The short, old way over the Pyrenees: about 106 kilometers from Bayonne through the green Baztán valley to Pamplona, where the Camino Francés begins.
The Camino de Baztán is one of the oldest Pyrenean crossings of the Camino. In the Middle Ages it was already the direct route from Bayonne on the Basque coast to Pamplona – shorter and lower than the famous crossing over Roncesvalles. It runs through the green Baztán valley, past the monastery of Urdax and over the Velate pass, before meeting the Camino Francés at Pamplona.
Today it's a calm, scenic route for anyone who wants to begin the Camino Francés away from the crowded start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
The name comes from the Baztán valley in Navarre, through which the route runs on the Spanish side.
Ideal if you want a short, green and historic opening over the Pyrenees and wish to avoid the bustle of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Anyone who loves Basque landscapes and stillness is in the right place.
Less suitable if you want plenty of pilgrim company straight away or dislike wet weather: the Basque Country is green because it rains often.
From Bayonne the route leads into the Basque hills and over the border into the Baztán valley – a wide, green valley with red-and-white Basque villages. Past the monastery of Urdax and through Elizondo, the path climbs to the Velate pass.
Beyond the pass Navarre opens up; the route descends to Pamplona, where it meets the Camino Francés.
At about 106 kilometers with 2,260 meters of climb, the route is doable in 4–5 days; the Velate pass is the main effort, otherwise gentle ups and downs. Technically straightforward.
Waymarking is solid and supplies in the valley are good – though a few stages are sparsely populated.
The Baztán valley is the scenic and cultural highlight: typical Basque architecture, the old monastery of Urdax and the nearby Zugarramurdi, the "witches' village" with its legendary caves.
Over the Velate pass you follow a centuries-old trade and pilgrim road between France and Navarre.
The Camino de Baztán doesn't end in Santiago but in Pamplona – where it meets the Camino Francés. From here it's about another 700 kilometers on the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela. Many walk the Baztán way for exactly this reason: as a quiet, short Pyrenean opening before joining the great stream of the Camino Francés.
The best time is late spring to early autumn; the Basque Country is often wet, so good rain gear is essential. Accommodation is in albergues and guesthouses. As on all Spanish routes, you'll need a pilgrim's credential (credencial).
Budget roughly €25–45 per day (the Basque Country is a bit pricier). Albergues usually cost €8–15, plus food.
The starting point is Bayonne, well connected by train (TGV) and bus.
Adonis Hotel Bayonne
Open season unknownAlbergue de peregrinos de Berroeta
Open season unknownAlbergue de peregrinos de Lantz
Open season unknownAlbergue de peregrinos de Olague
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Camino de Baztán, shipped to your door.
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