Leon to Santiago Camino.
Walking almost 320kms of Culturally, historically and spiritually rich Spanish land on Camino de Santiago. From one UNESCO heritage-listed city to another. The City of Leon, Castille to Santiago de Compostela.
Live the essence of Camino de Santiago, “French Way”.
You feel the full experience of being a Pilgrim, challenging yourself on a physical emotional spiritual and soul level. Moving from the fears of your mind to the realisation that you can and then feel your body become stronger as you begin to fall into your very own rhythm and enjoy the days of nothing to “do” time for you to simply “be”.
Take in everything the Camino has to offer.
You discover a diverse variety of landscapes on this Camino. Witnessing the majesty of mountain ranges, deep gullies, wooded paths, and cooling waterways. Find yourself meandering through quaint villages and magnificent cities. Be in absolute awe as you find yourself surrounded by historical sites of great significance. Monasteries, Cathedrals, Castles, Bridges and cobbled paths all with stories of times gone by.
Culture and Hospitality
Enjoy the hospitality of the Spanish people as they greet their much-loved Pilgrims. People are dedicated to serving and taking care of all that pass through. Offering you the opportunity to intimately understand their culture and ways.
Meet Pilgrims from every corner of the world.
Greeting one another with Buen Camino. You will have the opportunity to share stories, a meal, or drinks on a terrace at the end of a long day. Camino is as sociable or solitary as you need. Part of the beauty of Camino comes in the people you meet and the kindness and openness between strangers with the common goal of arriving in Camino de Santiago.
An achievement realised
A bittersweet moment as you reach Santiago de Compostela. CELEBRATIONS will unfold! This is an achievement to be proud of. Take time to farewell your newfound friends and rest in Santiago de Compostela where, in 1985, the city’s old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This alone is a great reward for the effort you have made, a spectacular city with so much to offer.
Buen Camino!
Will you go all the way to “The End of The World”
For some, the legends of the past will see them wanting to finish in Fisterra. Consider continuing on our Fisterra
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Today Day 1: Leon your Camino begins. Leon is one of the most beautiful cities in Castilla. Situated in the vast Meseta (plateau) region in Spain.
Explore this beautiful city and the incredible Gothic cathedral. Renowned for its spectacular stained glass windows.
Visit Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico the two main districts of the city. Full of narrow streets and plazas, with a variety of taverns, bars, restaurants, and terraces. Both districts are near the Cathedral.
Enjoy a meal and then have an early night to ensure you are rested and ready for your first day of walking Camino de Santiago!
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 36 km.
- Hours: 9h.
Today Day 2: Leon-Hospital De Orbigo, you have 33 km. The exit from León is 8 km through the city streets, to the monument of La Virgen Del Camino, marking the end of the city.
Many Pilgrims take a bus or a taxi, to Virgen Del Camino to start their day. Making it 25km to Hospital de Órbigo. This, of course, is your choice.
When in Virgen Del Camino you enter the off-road Camino path, here you must choose between the historic Camino through Villadangos Del Páramo (full of industrial and residential areas). Or the alternative Camino through Villar de Mazarife. This alternative takes you off the national road to a more rural option, again your choice.
Both options take you to Hospital de Órbigo, a flat and manageable stage.
When you arrive at Hospital De Orbigo you will be greeted by the sight of the magnificent bridge the town is famous for. It has nineteen arches with the Río Órbigo flowing through only three and is reserved for pedestrians only. You will also find in this Templar Town, a 12th Century Church.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 16.5 km.
- Hours: 5h.
Today Day 3: Hospital De Orbigo-Astorga is an easy short walk
When reaching the pretty hilltop city of Astorga visit its ‘pink’ cathedral. Built in 1471 it now houses a museum. Also, the fabulous Episcopal palace was designed by Antoni Gaudí, (the famous Catalan architect). Find and walk past the old city walls.
Astorga is well known for its famous chocolates and “Las Mantecadas (cupcakes) de Astorga”.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 20 km.
- Hours: 5.5h.
Today Day 4: Astorga-Rabanal Del Camino. Heading towards Galicia on paths where you will be surrounded by heather, oak and broom. The ascent is soft and progressive up to Rabanal Del Camino.
