Camino Francés from León: 13 days on foot

Your Camino day by day

1. Day 1 León → San Martín del Camino 25.0 km · +276 m / -232 m

   This stage from León to San Martín del Camino spans 25 km through varied landscapes, including fields and small villages. The route is relatively easy with a gentle climb of 276 m, making it a pleasant walk. Remember to stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.

   Did you know that León is home to one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain, the León Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows?

   

   Map of San Martín del Camino: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in San Martín del Camino →

2. Day 2 San Martín del Camino → Astorga 24.0 km · +293 m / -329 m

   Today's stage from San Martín del Camino to Astorga spans 24 km, featuring gentle climbs and descents through scenic landscapes dotted with small villages. The path is manageable, making it suitable for most pilgrims. A practical tip is to refill your water supply in the villages along the way.

   Did you know that Astorga is home to the Gaudí-designed Episcopal Palace, which showcases a unique blend of Gothic and Modernist architecture? This iconic building reflects the city's rich history and its significance as a stop on the Camino de Santiago.

   

   Map of Astorga: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Astorga →

3. Day 3 Astorga → Rabanal del Camino 21.0 km · +642 m / -100 m

   Today’s stage from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino offers a mix of rolling hills and scenic views, with a total distance of 21.0 km and a climb of 642 m. Pilgrims will pass through small villages, experiencing the tranquil beauty of the region. A practical tip is to refill your water supply in the villages along the way, as stretches can be long without facilities.

   Did you know that Astorga is famous for its chocolate? The city has a long tradition of chocolate-making, dating back to the 18th century, making it a delightful stop for pilgrims.

   

   Map of Rabanal del Camino: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Rabanal del Camino →

4. Day 4 Rabanal del Camino → Ponferrada 32.0 km · +308 m / -1186 m

   Today's stage from Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada covers 32 km, with a gentle climb of 308 m before a steep descent of 1186 m. Pilgrims will pass through charming villages and beautiful landscapes, making it a rewarding trek. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during the descent.

   Did you know that Ponferrada is home to the Templar Castle, built in the 12th century? This impressive fortress served as a stronghold for the Knights Templar, who played a significant role in the protection of pilgrims on the Camino.

   

   Map of Ponferrada: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Ponferrada →

5. Day 5 Ponferrada → Villafranca del Bierzo 24.0 km · +316 m / -351 m

   Today's stage from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo covers 24 km, featuring a gentle climb and descent through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. The path winds through vineyards and rural scenery, making it a pleasant trek. A practical tip is to carry enough water, as some stretches may be remote.

   Did you know that Villafranca del Bierzo is known for its rich historical heritage, with origins dating back to Roman times? The town is famous for its stunning architecture, including the 12th-century Church of Santiago.

   

   Map of Villafranca del Bierzo: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Villafranca del Bierzo →

6. Day 6 Villafranca del Bierzo → O Cebreiro 28.0 km · +905 m / -188 m

   Today's stage takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Bierzo Valley, with its lush vineyards and charming villages. The trek to O Cebreiro is challenging, featuring a significant climb of 905 meters over 28 kilometres. A practical tip is to start early to enjoy the cooler morning temperatures.

   Did you know that O Cebreiro is famous for its unique round huts called 'pallozas'? These ancient structures date back to the pre-Roman era and are a distinctive feature of the region.

   

   Map of O Cebreiro: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in O Cebreiro →

7. Day 7 O Cebreiro → Triacastela 21.0 km · +305 m / -1063 m

   Today's stage from O Cebreiro to Triacastela is a journey of 21 km through beautiful Galician landscapes, with rolling hills and quaint villages along the way. The descent can be steep, so be prepared for a challenging but rewarding trek. A practical tip is to wear sturdy shoes to navigate the varied terrain comfortably.

   Did you know that O Cebreiro is home to the famous pallozas, traditional round stone houses with thatched roofs, which date back to the pre-Roman era? This unique architectural style reflects the region's ancient Celtic heritage.

   

   Map of Triacastela: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Triacastela →

8. Day 8 Triacastela → Sarria 18.0 km · +210 m / -320 m

   The stage from Triacastela to Sarria covers 18 km through lush green landscapes and charming Galician villages. Pilgrims will experience a gentle climb of 210 m and a descent of 320 m, making it a manageable day. A practical tip is to start early to enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.

   Did you know that Sarria is one of the most popular starting points for the Camino de Santiago? This town is significant as it is located 100 km from Santiago, the minimum distance to receive the Compostela certificate.

   

   Map of Sarria: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Sarria →

9. Day 9 Sarria → Portomarín 22.0 km · +450 m / -350 m

   The stage from Sarria to Portomarín offers a mix of lush green landscapes and charming villages, making it a pleasant walk for pilgrims. Over 22 km, you will encounter a moderate climb of 450 m, with a descent of 350 m. A practical tip is to start early to enjoy the tranquility of the morning hours.

   Did you know that Portomarín was relocated stone by stone in the 1960s to avoid flooding from the construction of a dam? This unique history gives the town a distinctive character, reflected in its Romanesque church, San Juan, which was also moved to the new site.

   

   Map of Portomarín: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Portomarín →

10. Day 10 Portomarín → Palas de Rei 25.0 km · +500 m / -450 m

    Today's stage from Portomarín to Palas de Rei covers 25 km with a climb of 500 m, offering a mix of wooded paths and rural landscapes. You'll pass through charming villages, providing a glimpse of local life, though the day's distance may challenge your stamina. Remember to refill your water supply in the villages along the way.

    Did you know that Portomarín was originally a Roman settlement? The town was relocated in the 1960s to make way for a reservoir, and many of its historic buildings were moved stone by stone.

    

    Map of Palas de Rei: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Palas de Rei →

11. Day 11 Palas de Rei → Arzúa 29.0 km · +550 m / -550 m

    Today's stage from Palas de Rei to Arzúa stretches 29 km through lush green landscapes and charming villages. Pilgrims will encounter gentle climbs and descents, making it a moderately challenging trek. Remember to take breaks and enjoy the local hospitality along the way.

    Did you know that Arzúa is famous for its cheese, known as Arzúa-Ulloa? This creamy cheese has been produced in the region for centuries and is a staple in local cuisine.

    

    Map of Arzúa: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Arzúa →

12. Day 12 Arzúa → O Pedrouzo 19.0 km · +350 m / -400 m

    Today's stage from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo is a moderate 19 km trek, featuring lush green landscapes and charming Galician villages. The path includes a climb of 350 m, followed by a descent of 400 m. Remember to stay hydrated, as some stretches can be quite remote.

    Did you know that O Pedrouzo is the last major stop before Santiago de Compostela, making it a popular resting point for pilgrims? The town has a rich history tied to the Camino, with many albergues catering specifically to walkers.

    

    Map of O Pedrouzo: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in O Pedrouzo →

13. Day 13 O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela 20.0 km · +300 m / -300 m

    The final stretch to Santiago de Compostela is a blend of rural paths and urban streets, with the excitement of reaching your destination growing with each step. You'll pass through small villages, enjoying the lush landscapes that surround you. Remember to pace yourself, as the last few kilometres can feel longer than expected.

    Did you know that Santiago de Compostela is home to the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site? It is believed to be the burial site of Saint James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles.

    

    Map of Santiago de Compostela: sleep, eat, pharmacy → Places to stay in Santiago de Compostela →

Another way to do it

Other starting points