On the route of the legendary Camino de Santiago Francés you will come across Zubiri, a charming Navarrese town that offers a refuge and a window to the past for travelers and pilgrims. 

With a population that It barely exceeds 350 inhabitants, Zubiri represents more than a simple stop: it is a crossroads between history, culture and spirituality. Here in the threshold of the Esteribar Valley, the pilgrims who make the Camino de Santiago organized They find a haven of peace and beauty, ideal to regain strength and meditate on the journey they have traveled and the one to come.

Link with the Camino de Santiago

Zubiri, whose name derives from “zubi” (bridge) and “iri” (town), is an essential stop on the French Way to Santiago. And although there is still a long way to go 727 kilometers to the final goal, this picturesque town not only marks the entrance to the quiet and extensive Esteribar Valley. It also represents a turning point in the journey, a place where the flat road gives a break before entering the Pamplona basin. In fact, the stage that ends in the capital of Navarra is the one that starts from here. 

Highlights and tourist attractions

Below, we present some of the most striking points of interest in this picturesque town.

Bridge of Rage

El Bridge of Rage, a historical monument of Zubiri, is more than an architectural structure. It is a key piece in the legends and traditions that surround this town. 

Zubiri: Bridge of Rage

This bridge romantic style, which dates from XII century, is the center of an ancient tradition. According to local legend, the bridge had the power to cure animals from rabies. He has left a testament to the rich mythology and the importance it has had in the lives of inhabitants and travelers throughout the centuries.

Parish Church of St. Stephen

La Church of San Esteban de Zubiri, rebuilt in honor of the original building destroyed in the Carlist Wars, is an emblem of the faith and resilience of this community. With its single nave and its imposing bell tower, the church not only serves as a place of worship. It is a reminder of the turbulent past and the ability of the people of Zubiri to excel.

Batueco water source
Source from which the legends say, gushed a water brimming with healing properties. To this day we cannot assure that these miraculous properties continue to affect the source, what we can say is that today the water that emanates contains hydrogen sulfide.

History and Culture

Zubiri, administrative capital of the Esteribar Valley, has been a crucial point in the history of Navarra. From 19th century flour mill to the medieval Benedictine monastery, Zubiri exudes history in every corner. Formerly known as the “Valley of the Hunters”, this place paid hunting tributes to the king and the collegiate church of Roncesvalles.

What to do in Zubiri?

We show you some information of interest in case you are passing through here on your journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Holidays and traditions

  • Valley Day: Celebrated with great enthusiasm on the third Sunday in June, this day is an opportunity for residents and visitors to join in the celebration, sharing traditions and making memories.
  • Patron Saint Festivities of San Esteban: During the first Sunday in August, Zubiri transforms into a scene of joy and festivity, honoring its patron saint with events and activities for all ages.

Sport events

  • Roncesvalles-Zubiri Half Marathon: This event, held in October, is not only an athletic challenge, but also a way to experience the landscape and community in a unique and energetic way.

Unique experiences

  • Taste the local cuisine: Zubiri establishments invite you to savor typical Navarra dishes, offering a culinary experience that complements the spiritual and cultural journey.

Balconies in Zubiri

Planning your visit

It is one of the first routes of the French Way, so we understand that it is a perfect starting point for all those who want to start the adventure.

How to get

  • By car: The most direct route is the national highway N-135, which connects Pamplona with Roncesvalles, crossing the heart of the Esteribar Valley.
  • By bus: There are regular bus services that facilitate access to Zubiri, connecting it with nearby cities.

Accommodations and services

Zubiri and its surroundings offer a variety of accommodation options, tailored to the needs of each traveler. From cozy hostels to pensions with all modern comforts, such as Tau Pension in Larrasoaña (6 kilometers away), visitors will find a place to recharge their batteries. 

Furthermore, the local supermarket It not only provides basic products, but is also a meeting point for locals and travelers.

Tips for pilgrims

  • Physical training: It is important be physically prepared for the stage from Roncesvalles to Zubiri. We warn you that it is one of the most demanding
  • Personal care: The Ultreia massage center, already in Pamplona, offers an oasis of relaxation and care for pilgrims.
  • Responsible exploration: Zubiri is a natural and cultural treasure. It is recommended to explore with respect, preserving its beauty and traditions.
  • Documentation and maps: Always carrying updated maps and the necessary documentation is key to a safe and enriching pilgrimage experience.

Pilgrim in Zubiri

 

Zubiri is more than a stop on the Camino de Santiago; It is a destination full of stories, legends and unique experiences. Its rich history, living traditions and incomparable natural beauty offer pilgrims and visitors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the past and enjoy the present. 

Crossing the Bridge of Rage, participating in local festivities or simply enjoying the surroundings, make Zubiri an unforgettable place on the Camino de Santiago journey.

Alternative Jacobean routes

For those who do not want to, or cannot embark on a long, physically demanding pilgrimage, there is a shorter alternative which is the organized trip of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela from Sarria, a Jacobean route that may well be the first of several over the years.

But, although very popular, not all pilgrims choose the French Way. Surely you will be interested in knowing about other pilgrimage routes to Compostela.

One of the most picturesque roads is the northern route, along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea. It is a route of 35 stages, one of the most demanding, and it is not recommended to do it in winter, since the weather can be very harsh.

On the Atlantic coast side, the Portuguese Way route, It starts in Porto, passes through Viana do Castelo and Vigo before arriving in Santiago. It requires about two weeks of walking, although there is a shorter alternative, starting in Viana do Castelo.

Finally, the Portuguese Way of Tui, which although it begins in Lisbon, many decide to do it from the city of Tui, in the province of Pontevedra.