You will be humbled by the landscape with the magnificent view of “El Teleno” in this section. The highest mountain summit in León at 2,188m above sea level. Your companion to the left of you for several days.
As you pass several beautiful villages, Santa Catalina de Somoza and El Ganso you will feel as though you are in a time gone by.
Soon after reaching Rabanal Del Camino 1,150m high, a beautiful little town where you can eat the famous and very hearty Cocido Maragato.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 25 km.
- Hours: 8h.
Today Day 5: Rabanal Del Camino-Molinaseca, is a spectacular stage however it is cold most of the year. Take something warm in your backpack.
You have a hard steep ascent to the beautiful village of Foncebadon. A lost village in the middle of the mountain. Continue to climb to “Cruz de Ferro”(Iron Cross) 1.504m, which is the most symbolic milestone in the entire Camino. A bit further you find the “Collado de las Antenas” 1.515m, the highest point on the French Camino. Take some time to enjoy the stunning view.
Start your descent to the lush area of El Bierzo. Experience a challenging descent to Molinaseca, probably the hardest in Camino together with the decline to Zubiri. The most difficult section is between the Collado down to Acebo. Please take your time and take care of your ankles and knees. In bad weather, we suggest walking the road instead of the way.
You will enter Molinaseca by crossing its beautiful Romanesque Pilgrim’s Bridge. A picturesque town that looks a little like a movie set sitting at the foot of a mountain. Its narrow streets and historic buildings are spectacular.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 8 km.
- Hours: 2h.
Today Day 6: Molinaseca-Ponferada, after 5 days of walking you have a very easy and short walk into Ponferrada. The last big city on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Take advantage of being in a city if you have any need to update your gear. Have a well-deserved rest. The 12th-century Templars Castle is especially worth visiting here.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 23 km.
- Hours: 6.5h.
Today Day 7: Ponferada-Villafranca Del Bierzo, when leaving Ponferrada you will pass through the village of Compostilla. A former mining town, then reaching Columbrianos closely followed by Fuentes Nuevas and Camponaraya.
Wander through Cacabelos at the entrance you pass the Hermitage of San Roque. Pop in if you can, it has been turned into a quirky little museum of sorts. Wander through the village and admire the clever street art to the end of the main road you will come to Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Plaza.
Continue on past Pieros until you reach Villafranca Del Bierzo where you will not know where to explore first!
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 19.5 km.
- Hours: 5.5h.
Today Day 8: Villafranca Del Bierzo-Las Herrerias, you have a pleasant walking day in front of you, gentle paths in the countryside. soon enter Valcarce riverside forest, with superb chestnut trees, then onto Trabadelo, a good place to stop for a drink and rest.
You may hear a change in the language with locals speaking Galician, the language of Galicia and bordering regions.
Tomorrow is a short yet big day so make sure you get a good night’s rest.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 8 km.
- Hours: 3.5h.
Today Day 9: Las Herrerias-O’Cebreiro, from here to Santiago you walk mainly through a landscape of oak, beech, chestnut and gum trees.
Today you face the iconic milestone of the Camino. The hardest section is between Las Herrerias and La Laguna, 500m in 5.5 km. You cross the border between Castilla and Galicia and realise the day was well worth every step, the views are spectacular.
O Cebreiro is the first village in Galicia, a delightful hilltop hamlet. From here we have a spectacular 360º view. This image will remain with you forever. O Cebreiro is an iconic location for its outlook, church, legends and its “pallozas”, typical Galician construction, round stone houses with a straw roof.
After a hard day’s walk, you will enjoy the specialities of this land: Pulpo (octopus) and the local Cebreiro cheese.
Make sure you get to the Pilgrims’ Mass whether you are religious or not the Mass here has a special spirit as does this land.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 21 km.
- Hours: 6.5h.
Today Day 10: O Cebreiro-Triacastela, you initiate your journey into Galicia, through the “Ancares” Mountains.
You are walking in a land where fog, wind and low temperatures are frequent in all seasons, particularly in winter. Ensure you prepare for your day.
You find moderate yet frequent steep sections up to Hospital de la Condesa. With a hard, challenging, steep incline up to Alto de Poio 1.337m, the highest point on the Galician section of Camino. Here you encounter the pilgrim statue and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
From the Alto, you will continue to Fonfría and from there, you have a long walk downhill, 9 km to the town of Triacastela. The first stop on the Galician section of the Camino with around 1000 inhabitants. There are regularly more Pilgrims than locals in the town, a great place to rest after your days of climbing mountains!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 25 km.
