Cycling the Camino Frances: Leon to Santiago

Arrive in León and stroll through the Historic Center. Without a doubt, you will not be able to miss the area of the old town located between Calle Ancha and the León Cathedral, known as the Barrio Húmedo, it is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Spain. In this place almost all the premises are bars, taverns, restaurants, etc. You can taste some good tapas. You will not be able to leave León without tasting its famous Morcilla de León and its Cecina!

You will begin your Camino de Santiago in León, the ancient Roman capital, it is one of the most important cities of the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. This day will help you get used to following the yellow arrow. The Santo Toribio cruise will announce the end of this stage, with a beautiful panoramic view of Astorga. You can visit the Cathedral of Santa María de Astorga, Gaudí's Palace and, if you want to give a sweet touch to your French Way, you will also visit the Chocolate Museum of Astorga.

Today you will have a notable ascent: the Cruz de Ferro, at 1,505 meters above sea level! From there you will say goodbye to the Montes de León and descend spectacularly to the Bierzo Valley. Upon arrival in Ponferrada you should not miss the Castle of the Templars of Ponferrada. We recommend you try the Botillo del Bierzo, a unique sausage with an unmistakable flavor, washed down with a good Bierzo Designation of Origin Wine.

First you will advance through vineyards and be accompanied by the murmur of the deep Valcarce River. In the final section you will pedal through the last towns of León before beginning the ascent to the port of O Cebreiro. You will continue among spectacular mountain landscapes to the small town of O Cebreiro, already in Galicia: a magical and mythical place related to the Holy Grail, where we recommend trying their O Cebreiro Denomination of Origin cheese.

After a small climb you will begin a spectacular descent to Triacastela, and from there you will follow a rural landscape marked by green hills to Portomarín. Before reaching the end of the stage you will pass through Sarria, the starting point for many Pilgrims who wish to complete the last kilometers of the French Way on foot to reach the Compostela. You can take a photo next to the centenary chestnut tree at the entrance to Triacastela and then you can decide whether to get to Sarria via Sanxil or Samos. If you choose this last option, you can visit the Monastery of San Julián de Samos, a true wonder. Keep in mind this last alternative involves pedaling for approximately 10 kilometers.

You will ascend to Monte de Ligonde and continue through a cheerful succession of small towns such as Palas de Rei and Melide, as well as small villages. In this stage you will travel through green and nestled valleys. Finally, after passing the beautiful enclave of Ribadiso, a small and demanding climb awaits you to reach Arzúa. Melide will be a good place to stop and taste its star product: octopus "á feira". In Arzúa be sure to try the Arzúa-Ulloa Denomination of Origin cheese.

The French Way now takes you calmly to Rúa, from where you will gradually undertake two ascents. The second of them culminates in Monte do Gozo, with Santiago de Compostela already in sight. From this point there are only a few kilometers that separate you from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is the shortest stage of this itinerary, which will allow you to arrive early in the city to have lunch on Rúa do Franco and visit the wonderful Historic Center of Santiago de Compostela (World Heritage Site).

Following breakfast, check out and depart for onward travels.