Burgos to Hornillos del Camino
Stage 1 · Camino Francés
Burgos → Hornillos del Camino
About this stage
Burgos to Hornillos del Camino · 20.5 km · up 230 m, down 270 m
The route leaves Burgos and enters the Meseta proper, the vast central plateau that divides opinion among pilgrims like no other section of the Camino. Some find its endless horizons meditative and transformative; others find the flat, treeless landscape monotonous.
The walking is flat and exposed after clearing Burgos's suburbs. The landscape stretches in every direction with minimal features, just cereal fields, the occasional lone tree, and distant villages. Shade is almost non-existent, and temperatures can be extreme in summer.
Hornillos del Camino is a tiny Meseta village that has survived largely because of the Camino. A few small albergues, a bar-restaurant, and a basic shop make up the services. The village has a stark beauty typical of the Meseta, with stone houses clustered around a single street.
Terrain: Suburban exit roads, flat exposed Meseta paths, dry agricultural tracks
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Burgos
cityA magnificent Castilian city dominated by its UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral, one of the finest in Europe. A major Camino hub with exceptional food, culture, and full pilgrim services.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusTrainPilgrim OfficeClinicPost Office
Koala notes · Burgos
3 notesAccommodation options
Book aheadBurgos has extensive accommodation. The city albergue is excellent. Book hotels in advance during peak season.
Visit the Cathedral
Budget a rest day for Burgos. The cathedral requires at least 2 hours and is worth every minute.
Food options
Try morcilla de Burgos and lechazo asado at local restaurants.
- The Meseta starts here
Welcome to the Meseta. Carry plenty of water and sun protection. The mental challenge of the flat, featureless walking is real, but many pilgrims describe this section as the most spiritually significant part of the Camino. Embrace it.
- 10.9km
Tardajos
townTardajos is a practical Camino village after Burgos, with pilgrim accommodation, food options, river scenery, and a useful stop before the Meseta opens up.
View town guide
- 12.8km
Rabé de las Calzadas
villageRabé de las Calzadas is a small Camino village after Tardajos, with accommodation, bars, a fountain, and the start of more open Meseta walking.
View town guide
- 20.5km
Hornillos del Camino
villageA small Meseta village marking the beginning of the vast Castilian plateau. Has albergues and basic services. The landscape opens up dramatically from here.
View town guideRestaurantCafe
Koala notes · Hornillos del Camino
1 notePlan ahead
Hornillos del Camino has a municipal albergue that fills quickly during the peak season so aim to arrive early to get a bed.
Places to stay along this stage
Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.
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Planning the Camino Francés?
Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Burgos. Choosing is never booking.