Itinerary
Day 0:
May 18th: Arrive in Leon
Starting Point: León is a significant stop on the Camino de Santiago, known for its stunning Gothic cathedral with magnificent stained glass windows and its rich medieval history. The city offers pilgrims a vibrant mix of culture, history, and hospitality, making it a memorable starting or resting point on the journey. We will meet here on May 18th to prepare to start our trek together. This stage will average 13.6 miles per day over 9 days. This is a reasonable pace for those who have done basic training.
Day 1:
May 19th: León to Mazarife (21 km / 13 miles)
Terrain: Mostly flat, with gentle undulations as you transition from urban to rural landscapes.
Highlights: Start in León, known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral and lively Plaza Mayor. Enjoy the peaceful countryside as you head toward Mazarife.
Day 2:
May 20th: Mazarife to Hospital de Órbigo (15 km / 9 miles)
Terrain: Gentle terrain with mild inclines, primarily on rural paths.
Highlights: Arrive in Hospital de Órbigo, famous for the medieval Puente de Órbigo, one of the longest and best-preserved bridges in Spain, rich in history and legend.
Day 3:
May 21st: Hospital de Órbigo to Murias de Rechivaldo (23 km / 14.2 miles)
Terrain: Slightly varied with rolling hills, offering a comfortable and scenic walk.
Highlights: Reach Astorga, a city steeped in Roman history, and explore the Gaudí-designed Episcopal Palace and the striking cathedral blending Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Day 4:
May 22nd: Murias de Rechivaldo to Foncebedon (21.5 km / 13.3 miles)
Terrain: Challenging ascent into the Montes de León, with steeper climbs and rewarding views of the surrounding landscape.
Highlights: Pass through scenic rural landscapes as you ascend towards Foncebadón, a remote mountain village with a deep sense of historical significance.
Day 5:
May 23rd: Foncebadón to Ponferrada (27 km / 17 miles)
Terrain: Steep climbs at the beginning, followed by a long and gradual descent into Ponferrada.
Highlights: This stage includes the iconic Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross), where pilgrims leave a stone as a symbolic gesture. The cross itself rests on a large pile of stones which has been growing for centuries. Pilgrims traditionally bring a stone from their home which they leave at the base of the cross. This act symbolizes the letting go of burdens, sins, or past regrets, offering pilgrims a sense of renewal as they continue on their journey.
Day 6:
May 24th: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo (24 km / 15 miles)
Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle inclines, passing through lush vineyards and picturesque countryside.
Highlights: Walk through the scenic vineyards of the Bierzo region, ending in Villafranca del Bierzo, where you can visit the Church of Santiago and its "Puerta del Perdón" (Door of Forgiveness).
Day 7:
May 25th: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro (28 km / 17.5 miles)
Terrain: A challenging stage with steep climbs as you ascend into the mountains, reaching the highest point on this part of the Camino.
Highlights: Arrive in O Cebreiro, a charming mountain village with traditional thatched-roof houses, and visit the historic Church of Santa María la Real.
Day 8:
May 26th: O Cebreiro to Triacastela (21 km / 13 miles)
Terrain: A mix of steep descents and rolling terrain as you descend from the mountains into the valley.
Highlights: Enjoy panoramic views of the Galician countryside as you make your way to Triacastela, a small town with a rich history tied to the Camino.
Day 9:
May 27th: Triacastela to Sarria (18 km / 11 miles)
Terrain: Mostly downhill with some rolling hills, offering a relatively easy walk to finish this stage.
Highlights: End your journey in Sarria, the most popular starting point for pilgrims walking the last 100 km of the Camino. Explore the town’s historic sites, including the Church of Santa Mariña and the Convent of Magdalena.