- Hours: 7h.
Today Day 11: Triacastela-Sarria, there are two options to arrive in Sarria: Through San Xil valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Camino (7km shorter), or, through Samos, where you walk along the valley of the river Ouribio, magnificent oak and chestnut trees and admire the impressive Samos Monastery.
Whatever decision you make, you’ll get it right.
At the end of your day, you arrive in Sarria, a large town, with about 15,000 inhabitants. You will notice from here an influx of Pilgrims. This is due to the last 100 km rule of the Compostela. It is here that tour companies and groups in buses hop on and off the Camino to do short walks and get stamps.
A Camino fact, around 40% of French Camino pilgrims arriving in Santiago every year start the pilgrimage here in Sarria. Do not fear though, you will find as the groups only do small sections, there are still stretches where you will have times of peace and tranquillity.
- Difficulty: Rest day
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Today Day 12: Sarria is the day for a well-earned rest. Sarria is a modern bustling town with plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars.
No bag to place in the foyer, have a sleep-in, eat a hearty breakfast then visit the old quarter. Grab yourself a map of the city, and amble along Rua Major. Take your time to visit all of the historic delights this city has to offer. Visit Iglesia de Santa Mariña, Monasterio de la Magdalena, the medieval bridge Ponte Aspera, Capilla de San Lazaro and Torre de la Fortaleza, the only remains of a once impressive castle, just to name a few.
ENJOY YOUR DAY!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 22 km.
- Hours: 6h.
Today Day 13: Sarria – Portomarin, you face a beautiful stage through the Galician bush. Pretty villages and hamlets with their traditional “hórreos” (granaries). In front of you is a steep descent into Portomarín where you will cross the Miño River over its modern bridge into Portomarín.
The remains of the medieval town of Portomarín disappeared under these reservoir waters in the 1950s. Franco (Dictator) decided to build a hydroelectric dam 40 kilometres downriver and flooded the town of Portomarín. The most important monuments, the churches of San Nicolás, San Pedro and some of the cherished 16th and 17th-century manor houses or Pazos were transported stone by stone high above the river to the new village of Portomarin. The square in the centre of town boasts most of the historic monuments including the Pazo Del Conde da Maza.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 25 km.
- Hours: 7h.
Today’s Day 14: Portomarin-Palas de Rei, your walk passes through a similar landscape as yesterday. As you exit from Portomarin cross the river Miño, Galicia’s longest river, and then begin a steady uphill walk from 350m to 725m. For the next 12km, you have a challenging yet not difficult section on and off the road.
In Ventas de Narón, you pass the small 13th-century Ermita de Santa María Magdalena. Built by the Knights Templar. In Castromaior the circa 4BC to 1AD Roman ruins are well worth the short detour off the Camino to reach them.
Your destination Palas de Rei, known as Palace of the King due to a king residing there, is a small country town with plenty of shops, bars and cafes, with most of the town life revolving around the Plaza del Concello. Visit la Iglesia de San Tirso originally built in the 12th to early 13th century. It has undergone numerous changes over the centuries with the only original part of the church, the Romanesque doorway.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 28.5 km.
- Hours: 8h.
Today Day 15: Palas de Rei-Arzua, is a long day walking downhill for most of the way. Crossing many creeks during your journey, then crossing a bridge into Melide the town famous for Pulpo (octopus). Found here are two of the most renowned octopus restaurants in Galicia. Ezequiel and Garnacha if you are hungry might be a good experience to stop. .
Finally, arriving in Arzúa, the most significant city (6,000 inhabitants) before Santiago. Famous for its local cheese Queixo Arzúa-Ulloa. Visit the 14th-century Capilla de la Magdalena, all that is left of a former Augustinian monastery.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 19.5 km.
- Hours: 5h.
Today Day 16: Arzua-O Pedrouzo, a comfortable flat stage along prairies and bushes. Alternating between track and county lanes passing through several small hamlets.
Continuing on woodland paths you pass the monument to Guillermo Watt. He died at this spot a day from completing his Camino.
