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Camino Frances: Last 300km from Leon

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Camino Frances: Last 300km from Leon
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18 Days from $1,425USD
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Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
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Imagine 18-days walking the Camino Frances, starting in León and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. Explore this ancient pilgrim route, having time to contemplate the history of this journey, and the impact on you as a pilgrim. Along the way explore historical villages, savour local Spanish food and wine, and meet other pilgrims from around the world.

The Camino Francés walking tour from León to Santiago de Compostela is the second most popular route of the Camino, after the 7-day route that starts in Sarria. This route from Leon is a shorter 18-day version of the standard Camino Frances, which starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles.

This walking tour begins in the Castilla y León region. The first stages are on less difficult terrain, however the route gets a little more difficult as you approach Galicia. You will have to climb Mount Irago to reach Ponferrada, where you can see the mythical Cruz de Ferro. Part of this section is the well-known climb to O Cebreiro. It is a strong ascent, but for many pilgrims the most beautiful stage of the French Way.

Arrive in Galicia, hike through lush forests to Compostela and pass places with an enormous Jacobean tradition such as Sarria, Portomarín, Melide, famous for its “pulperias”, or Arzúa with its delicious cheese.

Finally you will face the last climb, before Santiago, the Monte do Gozo, where, as the name suggests, you will have the first glimpses of the cathedral towers and will enjoy the satisfaction of approaching the end of your journey, the Feet of the Apostle Santiago.

Arrive in Santiago after 18-days on your Camino to enjoy completing this monumental journey, and making memories that will last a lifetime. ¡Buen Camino!

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Camino Frances: Last 300km from Leon

Hike the Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
4.70
(93 reviews)
18 Days from $1,425USD
Easy quote
Duration
18 Days
Season
Jan-Dec
Activity
Pilgrimage
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Bed and breakfast
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,425USD (see prices for this tour)
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Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Imagine 18-days walking the Camino Frances, starting in León and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. Explore this ancient pilgrim route, having time to contemplate the history of this journey, and the impact on you as a pilgrim. Along the way explore historical villages, savour local Spanish food and wine, and meet other pilgrims from around the world.

The Camino Francés walking tour from León to Santiago de Compostela is the second most popular route of the Camino, after the 7-day route that starts in Sarria. This route from Leon is a shorter 18-day version of the standard Camino Frances, which starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles.

This walking tour begins in the Castilla y León region. The first stages are on less difficult terrain, however the route gets a little more difficult as you approach Galicia. You will have to climb Mount Irago to reach Ponferrada, where you can see the mythical Cruz de Ferro. Part of this section is the well-known climb to O Cebreiro. It is a strong ascent, but for many pilgrims the most beautiful stage of the French Way.

Arrive in Galicia, hike through lush forests to Compostela and pass places with an enormous Jacobean tradition such as Sarria, Portomarín, Melide, famous for its “pulperias”, or Arzúa with its delicious cheese.

Finally you will face the last climb, before Santiago, the Monte do Gozo, where, as the name suggests, you will have the first glimpses of the cathedral towers and will enjoy the satisfaction of approaching the end of your journey, the Feet of the Apostle Santiago.

Arrive in Santiago after 18-days on your Camino to enjoy completing this monumental journey, and making memories that will last a lifetime. ¡Buen Camino!

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Trip highlights

Immerse in León's cultural richness, exploring La Pulchra Leonina, San Isidoro, Casa Botines, and Hostal de San Marcos.

Embark on a varied terrain adventure, navigating flat stages, rolling hills, and conquering the challenging ascent to O Cebreiro.

Journey through scenic marvels, from the picturesque O Cebreiro village to the breathtaking landscapes of Montes de León and Cruz de Ferro.

