Los Arcos combines the Way of St. James with a medieval historic center and routes through the municipality. A 20-kilometer stage of the Way of St. James runs from Estella through Ayegui and Villamayor de MonjardĂn to Los Arcos. The French Way leaves Los Arcos through the Portal de Castilla.
The Way of St. James and the historic center
The Puerta de Castilla, also known as the Portal de Castilla, is a dressed-stone gate with Baroque features on the western side of the former town wall. It was built in the 17th century and restored in the 18th century. The French Way leaves Los Arcos through this portal. In the historic center, the medieval layout can be seen in its long, parallel streets; remnants of the former town wall were later reused in other buildings.
The Ruta de los Escudos begins at Plaza del Coso. This short cultural and historical walk leads through the medieval center. The Casa Municipal del Coso, also known as the Balcón de Toros, is also located on the square: a Baroque building whose construction began in 1736. Together, the gate, streetscape and buildings reveal different aspects of the town’s history without requiring you to leave the center.
The Ermita de San Blas is not far from the town center, on the old Way of St. James toward Viana. The Romanesque chapel dates from the 12th century and was later remodeled, in the 18th century. It was originally dedicated to San Lázaro. Its location on the old route and its changing architectural history make it a historic destination in its own right, alongside the buildings in the center.
Routes and scenery
The Rutas de Los Arcos comprise four routes through the municipality. Their themes are hermitages, springs, coats of arms and Monte Zobazo. The routes are suitable for walking and cycling; conditions and signage on individual paths may change, so check them before setting out. For a shorter alternative in town, the Ruta de los Escudos leads through the historic center.
The Ruta de las Ermitas includes five notable hermitages, four of which can be visited. The Ruta de las Ermitas y Fuentes has a short and a long option. These trails therefore offer a choice of different route formats; published distances and conditions may change. The Ruta de Zobazo focuses on the landscape: it passes through a steppe landscape of flat valley floors, steep, deeply incised slopes, table mountains and occasional closed depressions.
The Way of St. James stage and the local routes also differ in scale: the stage is 20 kilometers long and passes through Los Arcos, the Ruta de los Escudos remains a short walk in the historic center, and the four Rutas de Los Arcos explore different themes across the municipality. Which option suits your stay depends on whether you want to focus on the Way of St. James, architectural history or trails through the landscape.
Culture and seasonal visits
The Santa MarĂa de Los Arcos church can be visited free of charge from May to October; volunteers from the AsociaciĂłn de Amigos del Camino de Santiago open it to visitors. A 20-minute audio-guide tour is also available for €2 . Since these are seasonal visiting details, check them before your trip.
The Casa de Cultura Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza offers a monthly program of theater, cinema, concerts, discussion events, conferences, courses and permanent exhibitions. If a particular event is important to your stay, check the current municipal agenda.
The Feria del Camino de Santiago: Jornada del Peregrino takes place every year on the Saturday before August 14. The event features exhibitions, sales and demonstrations of handicrafts, as well as tastings of typical regional products. Check the details for the relevant edition if you are planning your visit around it.
Motorsport and road access
The Circuito de Navarra, a multidisciplinary motorsport complex, is near Los Arcos. Its facilities include a 2.7-mile road racing circuit, a half-mile karting track, a drift circuit and an off-road area. Activities include open track sessions, karting, track and facility hire, corporate events, F4 car hire and the Navarra GT Experience. Activities and facility configurations may change; check the details if you are planning a visit or participation.
For road access, Los Arcos is at the junction of the N-111 and NA-129; the town is at kilometer point 63 of the N-111. This information complements the choice between the Way of St. James, the historic center, scenic routes and cultural events without assuming a particular mode of travel.
Discover more destinations: ArrĂłniz, AdiĂłs, EgĂĽĂ©s, Biurrun, Izalzu, Zuaztoi, Dicastillo, Carcastillo.
For the broader travel overview: Navarra.
