The stage, step by step
Somport and the start of the descent
You leave Somport on exposed mountain terrain. The Hospital de Santa Cristina is your first historical landmark, but it is an archaeological ruin with no services today. You will find Fuente Usla early on; do not let your water run low on the assumption that the hospital still works as a shelter.
Towards Canfranc-Estación and Canfranc
The path loses height towards Canfranc-Estación and Canfranc. Fuente del Burro appears before you reach this area, where you have places to stop such as cafe de Lolita, Asador la Brasa and Restaurante L'Anglassé. Between km 8 and km 8.9 there is a short but intense descent, with an average gradient of 9.2%.
Villanúa and the Aragón valley
After Canfranc, the route continues towards Villanúa, roughly halfway through the day. You can find accommodation and food there, although it is best not to turn every stop into an excuse to extend the day. Between km 18 and km 19.1 there is a 58 m climb before the descent resumes.
Castiello de Jaca and the approach to Jaca
You pass through Castiello de Jaca and tackle the final section. From km 21.5 to km 28.1, the route descends another 151 m; shortly before Jaca, you pass Banco de la Salud, a water point beside the path. The approach is not completely flat: between km 28.1 and km 29.1 there is still a 44 m climb before you enter Jaca.
What to see on stage 1
Hospital de Santa Cristina de Somport
It was a medieval monastery founded at the end of the 11th century to care for pilgrims. The Codex Calixtinus listed it among the three most important hospitals in the Christian world. Today, treat it as an archaeological site, not somewhere to look for services.
Canfranc
Canfranc began as a frontier village on the French Jacobean route in the mid-11th century. Passing through its two centres, Canfranc-Estación and Canfranc, marks the transition from Somport’s alpine setting to the Aragón valley.
Catedral de San Pedro de Jaca
Construction of the cathedral began in 1077 and it is considered the first Romanesque cathedral in Spain. Its doorway, cloister and Museo Diocesano de Arte Románico are well worth a visit, especially if you arrive with time in the afternoon.
Ciudadela de Jaca
This pentagonal fortress was built in 1592 under Felipe II. It is one of the best-preserved complete fortresses of its type in Europe and houses a military miniature museum with more than 35,000 figures.
Where to sleep in Jaca
If you want to split the stage, almost all the accommodation is along the Canfranc–Villanúa stretch: Albergue Río Aragón in Canfranc-Estación and Albergue-Refugio Sargantana a little further on; in Villanúa you have Albergue Villanúa, Albergue Triton and Albergue Juvenil Don Bosco. At the end of the stage, Jaca has Albergue de Peregrinos del Camino de Santiago. Bear in mind that this valley also fills up with visitors who are not walking: in the snow season and on long weekends, book ahead.
Where to eat and refuel
The first proper chance to sit down is in Canfranc-Estación: cafe de Lolita for a quick coffee, or Asador la Brasa, Restaurante L'Anglassé and Bar Restaurante Aranones if you want a full meal. In Villanúa, around halfway through the day, you still have Monte Lierde, Bar - Restaurante La Estrella and Hotel Reno, as well as Supermercado Alto Aragón for topping up your supplies. There is nothing between one village and the next, so eat when you get the chance rather than when hunger tells you to. Jaca, at the end, has everything you need: Eroski City, Dia and Mercadona if you want to prepare for the following day.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off prepared from Somport
The Hospital de Santa Cristina has no services today. Carry water, walking food and a waterproof layer: conditions at altitude can change quickly, and seasonal snow and ice are possible, especially between December and March.
Look after your knees
The stage includes 968 m of descent. Walking poles are particularly useful on the descents from km 9.2 to km 14.6 and from km 21.5 to km 28.1; do not start too fast, even if the scenery encourages you to.
Use Canfranc to restock
Around Canfranc, you can fill your bottle at Fuente del Burro and shop at Aliprox or Alcampo, as well as stop at one of the local bars. Once past Villanúa, your options become much more limited until Jaca, so sort out whatever you need there.
Check the mountain conditions in winter
Somport is an exposed area and snow can completely change the difficulty. Check the weather before setting off and carry suitable equipment if you are walking between December and March.
Frequently asked questions about stage 1
How long does it take to walk from Somport to Jaca?
The average time given for the 29.6 km is 6.6 hours. The sustained descent and mountain terrain may make your knees set the pace more than the distance itself.
Where can I stop for food?
The most convenient stops are Canfranc-Estación and Canfranc, with places such as Asador la Brasa, Restaurante L'Anglassé and Bar Restaurante Aranones. Villanúa offers another opportunity before the final section.
Is there a significant climb before Jaca?
Yes. Although this is clearly a downhill stage, there is a 44 m climb between km 28.1 and km 29.1, with an average gradient of 4.2%.