Reaching Alto de Santa Irene, the high point of today is a good spot to stop and enjoy the picnic and rest area.
O Pedrouzo is a small busy town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars and the last stage of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 20 km.
- Hours: 5.5h.
Today Day 17: O Pedrouzo-Santiago de Compostela, you face your last walking day on Camino! The first half runs through a rural landscape, similar to days prior.
From Lavacolla you walk through the airport, highways, and urban residential areas. Then you reach Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy) 5km before the city centre. From there you will glimpse the spires of the Cathedral in Santiago.
The entrance to the old city of Santiago (100,000 inhabitants) is stunning. This night is one of celebration, the City will be brimming with Pilgrims and Locals alike enjoying the local cuisine and wines, sharing tales of their Camino and for many saying farewells to their Camino Friends where you make your triumphant entrance into the Plaza del Obradoiro, Congratulations!
This night is one of celebration, the City will be brimming with Pilgrims and Locals alike enjoying the local cuisine and wines, sharing tales of their Camino and for many saying farewells to their Camino Friends.
*Don’t forget to go and get your Compostela. The location will be noted on your daily map
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Rest day
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Enjoy Day 18: Santiago de Compostela, your last day and explore this Historic City with its many specialised Tapas bars and restaurants. Meet other pilgrims with whom you have shared joys and sorrows during so many days. Some of them you will never meet again others will be friends for the rest of your life and some of you will have found love.
If you were late arriving yesterday you can attend the midday pilgrims mass and look around the famous Cathedral of St. James which forms the city’s heart. Watch the collection of pilgrims arriving at the square as they finish their epic journey as you did yesterday.
The end of this unique experience, unless of course, you are heading to Fisterra!
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Rest day
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Today Day 19: Santiago de Compostela, you will have your last breakfast as a Crossroads Travel Client, unless of course, Fisterra has called you!
Whatever it is you do from here please go safely, thank you for choosing Crossroads Travel
We hope to see you again sometime soon.
Buen Camino!!
Flexible. Set your own agenda
Inclusions Leon to Santiago Camino
- 18 nights’ accommodation preferably charming/Iconic/boutique hotels and rural Casas
- Private Bathroom in all rooms
- Daily breakfast
- Luggage transfer daily (1 x 20kg bag per person)
- Maps of your accommodation locations
- Pre-trip Camino guidance and planning
- Australian and Spanish emergency phone numbers
- local support person in Spain
Welcome Pack:
- Pilgrim’s passport
- Camino shell
- Luggage tags
- Full Camino walking guidebook with maps
- Camino Journal with Pen
- Other goodies for your Camino
Not Included
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional bag transfer (will incur additional costs)
- Single Supplement
- Any meal not specified in the Inclusions list
- Any other item not specified in the Inclusions list
- Flights/Transfers/Extra Accommodations.
Optional Services:
- Airport transfers from the start point and end destination
- Extra night accommodation at the start point and end destination
- Extra luggage transfer or storage
- Fisterra experience: Tour from Santiago to Fisterra return 2 days
- If you wish to upgrade to the Iconic Parador Hotel in Santiago de Compostela the cost is from $150 per person/per night twin share and $220 per person/per night single occupancy when booked 6 months in advance.
- Ask us about adding an extra night in Santiago, or extra rest days en route.
- For any part of your trip that falls between 31 October and 01 April, there is an out-of-season luggage transfer surcharge of $25 per day. and $35 per day to Fisterra and Muxia.
Today Day 1: Leon your Camino begins. Leon is one of the most beautiful cities in Castilla. Situated in the vast Meseta (plateau) region in Spain.
Explore this beautiful city and the incredible Gothic cathedral. Renowned for its spectacular stained glass windows.
Visit Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico the two main districts of the city. Full of narrow streets and plazas, with a variety of taverns, bars, restaurants, and terraces. Both districts are near the Cathedral.
Enjoy a meal and then have an early night to ensure you are rested and ready for your first day of walking Camino de Santiago!
Today Day 2: Leon-Hospital De Orbigo, you have 33 km. The exit from León is 8 km through the city streets, to the monument of La Virgen Del Camino, marking the end of the city.
Many Pilgrims take a bus or a taxi, to Virgen Del Camino to start their day. Making it 25km to Hospital de Órbigo. This, of course, is your choice.
