Los Arcos

Situated at the foot of a hill on the banks of the river Odrón, the enclave emerged in the late XI century on the discovery of some old Roman mines. Its history is of a village generous both in wine and battles, an enclave that has flourished thanks to the constant stream of walkers and because of its privileged position as a crossroad on the Camino.

In its day it was a square fortress, a walled city with a castle and with up to seven portals within its walls. Nowadays, and along with the resurgence of the Jacobean route and consequent visits from pilgrims, another big attraction that brings visitors to this historic town is the Circuit of Navarra, an infrastructure for motorbikes, F1 cars, and includes a karting track, located on the outskirts of Los Arcos.

If the pilgrims visit Los Arcos between the 14th and the 20th of August they can take part in the Festivities of the centre, celebrated in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and San Roque. During these fiestas there are bull runs, amateur bullfights, music and fireworks.

On a more Jacobean note, and given the enclaves strong roots to the Camino of Santiago, the local Association Amigos del Camino celebrates on July 25th, the festivities of Santiago, with a Mass in honour of the saint and a subsequent meal of brotherhood. It also hosts a popular dinner and invites all pilgrims to attend. The Saturday before, on the August 14th  the Feria del Camino de Santiago is also celebrated, which includes handicraft exhibitions and offers tastings of typical local products.