Cycling the Camino Frances – Ponferrada to Santiago 200km

You arrive in Ponferrada.

After your night in Ponferrada, the Camino takes you across the heart of the lush region of El Bierzo, nestled in the mountains. Take the opportunity to taste the local delicious cherries if you are travelling in Summer, exquisite cured meats and other regional delicacies. In Villafranca, known as ‘little Compostela’, visit the garden of the Iglesia de Santiago, St James Church. The church has a ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years.

After your night in Villafranca, known as ‘little Compostela’, visit the garden of the Iglesia de Santiago, St James Church. The church has a ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years.  Your route passes by the ranges of ‘Os Ancares’ and ‘Serra do Courel’ and it should be noted that this stage to O Cebreiro holds a steep climb in only a few kilometres but the views are truly spectacular.

Easy Option: Split your long day above, from Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro, into two easier stages of 21km & 9km. You will stay in the small hamlet of Herrerías, in a traditional farmhouse with views of the mountains, and getting ready for your ascent to O Cebreiro.

After your night in Triacastela, you have the choice of two Camino options, the ‘San Xil’ Camino offers scenery that will lift your spirits. It has many ‘corredoiras’ (narrow forest tracks) with paved pathways through native Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit the impressive Samos Monastery, you will walk across the valley of the river Ouribio to reach Samos and continue on to reach the larger town of Sarria.

Easy Option: Split your journey from Triacastela to Sarria with a stay in the village of Samos.

After your night in Portomarin, your Camino will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago.

Easy Option: You can choose to split this day in two and stay in the hamlet of Ventas de Narón.

Easy Option: Travel along a mix of well marked country road and forest tracks from the quite village of Pedrouzo -A Rua to the village of Lavacolla (the traditional last stop before Santiago, where pilgrims in olden days would bathe their feet).

After your night in Amenal, your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mount of Joy’ 368m) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city (264m, population 80,000), explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city. With only 16.5km to walk today, you should be in Santiago in time for the pilgrim mass (12pm). After visiting Santiago Cathedral and recovering from your walk, take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its old town will enchant you. In Santiago the Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and socialising over a glass of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes. Read our blog post: Top 10 things to do in Santiago de Compostela for ideas before your trip.

Easy Option: Last stop before reaching Santiago.  Choose to stay in Lavacolla and after a deserved rest, arrive in Santiago the next day feeling refreshed and calm.

End of your Camino de Santiago tour after breakfast the next morning. Consider adding an extra night in this gem of a city or perhaps a day tour.