When in Virgen Del Camino you enter the off-road Camino path, here you must choose between the historic Camino through Villadangos Del Páramo (full of industrial and residential areas). Or the alternative Camino through Villar de Mazarife. This alternative takes you off the national road to a more rural option, again your choice.
Both options take you to Hospital de Órbigo, a flat and manageable stage.
When you arrive at Hospital De Orbigo you will be greeted by the sight of the magnificent bridge the town is famous for. It has nineteen arches with the Río Órbigo flowing through only three and is reserved for pedestrians only. You will also find in this Templar Town, a 12th Century Church.
Today Day 3: Hospital De Orbigo-Astorga is an easy short walk
When reaching the pretty hilltop city of Astorga visit its ‘pink’ cathedral. Built in 1471 it now houses a museum. Also, the fabulous Episcopal palace was designed by Antoni Gaudí, (the famous Catalan architect). Find and walk past the old city walls.
Astorga is well known for its famous chocolates and “Las Mantecadas (cupcakes) de Astorga”.
Today Day 4: Astorga-Rabanal Del Camino. Heading towards Galicia on paths where you will be surrounded by heather, oak and broom. The ascent is soft and progressive up to Rabanal Del Camino.
You will be humbled by the landscape with the magnificent view of “El Teleno” in this section. The highest mountain summit in León at 2,188m above sea level. Your companion to the left of you for several days.
As you pass several beautiful villages, Santa Catalina de Somoza and El Ganso you will feel as though you are in a time gone by.
Soon after reaching Rabanal Del Camino 1,150m high, a beautiful little town where you can eat the famous and very hearty Cocido Maragato.
Today Day 5: Rabanal Del Camino-Molinaseca, is a spectacular stage however it is cold most of the year. Take something warm in your backpack.
You have a hard steep ascent to the beautiful village of Foncebadon. A lost village in the middle of the mountain. Continue to climb to “Cruz de Ferro”(Iron Cross) 1.504m, which is the most symbolic milestone in the entire Camino. A bit further you find the “Collado de las Antenas” 1.515m, the highest point on the French Camino. Take some time to enjoy the stunning view.
Start your descent to the lush area of El Bierzo. Experience a challenging descent to Molinaseca, probably the hardest in Camino together with the decline to Zubiri. The most difficult section is between the Collado down to Acebo. Please take your time and take care of your ankles and knees. In bad weather, we suggest walking the road instead of the way.
You will enter Molinaseca by crossing its beautiful Romanesque Pilgrim’s Bridge. A picturesque town that looks a little like a movie set sitting at the foot of a mountain. Its narrow streets and historic buildings are spectacular.
Buen Camino
Today Day 6: Molinaseca-Ponferada, after 5 days of walking you have a very easy and short walk into Ponferrada. The last big city on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Take advantage of being in a city if you have any need to update your gear. Have a well-deserved rest. The 12th-century Templars Castle is especially worth visiting here.
Buen Camino
Today Day 7: Ponferada-Villafranca Del Bierzo, when leaving Ponferrada you will pass through the village of Compostilla. A former mining town, then reaching Columbrianos closely followed by Fuentes Nuevas and Camponaraya.
Wander through Cacabelos at the entrance you pass the Hermitage of San Roque. Pop in if you can, it has been turned into a quirky little museum of sorts. Wander through the village and admire the clever street art to the end of the main road you will come to Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Plaza.
Continue on past Pieros until you reach Villafranca Del Bierzo where you will not know where to explore first!
Buen Camino
Today Day 8: Villafranca Del Bierzo-Las Herrerias, you have a pleasant walking day in front of you, gentle paths in the countryside. soon enter Valcarce riverside forest, with superb chestnut trees, then onto Trabadelo, a good place to stop for a drink and rest.
You may hear a change in the language with locals speaking Galician, the language of Galicia and bordering regions.
Tomorrow is a short yet big day so make sure you get a good night’s rest.
Buen Camino
Today Day 9: Las Herrerias-O’Cebreiro, from here to Santiago you walk mainly through a landscape of oak, beech, chestnut and gum trees.
Today you face the iconic milestone of the Camino. The hardest section is between Las Herrerias and La Laguna, 500m in 5.5 km. You cross the border between Castilla and Galicia and realise the day was well worth every step, the views are spectacular.
