Los Arcos To Logrono : Step By Step Guide To Stage 7 Of The Camino Frances

Walking The Camino Frances From Los Arcos To Logrono

Todays stage offers three distinct parts. Starting from Los Arcos, you’ll enjoy easy paths with gentle terrain and sweeping views ; and remember glance back for the sunrise over Los Arcos. From Sansol to Viana, expect a few hills that might get your heart pumping and there’s one notable descent before Viana which can be a bit tricky.

As you approach Logrono, expect a little more tarmac as you walk into its suburbs. Despite the urban stretch, the scenery remains enjoyable and it’s a good walk into the city.

There are a few opportunities to rest along the way, so take advantage of them when you can. When I last walked in 2024, I noticed a few places were closed permanently, so plan ahead and stop when you find coffee.

There’s a rich in history to discover, so pause to explore each village before moving on.

Towns And Villages Between Los Arcos And Logrono

With only a few villages on today’s stage, it’s wise to stop for refreshments when you can. Sansol, Torres del Río, and beautiful Viana all offer options. There’s also a lot history here,  so allow yourself a little extra time to explore.

Los Arcos

Start your day with breakfast in Los Acros, as it may be a couple of hours before you find coffee. Beyond the church and its adjacent plaza, you’ll come across another square where a few cafés are usually open; while the welcome might not always be the warmest, the coffee is reliably good!

Follow the yellow arrows beside the church to guide you out of town, passing the municipal albergue on your way. After this stop at the town cemetery, where the inscription on the gate reads, “Yo que fui lo que tú eres, tú serás lo que yo soy,” or, “I was once what you are, and you will be what I am.”

From here, you have nearly 7 kilometres of rural splendour on a gentle terrain. Be sure to pause every now and then, and look back and around; you’ll be treated to some spectacular views.

Sansol

The first village you’ll reach today is Sansol. The arrows will guide you along the main road, leading you out almost as soon as you enter. However, it’s worth taking a short pause to explore this little spot, which is often overlooked by pilgrims.

In 2023, Sansol had only 87 residents, but despite its small size, it boasts a lovely baroque style old palace, the Palacio de Sansol, which now serves as a private albergue. If you’re looking to break up today’s long stage, spending the night here is a wonderful option.

I’ve stayed here and I found it a delightful old building, full of history and character; indeed one of the privileges of walking the Camino is to stay in such ancient buildings.  The albergue offers both bunks and private rooms, along with a communal dinner and breakfast.

Sansol also has a small casa rural, El Olivo de Sansol, where I stayed many years ago. At the time, it was perfectly comfortable, though reviews recently have been more mixed.

On your way out, keep an eye out for a small shop on the left, run by a cheerful chap who serves coffee, snacks and the sweetest peaches on the Camino. There are a few chairs and a table in the shade, and even a little loo; the perfect spot for a short pause.

Torres del Rio

You can see Torres Del Rio From Sansol; there’s less than a kilometre between them. Torres is an ancient settlement, dating back before Moorish rule and retaken for Spain in 914. It was also once under the ownership of the Monastery of Irache near Estella and the wine fountain.

Today, Torres del Río is famous for its appearance in the movie The Way, but it’s also known for an architectural gem: the Romanesque Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The origins of this octagonal church aren’t fully documented, but it’s thought to date back to the 12th century. Many believe it was built by the Knights Templar due to its unique shape.  There is a small fee (donation) to enter but for just a euro it’s worth it.  Not only for a chance to explore its tiny but fascinating interior but also for the sello. On our last visit, we were even treated to a brief guided tour.

For those looking to shorten the todays stage, Torres del Río is another great option for an overnight stop. I’ve stayed at the Hostal Rural San Andrés, which offers both private rooms and bunk beds. It’s a popular choice among pilgrims and even has a small pool; often filled with weary pilgrims cooling off! Our group had dinner here and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking to stay off the main stages.

If you didn’t stop for refreshments in Sansol then stop here because it will be a while before the next town; indeed over 10 kilometres before Viana. Leaving Torres del Río, the terrain becomes more varied, with a few hills to climb and one notable descent that requires your attention.

Approaching Viana the town will be visible on the horizon for a while but it will be a few kilometres before you actually reach town. Situated on a hill (of course!) Viana is beautiful, and well worth spending time to explore.

Viana

I spent the night here in 2014 and it was one of my highlights. Viana is a fantastic place to break up the long stage to Logrono, with plenty to explore in its historic centre, with narrow streets and centuries-old buildings.

The Church of Santa Maria in the town square is particularly impressive. Though it was undergoing renovations in 2024, it’s still worth a visit for its stunning baroque facade and the tomb of Cesare Borgia.

