain, the trail can be completed in 4–5 days; the Velate Pass is the toughest part, while the rest consists of gentle ups and downs. Technically straightforward.

The trail is well-marked, and there are plenty of amenities in the valley—but some sections are sparsely populated.

The Baztán Valley and the Velate Pass—the heart of the trail

The Baztán Valley is the highlight of the region in terms of both scenery and culture: typical Basque architecture, the ancient Urdax Monastery, and its proximity to Zugarramurdi, the “witches’ village” with its legendary caves.

Over the Velate Pass, you'll follow a centuries-old trade and pilgrimage route between France and Navarre.

• Plan a quick trip to Zugarramurdi (Witches' Caves) if there's enough time.
• About the Velate Pass Bring sturdy shoes and rain gear.
• And Pamplona This is where the hustle and bustle of the Camino Francés begins—a good place for a rest day.

There is a simple reason why this path is so old: For centuries, it was the the most convenient entry point to the Iberian Peninsula. While Roncesvalles and Somport rise high into the mountains, the Velate Pass remains significantly lower—which is why merchants, armies, and pilgrims have taken this very route since the Middle Ages. Above all, pilgrims arriving by ship at the port of Bayonne joined the route to Santiago here: the Baztán was their shortest link from the Atlantic to the main pilgrimage route.

Highlights Along the Way

• Bayonne – a Basque city at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers.
• Baztán-Tal – a green valley featuring Basque architecture and the Urdax Monastery.
• Velate Pass – Historic Pyrenean pass into Navarre.
• Pamplona – Capital of Navarre, where it meets the Camino Francés.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

The starting point is Bayonne – Historically the landing place for maritime pilgrims, today it can be reached in minutes by TGV from Paris or via Biarritz Airport. This makes the Baztán one of the most easily accessible starting points on the Camino.

In Trinidad de Arre, just before Pamplona, the trail joins the The French Way– even before its first week. Many therefore view the Baztán as a gentle prologue to the Pyrenees: crossing via Velate instead of Roncesvalles, and joining the main stream from Pamplona onward.

Continue the pilgrimage?

The Camino de Baztán does not end in Santiago, but in Pamplona—where it joins the The French Way From here, it’s still about 700 kilometers along the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela. Many people take the Baztán Route precisely for this reason: as a quiet, short start to their journey through the Pyrenees before joining the main flow of the Camino Francés.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall; the Basque Country is often damp, so good rain gear is a must. Accommodations are available at albergues and guesthouses. As on all Spanish routes, you’ll need a pilgrim’s passport (Credencial).

What the journey will cost you

Roughly budget 25–45 € per day (the Basque Country is a bit more expensive). Hostels usually cost 8–15 €, plus meals.

Getting There

The starting point is Bayonne, which is easily accessible by train (TGV) and bus.

• Train to Bayonne: TGV trains from Paris and connections along the Atlantic coast. SNCF Connect– Train routes and tickets in France.
• Return trip from Pamplona: Trains and buses throughout Spain. Spanish national railway company– Connections from Pamplona.
• Continue the pilgrimage: In Pamplona, connect to the The French Way Toward Santiago.