The stage, step by step
Leaving Nájera
Nájera has everything you need to get started: you can have breakfast at Café San Fernando, shop at Dia or leave with something prepared from Eroski City. There is also the Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal de Nájera and several private accommodation options if you stayed there.
Azofra and Fuente de Los Romeros
The Camino leaves Nájera and heads towards Azofra, with Fuente de Los Romeros around km 6.5. The town is an important stop, with the Albergue Municipal de Azofra and the Albergue Parroquial Herbert Simon.
The climb towards Cirueña
The longest climb is concentrated between km 8.3 and 15, with 186 m of ascent. Cirueña appears towards the end of this climb and gives you the chance to pause at the Albergue Virgen de Guadalupe or the Albergue Turístico Victoria.
Descent and arrival in Santo Domingo
A 2 km descent begins at km 17.3, with an average gradient of 4.3%. The route then leads towards Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you can finish the day at the cathedral and choose from several central accommodation options.
What to see on stage 9
Monasterio de Santa María la Real
This 11th-century monastery in Nájera is associated with a Cluniac abbey. It contains the remains of kings, queens and princes of the Kingdom of Navarre and is dedicated to the Virgen de la Terraza.
Azofra
Azofra is the clearest intermediate stop on the stage. As well as being somewhere to rest, it is a good point at which to decide whether to split the day or continue to Cirueña.
Cirueña
The town appears after the main climbing section and before the descent to the destination. Its accommodation makes it a genuine alternative if you do not want to reach Santo Domingo.
Catedral de Santo Domingo de la Calzada
The Gothic cathedral, whose origins date back to the 12th century, is the grand finale of the stage. Inside, a white cockerel and hen are kept in memory of the Santo’s miracle.
Where to sleep in Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Nájera has a wide choice for setting off well rested: you can choose the Albergue El Peregrino, the Albergue Calle Mayor, the Albergue Puerta de Nájera, the Albergue Nido de Cigüeña or the Albergue de Peregrinos Sancho III - La Judería. In Azofra there are the Albergue Municipal de Azofra and the Albergue Parroquial Herbert Simon. Cirueña offers the Albergue Virgen de Guadalupe and the Albergue Turístico Victoria. If you reach the destination, you can sleep at the Albergue de la Abadía Cisterciense Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación or the Albergue Casa del Santo. There are enough options, but booking is advisable in Santo Domingo during the high season.
Where to eat and refuel
Nájera has the widest choice of places to eat before setting off, including La Mercería, Restaurante Chino Sofía, Mesón el Buen Yantar and Café San Fernando. In Azofra you can buy something at Ahorro Rosa or Tienda Maria Rosa, and there are places such as Sevilla and El Peregrino. Further on, Golf Rioja Alta and Bar Jacobeo appear before the destination; between these points, do not expect a succession of establishments.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill up with water before Azofra
Fuente de Los Romeros is around km 6.5 and is a useful landmark, but do not walk the first half relying on finding fountains continuously. Leave Nájera with enough water to reach Azofra.
Make the most of the shorter stage
At 20.7 km and an average walking time of 4.6 hours, this is a good day for walking without rushing and visiting the monastery in Nájera or the cathedral on arrival.
Save energy for the climb
The section between km 8.3 and 15 includes 186 m of ascent. It is not especially aggressive, but it is the part most likely to disrupt your rhythm; reach it after taking a break in Azofra.
Book if you want to sleep at the destination
Santo Domingo de la Calzada is a popular finish and has specific options such as the Albergue Casa del Santo and the Albergue de la Abadía Cisterciense Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación.
Frequently asked questions about stage 9
How many kilometres is this stage?
The stage is 20.7 km and the average walking time is 4.6 hours. It has 305 m of ascent and 150 m of descent.
Where is the main climb?
The most notable climb runs from km 8.3 to 15. It gains 186 m at an average gradient of 2.8% and lies between Azofra and Cirueña.
Can I sleep in Azofra?
Yes. The Albergue Municipal de Azofra and the Albergue Parroquial Herbert Simon make Azofra a realistic place to finish if you prefer a shorter day.
What is the main sight to see on arrival?
Catedral de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where the tradition of the white cockerel and hen, linked to the Santo’s miracle, is preserved.