Camino from Ponferrada to Sarria: 2 weeks Walking or 1 week Cycling
This section of the Camino Francés, starts in the city of Ponferrada, with its imposing medieval Templars Castle. This section of the Camino Francés, the Camino from Ponferrada, takes pilgrims to the market town of Sarria, in Galicia, the most popular Camino starting point.
You will begin your Camino journey in the city of Ponferrada. In the Middle Ages, the town developed as a settlement on the road to Santiago. In the 12th century, the Templars settled in Ponferrada to protect pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
The city of Ponferrada received its name from ‘Pons Ferrata, ‘ which means Iron Bridge in Latin. The bridge was constructed in the 11th century to help pilgrims cross the Sil River.
Walking the Camino from Ponferrada
On the Camino from Ponferrada, you will head to Villafranca del Bierzo, a gorgeous mountain town surrounded by idyllic countryside.
The St. James church in Villafranca del Bierzo is the only other church on the Camino de Santiago where pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence. A plenary indulgence can also be obtained at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. You can read more about plenary indulgences and the religious history of the Camino de Santiago.
After Villafranca, a challenging ascent takes pilgrims to the mountains of O Cebreiro and into the famous and beautiful Galicia.
O Cebreiro is a quaint mountain village of centuries-old thatched cottages in a region of outstanding natural beauty. After O Cebreiro, the Camino continues across rural Galicia along forest tracks towards Sarria, just over 100km away from Santiago.
Click to create your trip. You can customise your trip to start anywhere along the Camino Frances by selecting your start and Endpoint. You can walk or cycle.