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Hikers in the mountains on the Way of St. James

Spanish Camino de Santiago I

From León to Sarria

12 Days / 11 Nights
Walking
Hikers in the mountains on the Way of St. James

On this unforgettable hiking tour from León to Sarria, you will encounter the scenic diversity and cultural depth of the Spanish Camino de Santiago. After the wide fields of Castile, the route gradually leads you into the greener Galicia, where rolling hills and increasingly dense forests characterise the landscape. You also reach the highest point of the Spanish Camino de Santiago, Mount Irago, which lies at an altitude of 1,500 metres and is known for the important pilgrim symbol Cruz de Ferro. You will get to know two of the most famous regions in the province of León: the Maragatería with the charming town of Astorga and Bierzo, which is known for its wines with a protected designation of origin. The ascent to the Cuesta de la Faba is an absolute highlight for many pilgrims, before your journey finally ends in Sarria.

Itinerary at a glance

Whether it's Gaudí's Casa Botines in León, the famous Maragato stew in Astorga or the deeply rooted Jacobean tradition of the village of O Cebreiro - cultural treasures will always accompany you on the Spanish Camino de Santiago.
Day
01
Arrival in León

The first part of your hike takes you comfortably via Villar de Mazarife. The route is almost flat and runs through typical small villages and wide fields of grain, which characterise the landscape of this region.

Today you hike through the flat landscape of the Castilian plateau, past quiet villages and fields. You reach your stage destination, Hospital de Órbigo, via the impressive medieval bridge ‘Puente de Órbigo’. The charming town forms the transition from the plain to the hills and offers a final rest before the terrain becomes more challenging.

On today's route, the climbs gradually increase and offer you sweeping views over the fields and valleys of the region. You follow the Camino de Santiago through a gently undulating landscape to Astorga, a city steeped in history with a well-preserved old town and majestic cathedral.

You stroll through picturesque villages such as Murias de Rechivaldo and Santa Catalina de Somoza with their traditional stone houses. The landscape becomes increasingly wooded and rocky, while the views become more expansive. The ascent to Foncebadón, an almost abandoned mountain village at an altitude of 1,400 metres, rewards you with impressive nature and magnificent views.

The first ascent takes you to the legendary Cruz de Ferro on Monte Irago, the highest point of the Spanish Camino de Santiago at 1,500 metres. From there, the descent begins to the town of Ponferrada, the capital of the Bierzo region. This region is known for its rich gastronomy, including the typical dish botillo, and especially for its wines with a protected designation of origin.

The route climbs gently to Villafranca del Bierzo, a charming little town with historical flair and a lively atmosphere. This stage offers a successful mix of cultural sights and natural beauty.

Today you will pass traditional villages, picturesque hills and the lush forests of the Bierzo region. The route follows the old N-VI and runs along the river Valcarce to the quiet village of Vega de Valcárcel, where you can relax and end the day.

The legendary ascent to O Cebreiro, the gateway to Galicia and the biggest climb on Spanish territory, awaits you on this probably most beautiful and exciting stage. The difference in altitude is almost 700 metres and takes you over the infamous La Faba hill. However, the effort is rewarded by your arrival in the enchanting village of O Cebreiro, rich in Jacobean tradition.

You start the day with an ascent to San Roque, where the statue of the pilgrim gives you courage for the strenuous path to O Alto do Poio. Once you reach an altitude of 1,337 metres, you will experience one of the most challenging sections of the trail over a relatively short distance. You then descend towards Triacastela to reach your next stage destination.

The last, shorter stage towards San Xil is a pleasant walk through the peaceful, picturesque landscape. You cross the San Xil valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Galicia, before reaching your destination of Sarria. Enjoy the local culture of this important pilgrimage site and reflect on your past experiences.

Day
12
Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Walking

You hike through the lush forests and fields of Galicia, alternating between hiking and forest trails and quiet side roads. Even if the stage from Palas de Rei to Arzúa is split up with the stop in Melide, you should have a certain basic level of fitness and stamina for the stages, which are on average 20 kilometers long.

Prices & Dates

You can book extra nights for any day of your tour. Prices on request.

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in beautiful middle-class hotels, as well as good guesthouses and inns
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • 1 Pilgrim pass and shell
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Transfer from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela airport, price on request, reservation required, payable in advance.
  • Transfer from Santiago de Compostela airport to León, price on request, reservation required, payable in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Madrid airport and then by train (www.renfe.com) to León in approx. 3 hours.
  • Parking: public parking spaces near the hotel
  • Return journey to León by bus or train in approx. 4 to 5 hours.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
Magdalena Widhalm

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