On my most recent Camino, our group stayed at the Palacio de Pujadas, a former 16th-century grand house, converted into a hotel in 2004. It was fabulous!  So much so Gerry and I returned to stay again on our journey to Porto a few weeks later, and I’ve already booked for my group in 2025. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this hotel is a fantastic option.

The Palacio is close to the ruins of the Iglesia de San Pedro, one of the oldest churches in Viana.  Go exploring the streets of Viana, wander the city walls and look out at Logrono. 

And go soak your feet in an Epsom Salt footbath at the Pilgrim’s Oasis Café; you’ll find it between the church and the hotel!  It’s fabulous and they also run the food truck in the valley between Monjardin and Los Arcos!

Viana is Navarra’s last stronghold before Logrono, making it the perfect place to break your journey and shorten the day from Los Arcos.

Logrono

From Viana, the walk to Logrono is just under 10 kilometres. The worst of today’s hills are behind you, though there’s a fair bit of tarmac to walk as you approach the city. But, before the suburbs, you have few kilometres of vineyards; after all this is Rioja!

There are no services, so if you stayed in Viana, make sure to have breakfast before setting off. Otherwise, it’ll be Logrono before you can find your next coffee stop.

Logrono is a big, bustling fabulous city and the capital of La Rioja. For some pilgrims walking the Camino Frances in stages, this is their endpoint.  And as a major city, Logrono offers excellent transport links to destinations across Spain.

Logrono has a bit of a reputation as a party town, popular with Spaniards for weekend celebrations, including hen and stag parties. It’s also renowned for its wine culture and lively Calle Laurel, the famous tapas street where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy delicious food and wine.

This will be the first city on your Camino journey that for me at least, truly represents modern Spain. Of course, it also has a charming old centre with plenty of history. Do visit the imposing Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda.  And if you wander to the back of the church, to the left of the altar, a friendly nun is often there to stamp your credential.

Logrono’s feels like a modern city and if you love shopping, you may find it hard to leave! Talk to the locals and they’ll proudly tell you they live in the best city in Spain; and I have to say, Gerry just might agree!

Where To Stay In Logrono

Logrono has a lot of accommodation options, but trust me, during festivals and popular weekends, every bed can be booked up. In 2015, I spent an hour wandering the streets in search of a room, finally booking a lovely but expensive spot at the F&G Hotel; right at the entrance to the old town as you come off the bridge. And we got the last two rooms!

If you expect to arrive over a weekend, I highly recommend calling ahead to secure a bed. While I’ve only stayed in hotels or apartments in town, I can suggest a few well-regarded albergues :

If you’d rather have a private room in a great location, I always book my groups into La Numantina. It’s affordable given its location, with ensuite rooms and a coffee machine in the reception area!

With so many choices in Logrono, I usually aim to stay near the cathedral in the old town, which makes exploring and dining more convenient. I’ve also stayed in an apartment in the newer part of town; while it was lovely, it was a good 10-minute walk to the centre.

I recommend checking Booking.com to see what’s available; check the reviews and locations but equally any of the above recommendations are great!

Potential Problems Between Los Arcos And Logrono

The biggest challenge today is likely the distance. This is the longest stage since St. Jean Pied de Port, with a few ups and downs along the way. If the thought of a 29 kilometre walk feels daunting, consider breaking the stage by staying overnight in Viana. This option not only makes the journey more manageable but allows you more time to explore Logrono.

As with previous stages, there are a few potential challenges to keep in mind:

My Final Thoughts On Camino Frances Between Los Arcos And Logrono

I have such happy memories of this stage. By now, after several days of walking, you’ll likely have grown in confidence. You’ll know the rhythm of the Camino, and how things work and you’ll probably see familiar faces along the trail.

I love the first half of today, with its easy trail and sweeping views. I have fond memories of evenings spent in both Sansol and Torres del Río, but Viana holds a special place in my heart. If you’re considering shortening the day’s walk, I wholeheartedly recommend staying overnight there.

On my first Camino, I met friends in Viana who became my companions all the way to Santiago. Logrono too is full of happy memories.  Gerry first walked the Camino from Logrono and I remember fun evenings, rubbing shoulders with locals and maybe even a bit of singing on Calle Laurel!

The land you walk through here feels old, it almost whispers its history to you. I adore this region of Spain. As you walk today, maybe you too will feel the heart of the Camino around you. I hope that you have the opportunity to break bread with fellow pilgrims and lose yourself in the culture that is truly Rioja!

Are You Walking The Camino Frances?

I’ve walked this glorious trail eight times and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re walking from St Jean Pied de Port onwards to Santiago de Compostela, I’ve written a detailed daily guides for each stage of the journey that you may find useful.

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