Camino Frances: Last 200km from Ponferrada

Located in the province of León, Ponferrada is the capital of the Bierzo region. Although with traces of Roman times, the true boom of the city occurs with the pilgrimages to Santiago. In its historic quarter, the castle stands out, founded by the Templars, also closely linked to the Jacobean route. The entire region is known for its rich gastronomy, with typical dishes such as botillo and, above all, for its wines, with their own denomination of origin.

In the middle of the Bierzo region, this stage leads over quite comfortable hiking trails through fields and vineyards. In Villafranca del Bierzo you can visit the Church of Santiago, known for the Puerta del Perdón, which opened only in the Jacobean years, as well as the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago.

Enjoy this relatively flat stage to catch your breath after your first walking day yesterday. The route follows the old N-VI and runs down the Valcarce river for a final stretch of almost two kilometers.

Today is a wonderful day on the Camino Frances. You will face the mythical climb to O Cebreiro, the gateway to the French route to Galicia and the biggest climb in Spain. Many say that it is the most beautiful stage on the Camino Frances. It’s also tough, with an altitude gain of almost 700 meters along the dreaded La Faba hill, but the arrival in the beautiful village of O Cebreiro of immense Jacobean tradition and great anthropological interest and the entry into the magical Ancares were worth it.

Characteristic of its ups and downs. 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. Although it is not a long stage this ascent it is one of the most complicated. Then you descend towards Triacastela.

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.

Sarria is the most popular starting point for pilgrims because it is very close to the mythical and last 100 km. This is the minimum distance that must be covered to get the Compostela. This first stage is flat, without many climbs. You now enter deepest Galicia and 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 indicates that you are arriving.

Start the route towards Serra de Ligonde with a low level of difficulty, 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.

Hike in the direction of: Campo dos Romeiros, an important meeting point for pilgrims, 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.

Leave the province of Lugo and enter the province of A Coruña. The few kilometers ahead allow you to enjoy some of the enchanting towns along the way like Boente and Castañeda until you reach Arzua, famous for the cheese made there.

Today is a short and quiet stage to process everything that was experienced during the trip before you arrive in Santiago tomorrow.

Today will bring excitement and strange mixed sensations. It is the last stage. 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 a distance. Finally the Plaza del Obradoiro and the well-deserved personal satisfaction of having reached this point.

Buen Camino! See you next time.