Itinerary
- Day 1
Ponferrada
You'll arrive in Ponferrada on your own, checking into this historic city nestled in the Bierzo region. The Templar castle dominates the skyline here, and it's a significant landmark on the Santiago pilgrimage route. Before settling in, take some time to walk around town and get oriented. This area is particularly known for its food and wine scene, so you might grab dinner at a local restaurant to get a sense of what the region offers.
Landmarks Templar Castle - Day 2
Ponferrada - Villavieja - Las Médulas
Starting early, you'll head south on the Winter Trail variant, a route designed historically to dodge the worst weather. The first real push comes with a 240-meter climb over 3 km up to Villavieja, which is doable but requires steady effort. From there, the terrain levels out as you continue toward Las Médulas. The second ascent to Las Médulas is much gentler, and you'll walk through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape the whole way, which makes the physical effort feel worth it.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Visit to Las Médulas UNESCO World Heritage Site
Landmarks Las Médulas - Day 3
Las Médulas - Valdeorras
Today's a more relaxed day as you descend from Las Médulas, moving through the Valdebrería valley. You'll cross into Galicia during this stage and enter wine country again, specifically the Valdeorras region. The River Sil runs alongside much of your route, which keeps the walking pleasant and gives you plenty of nice spots to take breaks. The overall feel is downhill and manageable.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Exploration of Valdeorras wine region
Landmarks River Sil - Day 4
Valdeorras
This is one of the shorter and easier sections of the entire route, so it's a good day to take things at a comfortable pace. Along the way you'll pass by wineries and see caves from Roman times, plus some archaeological sites that show the area's history. The River Sil continues to be your companion, guiding you through easygoing terrain. It's a straightforward day without major challenges.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Pass wineries and archaeological sites
Landmarks Roman caves of Valdeorras - Day 5
Valdeorras - Ribeira Sacra
You'll move through another wine-producing area before entering Ribeira Sacra, a region the Council of Europe recognized back in 2003 for its cultural and natural significance. The paths here are comfortable and don't involve much elevation change, which is a nice break. Views of the River Sil throughout the day are exceptional and really make this stage memorable.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Exploration of Ribeira Sacra region
Landmarks Ribeira Sacra - Day 6
Ribeira Sacra - Monforte de Lemos
The hard work today pays off with really striking landscape views. You're leaving the Sil riverbed behind, but other significant rivers like the Lor come into play. By evening you'll reach Monforte de Lemos, which serves as the main hub for both Terra de Lemos and Ribeira Sacra. The old town is recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest, so it's worth a walk around once you settle in.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Visit to historic old town of Monforte de Lemos
Landmarks Monforte de Lemos old town - Day 7
Monforte de Lemos - Ribeira Sacra
Spending today in the heart of Ribeira Sacra's monastery and vineyard region means you'll see terraced vineyards that rise almost vertically above the River Miño. The stage covers more distance and includes a 300-meter climb, so it's a demanding day, but the scenery of those steep vineyard terraces and river views below makes the effort feel rewarding.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Exploration of Ribeira Sacra monasteries and vineyards
Landmarks River Miño - Day 8
Ribeira Sacra - Pontevedra
Another tough day with significant climbs, but the payoff is reaching Monte Faro for outstanding panoramic views across Galicia. When visibility is good, you can see Peña Trevinca (Galicia's highest peak), Os Ancares, O Courel, and Cabeza de Manzaneda all from one viewpoint. After soaking in those views, you'll finish in Pontevedra province, and the harder climbing is behind you by then.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Visit to Monte Faro viewpoint
Landmarks Monte Faro viewpoint Peña Trevinca - Day 9
Pontevedra - Galician center
After several days in wine regions, you're heading toward the center of Galicia and into the heart of 'Cocidos' territory, which is the local stew tradition here. The route passes through beautiful rural countryside, and you're getting closer to the geographical heart of the Galician community. It's a transitional day that moves you away from the wine valleys toward different landscape.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Day 10
Galicia - Taboada
This is a short and pleasant stage without any real physical demands. Most of the walking is on fairly flat ground with plenty of paved sections, so it's a good day to take it easy. A highlight is crossing the medieval bridge of Taboada over the River Deza, which is a nice historical touch and makes for a good photo spot.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Cross medieval bridge of Taboada
Landmarks Medieval bridge of Taboada River Deza - Day 11
Taboada - A Coruña
You're entering A Coruña province today, which marks you getting into the final stretch. Most of the stage is straightforward, but the main challenge appears at the end with a fairly steep descent down to Puente Ulla. The effort is balanced out by the Ulla river and its numerous bridges that you'll cross, creating a pleasant finish to the day once you reach lower elevation.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
Landmarks River Ulla - Day 12
A Coruña - Santiago de Compostela
The final stage is short and not difficult, taking you right into Santiago de Compostela. You'll pass near the sacred peak connected to the Apostle's legend, then enter through the Sar neighborhood where you can see the impressive Santa María la Mayor y Real church. From there, you'll climb through the medieval Mazarelos gate in the old wall and arrive at Plaza del Obradoiro in front of the cathedral. You'll have accommodation arranged in Santiago.
Included Activities
- Hiking stage with luggage transfer
- Guided tour through old town of Santiago de Compostela
- Typical Galician cheese tasting in a cheese dairy
Landmarks Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Plaza del Obradoiro Church of Santa María la Mayor y Real Gate of Mazarelos - Day 13
Santiago de Compostela
This is your departure day. Time to head home or continue onward with your travels, having completed the route from Ponferrada through the wine regions and into Galicia all the way to Santiago de Compostela. Buen Camino until next time.
