Day 3 Larrasoana – Pamplona – 19.5km
This is the shortest day so far on the Camino, and it is worth having the extra time in Pamplona to see the city – that is, if you have the energy and your feet are not too sore. On my first Camino I dumped the boots that I had started out with here and bought new walking shoes in Pamplona, as the boots were not good for my feet. I learned many of the Camino lessons by making the mistakes.
Today’s route is more urban than the last two days, quickly passing into the suburbs of Pamplona, but not before one long climb out of Larrasoana. There are a few small towns along the way for eating and water, but for many pilgrims Pamplona is all they see in their sights today – and not without justification.
Pamplona is a city that would be easy to spend a few days in. However before exploring the city check into your hostel. The main albergue is well signposted at the start of the city in the old part of the town, it is large, but does not open until 2pm. If, as most pilgrims do, you leave your backpack here before heading out into the city – remember you are in a main city. I was one of the very unfortunate few who have had their wallet stolen from the main albergue in Pamplona. The security in the albergue is not great, it is never great in any of them and that is generally not a problem as they are small and in the countryside. Take any valuables with you, wallet, camera, etc.
The route out of Pamplona is the best marked of any of the cities and passes the university campus where they have a pilgrims office to have your pilgrims passport stamped.
What to see:
- Pamplona Cathedral – fairly close to the main Pilgrims Hostel