Day: May 31, 2026

Day 5 – Estella to Villamayor de MonJardin

Walked today: 5.2 mi. Camino’26: 37 mi.

Beginning our walk at 7:00 on the way out of Estella.
We decided to skip sampling the wine from the fountain at the Irache Winery today.
Walking past the Irache monastery
Shortly after walking through the Irache Camping sports complex the path took us along wheat fields and forests with periodic views of the Castillo de San Estabano.
A brief change scenery through the forest
Emerging from the forest to walk along the perimeter of a grain field, we were treated to this view.
Another peek at Mount Garcia.
Taking on a 15% down grade just before a 15% upgrade into Azqueta
The paved, but still very steep path into Azqueta.
A traditional breakfast break in Azqueta
After the initial 4 mile walk, we were so ready for our cafe-con-leche and tostadas and a bonus shared cup of homemade yogurt, this was all that was left for the photo.
The halfway point between Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardin… looking back.
The midway point between Azqueta and looking ahead.

The road off to the left on previous caminos was a mere wash, less than a couple of feet wide, steep, with deep gullies from years of erosion. Today, the wash had been widened to farm road width and smoothed out, making the remaining ascent into Villamayor de Monjardin much easier, inspite of the incline.

A trend seems to be developing that efforts have been underway since Camino2025, to upgrade some of the more difficult sections of the Camino Frances, perhaps in preparation for 2027, a Holy Year, when the Camino Frances traffic can double or triple.

Interesting sign indicating grapevines to the left were Chardonay and to right were Pinot Noir.
almost there
Waiting outside Markiola… the three story house with the red sign over the door.

In exchange for starting early and walking in the cool early morning air, we arrived at our destination at 10:10 a.m. with a checkin time of 2:00!

So, we messaged our host, advising of early arrival and requested an ASAP checkin in.

In the meantime, we perched outside of a newly opened luxury hotel, Mirador de Deyo, and ordered two Cola Cao’s to claim a table and chairs and to justify our use of the restrooms, as needed, during our wait.

To occupy the time, we got reacquainted with the landmarks of this village with 129 residents.

The Castillo de San Esteban de Deyo was a strategic stronghold during Roman occupation and was held against the Moors by Sancho I, the first king of Navarre, who was buried there in 925AD. We opted out of walking up to the ruins of the Castillo. Even today, it has a dominant place atop Mount Garcia, just behind our apartment,

Bust of Sancho I in the village square.

The 12 century Iglesia de San Andês contains a processional silver cross from the year 1800. It has rately been opened during previous visits but fortunately was open for a hour while we waited for our room,

The 12 century Romanesque Iglesia de San Andrés
interior of Iglesia de San Andrés
Silver Processional cross

Our room was ready at 12:30, so we immediately took possession and followed our routines for the afternoon. With a kitchen, and stocked provisions, had ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch and pasta & tuna for dinner. A nice bottle of Castillo Monjardin Crianza wine was enjoyed throughout the day.

A nice blend of Navarra Cabernet, Tempranillo and Merlot
Living area on second level of Markiola.
Living area with stairway up to bedroom and bathroom and stairway down to entrance.

The combination of cool early morning air during the walk, improvements in the path and the comfort of Markiola accommodations made for a very enjoyable day on the Camino Frances!