Camino de Santiago from Ponferrada to Santiago
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Discover a stretch of the legendary Camino Frances to Santiago, the most important pilgrimage route in Europe, starting in the beautiful municipality of Ponferrada, located at the confluence of the Sil and Boeza rivers.
This incredible experience ends in the capital of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, after touring small and charming villages such as Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Triacastela and Sarria, among others.
- Visit the 12th-century Templar Castle in Ponferrada.
- Discover the beautiful landscape in rural Galicia.
- Get to know the beautiful Samos Monastery in Sarria.
- Enjoy the variety of seafood and fresh fish that are part of Galician gastronomy.
- Finish your Camino in Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Ponferrada
Ponferrada is located in the region of Leon known as El Bierzo, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It has several points of interest such as the Templar Castle of Ponferrada, the Monastery of San Pedro de Montes, the Basilica of the Encina, Calle del Reloj street, among many others.
Overnight in Ponferrada
Hotel El Castillo
This charming hotel is located close to the Templar Castle in Ponferrada and of the old town. The rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo 12,8 miles | 20,6 km
Another great day on this incredible tour of the Camino de Santiago, this time, Villafranca del Bierzo awaits you at the end of your day.
But first, you'll have travelled on an eye-catching path to Ponferrada, a pretty lively city where you can get there after crossing the bridge over the River Boeza.
Continue walking on ascents and minor descents, through lands full of vineyards and crops: there you will know that you are approaching Villafranca del Bierzo.
Once there, you will be able to appreciate churches and historical monuments before you reach your accommodation.
But first, you'll have travelled on an eye-catching path to Ponferrada, a pretty lively city where you can get there after crossing the bridge over the River Boeza.
Continue walking on ascents and minor descents, through lands full of vineyards and crops: there you will know that you are approaching Villafranca del Bierzo.
Once there, you will be able to appreciate churches and historical monuments before you reach your accommodation.
Overnight in Villafranca del Bierzo
Hostal Tres Campanas
This modern hostel is perfect for resting after a long day on the road. Its rooms feature innovative decor, and have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro 18 miles | 28,9 km
his day brings with it a great reward for the effort you will make. The route to O Cebreiro is relatively short, but consists of an ascent in the middle of a charming forest.
On a clear day you will be able to see wonderful summits. It is a splendid landscape where your gaze is lost in infinity, and a great example of what the journey will be from here on in.
On a clear day you will be able to see wonderful summits. It is a splendid landscape where your gaze is lost in infinity, and a great example of what the journey will be from here on in.
Overnight in O Cebreiro
Hotel O Cebreiro
This accommodation is a stone rural house with spacious rooms, formerly the town hall of O Cebreiro. It features 5 rooms with private bathrooms and a restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - O Cebreiro to Triacastela 13 miles | 20,8 km
Today you will take a tour that will allow you to admire beautiful landscapes of endless mountains and unique panoramasas you walk calmly to Triacastela.
Triacastela is a small and beautiful village of approximately 800 inhabitants. It has quiet streets that show a unique mix between the historical and the modern.
Triacastela is a small and beautiful village of approximately 800 inhabitants. It has quiet streets that show a unique mix between the historical and the modern.
Overnight in Triacastela
Complexo Xacobeo
It offers comfortable rooms with a TV, heating, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy a buffet or continental breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Triacastela to Sarria 15,4 miles | 24,7 km
After finishing your breakfast, get ready to make a decision on which way to get to Sarria.
There is a route through Samos or through San Xil. Samos is the route with a detour to the south and San Xil to the north.
On the route of your choice, you can enjoy a magical natural environment of lush forests, green hills and beautiful views.
Sarria will welcome you with its medieval and cosy atmosphere. Let yourself be surprised by this beautiful place.
There is a route through Samos or through San Xil. Samos is the route with a detour to the south and San Xil to the north.
On the route of your choice, you can enjoy a magical natural environment of lush forests, green hills and beautiful views.
Sarria will welcome you with its medieval and cosy atmosphere. Let yourself be surprised by this beautiful place.
Overnight in Sarria
Mar de Plata
This cosy accomodation enjoys an excellent location in Sarria, and has common areas where you can rest and recover from the days walk.
The rooms feature spacious beds, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy delicious local food in its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Sarria to Portomarin 14 miles | 22,2 km
After finishing your breakfast, you will have all the energy you need to start this great day on the Camino de Santiago.
You will find unforgettable postcard views, paths with varied terrains and many slopes where green meadows, lush trees await you, along with charming villages that you will pass through. As you reach the incredible Portomarin, the River Minho will tell you that you are arriving.
Once in Portomarin, you can observe the Church of Santiago de Barbadelo or the Church of San Nicolas.
You will find unforgettable postcard views, paths with varied terrains and many slopes where green meadows, lush trees await you, along with charming villages that you will pass through. As you reach the incredible Portomarin, the River Minho will tell you that you are arriving.
Once in Portomarin, you can observe the Church of Santiago de Barbadelo or the Church of San Nicolas.
Overnight in Portomarin
Vistalegre Hotel
Located in charming Portomarin, it has spectacular facilities and comfortable rooms, ideal for resting after a day on the path.
Enjoy a cosy atmosphere, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Portomarin to Palas de Rei 15 miles | 24,8 km
On this day you will explore spectacular landscapes, unforgettable views and walk through meadows marked by thousands of pilgrims who have made this trip to Santiago de Compostela.
