Camino Frances Stages 4 & 5: León to Santiago

Your journey on the fourth stage of the Camino Frances begins in the beautiful city of León with its impressive cathedral and Roman walls, the Romanesque Royal Basilica of Saint Isidoro and the neo-Gothic Casa de Botines, built by Gaudí. Treat yourself to the exquisite local cheeses and cured meats.

After your night in León, your Camino will start through the beautiful Spanish countryside. The Camino from León is pretty flat and easy. You will walk along crop fields, and you will see pretty apple orchards along the way to Olcina de Valdoncina.

Walking for the day: 11km, 3h

At the beginning of today’s stage, you will need to tackle some hilly terrain. The flat landscape of the plateau then continues till Hospital de Órbigo, one of the prettiest villages on the Camino, which you reach via a magnificent bridge over the river.

Walking for the day: 25km, 6h

You leave behind the infinite plains of the Castilian Plateau and enter a more mountainous area. Your goal will be the small city of Astorga, full of Roman ruins, where the French Way and the Vía de la Plata meet. It is also the capital of the Maragatería region.

Walking for the day: 17km, 4h

From the lovely city of Astorga, you will gradually make your way up towards the stunning León Mountains and the lush Bierzo region, taking paths surrounded by broom, heather and oak trees before reaching Rabanal del Camino.

Walking for the day: 26km, 6-7h

Today is one of the most rewarding days on the Camino as it climbs to Mount Irago, the highest on the Camino (1500m). Stop at the Iron Cross on top of the mountain, one of the most special places on the French Way, where you can place a memento and visit the St James chapel before descending to the lush area of El Bierzo. On your way to Ponferrada, pass through the lovely town of Molinaseca. Once in Ponferrada, you should explore the old town, its impressive 12th century Templars Castle, and make sure you try the local specialities, such as botillo and some of Spain’s most delicious cured meats.

Walking for the day: 27km, 7h

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 ‘the 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.

Walking for the day: 24km, 5-6h

After your night in Villafranca, 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 runs along the Valcarce river for a final stretch of about two kilometres.

Walking for the day: 16km, 4h

This stage to O Cebreiro holds a steep climb in only a few kilometres, but the views are truly spectacular. Many say that it is the most beautiful stage on the way. The difference in altitude is almost 700 meters along the dreaded La Faba hill, but the arrival in the beautiful village of O Cebreiro of rich Jacobean tradition and great anthropological interest and the entry into the magical Ancares is worth it.

Walking for the day: 12km, 3h

From the village of O Cebreiro, you will walk the ‘Serra de Ranadoiro’ (Ranadoiro Mountains) and reach Alto do Poio, where you will encounter the pilgrim statue and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From the Alto, you will start descending into the village of Triacastela.

Walking for the day: 21km, 5h

From Triacastela, you can choose 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 to reach the town of Sarria, the most popular Camino starting point.

Walking for the day: 19/21km, 4-5h

Setting off for Portomarin, you pass Sarria Castle, walking mainly along small country roads and a few pathways. Most of the roads are tree-lined and will provide good shade in the sun. There are hamlets every kilometre or so. Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo.

Walking for the day: 22km, 5-6h

Walk downhill along Portomarin’s main street; leaving Palas de Rei, the Camino crosses the Minho river and steadily climbs upwards before passing through Gonzar and Castromaior, where the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria is situated. Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees to reach the high point of today’s walk at Sierra de Ligonde (750m), then descend to the old hamlet of Ligonde, once a popular resting point along the Camino.

Walking for the day: 25km, 5-6h

Pilgrims consider this section the start of the countdown because shortly after Coto, there are stone markers at the side of the path with the distance to Santiago marked. Much of the day is shaded; a pleasant hike in the middle of lush forests to finally cross a medieval bridge to reach the Melide river.

Walking for the day: 14km, 3-4h

Shortly after Melide, you will walk through oak and eucalyptus forests. Melide is where the Camino Primitivo merges with the Camino Frances. The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese, where you should visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.

Walking for the day: 15km, 3h

The Camino will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams for most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. Along the route, don’t miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa. The rest of the route is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.

Walking for the day: 19km, 4h (22km if you overnight in Amenal)

Your final stage! You will walk mostly through rural settings and eucalyptus groves. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo, and it is from here that you will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city.

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.

Walking for the day: 19km, 4h (16km if you start in Amenal)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to the airport. We highly recommend booking extra nights in Santiago de Compostela to explore this fantastic city.