The stage, step by step
From Zubiri to Larrasoaña
The path leaving Zubiri still feels wooded and begins with a gentle descent between km 1.8 and 5. You then reach Larrasoaña, a good place for an early break before the route becomes more open.
Zuriain and Zabaldika
From Larrasoaña, you continue towards Zuriain and Zabaldika as the route keeps descending gradually. The landscape changes little by little: the denser forest is left behind and farmland and vineyards appear.
Huarte and Arre
The route continues towards Huarte and Arre, where the urban character begins to take over. In Arre, you can find Albergue de la Trinidad de Arre; from here, the path links Villava/Atarrabia and Burlada/Burlata.
Entering Pamplona
Between km 14.8 and 18, you still descend 67 m, but the final section climbs gently again to km 20.3. The arrival in Pamplona is gradual and urban, so stay alert and do not let end-of-day tiredness turn into carelessness among the streets.
What to see on stage 3
Bosques y campos entre Zubiri y Pamplona
This stage clearly shows the changing landscape of the Camino: it starts in woodland and ends among farmland, vineyards and urban settlements. It is a gradual transition rather than a sudden change.
Larrasoaña
Larrasoaña appears in the first half of the route and makes a natural stopping point after leaving Zubiri. Its position makes it easy to break the day into sections before continuing towards Pamplona.
Zabaldika
Zabaldika lies in the middle section, once the route has begun to leave its more mountainous surroundings behind. It is one of the small settlements that marks your progress towards Huarte and Arre.
Arre
Arre signals the start of a succession of more urban settlements. From here, you pass through Villava/Atarrabia and Burlada/Burlata before completing the approach to Pamplona.
Where to sleep in Pamplona
In Zubiri, you can stay at Albergue Suseia, Segunda Etapa / Bigarren Etapa or the municipal Zubiriko erromesen aterpetxea. If you prefer to split the stage, there is Albergue San Nicolás in Larrasoaña and Albergue de la Trinidad de Arre in Arre. In Pamplona, options include Albergue Paderborn Aterpetxea, Albergue Xarma Hostel Aterpea, Albergue Diocesano Betania and other accommodation in the centre.
Where to eat and refuel
In Zubiri, you can set off after eating at Cafe del Camino. Further on, there are cafés and bars around Huarte and Arre, including Cafetería Paradise, Taberna, La Tahona and Molino San Andrés. Pamplona has plenty of options at the end, including Bodega Eslava, El Bodegón and Restaurante Molino de Caparroso, as well as supermarkets such as Mercadona, Carrefour Express and Eroski.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with water from Zubiri
Fuente del agua del batueco is just after leaving, so fill up there. The route then links woodland and small villages, and you should not expect to top up frequently. Make use of the settlements along the way to drink and buy supplies.
Do not underestimate the distance
There are no major climbs, but it is still 20.4 km, and the final climb between km 18 and 20.3 comes after many hours of walking. Save some energy for entering Pamplona.
Plan the urban finish
After Arre, you pass through Villava/Atarrabia and Burlada/Burlata before entering Pamplona. If you have a booking, check the address carefully and allow extra time: the stage does not end when you leave the countryside.
Make use of the services
This is one of the stages on the route with the most opportunities to shop, eat and deal with any mishaps. Larrasoaña, Arre and, above all, Pamplona allow you to carry less than on the Pyrenean stages.
Frequently asked questions about stage 3
How long does it take to walk from Zubiri to Pamplona?
The distance is 20.4 km and the average walking time is 4.5 hours. The actual time will depend on your stops and the urban approach to Pamplona.
Where can I split the stage?
Larrasoaña, Zuriain, Arre and Pamplona are along the route. There is accommodation in Larrasoaña, Arre and Pamplona, so you can adapt the day if you do not want to complete all 20.4 km.
Is it a mountain stage?
No. The terrain rises and falls, with 103 m of ascent and 180 m of descent. The stage begins beside woodland and ends in the urban surroundings of Pamplona.