Estella (Lizarra in Basque) has more historical architecture per square meter than most cities twice its size. The camino enters along the west bank of the Río Ega, but to see the best of the town you'll need to cross the river.
The two buildings not to miss are the Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra — a rare example of Romanesque civic architecture, with a carved capital depicting Roland's battle with the Saracen giant Ferragut — and the Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa, whose cloister is one of the finest Romanesque cloisters in Navarra. Two of its four galleries were destroyed when the castle above was demolished in the 16th century, but what remains is exceptional.
Other churches worth seeking out include the Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro (closed since 1881 but with a magnificent Gothic doorway), the Iglesia de San Miguel with its Romanesque tympanum, and the Basílica del Puy at the top of town. The climb to the Basílica is rewarded with views over the entire valley.
The old quarter is compact and pleasant for wandering. Several albergues operate on both sides of the river. Bars and restaurants line the streets, and the pintxos are solid. A supermarket and all basic services are available. The tourist office next to the Palacio has maps for walking trails in the surrounding area — useful if you're taking a rest day.
Public bathrooms and a drinking fountain are at the entrance to Estella, just past the first albergue.
Thursday is market day — as it has been for 900 years. The Plaza de los Fueros (opposite the Iglesia de San Juan) fills with stalls selling fresh produce from across the region.
Estella has two patron celebrations. San Andrés is honored on the first Friday before the first Sunday in August — known as El Viernes de Gigantes, with giant figures parading through the streets and a running of the bulls. La Virgen del Puy is celebrated on May 25.
Estella's growth as a commercial center was driven not by pilgrims but by royal decree. King Sancho Ramírez founded the settlement at the end of the 11th century, granting it a charter to attract Frankish merchants. The town thrived as a trading post and eventually became a seat of Navarrese power. The concentration of Romanesque buildings reflects that period of prosperity.
The camino exits Estella along the river, crossing to the west bank. If you stayed in one of the albergues on the east side, cross back over the river to rejoin the route. The path passes through Ayegui and continues to the Fuente de Vino and Monasterio de Irache — about 3 km of easy walking.
23. May 2026 - 6:44
Just read their reviews before you go so you don’t get scammed like so many others
19. April 2026 - 19:01
Excellent apartment in Estella. The host are very gracious. They met us the moment we arrived. They gave us a tour of the apartment, showed us the grocery and recommended an excellent restaurant for dinner. The apartment is clean and comfortable. One of our favorite places to stay on the Camino. Gracias!
6. June 2025 - 17:11
See my description in the individual section for Pension Buen Camino and Casa Carmen. Both are solid choices.
3. March 2025 - 18:05
A local favorite. Great bocadillos and coffee, along with kind service.
2. January 2025 - 21:43
Was surprised to see so much activity in the streets for such a small compact city. Tons of ancient Roman streets, bridges, and buildings, crafts, exhibits. Great for people watching.
1. October 2024 - 20:40
This was such a fantastic stop for me - warm welcome from the sisters - spotlessly clean bedroom & bathroom with crisp clean towel & bed linen
In the kitchen dining area - food & drinks was laid out to help yourself .
My first night in a private room for 20 euros
Such kind, unassuming hospitality
Throughly recommend
24. May 2024 - 9:50
Excellent, best accommodation on the Camino so far. Sun terrace, washing facilities (5€ for machine use but free use of laundry room). Lovely hosts.
Do NOT follow Google Maps to get here, it will take you over the top of the town unnecessarily. Instead, get directions to the Plaza de Toros (bulll ring) then it's a 5 minute walk up the hill from there.
3. May 2024 - 6:44
Good food
Good place to stay (private)
18. July 2023 - 19:09
Loved my stay at Alda on a family filled square. Walked around the main plazas and ate. You can stock up on anything you need for trail.
30. June 2023 - 15:30
One of the best alburgues I have stayed in. The hosts are wonderful and can speak English. Unique building, comfortable beds, library/ meditation room and delicious breakfast. They are definitely here to make the pilgrim experience a special one. I stayed for two days and could have stayed longer!
26. May 2023 - 18:10
Self check in with an automated dispenser providing you with your room key.
Great location and a view of the old church. Cross a small bridge and you are in a newer part of town within 5 minutes.
We were lucky to be there during a fiesta so the place was booming with activity.
Recommend.
28. April 2023 - 18:46
It was great service.
Delicious food. Menu options included vegan food. I had chicken masala, mixed salad, my husband had lentil soup and lomo which is pork chops. I also had a plate of hummus and it was oh so satisfying after our walk in from Puente la Reyna.
21. April 2023 - 9:51
I highly recommend this hostel. It's very well designed and Put is the sweetest woman I've ever met. They will do your laundry for a small fee. I don't recommend the breakfast however. Just get something fresh on the way out of town.
19. April 2023 - 20:15
Absolute highlight of our Camino so far - clean, comfortable, quiet rooms close to everything you need, gorgeous garden terrace and the owner is a legend - kind, generous and so helpful - even picked us up from the Camino route because the B+B is 10-15 minutes walk away! Perfection.
14. April 2023 - 13:49
Had a fun morning exploring the town and ended up reading at the library for a few hours while it rained. Magical! The signs all around town give you a great feel for the history.
25. October 2022 - 15:47
My favorite hostel in Estella.
Comfort, kindness, spirit.
Thank you
H. Peter
5. October 2022 - 15:41
There are lifts helping you make half of the ascent to the Basilica of El Puy. Nice views from there and very nice eclectic interior (for a change!)
5. October 2022 - 15:32
The religious monuments and the buildings on Calle Rua are worth it, but the rest of town has a weird atmosphere. While I planned on staying for the night, I'll go further in the end.
22. June 2022 - 19:57
Had great ambience and food. We enjoyed the rice dish for two and the pulpo a la gallego
28. April 2022 - 19:20
If you are looking for a peaceful setting, great service and delicious home-cooked vegetarian food, this is certainly the place to come! We had a great meal and delicious wine. Well worth a visit.
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.
