Estella to Los Arcos

13.4 miles

Knee rested, brace on, meds in use, ready to go! A perfect day to get back on the camino, the journey to Los Arcos is only 13.4 miles…one of our shortest walks. It could not have been more beautiful. 

Fuente del Vino

Our first treat of the day was a stop at the Bodegas wine fountain, where we fortified ourselves for the day’s travel. The plaque next to the fountain reads:

 “If you want to go to Santiago with strength and vitality, of this great wine have a drink and toast to happiness”

However, even before we reached it, we were surprised by a spectacular sculpture on a wall next to an iron forge and shop. We stopped and watched, eventually buying a shell on thread rope for Dale.

Wine to start the day!

The wine fountain is really 2 fountains, one water and one wine. You pour some wine to drink the toast, then fill your bottle with pure spring water.

Mountains and Olives

Leaving the wine fountain, we continued upward with breathtaking views of the Basque mountains to the north. Eventually winding our way through a pine forest and out onto natural pathways, over a wooden footbridge, beneath the peak of Monjardin, and on into the town of Luquin.

Leaving, we head out down dustier ways through farms of olive groves, and through two additional small towns on our way to Los Arcos. 

Entering through the Portal de Castilla, we make our way to the Plaza to refresh ourselves with glasses of cold Tinto Verano…a milder cousin of Sangria made with vino tinto (red wine) and a sparkling lemon drink. Delicious!!

Leaving Estrella
Headed to the famous wine fountain
Forged iron sculpture outside a blacksmith's shop.
Blacksmith at work
Happy to be walking!
Sunrising over the mountains
Wine Fountain of Bodegas Irache
Wine to start the day!
Monjardin guarding our way and watching over us.
Walking through beautiful, serene pine forest
Amazing view of the escarpment
20230918_090633
Mountain views as we journey west to Los Arcos
Mountain views as we journey west to Los Arcos
Mountain views as we journey west to Los Arcos
Monestary atop a neighboring mountain
Looking down into the town of Luqiin
Town sign for Luquin
Dale taking the lead!
Stopping on an old wooden bridge for a quick break
Olive grove
Rows of olive trees, all heavily laden.
Peaks of the Basque Mountains loom large even at a great distance.
Made it to Los Arcos and treated ourselves to a glass of Tinto de Verano!
Relaxing!
Leaving Estrella, early morning, on my own 2 feet!

3 Replies to “Estella to Los Arcos”

  1. So thankful your knee was able to get better and you continued your walk. Beautiful countryside and pictures! Hugs❤️

  2. Your photos are so wonderful! I love traveling along with you both. Sending love and happy travel vibes along with you!

Comments are closed.