Estella [Lizarra]

Camino Frances

To end of camino
654.9
Altitude
426

Villatuerta

3.70

Estella [Lizarra]

2.00

Ayegui

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Bus Terminal
Yes
Correos
Estella 5, 31200,Mon-Fri: 0830-2030 & Sat: 0930-1300,948 551 792
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes

Estella, in spite of not being a very big town, has a lot to offer. The camino enters along the river and keeps to the west bank. To see many of the churches, or to stay in some of the albergues, you will need to cross the río Ega.

The town boasts an impressive number of historically significant buildings, so many that to visit them all would take the better part of a weekend. The two not to be missed are the Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra (never actually used by the King of Navarra) and the Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rua. The others include the Iglesia de Santo Sepulcro (as you enter town on your left, closed since 1881), the Iglesia de San Miguel, and the Basílica del Puy which requires a climb to the top of town. Be sure to spend enough time wandering the streets to take it all in.

If you find yourself in Estella for a day of rest and exploration, there are some excellent walking trails nearby. Ask for maps in the tourist information office next to the Palacio.

Fiesta

Thursday is market day in Estella, just as it was 900 years ago. Be sure to stop by the Plaza de los Fueros (opposite the Iglesia de San Juan) for a fresh selection of just about everything in season across Spain.

Estella has two patrons, San Andres and La Virgen del Puy. The former is celebrated as “El Viernes de Gigantes” on the first Friday before the First Sunday in August. Giants abound, and there is a running of the bulls. The latter, for the Virgin, is celebrated on May 25th.

History

Geographically speaking, Estella sits to the north of what would otherwise be an easy walk west from Villatuerta. Its growth as a commercial center developed not because of pilgrims (as was the case in most places) but rather at the manipulations of King Sancho Ramirez at the end of the 11th century.

The Road

If you stayed in one of the albergues on the new side of the town, cross back over the river to rejoin the camino out of town.

City Map

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Loved my stay at Alda on a family filled square. Walked around the main plazas and ate. You can stock up on anything you need for trail.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

One of the best alburgues I have stayed in. The hosts are wonderful and can speak English. Unique building, comfortable beds, library/ meditation room and delicious breakfast. They are definitely here to make the pilgrim experience a special one. I stayed for two days and could have stayed longer!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Self check in with an automated dispenser providing you with your room key.

Great location and a view of the old church. Cross a small bridge and you are in a newer part of town within 5 minutes.

We were lucky to be there during a fiesta so the place was booming with activity.

Recommend.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

It was great service.
Delicious food. Menu options included vegan food. I had chicken masala, mixed salad, my husband had lentil soup and lomo which is pork chops. I also had a plate of hummus and it was oh so satisfying after our walk in from Puente la Reyna.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I highly recommend this hostel. It's very well designed and Put is the sweetest woman I've ever met. They will do your laundry for a small fee. I don't recommend the breakfast however. Just get something fresh on the way out of town.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Absolute highlight of our Camino so far - clean, comfortable, quiet rooms close to everything you need, gorgeous garden terrace and the owner is a legend - kind, generous and so helpful - even picked us up from the Camino route because the B+B is 10-15 minutes walk away! Perfection.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Had a fun morning exploring the town and ended up reading at the library for a few hours while it rained. Magical! The signs all around town give you a great feel for the history.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

My favorite hostel in Estella.
Comfort, kindness, spirit.
Thank you
H. Peter

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

There are lifts helping you make half of the ascent to the Basilica of El Puy. Nice views from there and very nice eclectic interior (for a change!)

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The religious monuments and the buildings on Calle Rua are worth it, but the rest of town has a weird atmosphere. While I planned on staying for the night, I'll go further in the end.