When you leave the property, you will ascend and continue to the renowned Church of Santa Maria. As you go, you will appreciate the unique essence of this tour as you pass through the Sierra de Ligonde and Eirexe, before reaching your next accommodation in Palas de Rei.
When you leave the property, you will ascend and continue to the renowned Church of Santa Maria. As you go, you will appreciate the unique essence of this tour as you pass through the Sierra de Ligonde and Eirexe, before reaching your next accommodation in Palas de Rei.
Overnight in Palas de Rei
Hotel Mica
This accommodation is located in Palas de Rei. Due to its central location, you can appreciate the essence of this area.
You can also enjoy spacious rooms with private bathrooms and delicious breakfasts.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Palas de Rei to Arzua 18 miles | 28,5 km
Today is a demanding day due to the long distance that is travelled in addition to the short but constant ascents. However, they are worth it because you will pass through memorable places such as the Church of St Julian from the 12th century, lush forests and medieval bridges that provide some mystical atmosphere on this section of your tour.
Once in Arzua, you can taste the famous cheese with Arzua-Ulloa origin and its local cuisine.
If you prefer, you can divide this stage in two, staying overnight in Melide.
Once in Arzua, you can taste the famous cheese with Arzua-Ulloa origin and its local cuisine.
If you prefer, you can divide this stage in two, staying overnight in Melide.
Overnight in Arzua
Casa Brandariz
This rural lodging offers excellent cuisine in its restaurant, common areas, and free Wi-Fi throughout its facilities.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Arzua to A Rua 11 miles | 17,7 km
Today you will have an incredible journey through extraordinary villages and picturesque landscapes. You are already about to arrive at the finishing line of your trip, but you mustn't miss the last kilometres passing through Brea, Calzada and other special places before arriving in A Rua to spend the night.
Overnight in A Rua
Hotel O Pino
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stay in rooms with everything you need for a relaxing stay, including free Wi-Fi, private bathroom and typical Spanish breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - A Rua to Santiago de Compostela 13 miles | 21 km
After finishing your breakfast, take a fabulous walk full of multiple pleasant sensations. Walk to Lavacolla accompanied by splendid nature. Then you will arrive at Monte de Gozo, from where you can see the long-awaited Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago has a great range of culture and gastronomy. It's the perfect way to end this wonderful journey.
Santiago has a great range of culture and gastronomy. It's the perfect way to end this wonderful journey.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Pazos Alba
This property is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, combining Galician tradition with maximum comfort.
Enjoy its rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 11 - Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy an amazing day while exploring the amazing city of Santiago de Compostela.
This incredible journey has come to an end. However, if you have free a couple of additional days, do not hesitate to contact us to help you manage your journey and enjoy all that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.
End of our services.
This incredible journey has come to an end. However, if you have free a couple of additional days, do not hesitate to contact us to help you manage your journey and enjoy all that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Travel insurance
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Dinners
- Picnics
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
Our recommendation is to fly to Santiago de Compostela airport, as it is the closest airport to Ponferrada.
From Santiago de Compostela, you can take a bus to Ponferrada. The company that operates this route is "ALSA"
You can always check with your travel agent for private transfer options too.
If you cannot find suitable flights to Santiago de Compostela, the second option is to fly to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) airport.
From Madrid, you can take a train from "Madrid Chamartín" station to Ponferrada. The train company that operates this line is "Renfe".
At the end of your trip in Santiago de Compostela, we recommend flying from Santiago de Compostela airport, which is only 15 minutes from the city center. As there is always a big choice of taxis and bus lines running every 10 minutes to the airport, you will be able to return easily.
From Santiago de Compostela, you can take a bus to Ponferrada. The company that operates this route is "ALSA"
You can always check with your travel agent for private transfer options too.
If you cannot find suitable flights to Santiago de Compostela, the second option is to fly to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) airport.
From Madrid, you can take a train from "Madrid Chamartín" station to Ponferrada. The train company that operates this line is "Renfe".
At the end of your trip in Santiago de Compostela, we recommend flying from Santiago de Compostela airport, which is only 15 minutes from the city center. As there is always a big choice of taxis and bus lines running every 10 minutes to the airport, you will be able to return easily.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
How my physical preparation should be?
You must have good physical endurance to be able to make the most of this walk.
What is the best time of the year to do this trip?
We recommend you take this walking holiday in spring or autumn. However, it is available also from February to November.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
Do I need to take out travel insurance?
Yes, we recommend purchasing full travel insurance before doing the trip.
Can I take this trip solo?
Yes, you can take this trip alone or accompanied. There are no restrictions.
Can I combine and change a few days of the tour?
Yes, we can adjust the route to your needs and tastes. However, our routes are designed to bring out the best in each trip.
How do I get the pilgrim's credential?
The pilgrim's credential can be found upon arrival at your first accommodation.
This credential must be stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels during your journey on the Camino de Santiago. At the end of the trip in the city of Santiago, you can obtain the Compostela that certifies you as a pilgrim.
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
- St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (with overnight in Valcarlos).
- Roncesvalles to Zubiri (with overnight in Bizkarreta).
- Los Arcos to Logroño (with overnight in Viana).
- Mazarife to Astorga (with overnight in Hospital de Órbigo).
- Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada (with overnight in El Acebo de San Miguel).
- Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro (with overnight in Las Herrerías).
- Sarria to Portomarín (with overnight in Ferreiros).
- Portomarín to Palas de Rei (with overnight in Ventas de Narón).
- Palas de Rei to Arzúa (with overnight in Melide).
Why Choose Orbis Ways?
Find Your Ideal Trip
Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.
Tailor-Made Budget
We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.
Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
