Camino Del Ebro
Camino de Santiago del Ebro
Seeking to avoid the crowds on the Camino Frances?
Looking for some alone time to reflect, ponder and consider?
Desiring historical, cultural and artistic sights?
Follow beautiful landscapes while tracing the Rio Ebro up-river.
The camino starts in the delta area of the mouth of the Rio Ebro (in Deltebre), and takes the pilgrim northward to join up with the Camino Frances (in Logrono).
Stages
Some quick info:
- length of 440 kilometres
- consists of 17 stages on foot
- finishes in Logrono
- runs parallel to the GR-99 Ebro Nature Trail
History
The Camino Jacobeo del Ebro roots in antiquity date back to the Romans. As in other areas under their influence, the movement of people and goods traveled along Roman-built roads. The roads followed the the Ebro River.According to tradition, the Apostle Santiago himself traveled the Camino del Ebro from Tarragona in his apostolic work. The best known legend narrates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to St James in Zaragoza, and one can visit the location in the Basilica of the Pillar of Zaragoza.
The Catholic Church affirmed the location of the tomb of the Apostle James in the 9th century, however the area was still under the Muslim Caliphate.
Starting in the 12th century ( 1100's ), with the completion of the Reconquista over the Muslim Caliphate in the Ebro region, pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela traveled along the old Roman roads of the area.
During the Middle Ages, the road system and the Camino fostered the expansion of Christianity, both facilitating the flow of pilgrims, along with ideas, art, and culture - and as a result, uniting different cultures and promoting a cultural and religious exchange.
Over time, the Camino de Santiago journey through the Ebro declined.
Spiritual, religious and physical interest in the Camino Ebro is reviving interest in this particular route, among others, and supporting preservation efforts and promotion of the area's cultural heritage.
Geography
When looking at a picture of a physical map of the Peninsula, the triangle of the Ebro’s depression – unmistakeable for any schoolchild - stands out from the almost entire north-eastern quadrant.Its influence can even be felt over the entire Levantine coast, as it is the only large river current of the Mediterranean watershed, compared to other causeways on the peninsula of a similar size –Tajo, Duero, Guadiana and Guadalquivir – which flows into the ocean.
Its 930 km route makes the River Ebro the second longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, after the Tajo, although its position inside a broad valley and well-defined by mountain chains means it serves as the backbone for 85,000 km², thus forming the most complex, extensive and fast-flowing basin in the territory.
This triangular basin is clearly framed by the Pyrenees to the north and in a westerly-easterly direction; the Sistema Ibérico, on the right side, in a north-westerly / south-easterly direction; the Cordillera Cantábrica, at a north-westerly angle; and the Catalan Coastal chain, to the east and parallel to the coastline. They are mountains with robust reliefs that increase the watershed to an average altitude of 2,000 m.During the 400 km that make up the Camino, the landscapes will vary according to the different communities.
The Camino del Ebro has as its starting point one of the most important rivers in the Iberian Peninsula, the Ebro River. Today it is a pilgrimage Way to Santiago de Compostela to see the remains of the Apostle, which connects with various routes.
The origin of its name is given by the Ebro river, which is the main axis of the route. The starting point is in the Ebro Delta, and it continues its journey until reaching Logroño. It connects with the Catalan Way a little before reaching Zaragoza, and from here, it begins to be called both the Catalan Way and the Ebro Way.
The Camino runs along the Ebro river, which is the largest on the peninsula and occupies a third of the Spanish territory. The landscape is very varied, you can enjoy the forests of the pre-coastal mountain range, the Secarrales of the Sierra de Caspe, the natural slopes and much more.
The total route of the Camino del Ebro is approximately 440 km that are divided into 17 stages. Throughout them, the pilgrim can visit different autonomous communities: Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra and La Rioja.
It is one of the routes with the most moderate slopes to Santiago. For 350 kilometers the road is absolutely flat, and we are talking about a route of 400 kilometers. The remaining route has very affordable slopes, with one exception. On the climb to the En Torner pass, in Sierra de Pàndols, we face a rise of 315 meters in 5 kilometres. We find this slope in the fourth stage of this Way, which runs between Xerta and Gandesa.
Landscapes of the Ebro River: these surroundings offer a serene setting for reflection and meditation. From wetlands rich in biodiversity to extensive vineyards and rugged rock formations, the path offers views that are a balm for the spirit and a delight for the senses.
The origin of its name is given by the Ebro river, which is the main axis of the route. The starting point is in the Ebro Delta, and it continues its journey until reaching Logroño. It connects with the Catalan Way a little before reaching Zaragoza, and from here, it begins to be called both the Catalan Way and the Ebro Way.
The Camino runs along the Ebro river, which is the largest on the peninsula and occupies a third of the Spanish territory. The landscape is very varied, you can enjoy the forests of the pre-coastal mountain range, the Secarrales of the Sierra de Caspe, the natural slopes and much more.
The total route of the Camino del Ebro is approximately 440 km that are divided into 17 stages. Throughout them, the pilgrim can visit different autonomous communities: Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra and La Rioja.
It is one of the routes with the most moderate slopes to Santiago. For 350 kilometers the road is absolutely flat, and we are talking about a route of 400 kilometers. The remaining route has very affordable slopes, with one exception. On the climb to the En Torner pass, in Sierra de Pàndols, we face a rise of 315 meters in 5 kilometres. We find this slope in the fourth stage of this Way, which runs between Xerta and Gandesa.
