The Aragonese Way

Jaca

Camino Aragonés: the alternative to Roncesvalles by Somport

The French Way through Aragon, the Somport Way or simply the Aragonese Way is a route that runs through the north of the Iberian Peninsula from the entrance through the port of Somport (1600 m) in Huesca to its union with the French Way through Navarre In the town of Puente de la Reina. In fact it is not a route other than the French Way, but one of the two alternatives to enter the Iberian Peninsula through the Pyrenees (by Roncesvalles or Somport).

By the port of Somport the Aragonese Way joins with the Toulouse Way, also called Arles Way, being the Aragonese section really its continuation until Puente la Reina, where the walker will join the French Way to Santiago. The Toulouse Way, from the French town of Arles to the port of Somport, the most southern route of the four that reach the Peninsula.

The Aragonese Way runs along six stages through beautiful and very different landscapes, such as the Pirineo oscense, part of the province of Zaragoza and Navarre for 170 kilometers, across the valley of the river Aragón. The pilgrim will pass for six days towns and villages full of history and heritage, such as the historic Jaca or Sangüesa, crossing a long tradition of Jacobean path that was already used by pilgrims in the Middle Ages, when it was one of the four most used.

Monasterio San Juan de la Peña

The route of the Aragonese Way is much less traveled by pilgrims than the route through Roncesvalles, which for many supposes an added charm, although if you decide to walk this route you will have to plan well your trip given the lack of shelters for pilgrims once passed the tourist Pony. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the presence of snow in the port of Somport in the coldest months of the year, which makes it impossible to cross it on foot.

Aragonese way stages

• Somport - Jaca (32 km)

• Jaca - Arrés (25,4 km)

• Arrés - Ruesta (28,7 km)

• Ruesta - Sangüesa (22 km)

• Sangüesa - Monreal (27,2 km)

• Monreal - Puente la Reina (31 km)