Indulge in a gastronomic extravaganza, savoring Maragatería's botillo, Bierzo wines, and regional specialties along the scenic route.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrival to León
León is one of the main cities of the Camino de Santiago, your starting point on this route, and the second most popular starting point from which the pilgrims start the Camino Frances, after Sarria. In León, a visit to the Cathedral, Gaudí's Casa Botines and the San Marcos Hospital is a must. Also a walk through the old town and a stop in the Barrio del Húmedo is highly recommended, to recover from the walk with some good tapas.
Distance None
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in León
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Walk to Olcina de Valdoncina
Today you’ll walk a variant of the French Way through Villar de Mazarife, which take you away from the N-120 national road. It is practically a flat stage, which runs between small towns and cereal fields, characteristic of this region.
Distance ∼3 hrs, 11km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Olcina de Valdoncina
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
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Continue walking to Hospital de Órbigo
Today you will start to tackle some bumps in the terrain, which will get bigger the closer you get to Galicia. The flat landscape of the plateau continues until Hospital de Órbigo, which you reach via a magnificent bridge over the river. It will be the last city in which you find only a slightly mountainous terrain.
Distance ∼6 hrs, 24.6km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Hospital de Órbigo
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
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Walk to the historical city of Astorga
Leave behind the plains of the Castilian Plateau as you enter a more mountainous area. Your goal will be the small city of Astorga, full of vestiges of Roman times where the French Way meets another Camino variant - the Vía de la Plata. Astorga is also the capital of the Maragatería region.
Distance ∼4 hrs, 16.5km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Astorga
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
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Walk to Foncebadón
You are now penetrating ever deeper into the Montes de León. In this phase you will find even larger hills on the walk.
Distance ∼7 hrs, 25.8km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Foncebadón
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
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Gastronomy in Ponferrada
Today you leave the Maragatería region and walk into El Bierzo. This also means that you are returning to the bumps that are typical of mountain areas. The first climb takes you to a mythical place on the Camino de Santiago, the Cruz de Ferro on Mount Irago, the highest point of the French route, at 1,500 meters. From there you start a descent that leads to the city of Ponferrada, the capital of the Bierzo region. This entire region is known for its rich gastronomy with typical dishes such as botillo and especially for its wines with its own designation of origin.
Distance ∼7 hrs, 26.8km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Ponferrada
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
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Walk to Villafranca del Bierzo
In the middle of the Bierzo region, this stage leads over quite comfortable hiking trails. Walk through landscapes of fields and vineyards. In Villafranca del Bierzo you can visit the Church of Santiago, known for the Puerta del Perdón, which opened in the Jacobean years, as well as the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago.
Distance ∼6 hrs, 24,2km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Villafranca del Bierzo
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 8
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Walk to Vega de Valcarce
Today is a flat stage, which will give you a rest as Day 9 is a more challenging day. The route follows the old N-VI and runs down the Valcarce river for a final stretch of almost two kilometers.
Distance ∼4 hrs, 16.3km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Vega de Valcarce
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 9
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Beautiful stage to O Cebreiro
In this stage you face the mythical climb to O Cebreiro, a gateway to the French route to Galicia and the biggest climb on the Camino Frances in Spain. Many say that it is the most beautiful stage on the Camino Frances, and possibly the most exciting. The difference in altitude is almost 700 meters along the dreaded La Faba hill. Arriving at the beautiful village of O Cebreiro the hill is forgotten, as you explore which the history of immense Jacobean tradition and great anthropological interest. The entry into the magical Ancares was worth it.
Distance ∼3 hrs, 11.5km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in O Cebreiro
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 10
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Descend towards Triacastela
You start towards the top of San Roque, where there is a statue of the pilgrim, which will give you encouragement for the difficult climb to O Alto do Poio, where you will be at 1337 meters. Although it is not a long stage, due to this ascent it is one of the most complicated. Then you descend towards Triacastela.
Distance ∼5 hrs, 21km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Triacastela
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 11
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Hike to Sarria
Start this short stage towards San Xil. In a quiet area you take a pleasant walk through the beautiful landscapes. Cross the San Xil Valley, one of the most beautiful in Galicia, to get to your next destination: Sarria.
Distance ∼4 hrs, 18km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Sarria
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 12
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Explore Galicia’s Portomarin
Sarria is the starting point for many pilgrims because it is very close to the mythical and last 100 km of the Camino Frances. This is the minimum distance that must be covered to get the Compostela. This first stage is flat, without many climbs. As you enter into the deepest Galicia let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of its chestnuts, oaks, rivers, meadows ... as well as charming cities such as Barbadelos or Ferreiros. The old town of Portomarin lies below the Belesar reservoir. The Miño river let’s you that you are getting close to Portomarin.
Distance ∼4 hrs, 22.2km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Portomarin
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 13
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Walk to Palas de Rei
Start the hike towards Serra de Ligonde, where you climb up to 725 meters. On this day, the green landscapes are mixed with some paved areas and start to see the famous "Cruzeiros". The villages of Castromaior, Ventas de Narón and Ligonde deserve special mention.
Distance 6 hrs, 24.8km, 725m of ascent
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Palas de Rei
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 14
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Hike to Melide
Hike in the direction of Campo dos Romeiros, an important meeting point for pilgrims, and in the direction of Leboreiro, a pleasant hike in the middle of lush forests to finally cross a medieval bridge to reach the Melide river.
Distance ∼3 hrs, 14.4km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Melide
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 15
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Walk to Arzua
Leave the province of Lugo and enter the province of A Coruña. The few kilometers that await you again allow to enjoy some of the enchanting towns along the way like Boente and Castañeda until you reach Arzua, famous for its cheese.
Distance 3 hrs, 14.1km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Arzua
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 16
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Hike to O Pedrouzo
This short and quiet stage allows you to process everything that was experienced during the trip, and prepare to arrive in Santiago tomorrow.
Distance 4 hrs, 19.3km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in O Pedrouzo
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 17
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Arrival to Santiago de Compostela
Expect excitement, reflection, relief and joy today. This is last stage and it is recommended that you start hiking early to take part in the pilgrimage, which is celebrated at 12:00 p.m. First you reach Lavacolla and continue climbing Monte do Gozo, where you can catch a glimpse of the long-awaited cathedral from distance. Finally arrive at the Plaza del Obradoiro and get well deserved personal satisfaction of having reached this point.
Distance 4 hrs, 19.4km
Overnight Location Bed and breakfast in Santiago
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 18
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Departure
¡Buen Camino! See you next time.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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Dates and prices
👇 Prices below are per person

