Camino francés from León to Santiago

León is one of the main cities of the Camino de Santiago, our starting point on this route, and the second point from which the pilgrims start their journey, after Sarria. In León, a visit to the Cathedral, Gaudí’s Casa Botines and the San Marcos Hospital is a must. Also a walk through the old town and a stop in the Barrio del Húmedo is highly recommended, to recover from the walk with some good tapas.

Arrival in León on behalf of the client.

Accommodation in León.

Difficulty level: easy.

This is the variant of the French Way through Villar de Mazarife, which takes us away from the N-120 national road. It is a practically flat stage, which runs between small towns and cereal fields, characteristic of this region.

Accommodation in Oncina de la Valdoncina.

Difficulty level: easy.

At this stage we will start to tackle some bumps in the terrain, which will get bigger the closer we get to Galicia. The flat landscape of the plateau then continues till Hospital de Órbigo, which we reach via a magnificent bridge over the river. It will be the last city in which we find only a slightly mountainous terrain.

Accommodation in Hospital de Órbigo.

Difficulty level: medium.

We leave behind the infinite plains of the Castilian Plateau and we enter a more mountainous area. Our goal will be the small city of Astorga, full of vestiges of Roman times, and where the French Way and the Vía de la Plata meet. It is also the capital of the Maragatería region.

Accommodation in Astorga.

Difficulty level: medium.

We are now penetrating ever deeper into the Montes de León. In this phase we will find ever larger hills in the further course.

Accommodation in Foncebadón.

Difficulty level: medium to high.

At this point we leave the Maragatería region and hike to El Bierzo. This also means that we are returning to the bumps that are typical of mountain areas. The first climb takes us to a mythical place on the Camino de Santiago, the Cruz de Ferro on Mount Irago, the highest point of the French route, at 1,500 meters. From there we start a descent that leads us to the city of Ponferrada, the capital of the Bierzo region. This entire region is known for its rich gastronomy with typical dishes such as botillo and especially for its wines with its own designation 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.

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.

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.