Camino Invierno de Santiago

Having arranged your own transport to Ponferrada, you will check in to your hotel ahead of your walking adventure. Straddling the river Sil and surrounded by mountains, Ponferrada is a beautiful town that overflows with history. After exploring the local area, you should get a good night’s rest to help you on the trail tomorrow.

After a filling breakfast at your hotel, you will set off for the ancient Roman gold mines of Las Médulas (a UNESCO world heritage site). You will pass through spectacular landscapes, with views over the Bierzo valley and glimpses of an ancient castle. After crossing the Isorga stream, you will soon find yourself in the historic site of Las Médulas where you will enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night.

Today you will follow an ancient Roman route on the Camino Invierno to O Barco de Valdeorras, famous for its world class wine. Passing into the region of Galicia, you follow the course of the river Sil before you cross a gorgeous Romanesque bridge to reach your destination. In O Barco de Valdeorras you can check out the 14th century fortress of O Castro or take a boat ride across the river.

The walk to Rua de Valdeorras is considerably shorter than your previous days on the trail. Take your time to savor its landscape and visit some of the beautiful little chapels that are scattered along the way. Passing through lovely vineyards, you have plenty of time to stop and enjoy a local glass of wine before you have your dinner at Rua de Valdeorras, your destination for the evening.

You will continue to chase the river Sil and admire its spacious canyons. Traveling through the heart of gold country, you will enjoy the lovely mountain views and a gorgeous baroque church just waiting to be explored. After passing a local olive mill you will descend to Quiroga for a good meal and rest.

Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast as you set off for your longest day of walking yet. Passing a thousand-year-old chapel and crossing an ancient Roman bridge, your route today is pulsing with history. You will cross over gurgling streams and enjoy the shade of leafy forests, before taking a well-earned rest at your hotel in Monforte de Lemos.

Deep in the heart of wine country, you will pass through lovely sleepy villages with their traditional local architecture. You will feel the shade of mighty oaks and the peaceful breeze on your skin as you savor the views of the river Miño and the far stretching vineyards of Galicia. You will spend the night in Chantada, famous for its medieval heritage and hearty stews.

After a peaceful night’s sleep at your hotel, you will have a challenging climb on the Camino Invierno to Mount Faro. Having reached the summit, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of all the major Galician mountains. After catching your breath and admiring the landscape, you will descend the other side of the mountain to reach Rodeiro.

The Winter Way will converge with another route to Santiago today, known as Via de la Plata. You can therefore expect to come across more pilgrims and enjoy sharing stories of the trail so far. You have reached the center of the Galician community and shouldn’t leave the region without sampling some of its comforting stew!

After a good 8 days on the Camino Invierno, you will be relieved to enjoy a shorter day of walking. Taking narrow paths through peaceful woodland, you will have plenty of time to admire the landscape and enjoy the sound of birds and rivers. You will arrive in Silleda in no time at all, indulging in a delicious meal and unwinding at your lovely hotel.

The Camino de Santiago will continue through small villages and quiet paths. Today will be mostly easy walking on good terrain but should be prepared for a very sharp descent at the end of the day. Ponte Ulla sits in the bottom of a steep valley and is famous for its dramatic, eye-catching bridges.

Starting with an ascent to the Pico Sacro, you will finally reach the cathedral of Santiago. After an epic journey on the Camino de Invierno you can go the Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral, collect your certificate from the pilgrim’s office and visit the tombs and relics. Santiago is a major city, so you won’t be short for something to do this evening.

All good things must come to an end! Today, you will check out of your hotel in Santiago and set forth on your onward journey. If you would like some time to relax and unwind in the city, you can pre-book some extra days in the hotel.