6 | Navarrete | Rioja Alta

Another fantastic village in the Rioja Alta is Navarrete. This pueblo built on a small hill is a popular stopping point for pilgrims walking the Camino Frances.

There are a few small bodegas found on the outskirts of the town. To get a sprawling view of the area, head to the hilltop viewpoint. Another iconic place to see in Navarrete is the 16th-century Church of La Asunción. Make sure to enjoy the main plaza right before the church with a fountain and sculpture with some nearby bar and cafe options.

As this is a popular town on the Camino Frances there are lots of accommodation options in Navarrete. We had a great night’s sleep at Hostal Villa de Navarrete and then spent the evening tapas hopping between the few restaurant options on the main road.

7 | Najera | Rioja Alta

Najera is another fantastic town on the Camino Frances located in the Rioja Alta region. This village is nestled along the shores of the Najerillo River and surrounded by beautiful cliffs with caves.

One of the best things to do in Najera is to join a guided tour to the Cueva el Castillo, or Cave Castle. Guided cave tours must be arranged with the Najera Tourist Information Center and are only available on the weekends.

If you can’t join a guided tour, there are still plenty of things to do in Najera. The Monastery of Santa María la Real is well worth the admission fee. The self-guided tour includes a visit to the Royal Pantheon where many Kings and Queens of the medieval Navarre Kingdom are buried under elaborate tombs.