O Cebreiro is the first village in Galicia, a delightful hilltop hamlet. From here we have a spectacular 360º view. This image will remain with you forever. O Cebreiro is an iconic location for its outlook, church, legends and its “pallozas”, typical Galician construction, round stone houses with a straw roof.
After a hard day’s walk, you will enjoy the specialities of this land: Pulpo (octopus) and the local Cebreiro cheese.
Make sure you get to the Pilgrims’ Mass whether you are religious or not the Mass here has a special spirit as does this land.
Buen Camino
Today Day 10: O Cebreiro-Triacastela, you initiate your journey into Galicia, through the “Ancares” Mountains.
You are walking in a land where fog, wind and low temperatures are frequent in all seasons, particularly in winter. Ensure you prepare for your day.
You find moderate yet frequent steep sections up to Hospital de la Condesa. With a hard, challenging, steep incline up to Alto de Poio 1.337m, the highest point on the Galician section of Camino. Here you encounter the pilgrim statue and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
From the Alto, you will continue to Fonfría and from there, you have a long walk downhill, 9 km to the town of Triacastela. The first stop on the Galician section of the Camino with around 1000 inhabitants. There are regularly more Pilgrims than locals in the town, a great place to rest after your days of climbing mountains!
Today Day 11: Triacastela-Sarria, there are two options to arrive in Sarria: Through San Xil valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Camino (7km shorter), or, through Samos, where you walk along the valley of the river Ouribio, magnificent oak and chestnut trees and admire the impressive Samos Monastery.
Whatever decision you make, you’ll get it right.
At the end of your day, you arrive in Sarria, a large town, with about 15,000 inhabitants. You will notice from here an influx of Pilgrims. This is due to the last 100 km rule of the Compostela. It is here that tour companies and groups in buses hop on and off the Camino to do short walks and get stamps.
A Camino fact, around 40% of French Camino pilgrims arriving in Santiago every year start the pilgrimage here in Sarria. Do not fear though, you will find as the groups only do small sections, there are still stretches where you will have times of peace and tranquillity.
Today Day 12: Sarria is the day for a well-earned rest. Sarria is a modern bustling town with plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars.
No bag to place in the foyer, have a sleep-in, eat a hearty breakfast then visit the old quarter. Grab yourself a map of the city, and amble along Rua Major. Take your time to visit all of the historic delights this city has to offer. Visit Iglesia de Santa Mariña, Monasterio de la Magdalena, the medieval bridge Ponte Aspera, Capilla de San Lazaro and Torre de la Fortaleza, the only remains of a once impressive castle, just to name a few.
ENJOY YOUR DAY!
Today Day 13: Sarria – Portomarin, you face a beautiful stage through the Galician bush. Pretty villages and hamlets with their traditional “hórreos” (granaries). In front of you is a steep descent into Portomarín where you will cross the Miño River over its modern bridge into Portomarín.
The remains of the medieval town of Portomarín disappeared under these reservoir waters in the 1950s. Franco (Dictator) decided to build a hydroelectric dam 40 kilometres downriver and flooded the town of Portomarín. The most important monuments, the churches of San Nicolás, San Pedro and some of the cherished 16th and 17th-century manor houses or Pazos were transported stone by stone high above the river to the new village of Portomarin. The square in the centre of town boasts most of the historic monuments including the Pazo Del Conde da Maza.
Today’s Day 14: Portomarin-Palas de Rei, your walk passes through a similar landscape as yesterday. As you exit from Portomarin cross the river Miño, Galicia’s longest river, and then begin a steady uphill walk from 350m to 725m. For the next 12km, you have a challenging yet not difficult section on and off the road.
In Ventas de Narón, you pass the small 13th-century Ermita de Santa María Magdalena. Built by the Knights Templar. In Castromaior the circa 4BC to 1AD Roman ruins are well worth the short detour off the Camino to reach them.
Your destination Palas de Rei, known as Palace of the King due to a king residing there, is a small country town with plenty of shops, bars and cafes, with most of the town life revolving around the Plaza del Concello. Visit la Iglesia de San Tirso originally built in the 12th to early 13th century. It has undergone numerous changes over the centuries with the only original part of the church, the Romanesque doorway.
