The Baztan Way is one of the lesser-known variants of the Camino de Santiago, but also one of the most interesting. It is a route that allows you to cross the Pyrenees in a more accessible way than the traditional entry through Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. In addition, it is a journey that takes you through spectacular landscapes and charming villages.

This route connects Bayonne, in France, with Pamplona, linking up with the French Way. Although it is a short route, approximately 110-115 kilometres, it offers an authentic experience, away from the crowds.

If you’re looking for a less demanding alternative to enter Spain from France without sacrificing natural beauty and historical heritage, this option could be ideal for you.

 

A route with history and unique landscapes

The Baztan Way has been used since the Middle Ages as one of the main routes to enter the Iberian Peninsula. Its importance lies in the fact that it avoided the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees, thus facilitating the movement of people and goods between France and Spain.

Today, this route still offers a journey full of history. You will walk through valleys covered with forests, ancient chapels, and medieval bridges that have seen thousands of pilgrims over the centuries. Starting from Bayonne, the route crosses the French Basque Country before entering the Baztán Valley, one of the greenest and most peaceful areas of Navarre.

Along the way, you will find small villages where you can enjoy the local cuisine, based on traditional products such as cider, sheep’s cheese, and grilled meat. With the help of a Caminos de Santiago agency, you can enjoy this route with greater peace of mind.

 

Other routes that may interest you

If the Baztan Way has caught your attention, you might be interested in other routes that offer less crowded alternatives to reach Santiago. Below, we present some interesting options:

  • Sanabrés Way from Ourense: This variant of the Silver Way starts in Ourense and is characterised by its tranquillity and natural beauty. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a route with fewer pilgrims and good accommodation infrastructure.

 

  • Primitive Way from Lugo: The Primitive Way is the oldest Jacobean route. Its section from Lugo offers one of the most spectacular parts of the entire journey, with mountainous landscapes and an atmosphere full of history.

 

  • Camino Santiago Irun Bilbao: If you prefer an option that runs along the Basque Coast, this section of the North Way will allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. It passes through cities with a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

 

Each of these routes has its particular charm, so choosing the one that best suits what you’re looking for will allow you to make the most of your experience.

 

Itinerary of the Baztan Way

  • Stage 1: Bayonne – Ustaritz. 14 km.
  • Stage 2: Ustaritz–Espelette. 14 km.
  • Stage 3: Espelette – Elizondo. 31 km.
  • Stage 4: Elizondo – Berroeta. 12 km.
  • Stage 5: Berroeta – Olagüe. 18 km.
  • Stage 6: Olagüe – Pamplona. 25 km.

 

What to see on the Baztan Way

Although it is a short route, the Baztan Way offers numerous points of interest that make the experience even more special. Along the way, you will find villages full of history, stunning natural landscapes, and monuments that reflect the importance of this route.

One of the first highlights is Bayonne, a French city with a historic centre full of cobbled streets, Gothic churches, and a vibrant cultural life. From here, the route enters the French Basque Country, passing through towns such as Ustaritz and Espelette, known for their traditional architecture and gastronomy.

Upon crossing into Navarre, the Baztán Valley welcomes you with green landscapes and villages with a unique rural charm. Amaiur, with its ruined castle, is a must-see stop to learn about the history of the Navarrese resistance against the Castilian conquest. Elizondo, the capital of the valley, stands out for its stone farmhouses and welcoming atmosphere.

In the final part of the journey, you will reach Pamplona, where you can join the French Way. The capital of Navarre is known for its history, medieval walls, and lively old town, where you can enjoy the local cuisine before continuing your journey.

 

Advantages of the Baztan Way over other routes

  • More accessible Pyrenean crossing: Unlike the climb to Roncesvalles on the French Way, the Baztan Way avoids major elevation changes, making it easier for those looking for a less demanding start.

 

  • Lower influx of pilgrims: It is a less crowded route, meaning you can enjoy the tranquillity of the path without the crowds of other more popular routes.

 

  • Scenic and cultural richness: It combines the natural beauty of the Baztán Valley with the charm of the small villages scattered along the route, offering a very authentic experience.

 

Tips for walking the Baztan Way

  • Choose the right time of year: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to walk this route, as the temperatures are pleasant and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

 

  • Prepare your gear with the essentials: Although the route is not particularly demanding, it is important to bring comfortable clothes, appropriate footwear, and a light backpack with the essentials for the trip.

 

  • Get informed about accommodations: Although there are hostels and accommodations along the route, it is recommended to plan where to sleep each night, especially during the high season. We would like to point out that Mundiplus does not cover this route. This guide is for informational purposes.

 

  • Enjoy the journey without rush: One of the advantages of this route is its peaceful atmosphere, so take the time to enjoy the landscapes and local cuisine.

 

A route worth discovering

The Baztan Way is an ideal alternative for those seeking a more accessible way to cross the Pyrenees and enter Spain. With a route full of history, stunning landscapes, and fewer pilgrims, it offers an authentic and enriching experience.

Along the way, you will discover villages with great cultural richness, enjoy the hospitality of their inhabitants, and connect with the tradition of the Camino de Santiago from a different perspective. Upon reaching Pamplona, you will have the opportunity to continue on the French Way, expanding your experience and immersing yourself in one of the most iconic pilgrimages in the world.

If you’re looking for a charming route, with no great physical demands but much to offer, this could be the perfect option to start your journey.