The Aragonese Way
Heritage, nature, and tranquility on a historic Jacobean route that winds through rural landscapes and small villages.
The whisper of the sun-drenched slope amidst fields of grain and Alhorre stones
Here, where the austere simplicity of Romanesque architecture gazes upon the horizon of the valley and the dusty path winds its way through pine forests and fields of grain, time simply unfolds. In the atmosphere of the Aragonese Way, one senses the calm of silence, allowing the solidity of its medieval towers and the murmur of its rivers to guide the walker at their own pace. This is the pre-Pyrenean branch of the Vía Tolosana, a crossroads where the history and landscapes of Aragon and Navarre coexist in serene harmony, revealing themselves to those who choose to explore its terrain step by step.
Why walk the Aragonese Way?
Walking the Aragonese Way allows you to discover the combination of historical heritage and tranquil landscapes that characterises this pilgrimage route. The route, a continuation of the historic Via Tolosana, enters Navarre via Sangüesa and winds its way through farmland, pine forests and mountain ranges until it joins the French Way at Puente la Reina.
Cultural heritage accompanies the pilgrim throughout the journey, with sites such as the church of Santa María la Real in Sangüesa, the Foz de Lumbier and the Higa de Monreal. Also of note are the palatial tower of Olcoz, the ruins of Tiebas Castle and the unique chapel of Santa María de Eunate.
Covering a distance of around 56 kilometres, the Aragonese Way offers a peaceful and less crowded experience than other St James’ routes in Navarre, combining nature, heritage and small rural villages before reaching Puente la Reina.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Aragonese Way enters Navarre via Sangüesa and passes through towns such as Rocaforte, Izco, Abínzano, Salinas de Ibargoiti, Monreal, Tiebas, Olcoz, Enériz and Obanos, before reaching Puente la Reina. It also features a variant route via Liédena, Lumbier, Nardués and Aldunate.
The Aragonese Way ends in Puente la Reina, where it joins the French Way coming from Roncesvalles. From this town, both routes continue towards Santiago de Compostela along a shared route.
The Navarrese section is moderately difficult, with some inclines that can be challenging. The most difficult sections are concentrated on the climb to Rocaforte and on certain stretches between Monreal and Tiebas. There is an alternative route via the Foz de Lumbier which avoids some of the difficulty of Rocaforte.
The Navarrese section of the Aragonese Way is usually covered in 2 days, divided into the stages from Sangüesa to Monreal and from Monreal to Puente la Reina.
Among the main attractions are the Church of Santa María la Real in Sangüesa, the Olcoz Palace Tower, Tiebas Castle, the Chapel of Santa María de Eunate and the Romanesque bridge at Puente la Reina. The route also takes you past places such as the Foz de Lumbier.
No, it is characterised by being a very peaceful and uncrowded route. Unlike the busier sections in the Pyrenees, the route retains an atmosphere of great tranquillity, ideal for those seeking the silence of nature, direct contact with the landscape and a more introspective spiritual experience.