Single Room

Double Room

Triple Room

DatesSingle RoomDouble RoomTriple Room
Apr 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2025$2,375USD$1,475USD$1,425USD
Jul 1, 2025 to Aug 31, 2025$2,850USD$1,775USD$1,725USD
Sep 1, 2025 to Nov 15, 2025$2,375USD$1,475USD$1,425USD
Optional Extras
Dinners for 17 Nights (per person)$575USD
*Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group
What’s included

Meals

17 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 17 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg - 1 piece of luggage per person).

Also included

  • 24-hour emergency line
  • Galician cheese tasting in Santiago
  • Maps for all stages
  • Guided Tour in Santiago de Compostela (old town)
  • Pilgrim pass
  • Pilgrim scallop

Not included

  • Any personal transport
  • Flights
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Tips
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions
  • Half board supplement
  • Picnic Supplement
  • Private transfer to León
  • Private transfer to the airport
  • One day tour:
    • Santiago - Fisterra
    • Santiago - Rías Baixas & Wine Tasting
    • Santiago - Rías Baixas, Wine Tasting & Boat Trip
  • Extra piece of luggage

Accommodation for Camino Frances: Last 300km from Leon

This tour is based on bed and breakfasts. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Although the terrain is not challenging, you will be walking up to 27 km daily. If you do this tour in July and August the heat can make this a very challenging walk.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela?

17 breakfasts included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover walking. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Leon to start this tour?

The nearest airport to León is the Leon Airport (LEN), which is about 6 kilometers from the city center. You can fly directly to Leon Airport from various Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, as well as from some international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city center.

Is the Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Where does the Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago de Compostela end?

The tour ends at Santiago.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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Why travellers choose this tour
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