Landscapes of the Ebro River: these surroundings offer a serene setting for reflection and meditation. From wetlands rich in biodiversity to extensive vineyards and rugged rock formations, the path offers views that are a balm for the spirit and a delight for the senses.
Description of the Camino Del Ebro
As for the signage, it is the correct one so as not to get lost. However, pay attention to the correct signs and if necessary ask people in the area. The good signposting on the main roads has nothing to do with that of the Camino del Ebro, so we must pay attention to when choosing the appropriate route.The signage on the Camino del Ebro is quite good. This route has the advantage that, as it follows the same route as the Camino Natural del Ebro GR-99, you will find two sets of signs along it.
Together with the Camino de Levante, it is one of the most important routes that begin on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea towards the city of Santiago de Compostela.
On this route we find many enclaves of cultural value from very different times.
Note: On the route you will come across numerous tunnels that do not allow the passage of light, so it is advisable to carry a mobile phone to use as a flashlight if necessary.
Camino del Ebro: Stages
The typical stage on the Camino del Ebro is 25 kms over 27 stages with some being over 30 km.
- Stage 1 Deltebre to Sant Carles de Rapita 21.9 km
- Stage 2 Sant Carles de Rápita to Tortosa 28.6 km
- Stage 3 Tortosa to Xerta 14.2 km
- Stage 4 Xerta to Gandesa 27 km
- Stage 5 Gandesa to Fabara 30.3 km
- Stage 6 Fabara to Caspe 20.9 km
- Stage 7 Caspe to Escatrón 30.3 km
- Stage 8 Escatrón to Quinto 31.7 km
- Stage 9 Quinto to El Burgo de Ebro 29.6 km
- Stage 10 El Burgo de Ebro to Zaragoza 18 km
- Stage 11 Zaragoza to Alagón 28.7 km
- Stage 12 Alagón to Gallur 21.2 km
- Stage 13 Gallur to Tudela 36.3 km
- Stage 14 Tudela to Alfaro 24.2 km
- Stage 15 Alfaro to Calahorra 24.7 km
- Stage 16 Calahorra to Alcanadre 20.2 km
- Stage 17 Alcanadre to Logroño 32.3 km
Tortosa to Xerta (13 km) : this is a short stage that follows the river, passing through rural landscapes until reaching Xerta, a small village with a charming riverside setting.
- Tortosa :
- Santa Maria Cathedral - a marvel of Gothic art. Construction started in the 14th century and continued for centuries, leading to a mix of architectural styles.
- The castle of La Suda - of Muslim origin, remains of the medieval walls (from the 14th century)
- The Gothic cathedral of Santa María and the church of Sant Domènec, date back to the Renaissance
- Xerta :
- The weir is testimony to Muslim civil architecture, which allowed the continuous flow of water from the Ebro to the canals.
- Amposta Suspended Bridge - an icon of Spanish contemporary architecture, with echoes of the famous Brooklyn Bridge
- Sierra de Pàndols - The Fontcalda sanctuary in neoclassical style
- Gandesa :
- Key point in the history of the Battle of the Ebro during the Spanish Civil War
- The Church of the Assumption, with Romanesque elements and a 17th-century restoration
Gandesa to Fabara (30 km) : going westward, passing through agricultural landscapes
- Fabara - a village known for its Roman heritage
Fabara to Caspe (30 km):
- Mequinenza Castle - dates back to the 11th century, majestically stands at the confluence of the Segre and Ebro rivers. Rebuilt in Renaissance style, houses museum exhibitions on the region’s history and life in the castle
- Caspe - famous for its reservoir and as an important historical centre during the Middle Ages
Caspe to Escatrón (30 km) : crosses arid areas
- the Rueda Monastery, located on the banks of the Ebro
Escatrón to Quinto (34 km) : Views of the gradually changing landscape as it approaches Zaragoza
Quinto to El Burgo de Ebro (30 km) : continuing along the banks of the Ebro, ending in a small village with a tranquil riverside environment.
El Burgo de Ebro to Zaragoza (18 km) :
- Zaragoza : Basilica of El Pilar with its imposing Baroque architecture and style
- According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to St James here and is the first temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- One of the most important Marian shrines in Spain
- Goya’s frescoes make the Basilica a place of great religious and artistic significance.
Zaragoza to Alagón (29 km) : heading north, passes from urban areas to more rural landscapes
- Utebo - The Mudejar tower
- A national monument
- Perfect example of medieval style with Muslim influence
Alagón to Gallur (21 km) : passes through agricultural fields
Gallur to Tudela (36 km) : enters into Navarra
- Tudela - known for its blend of Moorish, Jewish, and Christian heritage.
Tudela to Alfaro (24 km) : heads into La Rioja
- Alfaro -the famous collegiate church with its storks can be visited.
Alfaro to Calahorra (25 km) : continues through the wine region of La Rioja
- Calahorra - a city with a rich Roman heritage.
Calahorra to Alcanadre (20 km) : passes through small villages and fields
Alcanadre to Logroño (32 km) : oncludes in Logroño, where it joins the French Way
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