Today Day 15: Palas de Rei-Arzua, is a long day walking downhill for most of the way. Crossing many creeks during your journey, then crossing a bridge into Melide the town famous for Pulpo (octopus). Found here are two of the most renowned octopus restaurants in Galicia. Ezequiel and Garnacha if you are hungry might be a good experience to stop. .
Finally, arriving in Arzúa, the most significant city (6,000 inhabitants) before Santiago. Famous for its local cheese Queixo Arzúa-Ulloa. Visit the 14th-century Capilla de la Magdalena, all that is left of a former Augustinian monastery.
Buen Camino
Today Day 16: Arzua-O Pedrouzo, a comfortable flat stage along prairies and bushes. Alternating between track and county lanes passing through several small hamlets.
Continuing on woodland paths you pass the monument to Guillermo Watt. He died at this spot a day from completing his Camino.
Reaching Alto de Santa Irene, the high point of today is a good spot to stop and enjoy the picnic and rest area.
O Pedrouzo is a small busy town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars and the last stage of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino
Today Day 17: O Pedrouzo-Santiago de Compostela, you face your last walking day on Camino! The first half runs through a rural landscape, similar to days prior.
From Lavacolla you walk through the airport, highways, and urban residential areas. Then you reach Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy) 5km before the city centre. From there you will glimpse the spires of the Cathedral in Santiago.
The entrance to the old city of Santiago (100,000 inhabitants) is stunning. This night is one of celebration, the City will be brimming with Pilgrims and Locals alike enjoying the local cuisine and wines, sharing tales of their Camino and for many saying farewells to their Camino Friends where you make your triumphant entrance into the Plaza del Obradoiro, Congratulations!
This night is one of celebration, the City will be brimming with Pilgrims and Locals alike enjoying the local cuisine and wines, sharing tales of their Camino and for many saying farewells to their Camino Friends.
*Don’t forget to go and get your Compostela. The location will be noted on your daily map
Buen Camino
Enjoy Day 18: Santiago de Compostela, your last day and explore this Historic City with its many specialised Tapas bars and restaurants. Meet other pilgrims with whom you have shared joys and sorrows during so many days. Some of them you will never meet again others will be friends for the rest of your life and some of you will have found love.
If you were late arriving yesterday you can attend the midday pilgrims mass and look around the famous Cathedral of St. James which forms the city’s heart. Watch the collection of pilgrims arriving at the square as they finish their epic journey as you did yesterday.
The end of this unique experience, unless of course, you are heading to Fisterra!
Buen Camino
At Crossroads Travel your comfort after a long day of walking is our focus. Hence extensively researched accommodation options on Camino de Santiago are a part of our packages.
Our choice is based on location.
We personally book your rooms, and for this reason, we know exactly where they are located. Our primary aim is to be in the vibe of Camino amongst the other pilgrims, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Next, we want you to be welcomed and taken care of.
Meeting regularly with the owners/management to discuss our client needs ensures your hosts have direct personal contact with us. If any needs arise we can manage them immediately.
Finally, we choose accommodation in charming, iconic hotels and rural Casas.
The number of stars is not our criterion. A comfortable room and a private bathroom come first. In some of the more humble areas of Camino de Santiago, we offer you the best of what is possible. So the longer your Camino the more varied your accommodation will be. This is part of the charm of being on Camino de Santiago, remember you are not on a holiday with multiple options in one spot. Fortunately, with options in the bigger cities, we can throw in a few nights with lots of stars for indulgence. After all, you deserve to have a soak in a spa. Likewise, an indoor pool doesn’t hurt.
Note: There are a few extraordinary options off the Camino if “humble” is not your thing. We will discuss this with you when booking.
Book 60 days in advance
Camino de Santiago is a unique destination with limited quality accommodation ON Camino hence we advise booking a minimum of 60 days in advance.
Examples of our chosen accommodation.
Images below are examples of what you can expect from your booking. Tailor-made packages are available if you wish to stay 5-star all the way.
Please note: when you book accommodation with us pre and post-Camino in Spain and Portugal we adhere to the same standard.
ARRIVING at LEON:
These are the main options
From Barcelona:
- Take the train to Leon (6:00 h).
- Fly to Leon (1:30 h).
From Madrid:
- Take the train to Leon (2:15 h).
