Camino francés from Ponferrada to Santiago

Located in the province of León, Ponferrada is the capital of the Bierzo region. Although with traces of Roman times, the true boom of the city occurs with the pilgrimages to Santiago, from the s. IX. In its historic quarter, the castle stands out, founded by the Templars, also closely linked to the Jacobean route. The entire region is known for its rich gastronomy, with typical dishes such as botillo and, above all, for its wines, with their own denomination of origin.

Accommodation in Ponferrada

Difficulty level: medium.

In the middle of the Bierzo region, this stage leads over quite comfortable hiking trails. Again we encounter landscapes with fields and vineyards. In Villafranca del Bierzo we can visit the Church of Santiago, known for the Puerta del Perdón, which opened only in the Jacobean years, as well as the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago.

Accommodation in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Difficulty level: medium.

It’s a pretty flat stage, which we can use to start the next day in a good mood and relaxed. The route follows the old N-VI and runs down the Valcarce river for a final stretch of almost two kilometers.

Accommodation in Vega de Valcarce.

Difficulty level: high.

In this stage we face the mythical climb to O Cebreiro, the gateway to the French route to Galicia and the biggest climb in Spain. Many say that it is the most beautiful stage on the way, possibly the most exciting. The difference in altitude is almost 700 meters along the dreaded La Faba hill, but the arrival in the beautiful village of O Cebreiro of immense Jacobean tradition and great anthropological interest and the entry into the magical Ancares were worth it.

Accommodation in O Cebreiro.

Difficulty level: medium.

Characteristic of its ups and downs. We start towards the top of San Roque, where there is the statue of the pilgrim, which will give us encouragement for the difficult climb to O Alto do Poio, where we will be at 1337 meters. Although it is not a long stage with many kilometers, due to this ascent it is one of the most complicated. Then we descend towards Triacastela.

Accommodation in Triacastela.

Difficulty level: easy.

We start this short stage towards San Xil. In a quiet area we take a pleasant walk through the beautiful landscapes. We cross the San Xil Valley, one of the most beautiful in Galicia, to get to our next destination: Sarria.

Accommodation in Sarria.

Difficulty level: easy.

Sarria is the starting point for many pilgrims because it is very close to the mythical and last 100 km. This is the minimum distance that must be covered to get the Compostela. This first stage is flat, without many climbs. We now enter deepest Galicia and let ourselves be enchanted by the beauty of its chestnuts, oaks, rivers, meadows … as well as charming cities such as Barbadelos or Ferreiros. The old town of Portomarin lies under the water of the Belesar reservoir. The Miño river indicates that we are arriving.

Accommodation in Portomarín.

Difficulty level: easy.

We start the hike towards Serra de Ligonde, where we climb up to 725 meters. On this day, the green landscapes are mixed with some paved areas and we start to see the famous “Cruzeiros”. The villages of Castromaior, Ventas de Narón and Ligonde deserve special mention.

Accommodation in Palas de Rei.

Difficulty level: easy.

We hike in the direction of: Campo dos Romeiros, an important meeting point for pilgrims, in the direction of Leboreiro, a pleasant hike in the middle of lush forests to finally cross a medieval bridge to reach the Melide river.

Accommodation in Melide.

Difficulty level: easy.

We leave the province of Lugo and enter the province of A Coruña. The few kilometers that await us again allow us to enjoy some of the enchanting towns along the way like Boente and Castañeda until we reach Arzua, famous for the cheese made there.

Accommodation in Arzúa.

Difficulty: easy.

Short and quiet stage to process everything that was experienced during the trip before we arrive in Santiago the next day.

Accommodation in O Pedrouzo.

Difficulty level: easy.

Excitement and strange mixed sensations. It is the last stage. We recommend that you start hiking early to take part in the pilgrimage, which is celebrated at 12:00 p.m. First we reach Lavacolla and continue climbing Monte do Gozo, where we can catch a glimpse of the long-awaited cathedral from a distance. Finally the Plaza del Obradoiro and the well deserved personal satisfaction of having reached this point.

Accommodation in Santiago.

Buen Camino! See you next time.